Island Flava — Restaurant in Ottawa

I wouldn't recommend this place to anyone the service is great, staff are very pleasant friendly thats it Its hit miss with Island Flava sometimes the food is good others times its not they warm it up, even been cold. old food served up from who knows how many days. I find quality of there food is gone down hill disappointing for Carribean cuisine know for flavor spices, distinct taste smell to it. Family from the carribeans I am in tourism,hospitality . Food isn't always fresh nor is it made everyday order roti not fresh the ends of the roti where hard unedible, salt fish, potatoes etc where leftover old, extremely dry, bland,that taste,look when person leaves potatoes in the fridge for more then a day. The rice was old,dry not sticky or that moistness when you cook rice, the beans where old had no roma or flavor. The salad didn't appear to look fresh had that color to it when its old. Curry chicken etc isn't made fresh everyday. your food isnt cheap even put the prices up I understand where in challengeing times where all trying to survive everyones trying to save just suggestion why cant the food be made fresh everyday keep record of roughly how many customers you have give or take few go from there. Better to give good quality food people enjoy thats fresh has smell (aroma) distiinct flavor, taste when you bite into it. Disappointment when your served old food from the...

Very disappointed. We were looking forward to having Caribbean food and after reading reviews on google, we decided to give this place a chance. The decor is outdated and the seats were old and ripped. These aren't usually a big deal as it is a mainly takeout spot but I will mention it since there are like 6 or so tables. Now the food, wow, what's disappointment! I don't understand how other reviewers could give this place high regards. Firstly, the quantity for the amount paid. We ordered one curry goat, I curry chicken, side order of rice and beans and also plantains. The food was not fresh! It was served as soon as the payment was made. All the food looked and tasted as though it was sitting there all day. The plantains were utterly nasty! I love plantains but these were all mushy and drenched in oil. They were not hot, just sitting in oil for a while. The flavour for the meats were nice and not too spicy but unfortunately not fresh either. As we left at around 8PM we realized quickly why no one walked in the whole time we were there, all the while the neighbouring restaurants had line ups out the door. I don't usually write reviews but I thought it was necessary to forewarn individuals who rely on reviews for their dinner night out. I'm sure there are better Caribbean restaurants...

Island Flava has been a downtown go-to for me for years. I work nearby, and their curry chicken poutine is hands-down one of the best meals you can get for the price—flavorful, hearty, and just incredibly satisfying.

What really sets them apart, though, is the way they treat their customers. From day one, they took the time to learn my name and my order. That kind of personal touch makes you feel truly welcome, like you’re part of the family.

When it comes to platters, their variety and quality are always on point. And I have to say—I’ve never had oxtail this good in Ottawa. It’s tender, rich, and packed with flavor. They absolutely nail it.

I’ve been coming here so long I’ve probably tried everything on the menu, and not once have I been disappointed.

With their new location just across the street, they’ve really taken things to the next level. The vibe is warm and inviting, the decor suits the food perfectly, and there’s now seating if you want to dine in instead of just grabbing takeout.

I don’t usually write a second review, but Island Flava honestly deserves the praise. It’s rare to find a spot that’s this consistent, this welcoming, and this good. Total hidden gem that deserves all the love.

And with their new location, people need to know this spot deserves...