In Thunder Bay, global flavours meet northern hospitality in the most delicious ways. This city may sit on the wild edge of Lake Superior, but its culinary scene is full of international flair. From Ghana to Iran, Jamaica to Ukraine, the world’s tastes have found a home up north and teach bite is worth the trip.
Exploring Thunder Bay isn’t just about hiking trails or chasing waterfalls. It’s also about discovering the stories, new flavours and people behind the city’s growing culinary community.
Here are a few spots that bring global flavour to Thunder Bay’s table.
ELDAR Cafe: Delightful Turkish Mornings
Where: 215 Red River Rd #105, Thunder Bay, ON (View Map)
ELDAR Café brings delicious Turkish and Mediterranean flavours into Thunder Bay one dish at time. As one of the city’s newer spots, it has quickly become known for its vibrant and satisfying breakfasts.
The Tomato Omelette is a standout. Eggs are cooked with roasted tomatoes and served with Persian bread plus a spread of honey, cheese, walnuts, sliced cucumber and olive oil.
It is a simple yet generous plate that invites slow, savoury bites. A cup of rich Turkish coffee rounds out the meal and adds an extra special touch to the morning.
With its inviting atmosphere and thoughtful dishes, ELDAR Café offers a relaxed and flavourful start to the day.
The African Lounge: Bold Flavours from Ghana
Where: 146 Centennial Square, Thunder Bay, ON (View Map)
Tucked inside the Centennial Family Foods grocery shop, The African Lounge is one of those spots you might walk past if you didn’t know it was there.
It’s a true hidden gem and in the short time since opening it has already become a go to favourite for locals. This Feast On® certified restaurant brings the soul of Ghanaian cooking to life with food that is vibrant, layered and full of heart.
Even though The African Lounge offers take away only, the menu feels anything but limited. You’ll find classic West African dishes like jollof rice, grilled meats and richly spiced stews.
The suya shrimp is a must try. It comes skewered with veggies and grilled so every bite is charred, spicy and so good. And then there’s the jollof rice served with plantains. It’s a popular pick for a reason.
This dish carries a long tradition in West African cuisine and here it is fluffy, flavourful and seasoned with care. You can pair it with any protein you like. We went with the grilled chicken and it was such a satisfying match.
Island Spice Jerk House: Taste of Jamaica in the North
Where: 71 Algoma St S #2, Thunder Bay, ON (View Map)
At Island Spice Jerk House, the energy feels as lively as the food. The moment you step inside, the space wraps you in island culture. Posters with Jamaican sayings line the walls and vibrant decor fills every corner, creating a setting that brings the Caribbean spirit right to the forefront.
Our meal was a full flavour journey. We started with spiced beef patties that were warm, flaky and loaded with savoury heat. The oxtail stew followed and it was rich and comforting with tender meat that fell apart the second the fork touched it.
The jerk chicken was easily some of the most flavourful we have had with smoky spice that built with every bite. We washed it all down with classic Jamaican sodas which added a fun nostalgic touch.
Every plate at Island Spice Jerk House delivers a taste of the Caribbean that is both fiery and comforting. The restaurant is a celebration of flavour and proof that good food always finds it’s way north.
Best Bites Shawarma: Fresh and Comforting Iranian Flavour
Where: 332 High St N, Thunder Bay, ON (View Map)
At Best Bites Shawarma, quick eats meet time honoured recipes inspired by Iranian cooking. Their wraps and platters blend tender meats, warm spices and tangy pickles into crave worthy comfort food.
For a picnic lunch, the chicken shawarma is an easy favourite with seasoned meat, fresh toppings and a drizzle of garlic yogurt labneh sauce. Pair it with a fattoush salad for a bright mix of veggies, herbs and crisp fried pita. Together they make a simple meal feel surprisingly satisfying.
Since Best Bites Shawarma doesn’t offer seating, it is ideal for a quick stop between exploring the city. Hillcrest Park. is a great nearby pick with a panoramic view over Thunder Bay, Lake Superior and the Sleeping Giant. Eating shawarma with that backdrop turns lunch into its own little moment.
Sukhanov Ukrainian Kitchen: Homestyle Eastern European Comfort
Where: 239 Algoma St S, Thunder Bay, ON (View Map)
Few dishes bring comfort like Ukrainian cooking and Sukhanov Ukrainian Kitchen captures that spirit in the most heartwarming way.
After a full day of exploring trails, this is the kind of place where you walk in cold and walk out feeling restored. The menu is built on homestyle dishes that taste like they were made for days just like that.
Warming up with a fresh bowl of soup is a must. You can go classic with their borscht, a beet based soup which is bright and earthy or try the Transcarpathian bograch. This rustic soup is loaded with chopped veggies and spiced sausage for a heartier slow cooked bite.
Of course, you can’t visit without ordering a plate of perogies. Hand pinched and pillowy soft, they come topped with caramelised onions, bacon and a side of sour cream.
It is a deliciously, satisfying example of how Ukrainian cooking turns simple ingredients into something memorable.
AfroGourmet: A Taste of Morocco in the North
For an immersive culinary experience, look no further than AfroGourmet. Founded by Chef Awa and her husband who have made Thunder Bay their home since moving from Morocco, this hands on kitchen brings people together through shared cooking and storytelling.
During our visit, we rolled up our sleeves and cooked dishes layered with Moroccan flavours like cumin and cinnamon. We learned how to cook shawarma from scratch and prepared a lineup of vibrant spreads that showcased the depth of North African cooking.
The French influence in Moroccan cuisine also came through as we finished the class by baking soft madeleines for dessert. Each ingredient held meaning and every recipe opened a window into the culture behind it all. The experience felt transportive yet still grounded in the warmth and community spirit that AfroGourmet is known for.
A World of Flavour, Right Here Up North
Thunder Bay’s culinary scene is a delicious reflection of the people who call the city home. Each spot adds its own flair and tradition, offering global tastes of somewhere new without ever leaving town.
So next time you’re in Thunder Bay, come hungry and curious. Around here, every plate tells a story and every meal is an adventure waiting to be shared.
