Tropical Restaurants Near Toronto That Will Make You Feel Like You’re On Vacation

Collage of a tropical drink and restaurant

Who says you have to hop on a flight to feel like you’re on vacation? We've compiled a list of local restaurants with a delicious menu and tropical atmosphere that will transport you to a sunny destination—so you can pretend you’re on vacation without having to go far from home.

Enjoy authentic cuisine and beautiful dining experiences right here in Durham Region with delicious food, tropical drinks, and good vibes. All that will be missing is the sand between your toes!

Mr. Delicious By The Beach

Aerial view of a plate of food from Mr. Delicious By The Beach in Pickering, Ontario

893 Bayly Street, Pickering | Photo: sincerelykaylalemus

Looking for authentic Jamaican food and island vibes? The party starts at Mr. Delicious By The Beach—located a short walk to the Pickering waterfront at Westshore Beach. This small slice of paradise is well-known for its mouth-watering food, generous portions and friendly staff. Not only is Chef Glen a master at seafood and Caribbean dishes, but his desserts are not to be missed! If you’re craving authentic Jamaican cuisine, tropical drinks and good vibes, Mr. Delicious always comes through.

Nathan’s Jerk

3-1812 Simcoe Street North, Oshawa | Photo: almiraeats

Have you ever experienced Caribbean food with a Mexican twist? Nathan’s Jerk mixes the best of both worlds to bring you an inventive street food you can’t find anywhere else. Picture walls covered in modern and tropical art, beautiful greenery along the ceiling, and delicious Caribbean and Mexican plates. Their menu features plenty of vegetarian options—everything from jerk chicken quesadillas to jerk shrimp burritos—and you won’t want to leave without trying their famous jerk chicken sandwich on coco bread.

Los Cabos Cantina & Grill

1009 Dundas Street East, Whitby

Craving an authentic Mexican dining experience? Los Cabos Cantina & Grill will make you feel like you’ve just ventured off your resort, spent the day at Lover’s Beach and grabbed a bite to eat at a local Mexican restaurant. With specials like Mucho Magarita Mondays and Fish Taco Fridays, it’s no surprise people travel near and far to experience this well-known and well-loved local gem. Their beach resort inspired decor and live entertainment will have you feeling like you’re on that much needed vacation right here in Durham Region.

Surf Kitchen & Bar

116 Dundas Street West, Whitby

Grab an Insta-worthy cocktail and ride the waves at Surf Kitchen & Bar in downtown Whitby. Featuring small plates, tacos and craft cocktails inspired by Southern California, a visit to this local gem will have you feeling like you flew to the United States for a sunny destination vacation. Not only do the neon lights and tropical decor provide the vibes, the menu will have you planning your next visit before the night’s over.

Tropical Delight Eatery

5-465 Bayly Street West, Ajax | Photo: annerie6

Walking into Tropical Delight Eatery is like waking up to a warm summer day. Not only will you love the food, but you’re bound to fall in love with the restaurant’s cute and colourful decor. This Jamaican-based restaurant serves various Caribbean delights, signature desserts and drinks, and features delicious options—like oxtail, curry goat, jerk chicken and more. Try takeout or dine-in at this warm, friendly and welcoming Caribbean restaurant in the heart of Ajax.

Chúuk Restaurant

Collage of tropical decor and tacos at Chuuk Restaurant in Pickering, Ontario

774 Liverpool Road, Pickering

Tacos and margaritas? Say no more. If you’re craving a taste of Mexico, head to Chúuk in Pickering for handcrafted cocktails like the Pink Jaguar, shareable appetizers like the guacamole, delicious main dishes like the beef tacos and delicious desserts like the churros. With their vibrant wallpaper and modern decor, you’ll walk in feeling like you flew to Tulum. The restaurant also has a special ‘pineapple room’ for large dinner parties and events.

Caribbean Heat

985 Brock Road, Pickering | Photo: cravethe6ix

If grey skies have you feeling down, head to Caribbean Heat for a dose of colour, and enjoy their bright yellow and blue walls with tropical decor. Experience delicious West Indian Chinese cuisine with dishes like mixed fried rice, pepper shrimp, Alex chicken, or hot and spicy wings(that will have you feeling the heat of the Caribbean sun).Enjoy all-you-can-eat family style or pick your plate to go.

Starapples Restaurant

77 King Street East, Bowmanville

The stars aligned when Starapples Restaurant opened its doors in downtown Bowmanville. Named after the succulent Starapple fruit, this Jamaican restaurant features a range of delicious plates—from grab-and-go beef patties to jerk chicken. Although there’s no white sand to sink your feet into, Starapples prides themselves on delivering an opportunity for you to immerse yourself in Jamaican flavours and warm hospitality.

Sea Salt Sea Food Cafe

100 Westney Road South, Ajax, ON

Close your eyes and listen to the sound of the waves crashing as you bite into the delicious seafood at Sea Salt Sea Food Cafe. As the first seafood and coffee style restaurant of its kind in Ontario, this family owned and operated café aspires to bring a consistently unique experience to each of its guests. You don’t need to fly south to enjoy a southern style seafood boil—instead, you can experience buttery lobster rolls, garlic mussels and dynamite shrimp, paired with coffee and mocktails, right here in Durham Region.

Palm Court Restaurant & Bar

7-2620 Simcoe Street North, Oshawa

Picture modern decor inspired by the bright and vibrant colours of the Caribbean and a tropical bar with fruit-filled cocktails inspired by islands, and you’ve got Palm Court Restaurant & Bar. This local favourite combines traditional preparations with local ingredients for an authentic Caribbean Chinese dining experience. Escape from the city and feel the island breeze as you indulge in their savoury dishes—including saltfish, oxtail, mixed chow mein, duck curry and hot honey wings.

Caribbean Eats Kitchen

8 Foster Hewitt Street, Beaverton

While this business doesn’t have a sit-down option, we had to make an honourable mention. If you're in the Township of Brock or spending the day on Lake Simcoe, check out the delicious pickup menu at Caribbean Eats Kitchen in Beaverton. From Trini Bojou and stew chicken Wednesdays to fried green plantain, we promise their menu does not disappoint and will transport you straight to the tropics.

Looking for more ways to warm up?

Check out Spicy Affairs in Oshawa or Bowmanville.

Try hot yoga at Ignite Yoga in Newcastle.

Meet your favourite sunny destination creatures at Reptilia Zoo in Whitby.

Dance the night away at the next Durham Roller Skating event.

Savour and sip your way through Durham Region’s best heated patios.

While you’re out exploring Durham Region, we’d love to hear what new experiences you tried and loved the most. Tag @DurhamTourism in your social posts so we can follow along!

Durham Region has lots to explore and discover. Check out our Durham Region Discovery Guide for more travel inspiration.

0 Likes