Café Allwood: THE EVOLUTION OF A CONCEPT
Let’s take a moment to reflect and express gratitude for how far we’ve come. Our journey began in Ottawa in 1987, selling clothing from a small kiosk in the ByWard Market. From there, we opened the first-ever Black-owned, free-standing 1,500 sq. ft. store in Montreal’s iconic OGILVY building. This led to new locations in Cours Mont-Royal, Old Montreal, St. Laurent, and Sherbrooke.
Healthy dining was always a passion, but I never imagined I’d become a chef. In 2011, life took us to Toronto, where we launched KA SPACE on Carlaw. This pivotal moment allowed us to fully embrace our love for food and health. By 2019, our philosophy of “food is medicine” naturally extended from our roots in ethical, non-toxic dyes to our approach to dining—making it not just a business but a way of life.
That same year, we launched KA SPACE CAFE, a dedicated café brand that brought our vision full circle under one roof: a jewel box of a space on Queen Street East.
SO, WHAT’S NEXT?
ALLWOOD is evolving once again—not pivoting, but growing. While our commitment to health remains a core pillar, we are embracing additional pillars: HOME, CLOTHING, ART, and MUSIC (Budhafish Records).
In the coming months, we will be streamlining these elements to create a clear, cohesive identity—where innovation meets tradition, and creativity meets community.
We can’t wait to share this next chapter of ALLWOOD Cafe and Boutique with you. Stay tuned for updates as we continue this journey together.
"A reflection of LINTON ALLWOOD's journey—style, soul, and vision."
FOOD IS MEDICINE
ALLWOOD MISSION
“Food is medicine.”
At ALLWOOD, this simple yet profound truth shapes everything we do. In a world where selling and profits often overshadow deeper purpose, we focus on what truly matters: nurturing the health and well-being of our global family.
We’ve made a deliberate choice to keep our menu alcohol-free, reflecting our commitment to food that heals and inspires. By prioritizing what nourishes the mind, body, and soul, we aim to create a joyful, mindful space where well-being is always at the forefront.
Our mission is clear: to provide vibrant, nourishing, and balanced meals that support a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle. Because food is more than sustenance—it’s medicine for the mind, body, and soul.
FOOD | COFFEE | FASHION | ART | MUSIC
Plant-Based Jamaican Fusion
Café Allwood | Boutique
Step into a space where plant-based flavors meet curated artistry. From soulful reggae and jazz evenings to thoughtfully curated collections in fashion and art, Café Allwood Boutique is where food, culture, and creativity blend harmoniously.
Immerse yourself in our listening lounge, where the rhythms of reggae and jazz create the perfect backdrop for soulful conversations. Join us every Friday night (5–10 PM, by reservation) for an unforgettable journey of rhythm, relaxation, and refined tastes.
GOOGLE “Love from Our Guests”
I’m vegetarian, so I was looking for a great spot to try and was recommended this place. From the photos and reviews, I had high hopes—but my expectations were completely exceeded!
The atmosphere is incredibly zen and welcoming, with thoughtful details that make the space feel intentional and inviting. Our server was lovely (I forgot her name, but you’ll see her poster and brand inside). She was so sweet and made us feel right at home.
The food was incredible, with generous portions that make it well worth the price. My friends, who aren’t vegetarian, absolutely loved everything as well! We tried several dishes, but the Allwood Plant-Based Burger (available only on weekends) was a standout—absolutely delicious.
The owner and chef personally came out to greet us, and his warm energy was evident. You could truly feel the love and care put into the food. To top it all off, we even received a complimentary sweet treat at the end.
1000/10—highly recommend!
Shanuka Sai
The ALLWOOD
Coffee Bar
Experience
“Experience the rich, bold flavor of Rwandan coffee—crafted with care and precision.”
Whether you’re savoring a cup alone or sharing it with friends, Café Allwood is designed to inspire connection and creativity.
“Vibes speak louder than words.”
Step into a space where creativity flows as freely as the coffee. Relax, connect, and soak in the vibrant energy of Café Allwood.
At Café Allwood, every detail is intentionally crafted to foster connection, creativity, and community. From the aroma of freshly brewed coffee to the inviting atmosphere, we invite you to experience a blend of culture and comfort that’s unmistakably Café Allwood.
EVERYTHING EVOLVES
A taste of joy in every cup
Matcha Latte: Crafted with Care
Pause, sip, and savor a moment of joy in every cup.
Canada’s First Zero-Proof Cocktail Menu
Celebrate the Joy of Zero-Proof Living.
Discover bold and vibrant creations that redefine cocktails. Each sip is crafted with care, free of compromise—because great taste doesn’t need alcohol.
JAMAICA ONE LOVE
Resilience, Spirit, and Connection
Jamaica is a land of contrasts—a vibrant culture rooted in resilience, facing challenges with unmatched spirit and creativity. This is a celebration of its heart and soul, where connection and hope shine through adversity.
Out of Many, One People
Parmi tant d'autres, un seul peuple.
多くの中から、一つの人々 (Ooku no naka kara, hitotsu no hitobito)
Tra molti, un solo popolo.
A reflection of Jamaica’s national motto and a celebration of cultural harmony at Café Allwood.
Welcome to Café Allwood, where fashion and food come together to create a space that nourishes both body and soul. Founded by visionary designer Chef Linton Allwood, this is more than a place to enjoy delicious meals—it’s a celebration of holistic living, where style and wellness always intertwine.
Bienvenue au Café Allwood, où la mode et la nourriture convergent pour créer une expérience culinaire unique qui nourrit à la fois le corps et l’âme. Fondé par le designer visionnaire Linton Allwood, le Café Allwood est bien plus qu’un simple endroit pour déguster de délicieux repas – c’est une célébration de la vie holistique, où le style et le bien-être s’entrelacent.
Café Allwoodへようこそ。 こちらはファッションと食が融合し、体と心を育むユニークなダイニング体験を提供する場所です。ビジョナリーデザイナー、リントン・オールウッドによって設立されたCafé Allwoodは、美味しい食事を楽しむだけの場所ではありません - スタイルとウェルネスが交差する、ホリスティックな生活を称賛する場所なのです。
IMAGINE
Plant-Based Vegetarian – Kitchen / Café / Dry Bar
Jamaican Ital Plant-Based Fusion
Imagine a space where plant-based Jamaican fusion meets artistry—a kitchen, café, and dry bar that transports you beyond the ordinary. Just bring your imagination. We’ll take care of the rest.
L’évolution de la joie
In Japan, hi-fi jazz listening bars, or jazz kissaten (ジャズ喫茶), offer a high-quality experience for jazz enthusiasts. These iconic spaces combine curated playlists, vintage audio equipment, and a cozy atmosphere for enjoying music.
At Café Allwood, we reimagine this tradition through our Soul Collective, where music, culture, and community come together to create unforgettable moments.
Authentic Jamaican Vegan Soul Food
A celebration of flavor, tradition, and wellness.
Brunch
Breakfast Sandwich – 19
Organic eggs (3), spinach, vegan cheese, and vegan mayonnaise on a baked bun. Served with potato hash and spring mix salad.
Vibes Omelette – 23
Organic eggs (4), vegan cheese, red and yellow organic peppers, and organic spinach. Served with rye bread, potato hash, and spring mix salad. Gluten-free bread available upon request.
Zelia’s Breakfast – 21
Sautéed spinach, 3 eggs over medium, and toast. Served with potato hash and spring mix salad.
Eggs Scramble – 14
Scrambled eggs (2) with rye toast. Served with potato hash and spring mix salad.
Kevin’s Breakfast – 16
Organic farm-fresh scrambled eggs (3), tempeh bacon, potato hash, and spring mix salad.
Vegan Brunch
Vegan Scramble – 19
Scrambled organic tofu, mixed peppers, vegan cheese, nutritional yeast, and black salt. Served with potato hash and spring mix salad.
Ackee Brunch – 17
Traditional Jamaican sautéed ackee, red peppers, salted organic tofu, seasoning, and a scotch bonnet pepper base. Served with potato hash and toast (rye or sourdough) with vegan butter.
Vegan Breakfast Sandwich – 16
Sautéed mixed red and yellow peppers, spinach, tempeh, sea salt, and rosemary. Topped with vegan cheddar cheese on a baked warm bun. Served with potato hash and spring mix salad.
Avocado Toast – 18
The best avocado toast in the city. Organic avocado hand-mixed fresh to order on multigrain bread, sprinkled with fresh organic lime juice, hand-harvested sea salt (Vancouver), and organic sun-dried tomato. Served with hash browns and spring mix salad.
Lunch + Dinner
Ackee & Salted Tofu (Dinner) – 25
Jamaican ackee (fruit) sautéed with salted tofu, scotch bonnet peppers, Spanish onions, tomato, thyme, garlic, and green onions. Served with Café Allwood rice and peas (organic basmati), spring mix salad, and our signature Roti Skin—a fusion of roti paratha and crepe, made on a French crepe machine. Clients call it a “roti croissant,” even better than a traditional croissant.
Chickpea Potato Curry Roti – 21
Organic chickpeas and organic potatoes marinated in a rich blend of Indian Masala and Jamaican curry with a secret twist. Served with our signature Roti Skin and a side salad.
Rasta Bowl – 24
Ackee and salted tofu, curry chickpeas, and sautéed spinach served on a bed of rice and peas. Accompanied by a side salad and our signature Roti Skin.
Jerk Lentils – 21
Marinated and slow-cooked lentils combined with sautéed potatoes, infused with Jamaican-style Jerk Sauce. Served with rice and peas, green salad, and our signature Roti Skin.
Vegan “Salt-Fish” – 27
Sautéed organic palm hearts, mixed peppers, scotch bonnet pepper, Spanish onions, tomato, and thyme. Served with rice and peas (organic basmati), spring mix salad, and our signature Roti Skin.
“Every dish tells a story—a celebration of culture, resilience, and creativity.”
At Café Allwood, food is just the beginning. It’s about connection, community, and legacy.
ALLWOOD
“I truly never understood the meaning of ‘it’s a journey, not a destination’ until I entered into this reality as a chef.”
– Chef Linton
Emperor Haile Selassie’s Address to the United Nations, 1963
The timeless words of Emperor Haile Selassie serve as a profound reminder of the ongoing fight for equality and unity. His speech, later adapted by Bob Marley in the legendary song War, continues to inspire movements of justice and creativity worldwide.
“Until the philosophy which holds one race superior and another inferior is finally and permanently discredited and abandoned; until there are no longer first-class and second-class citizens of any nation; until the color of a man’s skin is of no more significance than the color of his eyes; until the basic human rights are equally guaranteed to all without regard to race; until that day, the dream of lasting peace, world citizenship, and the rule of international morality will remain but a fleeting illusion to be pursued but never attained.”
This powerful passage was later adapted by Bob Marley into his legendary song, War, bringing Haile Selassie’s message to the global stage through music. The song’s lyrics mirror Selassie’s call for equality and justice, making it an anthem for unity and resistance against oppression.
"At ALLWOOD, we honor this legacy of unity and creativity in all that we do."
We celebrate a world where unity, creativity, and resilience guide our journey—building a space where all are welcome, and diversity thrives in every dish, every connection, and every moment.