Frequently asked questions

Waiti Kubuli is a Caribbean fine dining restaurant located in Groningen, where the flavours, ingredients, and stories of the Caribbean take centre stage. We combine authentic Caribbean influences with modern culinary techniques, premium ingredients, and warm hospitality to create an unforgettable culinary experience for our guests. Our name is the ancestral name of the island of Dominica—Sharifa’s birthplace and a primary source of inspiration for our kitchen.

While many restaurants focus on traditional European or singular cuisines, we bridge the rich flavours of the Caribbean with a contemporary fine dining experience. At Waiti Kubuli, you can look forward to a seasonal surprise menu featuring premium ingredients, curated wine and cocktail pairings, attentive service, and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere free from formal pretense. We believe that exceptional gastronomy should be accessible, and that an evening out should above all be enjoyable and convivial.

To us, Caribbean fine dining means translating the diverse flavours and culinary heritage of the Caribbean into a sophisticated gastronomic experience. Rather than standard beach-side casual food or tourist classics, you can expect meticulously crafted dishes where high-quality ingredients, expert techniques, and elegant presentation come together.

Waiti Kubuli is the original Kalinago name for Dominica. Loosely translated, it means "Tall is her body", referencing the island's dramatic volcanic landscape. With this name, we honour the culture, history, and natural beauty of Dominica.

Waiti Kubuli is centrally located in Groningen city centre, in the Westerhaven area, at A-weg 8.

For parking, we highly recommend the Q-Park Westerhaven car park, located just a short walk from the restaurant.

Yes. There is a bus stop directly outside the restaurant, with regular services running to and from various parts of the city and Groningen Central Station.

Absolutely. You can easily reach us on foot or by bicycle, and bike parking is available in the immediate vicinity. We are a 10-minute walk from the Grote Markt and a 13-minute walk from Groningen Central Station.

We are open from Tuesday to Saturday from 17:00 onwards. For special requests, we can open earlier by prior arrangement. During the summer months, our terrace is open from Thursday to Saturday from 14:00 for light bites and drinks (weather permitting).

No. We work exclusively with a tasting menu that changes every six to eight weeks. This allows us to work optimally with the finest seasonal produce and continuously challenges us to create innovative flavours and combinations.

Guests can choose between a two- to six-course dinner, which includes homemade bread and amuses-bouches. For the two-course option, you may select either a starter and main, or a main and dessert. Naturally, we cater to allergies and dietary requirements, provided they are communicated in advance at the time of booking.

A surprise menu grants our chef and bartender the creative freedom to work with the very best ingredients available at that moment. It allows us to take our guests on a true culinary journey through the Caribbean without the limitations of a fixed à la carte menu. We love exploring new flavours and surprising our guests.

Our menu changes approximately every six to eight weeks. This ensures that returning guests can always discover new dishes, flavours, and pairings.

Yes. Wherever possible, we incorporate authentic Caribbean ingredients, herbs, spices, and techniques into our dishes. Examples include Scotch bonnet chillies, Callaloo (Dasheen bush), tropical fruits, rum, coconut, cassava, tamarind, and starfruit. You will also experience signature spice blends such as jerk and green seasoning.

Yes, we gladly accommodate allergies and dietary requirements. We kindly request that you inform us of these when making your reservation so our kitchen team can prepare accordingly. We work with fresh daily produce ordered the day prior. Should you inform us of an allergy at a later stage, we will of course do our utmost to provide a seamless alternative menu.

Yes. We can provide a full vegetarian menu, provided this is requested in advance.

Yes, we can curate a completely vegan menu. Please contact us in advance so we can discuss the options for your evening.

Yes. We can safely adapt our menu for expectant mothers, allowing you to enjoy your culinary evening with complete peace of mind.

We are highly experienced in accommodating a wide range of dietary needs. With advance notice, we seamlessly cater for nut allergies, peanut allergies, egg allergies, soy allergies, shellfish/crustacean allergies, as well as lactose and gluten intolerances. If your specific allergy is not listed here, please get in touch; we can accommodate most requests through close consultation.

Yes. Alongside our tasting menu, you can opt for a meticulously curated wine pairing. Our selection is carefully chosen to complement the distinct flavours and intensities of each dish. Pairings can be enjoyed as full or half glasses, and you are welcome to decide on a course-by-course basis.

A cocktail pairing is an innovative alternative to a traditional wine pairing. We develop bespoke cocktails designed specifically to complement the dishes on our menu, creating a unique synergy where food and drink elevate one another. We also ensure this entire experience can be enjoyed completely alcohol-free.

Caribbean cuisine pairs magnificently with cocktails due to its vibrant use of tropical fruits, aromatic herbs, exotic spices, premium rums, and house-infused syrups. A cocktail pairing introduces unexpected and exciting flavour combinations that are rarely found in traditional pairings.

Yes. We offer premium non-alcoholic pairings featuring curated mocktails. Additionally, we stock a variety of homemade soft drinks, alcohol-free wines, and beers, ensuring that guests who prefer not to drink alcohol always have exceptional options.

Yes. Waiti Kubuli is an exceptional venue for private dining, group dinners, and exclusive events. Please feel free to email us at info@waitikubuli.nl with your ideas or requirements, and we will be delighted to tailor a proposal for you.

We can comfortably accommodate up to 16 guests at a single table. For groups who know each other well and for guest that don’t mind a closer, more intimate seating arrangement, layouts for 18 to 20 guests are also possible.

Our private dining room is perfect for celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, corporate dinners, team outings, graduation celebrations, family gatherings, and events with friends. Upon request, our private space can also be made available for tastings, drinks receptions, and private business lunches.

Yes. We are delighted to collaborate with you to design a culinary programme and menu that perfectly aligns with your wishes and the theme of your event.

Yes. We organise exclusive wine tastings for groups of 6 or more. If your party is smaller, please email us to discuss the possibilities. Please mention any allergies or dietary requirements in advance so we can tailor the tasting accordingly.

Absolutely. Rum plays an integral role in Caribbean culture and gastronomy. During our rum tastings, we guide guests through various regional styles, production methods, and distinct flavour profiles.

Yes. During the summer months, our terrace is open (weather permitting) from Thursday to Saturday from 14:00 onwards.

On our terrace, you can enjoy homemade light bites, an extensive cocktail and mocktail menu, artisanal lemonades, soft drinks, and house-brewed iced teas. We also frequently feature a special creation of the moment, which can be found on our outdoor blackboard.

While local regulations prevent us from operating the grill directly on the terrace itself, we do serve an array of freshly grilled barbecue snacks prepared on our open-fire grill in the kitchen.

Yes. Our terrace is the ideal setting for an afternoon drinks reception, summer cocktails, or a relaxed afternoon in the sun. If you plan to visit with a larger group (5 or more people), please let us know in advance so we can ensure a table is reserved for you.

We highly recommend making a reservation. Because we serve a dedicated tasting menu and have a intimate dining capacity, many evenings book out quickly. Booking in advance also ensures our kitchen team can flawlessly prepare for any specific allergies or dietary requirements using fresh daily ingredients.

Yes. You can easily make a reservation via our website. If you prefer personal contact, you can reach us by phone on 0610521286 or via email at info@waitikubuli.nl. If you are in the neighbourhood, please feel free to step inside to book your table in person.

We highly encourage it! Please let us know in the reservation notes if you are celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or any other milestone so we can help make your evening special.

Caribbean cuisine is a vibrant tapestry of culinary traditions spanning various islands and cultures. It draws rich influences from Africa, Europe, India, South America, and the region's indigenous populations. This historical blend makes it one of the most diverse and dynamic cuisines in the world.

No. While certain dishes artfully incorporate chillies, fine Caribbean gastronomy focuses primarily on depth of flavour, aromatic herbs, balance, and complexity rather than pure heat.

Dominica forms the cultural and culinary heart of Waiti Kubuli. Much of our inspiration springs from cherished memories, ingredients, traditions, and stories from the island, beautifully woven together with influences from across the wider Caribbean.

Because dining at Waiti Kubuli is far more than just a meal; it is an immersive experience. You will discover new flavours, experience the true versatility of Caribbean cuisine, enjoy heartfelt personal hospitality, and share an evening where food, drink, and storytelling come together. Whether you are looking for an authentic Caribbean restaurant, a unique fine dining experience, an innovative cocktail pairing, an atmospheric private dining venue, or an evolving tasting menu, we look forward to taking you on a culinary journey through the Caribbean.

Yes, Waiti Kubuli is the ideal destination for a date night or a romantic dinner. Our combination of refined Caribbean fine dining, an intimate ambience, and an elements-of-surprise menu makes it the perfect setting for a special evening together. Our rotating menu, bespoke cocktail pairings, and warm hospitality guarantee a unique experience that transcends standard dining.

Certainly. We are a popular destination for get-togethers and evenings out with friends. For groups of 6 or more, you can reserve our dedicated private space to catch up in comfort.

Yes, Waiti Kubuli is exceptionally well-suited for business dinners or corporate gatherings looking for a stylish yet accessible setting. If you require a private space for a meeting or have specific requirements, please contact us at info@waitikubuli.nl or 0610521286. We gladly cater for corporate dinners, client entertaining, networking events, and management dinners. The seamless blend of fine dining and relaxed Caribbean hospitality ensures that business conversations can take place in a comfortable, professional atmosphere.

While we are not traditionally open for lunch during regular hours, we welcome private bookings and special requests. It is the perfect option for corporate lunch appointments, client lunches, team meetings, networking events, or private lunch presentations. We are delighted to collaborate with you to create the perfect mid-day event.