When you pop into any Caribbean restaurant, the main focus is on the flavors, no-frills. Yet locals in the Bronx don’t need to take a trip to the island just to experience the awesomely spiced and slow-cooked Caribbean cuisines. While some may break out some amazing rainbow-themed king cakes once in a year and others get creative with sugar-dusted beignets from time to time, these unique spots never tire of serving customers with the best of grilled oysters, spice-crusted shellfish, crusty po boy sandwiches, and other island staples.
Here are the best spots in the Bronx to get delicious Caribbean food.
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158 E 188th St | Fordham | facebook.com
How much heat can you handle when it comes to spicy food? Well, if you like spicy food, then you should try the varieties at 188 Bakery Cuchifritos. Jose Coto’s nearly four-decade-old Fordham Heights lunch counter remains one of the city’s most vital temples serving homemade Puerto Rican and Dominican dishes.
Watch in delight as the waiters serve a golden chicharron Dominicano – a crunchy and delicious pork candy bar of sorts. For lunch, enjoy the mouthwatering Chicharron de Pollo chicken chunks, lip-smacking Costilla BBQ ribs, delectable Carne guisada beef stew, just to mention a few. Come in during weekends and enjoy super special oxtail, beef, or even chicken stew. All these plates are served with rice, cassava, beans, cassava, or salad.
Also, don’t forget to try their delicious sandwiches especially the beefsteak, fresh ham, as well as ham and cheese. Starchy alcapurrias, filling mofongo platters, garlicky pernel, and aromatic cups of morir sonando from freshly squeezed orange juice are great options to try too. Wash it down with a hot drink and you will be yearning to come back for more.
“Some of the best pernil and mangu I've ever had. Great atmosphere, clean and friendly, old school vibes with hand painted signs. Very reasonable prices and nice seating area. Highly recommend it.”–Yelp Review
3827 Bronxwood Ave | Bronx | sea-jammins-caribbean-cuisine
If you want to go out and have a good time eating some great Caribbean food, then there is no better place to go than Sea Jammins Caribbean Cuisine in the Bronx. Not only do they serve authentic Caribbean food and seafood, but they also serve distinctive desserts.
Want to try something from the menu? Well, you may be stuck on what to get because everything looks so good. Go ahead and try callaloo, salt mackerel, butter bean, bully beef, and cabbage for breakfast. For lunch, try either fried chicken, brown stew chicken, or chicken foot.
Seafood lovers will have a great time feasting on favorites such as pepper shrimp, brown stew snapper, steamed fish pan, and fish with escovitch meal. Make sure you add one of their delicious sides, desserts, or even a soup. While at it, order either a peanut punch or Jamaican soda to enjoy along with your meal.
“Great staff! Food was delicious and you get more food than a lot of other places for a reasonable price! This is my new go to spot for Jamaican food.”–Zaubee Review
1111 E Tremont Ave | West Farms | caribbean-sunshine-restaurant
Diners rave about the best seafood dishes in the Bronx, and who doesn’t enjoy great seafood with some delicious dipping? At Caribbean Sunshine restaurant, the menu is quite extensive with plenty of Jamaican and American dishes. Here you can find a healthy steamed seafood platter and a variety of sides to go along.
If you are looking for a perfectly cooked dinner, go for ackee and callaloo with codfish. You can have either a small, medium or large plate. Other delicious takes to try include jerk chicken, oxtail, curry goat, and special homemade jerk sauce.
You can also find simple classics like beef patties, fried whiting, and barbecue wings and they’re all delicious. To top it off, they’ve created an extensive signature beverage menu to help you pair your meal with a sweet drink.
“This food was unbelievably good. I ordered oxtails, a large platter, and oh my God so much food. I ate for two days off this $12 meal. The meat was very tender and good. Rice and beans are good. Everything was delicious. No complaints. I would definitely recommend people to go there, you won't be disappointed.”–Yelp Review
854 Gerard Ave | Concourse Village | eatflavas.square.site
If you’re craving the best Jamaican food accompanied by mouth watering smoothies, then you should try Flavas International Grill. Here they care about the local Bronx community just as much as they care about their culture. Seafood is a must-have when you come here.
All their takes are prepared with fresh ingredients sourced locally to maintain the highest quality possible. You can find simple classics such as chicken dinner combo plates including curry chicken large, sweet chili chicken small, jerk chicken, just to mention a few.
If you love seafood, then you will want to try the extensive selection of seafood combo plates with classics such as curry shrimp (small or large), kingfish, salmon, whiting, codfish, and more. You might want to throw in some stew and veggie combo plates with delicious sides to go along with your main meal.
The fun doesn’t stop there, they also serve incredible soups, patties, smoothies, and protein shakes. Make sure you try their lunch bowls. They are worth every penny!
“Great food! I'm still thinking about their stew chicken. Portions are hearty. Whenever I'm in the Bronx or Mount Vernon I always come to Flavas. Don't risk going to another place, this is the place you want to be.”–Yelp Review
1182 E Gun Hill Rd | Pelham Gardens | country-boyz.edan.io
If there is anything that should appeal to Jamaican food lovers in the Bronx, it is the different types of Caribbean seafood this restaurant offers. Of course, seafood is prepared differently in various parts of the world, but if you’re craving for a spot that will offer a perfect opportunity to try something new, then you should consider going to Country Boyz.
From fried chicken and curry goat to callaloo, you will surely find a delicious option to satisfy all your craving for Jamaican food. That said, if you like something different from the norm, try the stew peas, oxtail, cow foot, or even pepper steak.
They also have an entire side of their menu dedicated to Jamaican options that have been Americanized in case you tag along with your friends who are a little picky when it comes to food.
“I tried the jerk chicken and curried goat when I was here. Both were incredible. The goat was very tender and succulent. The chicken was moist, spicy and bursting with flavor. Get the jerk sauce on top!”–Yelp Review
3377 Boston Rd | Bronx | king-hummingbird-restaurant
At King Hummingbird Restaurant Inc. you can enjoy the taste of modern Caribbean takes. This trendy joint along Boston Road is famous for dishing out Jamaican cuisines and an extensive signature drink menu.
Not sure what to order? They have super delicious options for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. Speaking of breakfast, try the ackee and saltfish combo, callaloo, cabbages, corned beef, okra, and butter beans. Throw in some fried dumplings, sliced bread, saltfish fritters, or fried bammy as a side.
If you’re here for lunch, the selection is quite confusing since everything looks good. Try some chicken special, curried goat, stew peas, or even sweet chili salmon. Jerk chicken and BBQ chicken are also available and you can choose either a small, medium or large option.
Make sure you grab one of their delicious homemade natural juices especially the lemonade juice or pineapple with ginger juice combination.
4246 White Plains Rd | Wakefield | lovesomejerk.com
If you have heard of the term Jerk, then you’re familiar with the popularity of this Jamaican classic that included meats dry-rubbed or wet-marinated with a hot spicy mixture called “Jerk Seasoning.” While Jerk seasoning was only applied to pork or chicken, it’s now used on other meats including fish, beef, and lamb. That’s where Jerk House Caribbean Restaurant originated from. The main focus here is Jerk meats.
Their seasoning is made in-house using fresh, authentic ingredients sourced locally. Then they marinate the meat to perfection. The Jerk Pork is the main draw here and locals can’t get enough of this delicious take. They also serve delicious spicy jerk ribs, jerk fried chicken, and Caribbean oxtail stew with an option of two sides to go along.
Along with their Jerk options, they also offer an extensive drink menu with beer, wine, and signature smoothies to enjoy along with your main meal.
“Had to rate this jewel. Came in yesterday and tried Jerk House for the first time. When I tell you I was quite pleased to finally get some jerk chicken that was actually spicy. The chicken was GRILLED, and the food was fresh! Prices are great and they are generous with portions. Definitely going back soon!”–Yelp Review
4063 Boston Rd | Bronx | facebook.com/fishntingrnl
Fish N’ Ting is the best kept secret in Uptown New York. It is one of the best places you can go to to enjoy some Jamaican food when you’re spending time in the Bronx. This place offers delicious foods at very large portions. You will not leave this place wanting more, you’ll more likely end up being completely satisfied.
The food this restaurant serves is fresh and authentic, and will really satisfy any craving for some good Caribbean food. This great food is also served inside of a warm and comfortable setting that will make you feel like you are glad to be there.
“I love the shrimp and jerk chicken Rasta pasta. It's nice and spicy with a lot of flavor. Certainly a winner because not all West Indian restaurants offer this dish. So it's good to visit a West Indian restaurant that offers a not too common cuisine that sets it aside from the many within the city.”–Yelp Review
1530 E 222nd St | Bronx | thedumplingcove.com
The Dumpling Cove has been a staple in the Bronx for years. It has changed its name over the past few years, but what hasn’t changed is their dedication to serving their customers tasty and healthy Jamaican food. The owners predict that those who come by will want to keep coming back for more, and they haven’t often been wrong on that. You will see exactly why they believe in this place so much when you visit for yourself!
On top of having absolutely mouthwatering food, this restaurant has an atmosphere that is fun, different, and enjoyable to hang out in. The food choices are diverse and flavorful as well as filling. Some of their options are fish fritters, fried fish, oxtails, and of course, dumplings. You will leave this place feeling completely satisfied and ready to take on the rest of your day.
“One of my favorite Jamaican restaurants in NY. Their breakfast is soooo good! I highly suggest going early so you can beat the crowd. Also they have a sit down restaurant part that seems nice. I just always do take out. Love it here.”–Yelp Review
800 Burke Ave | Pelham Gardens | lash-west.business.site
Lash West Indian & American Cuisine serves food that can be appealing to anyone. You will have the option to enjoy both Caribbean and American foods alongside each other. This restaurant serves Jamaican breakfasts like ackee and saltfish and also American breakfasts like chicken and waffles. They have Jamaican favorites like patties and also American favorites like fish tacos.
Other great food options include grilled salmon salad, brown stew fish, jerk chicken, and rasta pasta. They also offer delicious desserts like cinnamon rolls and spice buns. This place also happens to be open late each night, and on the weekends, is open 24 hours a day! So whenever you’re having a Caribbean food craving late at night, this restaurant will be open to help you out any time you need it!
“A great authentic Jamaican restaurant located in the Williamsbridge section of The Bronx. Honestly, you will not find another place that makes better waffles in the borough! They have different flavored waffles: crumbled Oreos, chocolate chip, red velvet, strawberry, blueberry, cinnamon, and the classic buttermilk! Yum! I can tell that the food is made to order, so it's always nice and fresh. Lash's is definitely one of my top favorite places for a to-go brunch order.”–Yelp Review
1248 Castle Hill Ave | Unionport | melaniesrotigrillrestaurant.com
Melanie’s Roti & Grill Restaurant is a Caribbean and Indian fusion restaurant that is guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds. This blend of West Indian and Indian cuisines is quite unique and makes for some interesting food combinations. This is a food combination you will be happy you got a chance to try out.
The menu is very long and pretty much has something on it for everyone. There are more than enough options there for even the pickiest of eaters. The appetizer options include potato balls, broccoli in garlic sauce, and fried shrimp. On the rest of the menu, you will find jerk chicken, roast duck, roast beef, and bungal pork.
Some of their most popular menu items they serve is their fried rice, like jerk chicken fried rice, pepper shrimp fried rice, and mixed fried rice. They even offer roast duck fried rice and lamb fried rice among other great options. Other options you should definitely look into trying include the jerk chicken chow mein, pepper shrimp lo mein, and fried snapper with dhal and rice. This is a restaurant you do not want to miss out on!
“I love this place! Great food, drinks, and customer service. My favorites are the crab cakes, rotis, and shrimp lo mein. They don't skimp on the portions and the owner makes you feel right at home. You can't go wrong with any dish on the menu. Definitely one of my go to spots.”–Yelp Review
892 Gerard Ave | Bronx
This restaurant serves top notch Jamaican cuisine that you will be happy you tried. This restaurant is small and casual and offers delicious versions of all your favorite Jamaican meals. They offer rice and peas, mac and cheese, plantains, jerk chicken, oxtail, and cabbage among other options. They always cook their food fresh and it will be bubbling hot when it gets to you. This is a place that will have you wanting to come back to get your fill again and again!
“The food is pretty good and delicious here. Came for their lunch special and was very satisfied. I had the jerk chicken with rice and peas. Both the rice and chicken were delicious and well seasoned. The portions are plentiful and fulfilling both the lunch special or the regular sizes.”–Yelp Review
There is no doubt that Caribbean cuisines are a popular staple for locals in the Bronx. And if you’re looking for the best spots to enjoy your oxtail, jerk chicken, or even your favorite Jamaican smoothie, then these top Caribbean spots in the Bronx will cater to your needs. So, which is your favorite Caribbean restaurant in the Bronx? Let us know in the comments!
