There’s nothing like eating Jamaican food in Jamaica. There really isn’t. The experience goes beyond the food. It’s the sun, the sea, and sweet breezes rustling through the palm leaves. But if you can’t get to the island, there are some great Jamaican restaurants in New York you can patronize. This isn’t an exhaustive list, but here are five to check out; one in each borough.
Manhattan
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Jasmine’s Caribbean Cuisine specializes not just in Jamaican food, but that of Trinidad, Antigua, St. Thomas and Dominica.
Located on Restaurant Row on 371 W 46th St, the ambiance, service and food get high marks.
There’s codfish fritters, Jerk chicken, oxtail, curry chicken and more.
Pair these with a Scandal Rum Punch, a Ting-A-Ling or any of the specialty mocktails.
The Bronx
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Eating Tree Restaurant is on Gerard Avenue in the South Bronx. It’s conveniently close to the 4, B and D trains.
When there’s a game going on at Yankee Stadium, customers are eager to get some grub here and then grab drinks at one of the sports bars nearby.
Oxtail, patties, stew chicken and much more await. You can dine in or take out.
Queens
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When it comes to culinary diversity, Queens is up there with Manhattan for sure. Fun fact about this borough- it’s the most ethnically diverse county in the world, where over 100 languages are spoken.
Cascade Jerk in South Jamaica (Queens, that is) offers dine-in, delivery and catering.
According to Eater New York, “the classics are all there, including jerk chicken, brown stew chicken, mac and cheese, escovitch fish, curry goat, barbecue chicken, and jerk pork.”
The prices are reasonable- $10 can go a long way.
Staten Island
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If you’re in Staten Island, head to Blaze Jamaican Restaurant on Corson Avenue.
The testimonials mention how tasty the oxtail, jerk chicken and mac and cheese are. There’s also great seafood-based dishes like the red snapper and ackee and saltfish.
Cool off with homemade ginger and sorrel.
Brooklyn
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Ah, Brooklyn. There are so many great Jamaican restaurants here, it’s difficult to narrow them down.
Some of the best ones are humble holes in the wall. But don’t be fooled by this- the food will make you want to slap the person nearest to you.
Taylormade Jamaican Eatery is on 393 Classon Avenue. Taste the cow foot soup, curry goat and stew chicken- three of the top dishes.
Shout out to Chenoa Can Cook, which is also based in Brooklyn. Though not exclusively Jamaican, her oxtail is always on point, and that’s not the only Caribbean-inspired dish available. Check out our feature on this business here.