The Best Caribbean in Cleveland

Irie Island Restraunt

★★★★★ 4.6 (18)

"Melissa is an lovely bubbly lady who is also an amazing chef! We were in town for a few days get away looking for some Caribbean goodness and we found it here. I highly recommend."

Irie Jamaican Kitchen

★★★★☆ 4.4 (9)

"A good spot in Lakewood for a quick takeout meal! There is a small parking lot right at the front. Staff is very warm and friendly! They even let me sample the curry chicken because I couldn't decide what to get! The bowl is definitely a filing size and I'm glad I got that instead of the box (but glad we have bigger options too). They don't skimp on the portions and the plantains had a great crust and char flavor and wasn't super mushy which was fantastic. Jerk chicken has a small spicy for flavor but not too much that made it hard to eat. Cabbage was soft with a slight crunch. Overall great option to have on the west side!"

Gar and Mar Jamaican American Cuisine

★★★★★ 4.6 (43)

"My husbands co-worker kept chatting up this place- he loved the jerk chicken. So husband suggested we try it for dinner. As we're walking in ( about 6:50) we note the door says they close at 7:30. Hopefully, that's enough time. We walk in and I am immediately surprised at the decorations. It was redone very nicely. Lots of details at the tables, festive décor on the walls, lots of Jamaican flags, and things hanging from the ceiling. That sounds like a lot, but it wasn't. It was very cheerful and welcoming. Clean. Spacious- lots of seating.We weren't sure if we seat ourselves or order at a counter. It kinda looked like there were two counters, so we just loomed until someone told us what to do. Finally a girl said we can sit anywhere. We sat for a few minutes then she came and asked us if we're eating there. Yes, thought we said that, but okay. She then gave us menus. I am not familiar with this cuisine, but there was not much that sounded appealing to me. (That's a personal preference only- there are LOTS of choices on the menu!) I looked up escovitch and this sounded like my jam. I love a vinegary brine.Our server asked if we minded if they put our food in To Go containers, because they were closing soon and didn't want to do the dishes. It was a little off-putting, but I truly didn't care about the container. When she brought our meals, she asked if we wanted a bag. Clearly trying to get us out of there ASAP.My shrimp escovitch was overall disappointing. The medium meal was $16 and only had 6 small shrimp. The shrimp were cooked well- I thought at the end of the day they might be rubbery or dry. They were perfect. The vegetables that were marinated in the escovitch were so good. I loved the zingy flavor. The rice was a little dry and too spicy for me- but it had good flavor. The cabbage was tasty, too. The other vegetables were just a frozen mix tossed in with the cabbage.My husband really liked his jerk chicken. Excellent flavor and spice. Large was a good portion, but a little pricey.Overall, I will not return because the service was poor. I did not like feeling rushed (we were out before they even closed) and my meal was puny."

Ocho Rios True Island Cuisine

★★★★☆ 3.5 (30) • $

"Umm Yeah.....this is GOOD stuff. The other 2 Yelpers were spot on when reviewing this place. The neighborhood is a bit sketchy and you place your order thru bullet proof glass, but the FOOD was fantastic!!I ordered the medium portion of curry chicken (sizes are medium and large). My entree came with rice/beans, cabbage and plantain bread ball which was delicious. The curry chicken, consisted of a very generous portion of whole cut-up chicken with cubes of potato swimming in a delicious curry broth. The rice and cabbage were delicious too. Everything was well seasoned, generously portioned and freshly prepared. I ordered the large portion of jerk chicken for my husband, the portion was huge! The chicken was spicy, but oh so tasty. I can't wait to return!"

Bless Up Jamaican Restaurant

★★★★★ 4.8 (15)

"BLESSUP, CLEVELAND! BlessUp Jamaican is so right and authentic!!! They prepare their original jerk marinade themselves in the real way that can't be captured in a store bought bottle. The chicken is jerked with freshly ground herbs and then grilled low and slow over fire to let the flavors marry over heat. The formula of their great marinade and the attentive care they put into cooking results in EXCELLENCE. Savory and juicy bites of island chicken, bone in and packed with flavor! Count me in!Word seems to be traveling fast as everyone is telling each other about this new Jamaican spot. Yesterday I had the pleasure of meeting a couple visiting from Brooklyn New York who heard about this place by word of mouth.Maybe you'll hear about it again from people who know you love food, but remember you also heard it from me! BlessUp's jerk chicken is jamming, and I would drive from anywhere for it.If you're a beginner to Jamaican cuisine, let them know how much heat you can handle when they offer to top up your rice and peas with some sauce. Best likes the sweet sauce on his rice. If I have to choose a first experience for friends who have never had Jamaican food, this is one of the places in Cleveland I would PROUDLY go to. It's simply THAT good. Don't say no to yourself. Remember the name. BLESSUP!!From whatever direction, I would drive extra miles from anywhere to get a bite here. And of course you know! They also have festival, oxtail, chick curry, goat stew, and snapper escovitch too! Guys, I've told you about my ongoing love for Ela's on 305 (read that review!) Now you know I would never steer you wrong! Go to BlessUp! Eat good!!!!! They don't miss!!! And they are so nice!!!If you're happy this week, it's probably because you got to enjoy some really good food here :D woo hoo!"

Palm Tree Jerk Restaurant

★☆☆☆☆ 1 (1)

"The jerk chicken quesadilla tasted like dirty dishes. It was also very small. The service was ok it could be better"

Caribe Soul Cafe

★★★★★ 4.9 (8) • $

"What a boon to the Lorain county food scene!! The owner is 110% personality and fire. Her restaurant is new and stylish with a lively atmosphere. The food. The pastelillos: beef, chicken, pork were excellent. Packed with meat and seasoned up so you could enjoy them plain or dress them up in a sweet and spicy island sauce. The rice and Mac salad were plentiful alongside our smoked pork ribs. We devoured the dinner and got a second round of pastelillos. I failed in the ok tire taking category because I was too hungry, my apologies... I will do better. For the time being, she indicated they will be doing 1 entree a day Wednesday through Sunday. Call ahead to see what she has! It's going to be good, but I'd hate for you to arrive looking for a robust menu, only to find the simplicity of a single offering :)The island coffee rounded out our lunch and prepared us to conquer the world. Cafe au leche. What a treat!!! I'm only the 2nd Yelp review? That boggles my mind, as I now consider this a must stop."

Ela’s Caribbean Grill

★★★★★ 4.7 (42) • $$

"You don't have to travel to Kingston to savor the exciting flavor of Jamaican food - this place has exactly what you need! I found this place by chance as I was driving by and noticed the signage. Since I was hungry I decided to stop in. The interior is setup more like a takeout establishment, with roughly two tables to sit at if you want to eat inside. I had a serving of beans and rice and a Jamaican chicken patty, which closely resembles an empanada. Both were delicious and full of flavor. The best part, the prices were more than reasonable and the individuals behind the counter were friendly and cordial. I will be definitely be back soon!"

Kingston 12 Jamaican Cuisine

★★★★☆ 4.3 (6)

"Legit Jamaican. The sauce is actually is pretty spicy. Ask Shawn for a taste as it is not for the faint of heart. I had 3 wings with extra spicy jerk sauce and cabbage. Nice little snack as I just hiked 9 miles on an empty stomach"

Unruly Jamaican Cuisine

★★★★★ 4.6 (14)

"Well now. After passing by several times, I decided to say was the day to give this place a try. Here's what I like: Miss A is very personable. The location is a throwback of all the great "hole-in the-wall" spots but it's clean and bright!The food: First of all, I'm a foodie. This means I really enjoy every aspect of food. Presentation, taste, ambiance, music. Everything! During the pandemic, with dine-in options reduced significantly, we're all left wondering what food will taste like and if it loses any of its quality or flavor due to the delayed ability to enjoy it immediately. Well, this is not the case with this place. The jerk is spicy, flavorful and absolutely delicious. Be warned, food quantities are limited. So you'll need to get your order sooner than later. Interesting to know: this restaurant used to be located in the Buckeye neighborhood and recently relocated. I not only plan to attend but also recommend trying it for you"

iRiE Jamaican Kitchen - Shaker Heights

★★★★☆ 3.9 (13)

"I was in Cleveland recently and found myself wanting to try some new places (I'm not a local). So when I found iRiE I was thrilled.After having some authentic Jamaican recently while on vacation I have been intrigued to try more. The location was reasonably close to my hotel so I thought why not? The options were good, staff was friendly, and the prices are unbeatable! I had the Curry Chicken, rice and "peas", and cabbage and plantains. I must say I enjoyed every bit of it. To be honest I could have had seconds! I placed my order and was in and out in under 10 minutes. This is a great place to get Caribbean flair food and for the price it is outstanding! Next time I'm in the area I'll be sure to try them again!"

Bratenahl Kitchen

★★★★☆ 3.7 (45) • $$

"Bratenahl Kitchen is pretty much just that - a kitchen, behind a bulletproof window, with a table inside and a covered patio outside. Food - amazing. Vibe - shady as f***. What it lacks in hipster appeal, it makes up for with plenty of personality and flavor. I drove up to one of the handful of parking spots located right off the road and had to double check that the "OPEN" sign was lit because it didn't look like anyone was inside the tiny shack, or the decrepit, tinier shack next door. Luckily, the door was unlocked and bells jingled to alert the proprietor/cook of my presence. The menu is succinct, but it was hard not to be distracted by the graffiti covering every surface (even the ceiling), all heartily endorsing the authenticity and tastiness of the food. A good sign. All the items are competitively priced too since the menu price includes tax. (But definitely include tip if you're happy with your meal.) Going with my gut, I projected at the ear behind the plastic that I wanted Shrimp Sautee. He nodded and disappeared into the domain of his kitchen. The place has a smell like spoiled vegetables and unwashed rags, which wasn't the most pleasant to wait in, but I hoped the graffiti wasn't wrong. One of the four chairs around the lone table was my temporary perch. An unseen radio was broadcasting some Winter Olympics event, so at least I didn't have to wait in silence. You may also choose to amuse yourself by reading the various signage, including the answer to the question, "Is there a public bathroom?" on the door to the kitchen (No) and "Am I safe here?" (Yes, potential goonies beware of the owner), and a myriad of religious fixtures. In short order my shrimp came, smelling a hundred times more fragrant than the rest of the dining area. He showed me my order in a takeout box through the window, an exchange of cash was made, and I collected my goods. All the utensils are disposable, so I guess a lot of labor is saved by not having to wash anything but the cookware. Now, the food - DELICIOUS. Like, currently salivating while thinking about it delicious. The shrimp were fluffy and covered in a rich, sweet, and smoky sauce. Fresh black peppercorns added a kick to the meal, and even the rice and beans I couldn't shovel into my mouth fast enough. These portions will definitely keep the munchies away for a few hours. I will be returning to try everything on the menu."

Irie Jamaican Kitchen

★★★★☆ 4.1 (76)

"You don't have to fly to Montego Bay to try Jamaican food, you can find it right here in Cleveland! I was on my lunch break and wanted something different, so a quick internet search led me to Irie. While not a sitdown restaurant, there are numerous dishes that are sure to suit a variety of tastes.The menu is comprised of dishes that include chicken, beef, oxtail, and sides such as plantains and mac & cheese. The portion sizes range from a bowl (small) to a box (large). Upon walking in there were a few patrons waiting in line which gave me ample time to decide on what to order. I opted for the vegan bowl, which came with rice and mango salsa and was topped with plantains. Overall, Irie serves healthy and delicious choice that is bursting with flavor!"

Johnny Mango World Cafe & Bar

★★★★☆ 3.7 (335) • $$

"Visited Johnny Mango with family due to a recent birthday party there. I knew in advance that we would be visiting because it was to be a surprise gathering, so I had time to review the menu. Parking can be a challenge in this neighborhood, so expect that when you visit.The building that this venue is situated in is large, but the venue within the building is very small - one room. We were seated at the back of the room next to the kitchen. Our waitress was fast and attentive, but she didn't get my dinner request correct. Initially, I requested a regular margarita, which was just okay, if not a little weak. I had a second one and it was also weak. Then I drank some of my cousin's pitcher of frozen margarita and it was also weak.For dinner, I requested shrimp fried rice as it looked appetizing and a person at the table suggested it. A good while later, I was served chicken fried rice and my waitress asked if she would like me to have the kitchen make shrimp fried rice, as that is what I requested. I agreed and while everyone was eating, they asked me where my food was. About 10 minutes later, I was served shrimp fried rice along with bread and some kind of dark brown spread. Well, the dark brown spread was darn tasty and I ate all of it on the bread. Very good. The shrimp fried rice was just okay. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't great either. The food quality was very good.My wife enjoyed her Bangkok chicken, but she didn't care for the rest of her plate. She said the chicken was delicious and I agreed. I loved the greens it was served with - those were legit.Since this place is so far from home, we probably won't make a special visit unless there is another family gathering."

Irie Jamaican Kitchen

★★★★☆ 4.2 (131) • $

"I was told to go here. I was also told I wouldn't be disappointed. And boy was I glad I came. This place has amazing food. I ordered the spicy chicken and it came with rice and beans. Some plantains and stewed cabbage. Everything tasted great. Everything was cooked properly. The staff was helpful and friendly. I can't wait to go back."

Pica Pollo West

★★★★☆ 4.3 (8)

"Delightful place! Their fried chicken is great and flavourful, of course, but don't miss out on the empanadas and the sides. Also, the desserts are amazing! I haven't tried any of the fish dishes but they seem to be popular. One tip is to ask about daily specials because they always have something that's not listed on the menu, like octopus salad. The rice changes every day, too.Very friendly people, seems to be family owned as the kids are always helping out at the counter. Bilingual as well. It's fast casual, and one of the cleanest little restaurants."

Yum Village

★★★★☆ 4.4 (37)

"HOO BOY, I still haven't been to this spot in person, but after trying their food at a catered event, I haven't been able to stop thinking about it. Everything we had was vegetarian -- and everything was delicious. In still dreaming about the ginger curry chickpeas and need to go into the restaurant for them ASAP. The akara was interesting, sort of reminiscent of cornbread meets falafel, and the spicy bean stew made for a super-cozy bowl of warmth. Special shoutout to the plantains, which served as my dessert because I couldn't get enough of them. Can't wait to go in and try this spot in person. I might just need to work my way through the entire menu!"

Taste of Jamaica

★★★★☆ 4.1 (89) • $$

"I went to Ohio and discover this little gem in a strip mall. It's a small take out place that gets quite BUSY We ordered and waited for our food to come and ended up being pleasantly surprised. The jerk chicken was spicy but delicious and the cabbage nice and tender. The jamaican beef patty was FULL of flavor. But the lips were burning so a bottle of water was necessary. Definitely worth the visit"

UJerk Caribbean Eatery

★★★★★ 4.5 (47)

"I re-tried this place after a poorly guided experience left me in pain from overly spicy foods last time. The kind owner reached out and told me there were choices when it comes to sauce here and so I chose the reggae ginger which is a sweet but not too sweet sauce to cover my boneless (by choice this time) chicken platter. The jerk spice itself was still spicy but not unmanageably so. I could actually appreciate the clove and other delicious spices in the jerk seasoning now and the boneless chicken chunks were not minefields of bone slivers and weren't dry either!! The fries were moist and lightly crispy on the outside with nothing soggy. I am so glad I returned. Two huge huge suggestions for uJerk:The menu online and in person doesn't say anything about sauce choices. This is a big miss and will lead people to choose what they don't necessarily want most e.g. me inadvertently getting the default super spicy sauce my first time as I had no idea to ask for sauce of my choice. You MUST put the sauce list on the menu!Second, there are no sugar free drinks available. There is only Jamaican soda and lemonade which leaves out a lot of customers who cannot drink the super sugary stuff."

Caribbean Delight

★★★★☆ 4.4 (27)

"So I consider this sort of food as comfort food. We got the jerk chicken meal, with sauce. The spice blend was so flavorful and the rice and peas were hearty and delicious. The pickled warm cabbage goes great with the chicken and rice. I got the wings and Mac and cheese special as well. I didn't care for the wings, too fatty for my liking but my boyfriend liked them. The max and cheese was very cheesy. I should've put some hot sauce on it but it was great. I wanted plantains but the woman working told me they would take ten minutes and I could tell she didn't feel like making them. So I'll get them next time when we both aren't in a rush. Very low key, authentic spot. You go in, order and leave."

KJ's Caribbean & Soul Food

★★★★★ 4.6 (5)

"Was skeptical about ordering soul food from a spot I've never been to. But this place didn't disappoint. I ordered the Jerk Chicken, wasn't like the BBQ'd jerk like the Jamaican spot but a saucy jerk. Was really good. A healthy portion of Rice and Peace and succulent cabbage 10/10 will be ordering again (didn't mean for that to rhyme). I'm a fireman at Randell so others will be ordering too"

Jamaica's Drumpon Jerk

★★★★☆ 3.7 (23)

"I ordered two medium jerk chicken dinners. The chicken was very tender and seasoned to perfection. The dinner comes with rice and peas and cabbage also very good. They are very generous with the amount of food for a medium. I would dine here again. The lady at the register was friendly."

Jamerican Kitchen Cafe

★★★★☆ 4.1 (21)

"One of the best Jamaican spots around. I'm happy I found this place on Yelp. I went on a Saturday and they even had a DJ, felt like I was at dance hall. Call ahead if you are getting seafood. I know the chicken curry is ready to go."

Island Cuisine

★★★★☆ 3.6 (21)

"I wanted Jamaican food, so I decided to patronize. When I entered, the first thing I noticed was no menu. There was a faded paper with a couple items listed, that was difficult to read taped to the huge glass. It was difficult to hear the worker, and since the food was covered and there were no pictures, I had to just ask which dishes were available today.The worker didn't seem very cordial, but he did answer my question. I asked for jerk chicken and he asked if I wanted spicy or BBQ, but I didn't hear him. I almost left when he asked what kind I wanted because of his tone. I mentioned I didn't hear him the first time over the music that was playing. I'm glad I didn't leave as my food was good. I just wish there was an online menu and one in the store. The music volume could be lowered and guests were not greeted when they entered. I may try them again...maybe. I will patronize some other Caribbean restaurants first."