New York City’s food scene has lots of tastes, and Caribbean food is a big part of this mix. The bright flavors of the islands have made a home in the Big Apple, thanks to the many Caribbean people who have moved to NYC.
Did you know that around 60% of all Caribbean immigrants in the US live between NYC and Miami? This has brought a rich mix of cultures, especially in the food. From Jamaican jerk chicken to Trinidadian roti, Caribbean tastes are now a key part of NYC’s food identity.
For years, real Caribbean places to eat were mostly in Brooklyn, Queens, and The Bronx. These small spots served island tastes to immigrants and showed locals new flavors. But that’s changing, and Manhattan now has newer Caribbean restaurants that are as good as fine dining places.
These modern Caribbean eateries are making new dishes that mix traditional island tastes with creative ideas. Imagine biting into a flatbread pizza with ackee and shrimp, or enjoying coconut-crusted salmon with soursop glaze. These fun creations show how Caribbean food in NYC is growing, giving diners fresh ways to enjoy familiar flavors.
Omar’s Kitchen & Rum Bar
- Address : 29A Clinton St, New York, NY 10002, United States.
- Open Hours :
- Monday to Friday : 4–11 pm.
- Saturday and Sunday : 11 am–12 am.
- Open in Google Map : Link
Tucked away in the Lower East Side, Omar’s Kitchen & Rum Bar is a hidden spot that’s putting a new spin on Caribbean food. This modern eatery mixes island tastes with fresh cooking ideas.
Chef Omar leads the kitchen, and his Jamaican roots and trips around the Caribbean show in every plate. His menu is a love note to the islands, highlighting the bright fruits and veggies that make Caribbean food so special.
- Bite into the Hibiscus Glazed Lamb, a perfect mix of sweet and salty. Or try the Coconut Curry Oxtail, a comfy dish that’ll take you right to the tropics.
- Sip creative cocktails like the Fire Island, a spicy-cool cucumber margarita with a hot pepper kick. For a fruity drink, try the Shotta Love Story, a tasty blend of cognac, soursop, and passion fruit.
Find Omar’s Kitchen & Rum Bar at 29A Clinton St, where Caribbean flavors meet New York City style.
Kokomo Caribbean Restaurant
- Address :65 Kent Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249, United States
- Open Hours :
- Saturday : 11 am–3:30 pm, 5 pm–4 am
- Sunday : 11 am–3:30 pm, 5–11 pm
- Tuesday : 4–10:30 pm
- Wednesday : 4–10:30 pm
- Thursday : 4–10:30 pm
- Friday : 11 am–3:30 pm, 5 pm–4 am
- Open in Google Map : Link
Kokomo is the talk of Williamsburg, known for its creative flatbreads and fun block parties. This isn’t just a meal – it’s a full Caribbean adventure that’ll wake up all your senses.
The restaurant’s look takes you to a tropical place, while the menu sends your taste buds on a trip through fancy island food. It’s a nice mix of Jamaican and Trinidadian styles, showing the owners’ mixed roots.
- Don’t skip the Wah Gwan Flatbread – it’s a burst of flavor with sautéed ackee, grilled shrimp, and a zingy hot pepper cilantro sauce.
- For a crunchy bite, try the Curry Rock Shrimp Tempura. Vegans, be happy! The Lentil Meatballs in Coconut Curry Sauce are a plant-based treat you won’t want to miss.
Have a taste of Kokomo’s Caribbean magic at 65 Kent Ave, Brooklyn. Your mouth will thank you!
Jasmine’s Caribbean Cuisine
- Address : 371 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036, United States
- Open Hours :
- Sunday : 2–10:30 pm
- Tuesday to Friday : 4–10:30 pm
- Saturday : 2–11:30 pm
- Open in Google Map : Link
Step into Jasmine’s and you’ll feel like you’ve been taken to a beach eatery in the Caribbean. This Hell’s Kitchen hot spot brings the islands to you, no travel needed.
From the second you walk in, the bright decor, island beats, and yummy smells set the scene for a food journey. Jasmine’s menu is a tasty tour of the Caribbean, with flavors from Dominica, Antigua, St. Thomas, Trinidad, and Jamaica.
- Start your island trip with crispy codfish fritters or their perfectly spiced jerk chicken – both are crowd favorites.
- For a real star dish, order the Escovitch Fish. This whole red snapper is a feast for the eyes and taste buds. The Jazzy Pasta is another must-try, giving a unique Caribbean twist to Italian comfort food.
Find your piece of paradise at 371 W 46th St, New York. And here’s a sweet tip: save space for the Carrot Cake. It’s the perfect tropical end to your meal!
Miss Lily’s
- Address : 132 W Houston St, New York, NY 10012, United States
- Open in Google Map : Link
Miss Lily’s led the way for Caribbean food in Manhattan, bringing island tastes to the masses. This food pioneer has been serving up Caribbean treats since 2014, earning a loyal crowd of locals and visitors.
Now in the heart of the Lower East Side, Miss Lily’s keeps wowing diners with its lively vibe and real flavors. The restaurant’s new spot perfectly captures the neighborhood’s energy while taking you to a Caribbean escape.
- Rum lovers, be happy! Miss Lily’s has an impressive Rum Bar with over 100 kinds of Caribbean rum. From smooth sippers to bold mixes, there’s a rum for every taste.
- Enjoy crowd-pleasers like the zingy Jerk Corn, creamy Ackee Hummus, and spicy Hot Pepper Shrimp. These dishes show the bold tastes and varied ingredients of Caribbean cuisine.
Have the Miss Lily’s magic at 109 Avenue A. Whether you’re new to Caribbean food or a long-time fan, this spot promises a flavor-filled journey.
Negril Village
- Address :70 W 3rd St, New York, NY 10012, United States
- Open Hours :
- Sunday, 2–10 pm
- Wednesday, 5–11 pm
- Thursday, 5–11 pm
- Friday, 5 pm–12 am
- Saturday, 2 pm–12 am
- Open in Google Map : Link
Negril Village brings a touch of Jamaican class to busy SoHo streets. This upscale eatery has made waves by lifting classic island dishes to new levels of food artistry.
At Negril, familiar Jamaican favorites get a fancy makeover. The chefs here skillfully mix traditional tastes with modern cooking methods, making dishes that are both comfortingly familiar and excitingly new.
- Enjoy their melt-in-your-mouth oxtail, perfectly spiced jerk chicken, juicy curry shrimp, or the classic ackee and saltfish. Each dish is a tribute to Jamaica’s rich food heritage, reimagined for the picky New York palate.
Find this slice of Jamaican paradise at 70 W 3rd St. Negril Village offers a dining experience that’s as much a treat for the eyes as it is for the taste buds.
Bamboo Walk
- Address : 1343 Utica Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11203, United States
- Open Hours :
- Sunday, 11 am–9 pm
- Monday, 11 am–9 pm
- Tuesday to Thursday : 11 am–11 pm
- Friday and Saturday : 11 am–12 am
- Open in Google Map : Link
Bamboo Walk in Brooklyn is redefining the Caribbean dining experience. This one-of-a-kind spot offers many ways to enjoy island food, catering to different dining likes and styles.
From fine dining to casual takeout, Bamboo Walk has it all. Enjoy a romantic meal in their nice dining room, soak up the tropical vibes in their outdoor cabanas, or grab a quick bite at their creative drive-thru – the first of its kind for Caribbean food in the northeast!
- The menu is a delightful mix of Jamaican and Haitian flavors, reflecting the diverse roots of the owners. This unique blend makes a food experience you won’t find anywhere else in the city.
- Savor Jamaican classics like Braised Oxtail alongside Haitian treats such as Griot. Each dish tells a story of cultural mixing and food innovation.
Have this Caribbean food adventure at 1343 Utica Ave, NYC. Whether you’re in the mood for a fancy night out or a quick tropical treat, Bamboo Walk has got you covered.
Conclusion
New York City’s Caribbean food scene is a lively mix of tastes, offering everything from traditional island dishes to creative fusion plates. These six restaurants are just the start, each bringing its own unique take on Caribbean cuisine.
I encourage you to go on a food adventure through these eateries. Whether you’re craving the spicy kick of jerk chicken or the smooth sweetness of rum cocktails, there’s a Caribbean spot in NYC waiting to excite your taste buds. Don’t just stick to one – each restaurant offers a different view on island food.
With June being Caribbean American Heritage Month, there’s no better time to explore these tropical flavors. Why not make it your goal to visit all six spots? It’s a tasty way to celebrate the rich cultural contributions of Caribbean Americans to our city. So grab your friends, bring your appetite, and get ready to experience the warmth and passion of Caribbean food right here in the Big Apple!