New York City is a melting pot of cultures, and its food scene reflects that diversity. If you’re craving bold flavors, aromatic spices, and authentic island vibes, you don’t need to book a flight to the Caribbean—you can find some of the best Caribbean cuisine right here in NYC! From Jamaican jerk chicken to Trini doubles, these top 10 Caribbean restaurants in New York City will transport you straight to the islands.
1. Miss Lily’s (Manhattan)
📍 Location: SoHo & East Village🌟
Best For: Jamaican cuisine with a modern twist
Miss Lily’s is one of the most popular Caribbean restaurants in NYC, known for its lively atmosphere, reggae beats, and mouthwatering dishes. Their jerk chicken, oxtail stew, and coconut corn are must-tries, and their rum punch is the perfect way to wash it all down.
2. The Simpson Restaurant | Caribbean & Soul Food (Brooklyn)
📍 Location: Crown Heights🌟
Best For: A fusion of Caribbean and Southern soul food
The Simpson Restaurant blends Caribbean spices with classic soul food, offering dishes like jerk lamb chops, fried catfish, and curry shrimp. Their cocktails and stylish ambiance make it a great spot for brunch, dinner, or a night out with friends.
3. Peppa’s Jerk Chicken (Brooklyn & Queens)
📍 Location: Crown Heights, Flatbush, Jamaica (Queens)🌟
Best For: Authentic Jamaican jerk chicken
If you're looking for the best jerk chicken in NYC, Peppa’s Jerk Chicken is a go-to spot. Cooked over pimento wood, their smoky, flavorful chicken is served with rice and peas or festival (sweet fried dough).
The long lines are a testament to its deliciousness!
4. Negril Village (Manhattan)
📍 Location: Greenwich Village🌟
Best For: Upscale Caribbean dining
Negril Village offers a fusion of Caribbean flavors with a touch of elegance. Their seafood specialties, like escovitch snapper and curry shrimp, are crowd favorites. Don’t leave without trying their famous rum punch or Red Stripe beer.
5. Gloria’s Caribbean Cuisine (Brooklyn)
📍 Location: Crown Heights
🌟 Best For: Trinidadian and Guyanese dishes
For a taste of Trinidad and Guyana, Gloria’s Caribbean Cuisine is a must-visit. Their doubles, roti, and curry goat are full of authentic island flavors. It’s a no-frills spot, but the food speaks for itself.
6. The Door (Queens)
📍 Location: Jamaica, Queens
🌟 Best For: Homestyle Jamaican food
The Door is a hidden gem serving up some of the best homestyle Caribbean meals in NYC. Their brown stew chicken, ackee and saltfish, and oxtail are incredibly flavorful. The restaurant offers both buffet-style and à la carte dining.
7. Suede (Brooklyn)
📍 Location: East Flatbush
🌟 Best For: Caribbean fine dining
If you want an elevated Caribbean dining experience, Suede is the place to be. Their menu features classics like curry goat and stewed snapper, along with creative cocktails. The chic ambiance makes it perfect for date night or special occasions.
8. Jalao NYC (Manhattan)
📍 Location: Times Square
🌟 Best For: Authentic Dominican cuisine with a festive atmosphere
Jalao brings the flavors of the Dominican Republic to the heart of NYC. Known for its vibrant décor, live music, and mouthwatering dishes like mofongo, sancocho, and crispy chicharrón, this restaurant is a must-visit for anyone craving Dominican flavors. Pair your meal with a refreshing passion fruit mojito for the full experience.
9. Trini-Gyul (Brooklyn)
📍 Location: Prospect Lefferts Gardens🌟 Best For: Trinidadian street food
Craving some Trini favorites? Trini-Gyul serves up delicious doubles, bake and shark, and pelau. Their homemade pepper sauce adds the perfect kick to any meal.
10. Footprints Café (Brooklyn)
📍 Location: Flatbush & Coney Island🌟 Best For: Rasta pasta and Caribbean comfort food
Footprints Café is famous for its Rasta Pasta—pasta tossed in a creamy, jerk-seasoned sauce. Their extensive menu also includes curry goat, jerk shrimp, and tropical cocktails.
NYC is home to some of the best Caribbean restaurants outside of the islands. Whether you’re craving Jamaican jerk, Trinidadian roti, or Guyanese curry, these top 10 Caribbean restaurants in NYC will satisfy your taste buds with authentic island flavors.
Which of these restaurants is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
Don't forget to share this list with your fellow food lovers!
Comments