5 Stars - One of Our Family Favorites!…read more
Mystic Jamaica in Newport News is truly a family favorite! We absolutely love Jamaican and Island food, and this spot always hits the mark. My mom swears by the oxtails here, but I've switched over to the stewed beef--you get more meat, and I'm not a fan of those little circle pieces with too much fat on the oxtails. The stewed beef gives you a better bang for your buck, and it's packed with flavor.
The beef patties (mild for me!) are another go-to--just the right amount of spice without being overwhelming. I also used to love the oxtail soup, but lately they've only been adding a few small fatty pieces. For the price, two or three bites of oxtail just isn't enough, even though the dumplings, potatoes, and red beans in the soup are delicious. If they fix that, I'll definitely go back to ordering it.
The menu is HUGE and full of delicious options:
Curried goat, chicken, beef, shrimp
Stewed chicken and beef
Callaloo & saltfish
Grilled, jerk, or fried shrimp, red snapper, king fish, salmon, tilapia, whiting, flounder, and catfish
Jerk, fried, or BBQ chicken & ribs
Cow foot, jerk pork
Roti with chicken, beef, or goat
Stewed or curried vegetables and veggie chunks
Veggie roti, veggie plates, veggie burgers
Wings in several flavors, salads, and tons of amazing sides: rice & peas, mac & cheese, cabbage, dumplings, plantains, yams, festival, fries, cornbread, and more
Don't skip dessert either--the cheesecake slices are big and beautiful!
There was a time we stopped coming because of a cook who wasn't consistent, but they're back on track now and we're LOVING it again. The food is fresh, flavorful, and filling.
A quick note: the staff may not always look cheerful, but they're great people and they work hard--so please remember to tip them well. The place is always clean, including the bathrooms, and I've never had an issue when I've visited.
Location-wise, it's convenient too--right near Fort Eustis, Newport News Park, and the Denbigh area. It's across from Dodge's Chicken and near other restaurants like a Mexican spot and the Skrimp Shack. I drive in from Hampton because it's worth the trip, and honestly, I prefer it over MP's or any Jamaican restaurants in Hampton for me personally.
Highly recommend checking this place out!