Are you kidding me? Duck, pork, beef, fish--every single dish was superbly prepared. I honestly…read morecan't think of one thing I didn't enjoy. We showed up on a Thursday evening without reservations, and they had no problem seating our party of three. For the level of flavor and execution, the portion sizes were surprisingly generous. It's been over two hours since we left, and I'm still thinking about the meal--that says everything. Great job, St. James. BB

St James - Modern Caribbean knows exactly what it's doing, and more importantly, it doesn't…read moreoverexplain it. Start with the Aloo and Channa pies and crab accras, order a cocktail early, and do not be surprised if your server is already one step ahead of you. We let Tim lead, which was the right decision. Not just knowledgeable, intuitive. The kind of service where you feel guided, not managed. He brought extra garlic aioli before we asked, we laughed, because he was absolutely right. That set the tone. The Aloo and Channa pies came out crisp and golden, with a filling that was warm, spiced, and balanced. Not heavy, not trying to prove anything, just well executed. The crab accras followed, light, clean fry, no grease, which matters. The sauces did their job. Each one added something instead of just sitting there looking pretty. Cocktails held their own. The West Indian Old Fashioned had depth without getting muddy. The Savannah was bright and easy in the best way. Together, they framed the food instead of competing with it. Then the Bake & Fish sandwiches. Solid on their own, but Tim brought lemon slices without prompting, and that was the move. That little hit of acid sharpened everything. Same intuition, twice. That's not luck. The kitchen shows restraint, which is where the confidence lives. This isn't "let's throw spice at it and call it Caribbean." The flavor is intentional, layered, and controlled. You can taste the difference. The only thing to know, the energy builds. What starts as dinner leans toward lounge as the night goes on. If you want quiet, time it right. If you want atmosphere, you're exactly where you should be. We will definitely be back.

Celebrate Black History month by supporting Black owned businesses…read more I attended a fun cigar event held in the VIP room on the second floor of SETA Oasis, which featured an open bar. We ordered a variety of chicken wings, along with french fries and some light fare. The VIP room has a lively ambiance, equipped with four large-screen TVs, seating for 60 people, making it perfect for events. From the outside, the building appears smaller than it actually is, as it's a multi-level venue that can host various events simultaneously. The restaurant downstairs offers a Caribbean menu that has received positive reviews, particularly for its brunch. It's also heartwarming to note that the restaurant is named in honor of the owner's late mother, Seta, adding a personal touch to the experience. I plan to return and explore more of their offerings in the future.

This is a newer Caribbean inspired restaurant that I've checked out a couple times and it's been…read moreconsistent each time. It looks small and unsuspecting on the outside but it's a spacious multi-level venue with multiple bars tv's and a rooftop patio area. On a recent outing I got to try out their brunch menu which included items like waffles, shrimp and grits, jerk chicken with rice & peas, and fried fish. The staff are always very attentive and pleasant and the service generally timely. I decided to go with the steak and eggs combo which came with breakfast potatoes. The items overall were delicious, the ribeye was perfectly cooked and the potatoes well-seasoned. They also host a variety of themed events throughout the week like their Tuesday karoake nights so definitely check them out whenever you're in the area and in need of a good meal and even better vibes!

Caribbean Grill is a small, local spot serving tasty, Caribbean-inspired food with a clear Latin…read moreAmerican fusion twist. You would only know this if you were brought up on Caribbean seasonings. The beef empanada was a standout--unlike any I've had before--with a subtly sweet dough wrapper and a rich, stew-style filling inside. The rotisserie chicken (the most popular order) was freshly cooked, juicy, and well-seasoned, though it could use just a bit more punch. The Masitas de puerco (pork cubes) were moist and not overcooked, and the veggies--broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower--were fresh and thoughtfully prepared. Worth noting: the staff isn't Caribbean, so expect a Latin American interpretation rather than strictly traditional Caribbean flavors. Still, solid food, honest execution, and a worthwhile neighborhood stop.

Run, don't walk, to The Caribbean Grill! I just discovered…read morethis gem yesterday and enjoyed it so much, I had to order it again for lunch today--and it did not disappoint. The food is fresh, flavorful, and absolutely delicious. The chicken is perfectly seasoned, the yellow rice is light and fluffy, the beans are rich and well-spiced, and the plantains are just the right level of ripeness. Pure comfort and flavor in every bite.

So I honestly wavered between 4 and 5 stars, but it was the friendliness of the staff that pushed…read moreme to a 5. The food was great though! Jerk Chicken - very tender and delicious! The heat doesn't hit you right away, kinda sneaks up on you at the end, but not too hot at all. Great flavor though! Black Beans - A little on the salty side, but, holy delicious! Greens - Best greens I've ever had with no meat. Again, a little salty, but absolutely would get again. Potato salad - A+! So good! Sweet potatoes- like the candied yams style. These were more like a desert than a side. They were good though. Lemonade- the lemonade is made with dark sugar, so it almost resembles an Arnold Palmer, but it was great! The place was very clean, but the staff was A++! Almost went somewhere else, so happy I decided to come here instead!

This review is coming to you from an actual JAMAICAN. This…read moreis NOT authentic Jamaican cuisine. The menu selection was a hint: what kind of Jamaican restaurant doesn't serve plantain? In addition, there were a number of items that aren't even considered ethnic staples. I was not a fan of how the curry or brown stew looked. With that being said, not only was I disappointed with the food, I was also disappointed with the service. The things I initially ordered were not available but rather than tell me that they disappeared into the back without telling me if or when they would be ready. After playing the waiting game, I decided to order something that was already out. The oxtail was pretty good (8/10) but nothing else on my plate was worth eating, including the rice. The callaloo wasn't nasty it just wasn't right (6/10), but the cabbage was the worst (4/10). It was too much ginger? And it didn't seem cooked down all the way. I would only recommend this spot to Americans (who've never had Jamaican food).

If you're in the area and want to grab a quick Caribbean meal then this is the place for you! It's…read morea walk up Jamaican "experience" ;therefore, you just walk up and order at the window. Very convenient and efficient!!

FINALLYYYYY! Authentic Jamaican cuisine!! Omggg!! True flavorful island food! By far the best curry…read morein the DMV!!! Negril please take note!!

The angry jerk is definitely the Jamaican version of chipotle, but better…read more Jerk chicken: check Brown stewed chicken: check Plantains, tropical coleslaw, Jamaican mac & cheese, rice and peas: check You can build your own bowl for a quick lunch option, or order a 1/2 jerk chicken to take home and make your own sides. Long story short, the angry jerk is definitely giving a 10/10.

Food had great flavors. Quite similar to Chipotle where you select your protein, base and sides…read more Menu takes a few minutes to read and figure out which way to proceed. I was going to order 1/2 Jerk Chicken and 2 sides, however they explained that they did not have a chef on hand, so there were only build your own bowls available. That was sort of a bummer. I ordered a Jerk Chicken bowl with Lo Mein noodles, and a few veggie toppings. The plantain was too overcooked on the outside, and slightly undercooked on the inside. So whomever cooked it, the heat was up too high because it blackened the plantain too fast. They should be golden, not charred. The Mac and cheese was absolutely phenomenal. I think they make it with smoked gouda?? I don't know, but whatever the secret ingredient is, it was amazing. The lady that made my bowl was friendly. If I'm around DuPont Circle again, and don't feel like cooking, I will return.

I guess this place is just now reopening because the restaurant was empty. Although we were the…read moreonly patrons in there, the DJ was rockingggggggg!!! Every song he played was a bop. The food was . This was my first time trying Doubles and It was so good. If you're a fan of chickpeas and curry, it's a great starter. I had the mixed platter with curry chicken, curry shrimp and oxtail with basmati rice and spinach. It was sooooooo delicious. A healthy portion so I was able to take half home. Parking is horrible so brace yourself. I'm going back for sure!

So I have actually tasted this before and thought it was so amazing I need to go to the new…read morerestaurant! For me the service was excellent. I mean there was only another couple at the time I visited but also the food came out quickly so huge plus! And the restaurant is spacious and casual so enough space for large parties. Overall I enjoyed it but there are a couple things that fell short! I ordered the chicken roti platter. 1.The roti! It's a very small portion served in a small coconut shaped bowl compared to the amount of food you got on the platter. I thought more was coming and unfortunately it was balled up in shredded little pieces that were kind of dry and i couldn't eat it properly with my sides. I thought maybe I had a bad batch but my friend had the same portion and complaint. Unfortunately no pic of that. 2: Honestly the plating is meant to be aesthetically pleasing but it was very hard to eat bone-in chicken out of a bowl on a saucer full of more bowls with a knife and fork. It was better when I took it to go and had a plate at home. Please reconsider this for the diners experience. 3. The doubles was my fave! It's a small app but very delicious and had a slight kick to it.

Four stars is a lot for a food truck, but the meal was well prepared and good quality, so the stars…read moreare well-earned. I felt that I got my money's worth for my oxtails with rice and peas and steamed cabbage. I have heard that several people in my building are faithful regulars so I had to try for myself!

They got everything right!…read more Rice and peas bursting with flavor- check Tender and delicious oxtails- check Cabbage that still has body- check They also reduced the wait by taking people's orders while waiting in line so all you had to do is get your order and pay once you got to the window. Two thumbs up and a bottle of ginger beer!

THIRD TIMES THE CHARM!…read more This is my second time dining at Lydia's on H (third visit). My first time was Valentine's Day, and the restaurant, while calm, was chaotic, AKA the full menu was not available. The second attempt to dine there, the staff member (whose name I forgot, please charge it to my head and not my heart!) informed us before we sat down that the evening service was a limited menu. To entice us to return and ensure consistent customer-centric service, the bar manager invited us to return on the first night and asked the staff to inform us when we arrived. Sure enough, the next day, when we arrived, there was a note for the staff informing them that they should be expecting us. The vibe in Lydia's is always chill! The music is always good and at a volume where you and others can still enjoy each other's company with conversation if desired. Overall, the food, service, and ambiance at this establishment should be the standard for many others. Well done, Lydia's. We are excited to come back and try the steak-and-cheese egg rolls next time.

Food looks better than it tastes...just hear me out!…read more We decided to close out Black History Month by supporting a Black-owned establishment, very intentional, very on brand for us. It was also my first time trying Malawian cuisine, so I was genuinely excited to experience something different. I went with a group of friends after an event, which worked out perfectly because we were able to taste a little bit of everything. I ordered the Brussels sprouts as my starter; they were good, nicely seasoned. My only issue? Timing. They didn't come out first. Everyone else had their food, and my "starter" came right before my entrée, which kind of defeated the purpose. For my main, I had the shrimp and salmon rasta pasta. It was good...creamy, flavorful, but definitely spicy. Not unbearable, just be prepared if heat isn't your thing. My mocktail was refreshing and good too... just small. A couple real sips and it was gone. Overall, the service was good. They were accommodating and made sure our group was seated comfortably, even moving tables around so we had a better setup. I appreciated that. The ambiance was very Black eclectic: cool R&B vibes, nice energy, a solid spot to gather and vibe. Checl out my pics! I'll be rating each dish I tried on a 10 point scale. Would I return? Probably not. It wasn't bad; it just didn't wow me. And in the DMV, there are way too many other spots on my list to try.

Dogon gave my wife and me one of the best dining experiences we've ever had in our lives, and we've…read morebeen to a lot of restaurants. We came yesterday for our anniversary, and from start to finish, everything was exceptional. First, our waiter Rafael was superb. He truly made the entire experience feel top tier. Every recommendation he gave us -- from the dishes to the drinks -- was absolutely on point. His service, attention, and energy took an already amazing meal to another level. We've been to their sister restaurant, Tatiana, and really enjoyed it, but I have to say Dogon completely blew us away. The flavors, the spices, and the textures were all perfect. We had the charbroiled oysters, Benne's Bowl, Mom Dukes Shrimp, the coconut curry branzino, and finished with the rum cake. Every single dish was outstanding. The food tasted so rich, soulful, and layered -- it honestly felt like I was eating in a friend's Caribbean grandmother's home. A huge thank you to Kwame, Michael, and Rafael for making our anniversary dinner so special. We are not DMV locals, but we will absolutely be back this summer.

Celebrated my birthday here earlier this year. The food, service, and music were all fantastic…read more Additionally there was a delay with our oxtail dish in the kitchen, after our greens dish had already been brought out and got cold because we wanted to enjoy the dishes together. I say this to say our server was very attentive and made sure to have the kitchen bring us out another hot greens dish at the same time as our oxtail dish, WITHOUT us asking. Top notch customer service and attention to detail. Definitely a great experience with the ambiance to match.