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    Island Central

    4.0 (19 reviews)
    Closed Closed
    Updated a few days ago

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    Storefront (06/24/25). @IslandCentral.NJ #JerseyCity @InTheJCHeights #FilipinoFood #Pinoy
    Jeff B.

    (Tookout 06/24/2025 TU @ 5:30pm): This island was more central to where I was staying for some Filipino food! In my quest to explore the various cuisine scenes and things to do throughout Jersey City and specifically the Heights, I finally had a chance to try Island Central after I noticed their recent opening several months prior when I was in this part of the country for work. Being a proud Pinoy, I tried my best to support all Filipino businesses (especially restaurants)... as long as the staff didn't shame me for not being able to speak or understand Ilicono or Tagalog - LOL! I've patronaged the local Filipino business nearby along Newark Ave. and Journal Square, but Island Central was now the closest to where I stayed. Would I mind being stranded on this island eatery in the Heights on Central Ave.!? PURCHASE 12pc Pork Shanghai Lumpia ($9.95): I always loved these puny pork snacks and could've easily eaten them all in one sitting. But... where was the sweet chili dipping sauce!? https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=xghTaVQaFHqvGEH8_fwcCw Pancit Canton + Chicken ($12.99 + $4.00): I've grown to understand that no two pancits were alike, but apparently, I've never had this version before! Made with noodles, sliced hard-boiled egg, celery, carrots, cabbage, scallions, green beans, and for good measure I added thick chunks of chicken, this was heavy on the vegetables and light on the noodles. I almost felt like I was eating a salad. Having said that, everything was fresh, and I felt healthier eating this version, but I had to get used to it. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=u2I0kPSA2VYllCqA2p20bw Fried Whole Tilapia ($14.99): This was one big meaty fish, and I loved it! It was lightly seasoned, the crispy skin was delectable, and I could've eaten everything, bones and all. This was finger-licking good... but where were the dipping sauces or vinegar!? https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=c0UrDPmk-Fo0WMIbVzC8FA Lechon Kawai ($18.99): My favorite of the dishes I ordered today, there were a ton of thick pork chunks with a good ratio of fat-to-meat, crunchy skin, and a nice light seasoning of vinegar. I would've gladly swapped the lemon slices for some dipping sauce. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=FZ2WAuaIeu4_FO15_VR7iA Steamed White Rice (INCLUDED w/Entrees): Fluffy, warm, and plentiful, I used it with everything! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=kKMu5IdIlCZasVh3eL7wPQ Credit Card Fee 4.00% ($2.44): I understood; I was actually surprised they took AMEX! SERVICE I was warmly greeted by a young man as I entered, and then I was helped by a friendly young woman as I placed my order. I was offered a glass of water while I waited on this hot day. About 30 minutes later, everything was securely packed up and ready to go - salamat po! PARKING (Varied; N/A this instance) This was an easy flat 20-minute walk from my friend's place. Otherwise, the only option was the plenty of spots along the main drag of Central Ave. and all surrounding roads - 'nuff said. ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE A clean vibrant somewhat snug layout with many tables throughout https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=zgFzZv5bqkiHwgWQ93PW5Q and a live performance and music area https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=xE4qxuHiXpXZ3lawuRpk0w at the front. I loved the assortment of country nationality pride decorations and apparently some trinkets https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=mNLcqeXAmqSky-eb3DB7eg for sale. Plenty of natural lighting came through the large front windows and while a mix of bright electric ceiling lights filled in the rest. There were no TVs while early 1980s pop music (e.g. Dolly Parton & Kenny Rogers "Island In The Stream", Kim Carnes "Bette Davis Eyes") played in the background. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=oLK2CjKN5NTaqcBptf-o9w ATTIRE Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops. OVERALL I loved Island Central and couldn't wait to try more off their expansive menu, especially the adobo, halo-halo, and sisig! Everything smelled and tasted amazing, the portions were huge, the prices very affordable, and the service was friendly and straightforward. Plus, they had an interesting dine-in weekend special of unlimited rice https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=VwnDbtjgQ-SQJCbsjjwC9A - go figure! And, I always loved supporting small businesses whenever possible. I found complete value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $68.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 5.0 STARS

    Jolina E.

    Ordered a "crispy palabok" from their online menu and paid extra for shrimp, but they gave me shredded fish instead. I tried calling, but no one answered.

    Pork Sisig
    Kevin A.

    The atmosphere is reminiscent of Filipino hospitality and family cuisine. The enjoyed the food so much it was better than expected. Portion sizes were more than enough, and the staff were attentive on a busy Friday night. The live music was enjoyable, but too loud for a small intimate venue. I would bring my friends and family again just to relive my food experience!

    Lumpiang Shanghai, Tokwa't Baboy, and Chicken Wings.

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    3 months ago

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    7 months ago

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    11 months ago

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    6 months ago

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    She P.

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    1 month ago

    Very authentic. Very good environment. Workers are really nice. They also have live music sometimes.

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    8 months ago

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    10 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    6 months ago

    Great service and very generous portions! Would definitely recommend as a Filipino :)

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    1 year ago

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    1 year ago

    excellent food and plenty of it. wide selection of food, especially beverages and bubble tea.

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    1 year ago

    Food was delicious and staff were wonderful. They were helpful and super nice. Definitely will get food from here again!

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    Island Central - filipino - Updated May 2026

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