O oxtails red beans and rice and plento everything was very good so oh and a beer ginger beer

As someone who grew up around Haitians, Dominicans, Puerto Ricans, Cubans, the whole Caribbean diaspora in the Northeast, I know good Caribbean food. I know good Jamaican food. So when I was deciding between my options today, I went with Island Spice because Jamaicans make good rice and peas, y'all got good jerk chicken, and I wanted my money to go toward a Black establishment. I actively chose to support this restaurant. I will not be coming back. Rice is the star of the show in Caribbean cuisine. We literally go to war on social media over who got the best rice. That is how seriously we take it. And what I received today was mushy. The water ratio was completely off. Whoever made this rice knew it, and they served it anyway. There is already a serious lack of Caribbean culture in San Diego. We barely have options out here. So when one of the few spots we have decides to send out food that does not meet the standard, that hits different. You do not get to be mediocre when you are one of the only ones representing. If the decision was made to serve that rice because redoing it wasn't worth the time, you lost a customer permanently. Standards matter. You had mine and you lost them. Not coming back. read more

Island Spice - Mushy rice!!!! Zero flavor awful texture - Caribbean Near Me - San Diego, California

This is the best Jamaican Food in the area! I've been here before, but not in quite awhile. There are dedicated parking spots next to the building. Low-key dining room and ordering process. This is more of a takeout spot than a dine-in place, but there are both indoor and outdoor tables. We arrived close to closing, so they were out of a few things, but that's totally understandable. Service was fine. I always get the Chicken Curry and M. had the Bbq'ed Jerk Chicken. We both ordered the regular/small size & the portion was very generous. The Chicken Curry is absolutely phenomenal. The chicken falls off the bone, and the flavor is fused throughout. The greens and rice and beans are also perfectly cooked & delicious. M. cleaned his plate and enjoyed every bite. Island Spice is the place to go to when you want some delicious and tasty Jamaican food at reasonable prices. Try it at least once, you will be transported to tastebud paradise! Enjoy! read more

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I've been coming to Island Spice since back when they were over on Market Street near base, and they've always been solid. The oxtails and curry chicken have been my go-tos for years. Service is just okay, but honestly, I don't mind--as long as I get my food, I'm happy. Prices have definitely gone up, and a large plate of oxtails will now run you about $30, but that seems to be the norm these days. Even with the price increases, I still keep coming back. The food hits, and that's what matters. read more

Island Spice - Caribbean Near Me - San Diego, California

My little brother and his wife were in town visiting, my buddy that lives nearby with his family were all famished and I went to town on ordering so much food. Not entirely sure how I found this place if it was on Yelp or Google search but had so many amazing reviews. Great customer service, fresh tasting and delectable food. Staff were chill and we got to sit outside on the picnic style tables. They had some interesting & quirky sodas as well to accompany the meal. Nobody complained (which is a miracle) and we all left happily with some leftovers. For sure will return. read more

Located on a busy street with a decent size parking lot. This was a great find for our monthly Mom's Night out. Two beautiful ladies were chatting by the entrance when arrived. Try greeted us with friendly hellos and smiles. The menu is straight forward. We ordered the ox tail meal and jerk chicken meal. Plenty of patio tables for dining al fresco, but we needed a quieter spot to catch up so we sat inside. Shortly after we were seated, our food is delivered. Everything was seasoned well. Each bite was bursting with flavor. I wished the ox tails were cooked a little longer, I wanted it to fall of the bones. They were starting to get busy as we were finishing up. Definitely a family friendly restaurant. Need to come back and try the other dishes! read more

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If you need a fix for Jamaican food, this is the spot! Large portions and very flavorful. Had the oxtails and jerk chicken, sooool good.

I've been to Island Spice twice and both times left extremely full and happy. Island Spice shares a parking lot with a Mexican restaurant and is somewhat hidden behind a privacy wall. There are a few inside tables as well as more outside. Besides hot food, there are also baked goods, sodas, sauces, and other items for purchase. The menu is simple, the vibe is authentic and hole in the wall. Okay, onto the food. I've had the jerk chicken, curry goat, oxtail and beef patties here. If I had to pick only two items, it would 100% be the oxtail and beef patties. The oxtail is rich, flavorful, and fall off the bone tender. The rice, veggies, and fried plantains complement the beautifully cooked oxtail perfectly. The beef patties are in a flaky crisp pastry and filled with beef that has a touch of heat to it. So good! Im asian so Im used to something pickled with dishes that are richer or heartier. I also like spicy food. The first time I ate at Island Spice, I felt like the food was good but not as enjoyable as it could be for my palate. The second time, I had my meal with some of my own pickled chilies this last time and it really kicked things up a notch. The pickled chilies helped cut through the hearty richness of the oxtail and I don't think I'll be able to eat it again without pickled chilies (because it was just that good)! The jerk chicken and curry goat were both delicious too, both having tender seasoned meat. I didn't think the goat was too gamey but it was my husbands favorite. The jerk chicken was good but the oxtail outshines the jerk chicken. Island spice, I'll be back! read more

Ive been going to island spice since it was on market street when im in the area and this time was the worst it's like they went down hill-I got 3 beef patties super greasy and the beef was like super tiny balls of dried beef over cooked or dehydrated not that mushy beef paste texture they are supposed to be and shouldn't of even been sold-very disappointing Jerk chicken was good but didn't have that kick it use to have and the plantains were overcooked super dry needed a lot of water to get them down I don't know what happened but all my favorite restaurants have gone to crap and not the same as they once were SAD read more

Just had to stop for jerk chicken on the way home from East County. Fast and friendly service ... as usual. We had the large Jerk Chicken (5/5 $19.00), dark meat only, meal with extra vegetables and beans & rice. Excellent. FYI ... there's a 3% surcharge for credit cards. read more

Island Spice - Exterior - Caribbean Near Me - San Diego, California

Coming from Miami, FL... one of the things I crave most are Jamaican beef patties. On the way to do an Offer Up meet, I drove by and saw this and literally made a U-turn to purchase some. This place is located on a pretty good spot with plenty of parking. They definitely have tables inside for dining in, but essentially you order at the window and wait for your food. This is only a review for their meat patties. Omg. Best. Ones. In. San. Diego. Hands. Down. The chicken patty was a bit subpar, a little on the drier side and the meat to breading ratio was a bit disappointing. But anyone who knows, you know you should be getting a beef patty which is why this place still deserves 5 STARS regardless of the chicken patty. Their beef patties are SO good. So moist, good amount of heat, filled to the brim, with a good ratio to the bread. Absolutely took me right back to home with the smell of the restaurant inside and the flavors of the patty. Definitely a must. Bookmarking this so I know where to go when I crave a piece of home. read more

Island Spice - Beef Patty - Caribbean Near Me - San Diego, California

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Great hole in the wall, good portions, amazing flavors. Comfort food for sure and I'm not even Jamaican! I ordered a large oxtail plate to go and order was ready quick, service was friendly. I recommend checking this place out read more

Island Spice - Large oxtail - Caribbean Near Me - San Diego, California

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Stew peas or chicken soup is delicious. Only available on Saturday. Oxtail is trimmed up well. Chicken soup very flavorful. read more

Island Spice - Stew peas and oxtail - Caribbean Near Me - San Diego, California

Really great Caribbean food- very fast service and convenient parking lot next door. Not a ton of room inside but there are some small tables and a larger patio outside. The jerk chicken and curry chicken are excellent. Portions are huge. read more

Island Spice shares the same parking lot as Alanberto at the corner of College Ave and University Ave, across the street from Taco Bell. You can't miss the Jamaican colors. We ordered a large plate of curry chicken ($17), large plate of oxtail ($22), and small side of jerk chicken ($12). We ordered for take out and the second she handed over the boxes, I was shocked at how heavy 3 boxes were. When we got home, I was in awe at the portions! So much food! The entrees came with the protein choice, side of veggies and red bean rice. Everything was delicious and we had left overs. The curry and oxtail were so tender and juicy. Easily removed using a plastic fork! Great price, portion, taste and service. read more

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The price wasn't worth the food. After I ordered the food and payed, I was told food would be ready in a few. Then I heard a microwave being used. That really turned me off from the food. We ate the food and had a bunch of the rice and beans and maybe a scoop of oxtails. Not Worth the $21.I was expecting some freshly made but nope. read more

Service could improve. No one was friendly. Found a public hair or beard hair in my jerk chicken. Smh read more

Island Spice - Found this hair in the rice never returning - Caribbean Near Me - San Diego, California

My auntie from New York had recently visited and brought back some of my favorite patties. I wanted more food to have with them so I got rice and peas and brown stew chicken here. Very generous portions for the price. The rice and peas were really good. The brown stew chicken was good too. Service was fast and everything came out hot. read more

Island Spice - Brown Stew Chicken - Caribbean Near Me - San Diego, California

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I ordered the jerk chicken plate and it was delicious. There was an ample amount of rice and chicken. The chicken was seasoned well. I really liked the cabbage salad and rice with beans. read more

Me and the wife have been here several times and love the food. We use get the oxtail (which are always on point but decided to try out their stew chicken and I must say it was horrible!! With it already being breastfeeding meat, it was overcooked and tough like chewing dry Jerry. I was very disappointed, probably just stick to the oxtail. Maybe want to consider changing to dark meat. read more

I ordered the oxtail meal plate and it was really really good. The oxtail has bones but is packed with season and flavor. The fried plantain was crispy and sweet. Their cole slaw was well seasoned and not too acidic. I love this plate and will go here again for the oxtail. read more

Island Spice - Oxtails Meal Plate - Caribbean Near Me - San Diego, California

Very good Jerk Chicken and Ox tails was fire straight dank!! I love their taste and rice is cooked to perfection and plantains melt in my mouth. I will be back again read more

This Jamaican food gem is located in college off university ave. Delicious, authentic Jamaican food. We love the large curry chicken, brown stew chicken and jerk chicken plate. Large and small plate options offered. The jerk chicken and curry chicken are not overly spicy. Everything was cooked to perfection and seasoned extremely well. Modest portions. Average prices. Plenty of indoor dining available. Parking is a bit of a nightmare. read more

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My favorite Jamaican restaurant in San Diego. I've been going to Island Spice since they were located on Market Blvd. My go to plate is the BBQ chicken plate, always get the rice and veggies bcuz they make for a complete meal. read more

Island Spice - Brown Stew Chicken - Caribbean Near Me - San Diego, California

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Really good authentic Jamaican food! It was ready on time and the service was great. I can't speak to the ambiance because it was takeout for me. read more

I have enjoyed you making food a few times, but this place is hands-down the best Jamaican spot I've ever had. Some people complain about the price, but they give you enough food for like three meals. I would recommend the curry goat and the oxtails. I wish this place Was in a better location and offered a better curbside view because they are definitely a hidden gem. If you are in the neighborhood, or even if you were out of the way, stop by and give a small business ago. I'm sure you won't be disappointed. read more

Island Spice - Ox tails with red beans and rice and plantains. Yummy!! - Caribbean Near Me - San Diego, California

I was in San Diego for the day, looking for something different to eat. I hadn't had Jamaican food in a good minute so I found this place on Apple Maps. It was in a busy area, but the establishment was quiet & it was too many individuals in there. I purchased curry chicken with plantains & rice which was really good, the curry chicken was very good & it was even better knowing that it was authentic Jamaican food. read more

Island Spice - Island spice menu - Caribbean Near Me - San Diego, California

Food is FIRE. The staff were so sweet! Get the beef patties and the curried goat, or the oxtail. You won't be disappointed. 1000/10 recommend. Very authentic and reminds me of my trips to Jamaica as a child. read more

Oxtails were tough- wanted to love it but, was very disappointed Beef patty was good. Jerk chicken no kick to it read more

I'm on the hunt for some good Jamaican food and saw the 4 star review. I ordered 3 jerk chicken plates and 3 beef patties. The rice and beans had no seasoning and the chicken wasn't hittin. The beef patties were dry and the only thing good was the plantains. Unfortunately, I won't be coming here again. read more

The food here is nothing short of exceptional! I promise you will experience authentic Caribbean cuisine with generously sized portions that burst with flavor! Every dish I've tried has been irresistibly delicious! My absolute favorite is the Oxtail Plate which is rich, savory, and truly memorable. I could happily dine here every day!" read more

I said "Island Spice" not "Island Prime." You should be happy that I did, they're vastly different and I'll take the "spice" nine out of ten times over "prime" as my wallet doesn't hurt after my meal and this food, you see, this food is cooked with some serious love - you can taste it. Okay, don't expect to be wow'd by the service here, it's non-existent. You place your order to an unentertained peron at the counter, you hand over your money, and you wait as you stare at the walls and watch person after person walk through the front door. Never had oxtail before? You should, and this is the place to get it. Served with some red beans and rice, this is a meal that I look forward to every few months. It's not plated beautifully or picture perfect, but the flavors speak to the soul as the collagen in the oxtails make your fingers stick together. Yep, if you're not picking up your oxtail to get every last piece of that stewed meat, you're doing it wrong. Slather the plate with some hot sauce and pretend you're at some side-of-the-road business in Jamaica. I mean, besides the Taco Bell across the street, this part of University Ave ain't too far off. read more

They got the best Jamaican food in san diego. Especially the oxtail with rice and peas, thats my go to. read more

Island Spice - Oxtails Meal Plate - Caribbean Near Me - San Diego, California

Oxtail lovers need to line up here! Both the oxtails and beef patties hit the spot after a hike. Their whole menu was very affordable. Will 100% be back for those oxtails and to try their jerk chicken. read more

Island Spice - Large oxtail entree - Caribbean Near Me - San Diego, California

YUP. Just yes. Gone head and pay them a visit lol. Oxtail, goat, beef patty. Snag all of that! Beef patty is more flavorful than the chicken but both are good. I wish they had spicy ones as well. Inside is small but there is space for sitting to eat. Service was actually pretty decent. Sometimes you never know what kinda service you're going to get at a Jamaican spot but the lady ringing us up was really friendly and greeted us when we walked in. That alone is a win lol. When I have a hankering for Jamaican this is my new default. read more

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The food is amazing. The prices are affordable, and the customer service is off the charts. Best Jamaican food in San Diego...

Great service. Great food and quality of food most of all. I came here 2 months ago and I have been going here for a couple years since 2016 when they moved over from market st location. I'm happy to see this business expand and receive the attention it deserves. I ordered 2 guava sodas, 2 jerk chicken plates with the kidney bean rice and collard greens side. I even last minute asked to add something to my order (the fried plantains) and they were really nice about it because I made an online to go order. I would come here again. read more

Island Spice - Caribbean Near Me - San Diego, California

I've been going to this place for years now n I'm never disappointed this place always hits !!! Food always fresh they always have great customer service n the lemon cake is amazing this is always a quick place I come to for lunch :) read more

The food is so good. If your into Jamaican cuisine then make the drive to la mesa to eat here. The beef patty is filled with flavors and I could eat 5. The veggie plate is huge. Two people could eat from it. Great prices. I can't wait yo come back for the curry goat and ox tail! read more

Island Spice - Veggie plate - Caribbean Near Me - San Diego, California

Tried the jerk chicken and oxtails, and I was really disappointed. This isn't authentic Jamaican food. The jerk chicken was oddly sweet, with none of the bold, spicy flavors it should have. The oxtails tasted like they were covered in BBQ sauce instead of a rich, savory gravy. Definitely won't be ordering from here again. read more