I recently made the trip out to Jamaica House, and let me just say--it was absolutely worth the 50-minute drive. If you're craving authentic Jamaican cuisine, this is a spot you'll want to keep on your radar. It's a small place but it's very cute. The staff was very friendly as well. From the first bite, everything tasted fresh, flavorful, and true to traditional Jamaican cooking. The oxtails were incredibly tender and packed with rich, savory flavor. The cabbage was perfectly cooked and seasoned just right, and the rice was a standout on its own--you could really taste the coconut milk, which added such a smooth, delicious touch. The curry chicken was another highlight. The meat was so tender it practically fell off the bone, and the flavor was bold without being overwhelming. But the real star of the meal for me was the salmon dish. It completely stole the show. The fish was cooked to perfection--tender, flaky, and full of flavor--and the cream sauce tied everything together beautifully. It was hands down my favorite dish of the night. OH!! I forgot about the coconut cloud cake... OMG!! I should have gotten two or three of them to take home. Even though it's a bit of a drive for me, it's one I'll gladly make again whenever I'm in the mood for amazing Jamaican food. We'll definitely be back sooner rather than later! read more

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I've been to a lot of Jamaican spots in Richmond and the surrounding counties, and I will say this--Jamaica House has some of the BEST oxtails in the city. When I say the oxtails fall off the bone, I mean that. Flavorful, authentic, and cooked the way it's supposed to be. You can taste the difference. A lot of these other Jamaican restaurants out here are cooking for Americans and think people don't know the real taste. And let's be real--when you have people from other cultures cooking the food, it's hard to call it authentic. I just don't understand how it can be authentic if it's not being cooked by someone from the culture. Now I will say, compared to some other spots, like Karina (paired up with Jamaica House), they did upgrade and got bigger, and I respect that. But even there, you got a lot of Mexicans cooking the food, so it still takes away from the authenticity for me. Overall, I'm giving Jamaica House a solid 3 stars. The food--especially those oxtails--is definitely better than a lot of places out here that deserve zero, one, or no stars at all. If you want real flavor and something close to authentic, this is one of the spots to check out. read more

The google reviews are true. I saw this place on my morning walk. A lot of the places in this area are abandoned (for the visitors) but there are coffee shops that are open around 8am. I waited for this establishment to open 11am. Once inside I checked out the menu. There are no prices on the menu. You have to relay on the cashier to tell you how much everything cost. I asked about it and was told that the prices are online and are not on the menu because the prices change. I said ok stepped back with the menu so that I could see what I wanted. The ladies bagging the food started talking about what I asked. Saying that it's online. Probably frustrated with the question. I still decided to order just to see if the reviews were true. I ordered the Yah bowl (a fresh and vegetarian option) and added the jerk chicken. It didn't take long for me to get my food. I walked out and checked my bag. My beef patty was missing. I'm glad I checked and retrieved the missing item. There is some parking in front of the store. Also this establishment is close to VCU. A lot of students come here. Now for the food. The yah bowl is a fresher option. Very simple bowl and could be made at home. The jerk chicken was roasted chicken and barely had any jerk flavor. It is not spicy at all (you can ask for the hot sauces. ) the bowl is rice heavy and is priced around $10. Adding chicken is about $5. I thought it would be bone in chicken but it was a chicken breast. This bowl lacked flavor and seasoning. But if you are looking for a bland dish this is it. The beef patty was fine and does have a kick to it. I would like to see this establishment work on the kinks and listen to the patrons. read more

Been meaning to try this place for the longest time and finally was able to. Definitely was not disappointed. I got the oxtail bowl which came on rice and peas and cabbage. The rice and peas were more rice and beans but really good, the spices in the rice were so different but really good. The cabbage was amazing and the oxtail was tender and had a lot of meat on the bones. I got my order to go but the restaurant looked like a nice place to sit down and have lunch and the guy that took my order was nice and helpful. Definitely will be back there soon to try more stuff on the menu. read more

Jamaica House - Oxtail on rice and peas with cabbage - Caribbean Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Drive by a place enough times and you eventually feel compelled to try it out. Smelled tantalizing the second I walked in and tasted just as good. Generous portions, especially for the jerk chicken meal with the inclusion of the cabbage and rice which still felt intentional and not just a throw-in. The meat pies were super savory and wonderful. Fried plantains were so addictingly delicious - felt like eating a heart candy, but healthier. The quesadilla was a great finishing touch, as we just wanted to try a bit of everything. Hidden gem, truly. read more

Jamaica House - Jerk Chicken Meal, Jerk Pork Quesadilla, Meat Pies, Fried Plantains - Caribbean Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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This place is mostly carryout, but they have restaurants seating and they were great when I switched from carry out to eat in. The food is delicious and very flavorful! I love the jerk chicken, and I also love their cabbage read more

Jamaica House - Jerk chicken, peas, and rice with extra gravy - Caribbean Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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The food was really good. I had the large oxtail plate with rice & peas extra gravy on my rice. The service was ok, like it wasn't bad but it wasn't stellar either. It was very clean which I appreciated. It was a quick stop in for lunch with the girls. I would return for the food for sure. read more

Jamaica House - Oxtail with Rice & Peas - Caribbean Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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The only Jamaican restaurant in Richmond that I swear by. Jamaica house has been consistently good since I was a student at VCU. I love the interior. The design is very cute. It's very quiet in there as a lot of people get to go orders. The prices are affordable, portions are great, flavor is immaculate, and food is delicious. I'm obsessed with their house made fruit punch. It is so potent and delicious. They also have a lot of Jamaican sodas/juices. I got the curry goat. Which was so flavorful, tender and delicious. My partner got the jerk pork which was spicy, delicious and some more. We both left very satisfied. We also got rum cake and carrot cake. The total was like $40 which I think is amazing for entrée, dessert and drinks. Customer service was also really good. I'm already thinking about going back for the oxtail. read more

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My girlfriend and I visited this place with her sister when visiting Richmond and her sister said this was one of the best places to eat. Having eaten authentic Jamaican food before, I can say it was very good. We started with some meat patties. They were very flaky and delicious. I ordered the jerk chicken and it was really well flavored and spicy. It tasted just how I liked it. The service here was good. You order at the counter and then it's brought out. So there's not much interaction with employees outside of ordering. But our cashier answered all our questions. The ambiance is super casual. Don't feel the need to dress up anyway when here. Highly recommend if you live here or visit and like Jamaican food. read more

Jamaica House - Meat pie - Caribbean Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Yeh Mon! Richmond is full of surprises, and this wallet friendly, flavor heavy restaurant is one of them. Right on Broad St, the main road running up and down Richmond's downtown area...this store front style Jamaican eatery has everything you come to expect. What I wasn't expecting was 12.00 Oxtails. Even if that was a "small plate", thats a great starting price. I was pleasantly surprised by the helpful staff and quick service. I've been here twice, the first time I ordered online and the second time I just placed it in store. The food came out in less than 10 minutes when I ordered in store, on a Monday at around 2 pm. There aren't any lunch specials, but they honestly don't need any with the starting prices and the amount of food provided. I got the jerk chicken (small plate) for 8.00 and it was plenty of food, even for two depending on who you are sharing with. I got white meat, and it was very flavorful and juicy. Everyone's heat tolerance is different, but for me on a spice level I would give it a strong 6. Not overbearing or one note, but a perfect balance of slight sweet with spice. There are plenty of places to sit and eat in the dining area, and a few spots outside with chairs if you wanted to get a little sunshine. Protip: The transit system at the time of writing this was free, so if you are just visiting like me and want to visit. Don't be afraid to hop on hop off, and explore the city with some of the best Jamaican i have ever had! read more

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Great experience! Loved the food ! Services was great!! We will be returning because we enjoyed ourselves

Jamaica House is a great place to go for a quick but delicious meal. I ordered the oxtail, jerk chicken, and goat curry which came in less than 15 minutes despite the restaurant being quite busy. Everything was cooked and seasoned well. Portions were also quite large making it easy to share with a group. The staff is also nice and helpful. read more

Great price point, good portions. I got a large oxtail with rice and peas, and cabbage. Everything tasted great my only critique would be the cabbage wasn't tender to my liking. But overall a great establishment. read more

It was delicious! It was exactly what Jamaican food is suppose to taste like. The girl taking our order was so helpful in making suggestions like the pineapple/ ginger drink. read more

Not the best but not the worst. The cabbage was awful though. The snapper was small but flavorful. Maybe less thyme sticks and bay leaves left in the food would be nice. read more

Jamaica House - Caribbean Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Good food, good flavor and good price. Jerk chicken wings are great for football games. Also enjoyed two different plates: curry chicken and jerk chicken. read more

Went to Jamaica House 2 weeks ago, ordered the jerk pork didn't like. For one I'm used to jerk pork being pork chunks not fatty pork belly, the peas and rice was too wet the cabbage he'd big rough stems. They won't be getting my money anymore. And I'm from NYC where they sell authentic jamaican food. read more

Filling and delicious! Jerk Chicken (Small) 9/10 - comes w/ white rice and cabbages (you can choose rice and peas as well) - plenty of sauce on the chicken and extra, more sauce = happy me - enjoyed the spices and aroma - chicken came off easily and veggies well seasoned read more

Jamaica House - Jerk Chicken (Small) - Caribbean Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Decided to try something new out in RVA and found Jamaica House! It doesn't look like much from the outside but once you enter you can clearly tell it's a local favorite. They had so many takeout orders on their shelves. We ordered the oxtail with rice and cabbage. The price was great for the quality and quantity of the food. The oxtail was so soft, fall off the bone! And the sauce was amazing, I could mix it w/ cabbage & rice alone and I would still be satisfied. The only thing I would say is that it is more fatty than meaty. So if you want to get full and don't necessarily like too much fat, stick w/ maybe the chicken or lamb. Overall, very satisfied w/ this place and will definitely stop by again! read more

Jamaica House - Oxtail - Caribbean Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

I took my dad to VCU and after his visit to the Dr we were all hungry So I looked up a close JA restaurant and I was pleasantly surprised that this food is on point . I know because my parents are JA Any way the oxtails was tender, tasty, and they put a good amount of food for the takeaways that I ordered . The rice and peas were perfect . The curry goat was exquisite. They use the same seasoning as they do in JA. It tasted authentic. The fish was absolutely delicious. I live in Fredericksburg but I'll make that hour drive to buy their dinners. PS how could I forget the tastee patties. If you want real tasting JA food. Go there !! . and the employees were all courteous, even though it was a Friday busy afternoon. Andreè read more

The jerk chicken was really, really good. Came with a big platter of rice and beans and cabbage. All for $13. Amazing deal. Great food for a cheap price. Definitely recommend a stop here. read more

Jamaica House - Jerk chicken platter - Caribbean Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

I stayed in the building above Jamaica House and had to try it. I had the oxtail, rum cake, meat pie, and a delicious Jamaica House juice. Can definitely see why this place is so popular. It was all delicious. I would definitely go back next time I'm in town. The service was excellent as well! Also, check out the beautiful murals around the corner. What a great area! read more

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Visiting Richmond for a quick girls trip. We had read the reviews and thought we would have a late lunch at Jamaica House. Parker curbside and walked right in. Even though we were the only ones there when we first walked in, there came a steady stream of folks picking up to-go orders. I ordered two beef patties, a jerk chicken lunch plate and the house-made fruit punch. The meat pies were delicious. Right combination of spices with a flaky crust. The temp could have been warmer but they were still good. The jerk chicken was spicy! It was some of the best jerk chicken I've ever had. The sides (rice and beans and cabbage with carrots) were flavorful as well. I was surprised that the rice had some flavor to them as I'm used to having to run the rice through the jerk sauce. But these sides stood alone rather well. The jerk chicken plate could have been hotter too. Food temp seems to be an issue for them as both my friend's plate and mine could have been hotter. Overall, the food was very good and it was worth the stop. read more

Jamaica House - Jerk chicken with rice and beans and cabbage - Caribbean Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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Customer service is poor from Hispanic fellow who works in the front,he yells at the customers and a lot of times appears to be high and enraged on some type of substance,this will be my last time coming here because he is always working there and always showing this type of behavior and even yelled at me today,unacceptable and other customers have told me the same thing. read more

We came here on a Tuesday for lunch while visiting Richmond. The place was clean, the prices were cheap and the drink selection was good. I ordered the small chicken curry with some coconut bread. The curry was ok it was missing some spice for sure. The bread was good though and the food came out pretty quick. The cashier was cute though. read more

Jamaica House - Curry Chicken - Caribbean Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

The staff were so kind and the food is absolutely delicious. I have loved everything I've gotten here and I totally recommend trying the drinks there as well read more

Best meal in Richmond hands down delicious fall off the bone oxtails. Brown stew wings magical. The End. read more

Jamaica House - the dining area of a restaurant - Caribbean Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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I was dining here with some friends for lunch and someone recommended it and it did not disappoint. The food was delicious, the customer service was welcoming, and the price was good. I ordered the curry chicken which came with a side of cabbage and rice and beans ($9.50). I also ordered a beef Jamaican patty ($2.30). The curry chicken was delicious and the sides made it a filling meal. The beef patty was also delicious and very filling with a crisp outer shell and flavorful beef inside. The staff was very helpful and I could tell they put in a lot of effort and care of both the food as well that customers enjoyed their meal and time at their restaurant. 5* for the yummy food, fantastic prices, good servings, and friendly staff. Would go again and recommend to others. read more

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I have been a Loyal customer for over 10 years, BUT over the last 2 yeaers the taste of the food , particularly the Oxtails has gone from Great to mediocre. The Oxtails are tender however lacking the authentic Jamaican Flavor. They do not taste as if they were marinated and miss seasonings. The oxtails lack the taste of Garlic, Ginger, Bay leaves. Thyme I am pretty sure other customers have noticed. The Peas and Rice and cabbage is overcooked, Please include fried plantain back in the Oxtails take out plate. Deddy's Kitchen (Youtube) will help you all get back on track. read more

Took my daughter and roommates out for a late lunch today. My wife and I split curry shrimp, baby back ribs, and plantains. Shrimp was so good light curry and sweetness. I added scotch bonnet for the perfect kick. Ribs nice and sweet. Plantains cooked to perfection and they helped with the heat. I got a drink with no label. It was ginger lemonade or something but really good. Other meals curry salmon, salmon salad, and jerk chicken. Next time I'll try the curry salmon. read more

I ordered the oxtails and extra vegetables no rice & the food was delicious and very cost effective. They also have a fresh limeade & rum pound cake read more

Jamaica House - Pepper steak - Caribbean Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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My first visit since they moved locations. Definitely enjoyed my food selections. Flavorful, Delicious, Presentation was excellent. The vibe of the restaurant was peaceful. The door was open on a 73 degree day and this spot stayed busy. About 3 tables and chairs outside on side walk. The seating area was clean and neat and our food was out as soon as we sat down. read more

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Clean spot. Great food. Good service. Nice ambiance. Parking wasn't too challenging. I would definitely return. Cabbage, patty, plantains are excellent. read more

Ordered the jerk Chicken with cabbage and rice , what great flavor! It almost tasted sweet for a second then the spices kicked in and cleared my sinuses! Not drowning in sauce but enough to soak in the rice. Service was excellent, I timed it just before a bunch of customers came in but watched as they orders and were served quickly as well. The whole restaurant was very clean and comfortable, with some great Reggae playing in the background. Will definitely be back read more

Jamaica House - Caribbean Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

BUG IN MY FOOD first off I ask for my food with no beans in it and when i clarified rice no peas they seemed like they got it but when i got home and looked there was beans in my food. When i got back the guy was so rude and said i should've asked for white rice. I did you just didn't get it. Then I get another lady and she's insisting I ate so much meat. I ate a small piece and when I went to finish my food with rice and no beans you can guess what I saw. I am so dissatisfied and disappointed this was my spot and now I don't wanna give them anymore business. read more

I was in Richmond at VCU and decided go to Jamaica House and pick up food. I ordered curry goat and jerk chicken small. The waitress attitude was stank. She placed my food on the counter and turned her head. I said thank you and she did not respond. When I got home I had curry chicken instead of goat. I called and the order was put in as chicken so what could I say. I ate it and the taste was bland. The jerk chicken was so spicy I was picking at it only to find a long stringy hair. ugh disgusting. To say the least I wish I had kept going down 95 instead of stopping there. The beef patty filling was okay and the pastry was flaky. read more

I was super excited about trying this place considering the reviews and it was quite busy when ordered. It was lunch time during a week day and the cashier was super friendly. I ordered the small oxtail which was the perfect size and came out piping hot. The oxtail itself was bland which was super disappointing. It didn't taste like anything or have any heat. The chicken patty was also lacking flavor. I would definitely give this restaurant another try because I wanted to enjoy it so much. read more

Pre-order your food! This place stays busy for a reason. I got the large oxtail with beef patty/cocoa bread. The large oxtail was $15. It came with plenty of meat, rice, and salad. I split my meal with my husband. I went on a Friday and it was busy! I only had to wait for 10mins because I didn't call head or order online. Some good Jamaican food. They also have desserts: carrot cake, coconut cake, etc. read more

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I love the ordering system and vibe. JC panini was mid, but the food everyone else around ordered looked great. Going back for red pea soup read more

Soooooo I honestly feel like all Jamaican restaurants in Richmond are trash besides 3 and I'm from Richmond , I hate to say this but you guys ain't got nothing on carenas or the spot out in Petersburg and m&f. And imma tell you why ...... There was literally barely any meat on the oxtails and they were extremely large , basically I just ate FAT that's pretty much what it was NOTHING was seasoned , PLEASE season your food like it doesn't make any sense to sell bland food Lastly your lemonade is EXTREMELY too sweet I felt like I was gonna get diabetes.... Other then that the presentation was excellent ! I hate to leave this review but food is too expensive to be eating ox fat ... please take this review as a "step your game up " because I can go to plenty other Jamaican restaurants that actually season there food properly and that have actual meat on the oxtails and it was so many oxtails I'm still confused lol and I always have this issue with the cabbage and the oxtails it's only certain places I go for ox tail because I know for a fact I won't be eating fat ...I'm pretty sure MAYBE your other items on the menu are " ok " but if the ox ain't good that scares me ... That's all be blessed ! read more