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Jamaica House

4.1 (244 reviews)
ModerateCaribbean
Closed • Closed
Updated over 3 months ago

Jamaica House Photos

Business Info

JAMAICA HOUSE ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Casual
Moderate noise
Good for groups
Good for kids

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Recommended Reviews - Jamaica House

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Jerk chicken with side of rice and peas and cabbage
Shawn O.

Really excited about getting Jamaican food since we haven't had any in a minute. Casual setting. Cashier not really inviting but she warmed up as we finished our order. Customers order at the counter first, then find a seat and they bring the food to the table. We called ahead to make sure that they had oxtails and they confirmed that they did but when we arrived, they were out so we all ordered the small jerk chicken with rice and peas and cabbage. The jerk chicken was very spicy and tender. Spicy doesn't prove to be delicious though. The rice and peas were dry and edible. The cabbage wasn't great at all. It tasted like a combination of a cabbage salad and cooked cabbage. None of us liked it. I ordered the beef patty and it tasted the same as most Jamaican beef patties so that was a plus. I wasn't wowed by the food ... I also don't like menus that don't have prices listed. I assume this means that they change with the day and hour.

Oxtail on rice and peas with cabbage
Wael D.

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.

Jerk Chicken Meal, Jerk Pork Quesadilla, Meat Pies, Fried Plantains
Gregory F.

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.

Jerk chicken, peas, and rice with extra gravy
David W.

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

Oxtail with Rice & Peas
Tee C.

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.

Ginger beer
Javell H.

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.

Meat pie
Devon M.

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.

Jerk chicken "small plate"
Rob Snow S.

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!

Jerk chicken platter
Mike V.

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.

Shar H.

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.

Jerk Chicken (Small)

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8 months ago

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

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Carena's Jamaican Grille - Small Curry Chicken

Carena's Jamaican Grille

3.6(390 reviews)
5.5 mi
•$$

Tried Carenas Jamaican Grille for the first time and overall had a pretty good experience!…read more For appetizers, I got the Jamaican Jerk Chicken Wings and it was honestly really good. The chicken had a lot of flavor and was really juicy. Also, it came with a mango chutney which was interesting on its own, but it went really well with the wings. The wings were amazing and definitely wort trying! I recommend getting it. For my main, I got the combo platter with oxtail and jerk chicken, which came with rice and beans and cabbage. The oxtail was really juicy and tasty, and the sauce on it was probably my favorite part. The jerk chicken was okay, but personally I didn't get as much jerk flavor from it compared to the Jamaican Jerk Chicken Wings. The rice and beans were pretty simple but it tasted good with the oxtail and jerk chicken Our server was super sweet and attentive!! She accommodated us by making sure we got some oxtail. She went out of her way to check if there was anymore oxtail left. Thankfully there happened to be one more platter of oxtail and she made sure we got it. The inside was a really chill environment and I loved how colorful it was. Overall, it was a good meal and I'd definitely come back and try more things from the menu!

I am extremely disappointed by the treatment I have received from Carena's…read more I understand the importance of customer service and treating customers with respect. I work hard for my money, and because this restaurant is conveniently located, I have been a loyal customer who has supported this establishment regularly. Several months ago, I experienced unprofessional behavior from staff at the drive-thru window. As a customer, I felt it was appropriate to leave an honest review regarding my experience. Since then, when I recently called to place an order, I was informed that I would not be allowed to do so and was refused service altogether. When I respectfully asked the manager for an explanation, my questions went unanswered, and the phone was repeatedly hung up on. I then attempted to speak with the owner, only to be told that no one knew when the owner would be available or how I could reach them. The level of disrespect and lack of professionalism I have experienced is unacceptable. At no point have I been disrespectful; I simply spoke up about my experience and exercised my right to leave an honest review. It appears that this may be the reason I am being denied service. What makes this situation even more disappointing is that businesses should value and respect the customers who consistently support them. I genuinely enjoy the food and have patronized this establishment frequently, which makes being denied service without a valid explanation even more concerning. I believe customers deserve to be treated fairly and with respect. Based on my experience, I can no longer recommend supporting this business. I intend to pursue the matter further and explore the appropriate channels to address these concerns. Customers should spend their hard-earned money where they are appreciated, respected, and valued. I would love to speak to the owner I heard she's in and out so who knows

Photos
Carena's Jamaican Grille - I am on the patio at Carena's and the breeze is nice! Glad the hot weather eased up.

I am on the patio at Carena's and the breeze is nice! Glad the hot weather eased up.

Carena's Jamaican Grille - Patti and coco bread

Patti and coco bread

Carena's Jamaican Grille - Rum cake, just amazing

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Rum cake, just amazing

Jamaican Taste - Small brown stew

Jamaican Taste

3.9(41 reviews)
2.4 mi•Church Hill

The oxtails had a delicious flavor - not too spicy, not too bland, just right. There was a secret…read moreingredient that subtly shines through the velvety, rich sauce. The oxtails were so succulent and tender that they fell off the bones. The cabbage was seasoned to perfection with carrots and peas to add sweetness that balances the sharpness of the cabbage. They were simmer to the right point - soft, tender, but not mushy. The cabbage reminded me of Sunday dinner. Now, if you are looking for heat that sets your mouth on fire, then you will be disappointed. The chef's skillful use of peppers and spices shines beautifully without killing your tastebuds. You can feel a little heat on the finish, but not to the point you miss his secret ingredients. I cannot wait to try the Curry Goat. That will be my next meal. And, if you are still reading, then you love food for the experience. That said, when you enjoy your dining experience (including take-out), then we owe it to the craftsman/woman to give him/her a call and thank him/her for their time, expertise, and delicious meal. Until my next meal...bon appetite.

I go here all the time and I always get the same thing--beef patty and chicken soup. Never had an…read moreissue until now. This time when I ordered my chicken soup, the young girl behind the register handed it to me and said "be careful." I didn't think nothing of it, but I made sure to hold it upright. When I got to my car and went to take it out, the cup she gave me was flimsy, old, and looked like it had been used before. The top came off and the whole soup spilled all inside my brand new Genesis G70. I called to let her know what happened and all she said was, "sorry to hear that." No concern, no effort to fix it. So I went back up there with the cup to show her. First of all, her attitude was nasty--face all balled up. When I showed her the cup, she told me the trash was behind the building. She didn't even want to take it from me. No hospitality at all. No customer service. Nothing. Then when she gave me another soup, I didn't check it until I left--but it had NO meat in it. Just straight water. I will never eat from here again. And I'm Jamaican--born in Jamaica, raised in New York. I know good food and good service, and this was neither. The attitude, the service, everything about that experience was nasty and bad-minded. Do better.

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Jamaican Taste - Menu

Menu

Jamaican Taste - Curry goat, cabbage, rice and peas  with plantains

Curry goat, cabbage, rice and peas with plantains

Jamaican Taste - Red snapper over rice & beans and veggies. Definitely well over a pound of food!

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Red snapper over rice & beans and veggies. Definitely well over a pound of food!

Mama J's Kitchen - Mac and cheese and sweet potatoes are on the side.

Mama J's Kitchen

4.3(1.6k reviews)
0.4 mi•Jackson Ward, Downtown
•$$

7 out of 5 stars. Yes, I said 7…read more So I went to Mama J's after scoping it out on Yelp, and let me tell you something: Richmond, we may have a problem. I have found the food. I initially walked into the market next door, which is actually great because there aren't a lot of grocery stores nearby. Then I headed over to Mama J's on a Monday afternoon. The place was teeming with associates doing all kinds of things, which I actually loved. I was seated quickly and started looking around. It was comfortable and familiar, even though it was my first time there. Then my server greeted me, called me "baby," and suddenly I felt like I had walked into my auntie's house. Okay. We were off to a good start. I ordered an Arnold Palmer and some catfish nuggets. Now, I knew I was in the right place when my server brought me TWO glasses of the most perfectly made Arnold Palmer. Two. Glasses. Start the happy dance. While I waited for my food, I looked around at the old photographs and magazine covers featuring Mama J's. It all made sense. The restaurant felt familiar because it felt like somebody's dining room. A place that has history. A place where people have been eating, talking, laughing and coming back for years. Then my catfish nuggets arrived. HOT. Golden. Crispy. When I tell you I did a happy dance... I ate those catfish nuggets with a knife and fork, humming to myself and saying, "This is the best catfish I have eaten in my life." And mind you, I eat out at least twice a week. So I ordered the crab cake sandwich with a side of macaroni and cheese. We were not particularly focused on vegetables because my server could not promise me the collards and cabbage weren't cooked with chicken broth. It's fine. I didn't really want my vegetables anyway. Then my plate arrived. HOT. I ate that macaroni and cheese and literally had to rock, hum and say to myself, "Woo. This food is good." The crab cake sandwich and fries were so good that I immediately knew some of them were coming home with me for lunch tomorrow. Because I may love food, but I also believe in planning ahead. Now let's talk about this crab cake. First, the brioche bun was EXACTLY the right bread. I am not a sliced-white-bread kind of woman. I need a brioche bun sturdy enough for the remoulade to hold onto. And then there was the crab cake. Enunciate that K. Fresh crabmeat. Maryland could NEVER. I know, I know. Maryland swears they have the best crab cakes. No ma'am. No sir. The best crab cake is sitting on Clay Street, about a mile from the James River, in Jackson Ward, the Harlem of the South. And the fries? HOT. You know that perfect fry: crispy on the outside, soft in the center? Yeah. Those. At this point, I was full and getting sleepy at 4 o'clock in the afternoon. But apparently that wasn't enough because I ordered some potato salad to go so I could top off tomorrow's lunch. Because priorities. I left Mama J's full as a tick. Came home. And promptly took a several-hour nap. That is how good this meal was. Mama J's, you have officially set the bar. 7 out of 5 stars. I am going back. And, quite frankly, they are going to get sick of seeing me. Richmond, if you haven't been to Mama J's, what are you waiting for?

As a DMV Native, Mama J's is one of Richmond's best most premiere restaurant spots in a city where…read moreI had some underwhelming experiences. Mama J is the Carolina Kitchen from the DMV meets Richmond. I remember the manager and staff being accommodating, welcoming and it remains the highlight of my trip to Richmond earlier this year. The side dishes are great, however the baked chicken breasts was undercooked and should had been cooked more. I won't hold it against them to that level, as the rest of the food and beverages were excellent. The customer service and down home vibe from management really stood out in a great way to me. The portion sizes were great; however it can be pricey for a mid-size city. Carolina Kitchen has just as good food up North in the DMV and is actually cheaper and mor affordable. Fortunately, I am a great cook like a homemade chef, however when it comes to treating yourself, I think this spot in the historic Jackson Ward neighborhood is a highlight here. This is way better than Lillie Pearl which is pretentious and does not have the soul, grounded, and kindred spirt of MJs. I loved the atmosphere, interior design/decorum, and vibe of the joint cool bar section and tables with seats. It would be nice if they had booths that were more comfortable, but again I won't hold it against them.

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Mama J's Kitchen - Seating

Seating

Mama J's Kitchen - Pork Chops, Cabbage

Pork Chops, Cabbage

Mama J's Kitchen - Exterior

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Exterior

Trini Roti - Doubles and sorrel

Trini Roti

4.7(46 reviews)
11.1 mi

It was so good! My friend visited me from out of town and we chose this spot to come and eat!…read more The service was good! Please forgive me I forgot her name, but the lady at the counter was patient and happy answer whatever questions I had about Trini Food! I had the oxtails with peas and rice and I liked it! I also tried doubles for the first time! It was a different texture for me, but I honestly enjoyed it (I do wish it was warmed up a little more, I definitely should've asked lol) The ambience is so cute! In my time of coming into that area I never knew it was there. Definitely a gem! Hope to be back soon!

I am here from Miami searching everywhere for good Trini food specifically bake and doubles. I…read morefound this place on yelp and google. This place is 50 minutes from my house. The first time I went was last week Wednesday in the afternoon. A very nice young man took my order. When I asked for bake and shark the woman who I assume is the owner came up to the front and told me bake and shark is only available every other Saturday. I asked her if it would be available that coming Saturday and she said no, next week, that coming Saturday would be meat pies. She was nice enough this day. My first visit I ordered doubles, curry chicken and stew beans and buss up shut. The doubles were pretty good, the curry was 2 chicken legs swimming in what was more like a ton of watery broth in which my beans got completely lost. The curry flavors were not very developed. There was no aloo. The roti was the best thing I ordered that day. I did not come that Saturday as instructed but I returned yesterday. Yelp and Google states the business opens at 11:30. I walked up to the door at 12:12 and it was locked. The sign on the door states they open at 12:30 on Saturdays. I sat in my car until 12:40 and went back in. There were already people in line being helped by the same lady from last week. When it was my turn I asked for bake and shark and she told me "next Saturday". WOW. I drove all this way specifically for that. At this point I'm already disappointed so I ask her what she does have. She tells me to "read the board". Then she says she will help someone else and come back to me. When I don't respond she says "HELLO" as if speaking to a child. Thankfully, the lady with the purple hair is nice and professional. When it's my turn to order I order sorrel, pholourie, doubles, curry chicken and spinach and roti. Curry chicken is my favorite so I want to give it another try. With these 2 visits alone I've spent about $70 so far. I get in my car and open the bag with the pholourie to eat on the ride home. They're ice cold greasy and soggy. How? The place just opened and I just walked out! I get home and try the curry chicken. Watery flavorless broth again. No aloo again. This time the chicken is not done. My spinach is drowning in this broth just like the beans because for some reason it's all put into one container with no separation. The doubles are a sloppy mess but edible. Once again the buss up shut is the best part of the whole meal. This was a waste of time, money, and gas. This is not a good representation of Trini food. I don't think I will return here. **UPDATE** I updated my review to one star after this wicked lady replied. This idiotic fool is messaging me over and over about my review! I haven't messaged her back not even one time. She's clearly nuts. Notice she never said anything I wrote was untrue. There's a huge difference between pink chicken (ie: smoked meat) and bloody slimy chicken that's clear in some spots. You are selling food to the public and you think chicken is always pink no matter how long you cook it? WTH?! Sounds like food poisoning and salmonella to me. And please tell me where is the big chicken?? You're serving drumsticks! Secondly, pholourie literally takes 1-2 minutes to fry- why would anyone fry it then let it just sit in a COOLER???? Who's expecting fried dough to be hot for hours?? I expect it to be freshly made when I order it duh! So she's cooking the entire menu all at once and just serving it, cold and raw. Disgusting. The standards and attitude on this woman are both gross. Eat this crap at your own risk.

Photos
Trini Roti - Interior

Interior

Trini Roti - I had curry chicken, rice, and roti!!!  This is my half of the order.

I had curry chicken, rice, and roti!!! This is my half of the order.

Trini Roti - Stew Fish & Roti

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Stew Fish & Roti

Jamaica House - caribbean - Updated October 2026

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