Great customer service! Loved the music too! 10/10 review Carey was very kind. Will be coming back!read more

Taste of the Caribbean is a black- and woman- owned Jamaican restaurant in the Central District…read more (The Central District rocks as a source for minority owned ethnic foods.) Walking in, the layout suggests they are also a party/mini-concert/event space. Service is casual; we were told to sit anywhere. I should have boogied my way to the table. We happily browsed through the menu looking at the many choices, some very unfamiliar. Everything looks so good, and prices are reasonable. We need to return and be more adventurous next time. Our server was helpful, guiding portion size and optional sides. The Food: Jerk Chicken plate, add steamed veggie, $20 + $2 - 5 Stars True to the jerk seasoning, theirs is spicy, as it should be. I find it annoying when jerk seasoning isn't spicy enough. The seasoning tastes even spicier when I drink water, and the heat spreads. So good! I was also happy they use boned chicken, which is more flavorful. I asked about veggies, that is $2 extra. Oxtails plate, add rice & peas, $24 + $1 - 5 Stars With beefy stock, these oxtail pieces are well-seasoned and paired well with root vegetables. A small salad and the rice & peas are a good match to the oxtail. I enjoy seeing oxtails used in different recipes. Jamaican patty, $5 - 5 Stars These beef meat pies are freshly baked and arrived at our table smoking hot. We were happy that we ordered two, so we wouldn't have to share. Haha. Very delicious. Plantains, $8 - 5 Stars From the appetizers portion of the menu, these are perfectly fried, caramelized, with minimal blackened carcinogens. This plate was a particularly good batch.

Greeted by a lovely woman before walking in the door. I love a good home grown locally owned small…read morebusiness. I felt like I was walking into my favorite store I went to as a kid, a very home feeling very welcoming with music playing. I loved that there were Jamaican/Caribbean groceries inside. This place was Located in the back of the store. The wait was long but well worth it and I would do it again. Bought a beef Pattie, 2 pineapple ginger drinks, jerk chicken and curry chicken. Portions were great for the price. You could tell these meals were made with love. I would definitely come back anytime. Thanks ladies

It's a grocery story w a deli in the back. It's great if you miss items from the Caribbeanread more

It is NOT a Caribbean grocery store or market. Having some frozen Jamaican patties and a jar of…read morejerk seasoning doesn't constitute being "Caribbean". I was very disappointed as I just moved to the Washington area and Trinidadian by heritage I really thought I was in for a treat!

Nice little neighborhood spot that I go to for my snacks or to get a soda. The owner is a Jamaican…read moregentleman that is a character.

OSJ International is the most authentic Puerto Rican food I've had on the West Coast (not just in…read moreSeattleso far. Most Caribbean spots around Washington lean Jamaican, so finding a place doing proper Puerto Rican dishes felt special. The menu and quality reminded me of what you'd find back on the island, at least pre-pandemic. They had classics like chillo frito, mofongo, and pasteles, and it tasted like homemade small business cooking. Honestly, I thought it was even better than La Isla before the fire that shut that place down. A few pain points. It's far. The restaurant is south of Tacoma near I-5, so it's a bit of a drive whether you're coming from Seattle or even from the airport. It was also cash only when I went, though you could sit inside and eat. Last time I called it sounded like they were still mostly doing the to-go model and hadn't fully gone back to the way it used to operate. I haven't made the trip again yet, but it's still on my list. Also worth saying, after the pandemic when I moved to San Diego, I couldn't find an authentic Puerto Rican spot there either. That made me appreciate this place even more. After the Benito Super Bowl performance I'm definitely craving some Puerto Rican food again. Might have to make the drive soon.

Ordered to go as a first time visiting. We have been wanting to try this place for a very long…read moretime. It appeared as though the dining room was closed off. Not sure if it was always like this or just near closing hours when we arrived to pick up our order., The lady at the cash register was most pleasant and our orders were complete, cooked to order hot and fresh. We ordered 2 orders of the chicken dinners, pollo playero and had bits of pork added to it. We also ordered a side of beans. The food was freshly cooked, so it was nice and hot. It was well seasoned. The meats were tender (with the exception of the pork bits inside the rice). The food had a beautiful presentation with onion, green and red pepper slices on top of the meats.

My first time at Island Soul and I was blown away. The food is rich and flavorful without being…read moreheavy. The servers were attentive without being overbearing - thanks Natalie and Hector! The atmosphere is a little noisy just because people were having a good time. I look forward to going back.

This place is one of a kind and so delicious for Carribean and Jamaican cuisine! If you have not…read moretried -- you must! We were celebrating my colleagues birthday the day before and were going to see a show at the Royal Room! We got drinks and I had the caprihlana and the Carribean Star! The Carribean Star is a MUST- TRY, the flavors of that drink were amazing! Both the tostones and shrimp ceviche for appetizers was out of this world! The fried catfish was breaded and crisped perfectly and their sides, especially the collard greens are tasty, a bit tangy and phenomenal! I was able to sample my coworkers dishes (they offered of course and I did too) and the goat curry -- try this too if you like curry! Such amazing flavor and tender goat! They do not take reservations but it's peak around dinner time and weekends! We got lucky with the last big table! The menu is creative and colorful. Staff is amazing! They actually had a location in Kirkland but had to close it and this location remains and is a HIT!

We finally made our first visit to Pam's Kitchen after years of meaning to go - and it did not…read moredisappoint. When we arrived, there were a few tables occupied, and we were invited to seat ourselves. We chose a cozy booth near the kitchen. One thing to note: there are no physical menus; instead, you order and pay using QR codes at the table. We started with the aloo pies and, of course, couldn't pass up the jerk chicken. Everything arrived at once rather than in courses, but it didn't take away from the experience. Every dish was packed with flavor. The aloo pies had a taste reminiscent of samosas :: crispy on the outside with a warmly spiced filling :: and were served with a tangy chutney that complemented them perfectly. The jerk chicken was the standout. Tender, juicy, and beautifully seasoned with warm, balanced spices :: it was easily the highlight of the meal. It came with rice and peas (beans), which were some of the best we've had, along with a simple green salad that surprised us with its freshness and bright citrus vinaigrette. We also had the pleasure of chatting with Pam, who was just as warm and welcoming as the food she prepares. She mentioned that they often have live music on weekends, which sounds like a great reason to return. I also noticed they offer an all-you-can-eat buffet on Wednesdays, and after this experience, I'm especially excited to come back and try more of the menu. If everything else is as good as what we had, we're already sold. Oh! I almost forgot :: my husband ordered a wonderful drink, the Trinidad Smash. One sip transported us to vacation mode, instantly! So good!

I'd give the food 4 stars and service/ambiance 2. We ordered the jerk chicken sandwich and it was…read morepretty good. I loved the coconut fry bread it was served on! That was the highlight. The restaurant didn't seem very busy the night we came in, but they did have a lot of takeout orders. We placed our order via QR code at the table and waited... and waited. There were a lot of takeout orders coming from the kitchen but those of us dining in seemed to be sitting around a long time waiting for food and drinks. No one came to check on us and since we paid on the app, there was no interaction other than being seated and having our food brought out. I'd like to try other dishes but will just order takeout from now on.

So glad we stumbled upon this small food. Amazing Arepas and even better service. Everything on the…read moremenu here is great. We got a few Arepas modernas and the plantains and loved everything. It might be a bit hard to find but there are a few other food cards in this area and plenty of seating and parking. Definitely stop by when you're in the area and our favorite was the pork moderna

My friend and I stopped here for a quick lunch, and this is a very affordable option if you are in…read morethe area. Our arepas were filling, was not extraordinary but it was a good meal. The Yuca fries on the other hand were delicious. I would definitely recommend to get a side of those if eating at this location.

My wife and I cruised in today for lunch. We've been wanting to go for a while and finally had the…read moretime. My wife ordered the passion fruit juice, I should have matched her. I blew it. It was incredible. Then she ordered the, Beef Ribs Sancocho soup! It was lights out. One of the best soups I've ever had. Robust, fresh, bold flavors. It was an absolute pleasure. We also ordered the Bandeja Paisa which had everything from chorizo, to fried plantains, to red beans and rice. Honestly, this is one of the best restaurants in Olympia. I was astounded with how balanced and flavorful everything was. Usually you come away with something that was your favorite, this time. It was all so impressive. Can't wait to go back. Incredible people as well, a true asset to our community.

I've been here a few times now. Good people, good food. For first timers, you order at the counter…read moreand then grab a table. Last time we stopped in and had some fried plaintains, along with our usual yucca arepas. Mmmm. We also ordered a Venezuelan empanada, which was pretty delicious. All their salsas are good, but I totally dig their aji verde - it's so tasty, just the right blend of flavor and heat. The service has always been friendly, and I think the prices are fair for what you get. Also it's a cute little place, perfect to duck in off the busy street and grab a bite or three.

The rice was so fucking good, everyone near me at the market was jealous of my plate. It was huge,…read morewith great texture and flavor. And also the simple pandan cheesecake was the best cheesecake I've ever had.

The way I wanted to love this place so bad. I am a born and raised Guyanese. I have been to…read moreTrinidad many times ( and I have Trinidadian family members ) Coming from the East Coast to now the West Coast and I see Trini food. I'm letting my Caribbean friends know we found a spot where we can find our people/food. I get there, the girl with the purple hair at the register rude as hell. The prices are insane. The so-called curry bowl that I received was disgusting. The channa had no taste, the chicken was supposed to be curry. There was no curry powder on that chicken, the chicken was more likely just sautéed and seasoning and placed on yellow rice. Nowhere in Trinidad that plate would've been sold, they don't do that. I wanted to get doubles, however they didn't have any more bara. Please if you're going to call your establishment "Trini plate" make sure you're actually cooking the cultural dishes. Do not give it a name just because you know the surrounding community does not know any better and they will think it's good. I am highly disappointed. I will say the bread pudding on the sorrel was good. And the OWNER, was pleasant.

We arrived around 5pm on a weekday and was maybe the only other party in the restaurant. There's an…read moreunderground garage below the restaurant. There's a sign that says parking for Island Soul. We mistakenly went to the adjacent underground parking garage. You tell the waiter your license plate to validate parking. The chickpea curry was a bit bland. The tostones were good garlicky and crispy. The coconut cake could have been moister and less sweet.

Island Soul is AWESOME! Island Soul bought/replaced Arleana's in downtown Kirkland. I have always…read morewanted to dine at the Island Soul in Columbia City, but it was always crowded requiring some planning. We made a reservation the day before easily. The interior is superb. This place would be great for date-night or get a drink or have a family meal. Our server was attentive and helpful, making a change for us last minute with a 'I gotcha ya' attitude - LOVE! Thank you! The food is so, so good! The Seattle area doesn't have enough 'soul', southern, creole, 'island' type of foods. This place fills the perfect niche. I have the urge to say 'hmmm, hmmm' dining here! Yum! Parking is free under the building, and nearby street parking tends to be available, too. The Food: Blackened Salmon, $33 - 5 Stars Menu: Salmon, corn soubise, fried plantains, fried okra We both wanted this as our main dish, so this is a 2X. The salmon is perfectly seasoned and grilled. You can SEE the seasoning on the fish. So glad they included pieces of okra. The frying/searing gives it the perfect chew. Fried Green Tomatoes, $15 - 5 Stars Menu: Green tomatoes, panko, egg, onion, Buddha's belly seasoning This dish is known as their must order. I have no clue what Buddha's belly seasoning is, but I can tell you it is tasty. Fried green tomatoes is a perfect southern dish (and I will always think about the movie). Wings, Jerk seasoning, $18 - 5 Stars Like many, we're suckers for wings. Even better if the seasoning is different. Jerk wings is rightfully popular, here. The sauce is generously applied, and every bit is delicious. The flavorful foods will have me returning for sure!