Dinner at Jasmine's was hands down my favorite during a recent trip to NYC. We passed it walking…read morefrom our hotel and I looked them up and saw the great reviews. My crew was is in the mood for something else and I decided to go here solo. They were packed, so definitely make reservations. I started with the Island Gyal cocktail and it was delicious, and strong. For my entree, I got the oxtail with rice and peas. I enjoyed it so much! The oxtail was tender and very flavorful. The rice was cooked just right. Dinner at Jasmine's was the perfect ending to my trip to NYC. I wouldn't hesitate taking return.

Pulled up to Jasmine's Caribbean Cuisine ready for a comfort food moment... and left feeling like I…read moremissed my calling on the menu. Let me start with the good: it's cute. Not "date night in heels" cute--more like "grab a plate, exhale, and mind your business" cozy. I respect that. Feels like a neighborhood spot that's been holding it down quietly. Now the food... I went with the stew peas. And listen--it wasn't bad. But it also wasn't the soulful, slow-simmered, hug-in-a-bowl situation I was hoping for. It tasted like it was this close to greatness, but stopped short. No real depth, no richness pulling you back in for "just one more bite." And here's the thing: stew peas without a meat option? That's a risky game. A little pigtail, some smoked turkey--something--would've changed the entire trajectory of that bowl. Plot twist: the black (rum) cake showed up and said "don't forget about me." That was actually a win. Moist, flavorful, and felt authentic--like somebody's auntie was in the back doing her thing. Overall takeaway? Cute spot, decent experience, but I left thinking, "I should've ordered differently."

We were able to get a last-minute reservation at 7p on the Sunday before Memorial Day and entered…read morewhat was a pretty empty establishment. There were only 2 other parties seated and we were seated immediately upon arrival. It's fairly dark inside and the decor reminds me a bit of New Orleans. I enjoyed the ambiance. The drinks were great! I had the cocobella while he had margaritas. The table bread was hot and fresh, so make sure they bring it to the table for you. We had the mussels for an appetizer, lamb chops and bass. EVERYTHING was excellent! The flavor of the broth for the mussels was Devine, so much so my husband used his bread to sop up all he could. The bass had great flavor and came with sautéed spinach that was well cooked. It initially looked like a small portion but turned out to be plenty. The lamb chops were cooked to the requested temp and seasoned well. We left no crumbs. This one is definitely worth a try!

If you're going to see a Broadway show, plan on stopping here to enjoy some delicious food. This…read moreplace has such a smooth, sexy vibe. Staff are lovely. Decide is classy cool. The food is perfection. The pulled oxtails are delicious. Gave me goosebumps. The fish was cooked to perfection. The sweet plantains were perfect. The drinks were done very well too. It's a bit expensive, but you get what you pay for! YUMMY

Came to Havana Central for dinner and had an enjoyable meal…read more This restaurant is ALWAYS packed, as soon as you enter, you're hit with sounds of happy customers, and the decor is elegantly tropical. Our Server, Ramon, did an exceptional job. The staff did a great job at clearing finished items and everyone's timing was spot on. We started with the Tostones Rellenos con picadillo (Green plantains stuffed with ground beef). This was a great starter. Large enough to share and I enjoyed the drizzled sweet sauce and whole olives. Our entrees were: Palomilla Steak Platter (thin cut sirloin steak) and the Ropa Vieja (shredded flank steak). Both dishes were accompanied by white rice and we chose black beans and a side salad. This was the first time that I've seen Palomilla Steak presented totally cut into strips and it was a welcomed sight. The Ropa Vieja was perfectly seasoned and the amount of meat was thoroughly enjoyed. I capped off the meal with a Cortadito (A cortado is a Spanish coffee beverage consisting of equal parts espresso and warm, lightly steamed milk. The name comes from the Spanish verb cortar (to cut), meaning the milk "cuts" the acidity and intensity of the espresso. I appreciated the cookie on the side and each sip was amazing. Havana Central has various choices, to accommodate your time of day: lunch specials, a pre-theater menu, and a Happy Hour.

I love Havana Central! My favorite restaurant in the area because I love Cuban food so maybe I'm…read moreslightly biased but the service is fast, friendly, and efficient! The atmosphere and ambiance is so authentico! Can't wait to go back! It's a must in NYC! Shoutout to German, Carlos, Aaron, Jeremy and the fantastic staff! ¡Viva Cuba Libre! Cuba

Absolute the best I've had in a long time. I was actually headed to another restaurant but I said…read morelet me give this place a try! So glad I did. Left happy and full! Great service, great atmosphere, and clean!!!!

I had just come back from my sister's wedding in Jamaica and was craving some good Caribbean food,…read moreso I was excited to find Jumeika Restaurant--the name alone already had me hopeful. We stopped in before heading to a concert, and overall the food really hit the spot. We ordered the rasta pasta with chicken and the oxtails with rice and peas, plus patties as appetizers. Everything was flavorful, well-seasoned, and honestly reminded me of the food I had in Jamaica. Definitely satisfied my craving. The ambiance was cute and had a nice vibe, and the drinks were good as well. The only downside was the service--it was a bit slow since there seemed to be only one waiter covering the entire restaurant. Because of that, I'd probably avoid coming here if I'm on a tight schedule. That said, I'd definitely come back again when I have more time to relax and enjoy the experience.

They always come through. If you're having an event, they are a great option for food truck…read morecatering. Food is delish at all price points and nice portions.

Was in the city during lunch looking for somewhere to eat and came across this truck. I tried the…read morelobster mac. It was delicious. The lobster was a fried lobster tail on a bed of macaroni pie. I enjoyed it. Pro tip add a bit of jerk sauce on it. Thank me later

Sometimes you don't need a fancy reservation... you just need a tiny spot, loud kitchen, and food…read morethat hits like a heavyweight champ. Walked into Margon Restaurant in Midtown and instantly felt like I found one of NYC's secret cheat codes. Small space, big flavors, zero nonsense. The kind of place where you're elbow-to-elbow with strangers but everyone's united by one thing... serious hunger. Ordered the Cuban sandwich -- pressed, crispy, loaded with roast pork, glazed ham, Swiss, pickles, and mustard. One bite in and I stopped talking... which never happens. This thing didn't just deliver... it showed up early and over-prepared. Then came La Bandera Dominicana Braised beef swimming in savory gravy, yellow rice piled like a mountain, black beans doing their thing, and sweet maduros sitting on top like the victory flag. Simple. Comforting. Dangerous... because now I want it every week. Place gets busy, gets loud, gets chaotic... but it moves like a well-oiled machine. Years of experience and zero attitude. Just good people making great food. In a neighborhood full of tourist traps, this hole-in-the-wall is throwing haymakers. Sometimes the best escape in NYC isn't a rooftop... It's a Cuban sandwich and a plastic tray. And honestly... I'd pick that every time. #nycfood #hiddennyc #midtowneats

2.5 Decided to try for a quick bite since in the area. Place…read morecan be maintained better, narrow so kind of tight with tables on one side; and on the other side are the front counter and food ready in warming stations. Checked out the menu. Noted different prices on their website, on the paper menu and later noticed different ones posted on the walls. Oh well, we were already there. At first, one of the ladies behind the counter was getting confused about sides with the combos. Finally got that cleared up but found out they ran out of maduros so got one piece of chicken chunk as replacement. The chicken chunks were ok in flavor, but not crispy at all and didn't look great. Combo with 5 small pieces at $17 is not worth it. Went there for the Cuban sandwich which was an ok sandwich, tasty. Both rice we tried are on the dry side, beans at least ok with them.

Got to-go from here and thought that it was okay. We got their BBQ jerk chicken and thought that it…read morewas a bit on the pricier side for jerk chicken. It was super saucy, definitely on the sweeter side, and heavy on rice. Not bad but there are other spots I prefer more.

The only jerk chicken spot I feel confident in in Manhattan is Simply Natural Grill, but that dude…read moreonly comes out in the Spring/Summer as he brings his grill out on the street and does God's work. I did my best to crowdsource a good jerk chicken rec from my Instagram story, and the overwhelming favorite was Peppa's Jerk Chicken. We took the bus up to 28th street, and arrived at what felt like the promised land for a jerk chicken plate: Bob Marley on a Jamaican flag, tin wall panels spray painted with scenery of the homeland, employees slightly rude with thick Jamaican accents, etc. We both got jerk chicken plates with rice & peas and plantains. I was beyond hopeful to have a new year round jerk chicken spot. However, my hopes were stabbed in the heart when I took one bite of the plantains. These were legitimately the worst plantains I've ever had. I couldn't even believe they served us these. The plastic fork couldn't even penetrate the surface of the fried banana, they must have been sitting for DAYS. I wish they just told us they were out of plantains. The jerk chicken and rice & peas were actually really good, but plantain-gate just left a bad taste in my mouth. IG @jnov_ Tiktok @jnov__

Clap your hands and give it up for Big Tings inside Chelsea Market located in the Meat District…read more This is a whole vibe with various restaurants all at your fingertips. I opted for the meat patties with coco bread )if you know you know). People were flooding in for the jerk chicken and the meat patties were flying off the shelf! The staff were so sweet but busy. Everything is fresh and the music playing made me dance in my seat.. Great for after work drinks and eats. We ended with the bread pudding that did not disappoint. Trust me when I say they are doin Big Tings in a flavorful, fun, way!

If you are a big fan of Jamaican food, this is the place for you. I ordered the beef patty and…read morewings. They had an option to add more to the patty for a little extra cost, which was definitely worth it. I only wanted to try some of the wings and they were full of flavor. The line was relatively long when I went, but definitely worth it. I can wait to go back and try some oxtail.

Every time I go there the chicken is NEVER ready and the supposed Times Square location is null and…read morevoid