Every person who comes to the U.S. brings their rich culture, beautiful art and music, and, oh…read moreyeah, delicious cuisine with them, and the Haitian community is no exception. Our communities are enriched by the gifts they bring. Yesterday, I got to experience it firsthand thanks to Amy and her crew over at A.J. W Caribbean Restaurant! They hooked me up with a FANTASTIC meal--a TON of fall-off-the-bone tender stew and delicious black rice and pigeon peas with some of the biggest plantain pieces I've ever seen! They've been open here in Albany for just over a year (a critical milestone in restaurant operations!), and if you haven't been here yet, you're missing out! I'll definitely be back (hopefully to try their snapper!)

Sometimes a single dish is reason enough to try a new restaurant, and this is the case with akra…read moreat AJW. It's not fried okra as I assumed but a fritter based on taro. Moist inside, crispy outside with just a bit of heat. A must. Also had a medium portion of the beef stew with vegetables which was easily enough to serve 2. Stew was pleasant with harmonious flavors but the available spicy slaw kicked it up a notch. Accompanied by black rice which now comes with green peas, not mushrooms, and a pleasant plantain patty. (I'm used to plantains sliced like bananas at Cuban places and guess this one is mashed then reconstituted into a patty.) Slices of onion and bell pepper, shown in previous photos, no longer included nor is what looked like a pretty ordinary side salad. Still a very good value for what I received. The interior is spacious and pleasant (apparently a former Starbucks) and a little hard to find with a difficult to read sign. It's to the left of the Men's Wearhouse store in a strip mall facing Colonie Center. Give it a go so this cuisine newcomer does not go away!

My son and I ordered 1 large oxtail meal and 1 large curry goat meal with some baked mac & cheese…read more The food was absolutely delicious. The goat was tender and the oxtails were also. The oxtails were very favorable and the rice and beans with cabbage was outstanding. Some very lovely ladies served us and they were very nice and welcoming. The restaurant itself had a nice feel to it and you could smell all of the good seasonings in the air. I'll definitely be returning to Roy's

The food was Overpriced and UnderSeasoned. The oxtail did not have gravy and was not flavorful. Not…read moreto mention $30 for a Small is Diabolical! I will NOT be returning!!

Walking in to Good Religion, made me feel at home. The hospitality was above and beyond,…read moreaccommodating our request to move a table outside! But the staff was warm and inviting. For Tuesday dinner, the place was not packed at all and had great Caribbean music playing to help set the mood. We ordered the jerk chicken wings appetizer, and entrees of curried goat and Ox Tail. The wings were fall off the bone marinated chicken with a heavenly host of flavors that were spiced nice with not too much heat (would've posted pictures but they were devoured). The curried goat had a beautiful aroma and bouquet of curry flavors but was also not over powered with spicy heat. And the Ox Tail...... drool worthy, savory, tender, and stewed with love and effection. We both shared sides of coconut rice and steamed cabbage which were perfectly complements to our dishes. Dessert was a maple cornbread that made me believe my aunt Barbra was back there cheffing.. Will definitely return!! And will spread the gospel of Good Religion far and wide.

The food was absolutely great! I made it a point to try this spot, before heading back home (New…read moreOrleans). I add that point because if you know New Orleans food, you'll know how discerning native New Orleanians are about food - period. Upon arrival to Good Religion, I was a little shocked by the look and it being in NY; however, I am accustomed to good food from unassuming places. I will admit I am not a fan of buffets, but Good Religion is more than a buffet, it's your auntie's kitchen. There is a difference!

We only catch First Caribbean Choice at the Troy Farmers Market (we have never been to the…read morerestaurant), and it's become a must-stop at least a few times throughout the summer! There's one gentleman (from Jamaica--the man behind the food!) cooking and serving, and his dishes are as warm and genuine as his service. I really need to learn his name--he deserves the shout-out. We usually order the combo platter, and it's fantastic value: three styles of chicken (fall-off-the-bone tender), stewed chickpeas, cabbage, fried plantains, and rice. Portions are generous, everything is hot and fresh, and each component has its own distinct flavor while still blending perfectly on the plate. The seasoning is layered and satisfying--comforting, savory, and balanced--so every bite feels like a complete meal, not just a pile of sides. Consistently delicious food, hearty portions, and friendly, efficient service. If you're at the Troy Farmers Market and craving real Caribbean comfort, this stand is the one. We will be back (and next time, I'm asking his name!).

-Delicious beef stew and awesome service!! I would…read moredefinitely go back. Highly recommend this place if you're looking for carbine/ African cuisine .

Yelpers and hard-to-please Redditors praised Umana Yana but I was initially unclear on the "must…read morehave" items given the fusion aspects. Umana Yana is named after a Guyana location but much of the fare is African. In addition to scouring photos I even looked on DoorDash for popular items. The jerk lamb lollipops and red curry fish tacos were excellent. Umana Yana is an expert in spice and sauce, and also has a knack for combining fire and sweetness. The lamb has plenty of built-in flavor but was also adorned with a topping vaguely in the pico de gallo paradigm along with pineapple, and there's a green sauce on the side.

This place has AMAZING food and drinks! Best Ethiopian food I've ever had, and I've had food made…read moreby Ethiopians several times. They make food from many places, and do it well. Awesome Tamarind Margarita. My husband also lived his food and drink, whatever that was. Chris was a great server. Can't wait to go back.

It's nice to try new flavors. And boy are you in for a treat. It's location was also somewhat of…read morea surprise. This gem is located inside the Celtic Hall. I knew there was a kitchen, but if you didn't know, Bespoke is there waiting for your order. Bonus, today was there was a craft fair going on. Two fun things. Ordered Garlic shrimp which had garlic, onions, peppers and small hot peppers. Chef even inquired how spicy I'd like it. Nice! SO had the oxtail stew. Both were accompanied by 2 sides. I ordered the cabbage (nicely sautéed with onions) and the Mac and Cheese (delightful). SO got plaintains and the cabbage. A lot of food in an 8x8 recyclable container filled to the brim. Parking off street. Friendly people. Great food. This will need to be revisited since there is more on the menu to eat.

Everyone there was good vibes and down to earth. Great food! I've been to JA and this reminds me of…read morethat true JA cooking! Out of all the other spots around this one is the place to go. I posted the updated menu because I ordered off the old one over the phone and thought it was cheaper - but NO COMPLAINTS AT ALL! Still a great deal and so worth it! I forgot to take pictures of the Red Snapper plate and Jerk Chicken but highly recommend

Incredible spot for a delicious lunch! I stopped in on a…read moreweekday for lunch with a friend and was delighted to see so many tables and a fully stocked buffet that smelled amazing. You first choose your size: either the medium, which will run you between $8-10, or the large size for $11.50-13.50. I got the medium stewed chicken with yellow rice. They filled it to the brim and it was $10 - you cannot beat that! It was absolutely delicious. I got a bottle of water too and sat in their comfortable dining room. They had several different protein options: salmon, pernil (pork), stewed beef and more. There's definitely something for everyone. Do yourself a favor and stop in!

Los Nuestros Dominican Restaurant in Albany has gone to bad serving food. The display is…read moremis-managed and sloppy. The quality of the food has decreased in both flavor and appearance. Seems to be just thrown up there in the window and not appetite appealing as customers" we eat with our eyes first". Presentation is everything. I called back to complain to a manager on the phone but no one spoke English to hear my grievance. I noticed new server's at the front end that doesn't seem to know what they're doing. I am and about to say "was" a frequent customer for years. But I'm thinking of leaving that business camaraderie. Also they lost the business at Crossgates Mall. Hummmmm I wonder why

Everything nice! I always get breakfast, saltfish & calaloo with rice and peas and plantain with a…read morefruit punch on the side. Be patient or order ahead. There's plenty seating inside or you can take it to go.

I ordered a Large Jerk Chicken Dinner with Rice and Beans and Cabbage. The order was ready within…read more10 minutes of me calling for pick-up. The price was reasonable and only cost 20$ which I paid in cash. The restaurant looked very clean and they had an assortment of Jamaican snacks and meat patty's. The jerk chicken was delicious and seasoned well with some jerk bbq sauce on top of it. The rice and beans and cabbage was also tasty and paired well with the chicken! I will be back!

I've been to this spot a good 3 times starting from when it became jamrock. I've only got kingfish…read moreand curry shrimp before last night and it's always been good! It's no way the same chef cooked my order last night. Jerk salmon, brown stew kingfish and shrimp rasta pasta. Got a few sides and it came to $80. Worst $80 I've ever spent at a Jamaican spot. Everything was terrible... Don't know what happened to this joint but you can only skin a sheep once.

I stopped in recently for takeout at Jamrock Caribbean on State Street, formerly Roy's Caribbean…read moreRestaurant. The place offers takeout, on-demand delivery service, and a spacious dining area to the left behind wooden gate. Since it was a Saturday, I decided to order the Shrimp Rasta Pasta ($16.99 plus tax) since they make it to order and on Fridays and Saturdays too. I took a seat in the dining area as I waited for about 12 minutes when my food was bagged and ready. This pasta dish is an Italian-Jamaican fusion dish, which was served very hot in a round foil container, a good portion with penne pasta in a spicy cream sauce with bell peppers, seasonings & spices and tender shrimp (cleaned). It was about the size of two meals which I enjoyed over two evenings for dinner. I would definitely order rasta pasta again and I would try their Red Snapper (Escovitch Fish), Jerk Chicken and Meat Patties too.

I'm very picky when it comes to food and I don't leave reviews but I had to for this amazing…read morerestaurant. Everywhere I go I look for West Indian food so I can feel like I'm eating a home cooked good meal. Guess what today I felt just that. Food was on point and it didn't break the bank either. The service was great. She had patients with me as I was very indecisive on what I wanted. She kept smiling and made me feel welcomed. The ambiance made me feel like I was in Jamaica in one of those shacks when you get the best dinners. I'll be back! Oh yeah. Jerk rice was great with the butter shrimp. I don't have a before pic. I do have an after one.

Im sorry this restaurant food its disgusting I purchase Mac and cheese thst tasted old hardly no…read morecheese cabbage was grossed sweet unfavorable plait8ng where hard and dry i will never purchase have anything else from this place over food experience was a waste of money