Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Top Taste Restaurant

    4.8 (124 reviews)
    InexpensiveCaribbean
    Closed 11:00 am - 8:00 pm

    Top Taste Restaurant Photos

    Business Info

    TOP TASTE RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

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

    You might also consider

    More like Top Taste Restaurant

    Recommended Reviews - Top Taste Restaurant

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Oxtail
    Hades P.

    This is a small authentic Jamaican place. I tried this place on a Saturday night at 7 PM and the place closes at eight. There were several dishes laid out and basically you order from what is available. The food looked tasty and it did not disappoint. The whole time we were there people were flowing into this place. It seemed like a very popular local spot. I tried Kingfish stew, oxtail, and curry chicken. Every dish had its own unique flavor, and it was just a burst of deliciousness on every plate. Highly recommend giving this place a try. The who I assume owners were very friendly and pleasant and welcoming. The place was clean and all the food was prepared very well. By the time we were ready to leave, things were pretty much getting sold out completely. When I visit Kingston again, I will definitely be back.

    Oxtail
    Jason W.

    This no frills, counter service Caribbean restaurant in Kingston, New York served some of the finest damn food I've eaten in a while. Service was super warm and friendly. This is the mom-and-pop spot from my dreams and I'm super happy to have discovered this place. The jerk chicken was loaded with flavor and Caribbean style spices. The oxtails were seasoned well and slow cooked to perfect tenderness. They really know what they're doing here. Highly recommend anyone in Kingston to check this spot out.

    Beef Patty and Curry Chicken (medium)
    Alison C.

    Through my research on the Catskills area, I came across Top Taste and its stellar reviews. It is difficult to find real Jamaican food outside of the Caribbean, so I was thrilled to give the place a try. We stopped into the small restaurant for lunch and felt as if we were truly dining on the island. The staff was so generous and welcoming, and the menu was completely authentic. We ordered at the counter, grabbed one of the 4 tables, and waited for our food to arrive. We began by sharing a Beef Patty, which had a golden, flaky crust wrapped around a thin layer of well-seasoned ground beef. I thought it was delicious, but would have loved even more of that tasty filling. Next, we shared two medium-sized plates (all meals come in small, medium, and large) of chicken with rice and red beans, as well as a mayo-less slaw and some plantains. If I had to choose, I would say that I preferred the heat of the spice-rubbed Jerk Chicken over the stewed Curry Chicken, which I found a tad salty. Both poultry dishes used dark meat on the bone, so they took a bit of work, but the meat was very tender. The rice and beans were perfect, and I loved the crunchy, cabbage-filled health salad. The sweet plantains were served at a room temperature, so they were not really crispy or mushy, but somewhere in between; that was not a bad thing, but I had expected them to be warmer. Overall, we were very impressed with the staff and their clear love for the food they wanted to share with the world. Top Taste was definitely worth our stop and would be worth yours as well.

    Oxtail
    Michael G.

    Came back during our holiday visit and it was just as good as the first time! I decided to try the curry goat and it was fall-off-the-bone tender! Great flavor and a subtle heat. I loved how hearty the curry was and was a nice supplement to the beans and rice. We also had to get a side of jerk chicken, which if you ever consider ordering as a side is a very good sized portion! The staff were super friendly as always and it didn't take long for our take out order. There were about 2 tables occupied and lots of phone orders - so tons of people coming in/out. I love the friendly, neighborhood ambiance of this place. I feel like I'm eating out of someone's home when I'm here. I love it!

    Jerk chicken
    Kristi N.

    Absolutely fabulous, authentic Caribbean food. This popped up on my Ways app. It is a tiny place with just a few tables. This food was so good I cried real tears. My mom was Peace Corps in St Kitts for 2 years and the Jerk Chicken and Ting took me back. Perfect plantains. Very reasonable and it looked like they did a good take out business. If I lived closer I'd be there all the time.

    Jerk chicken and curry goat, some of best I've ever had. This place is amazing! Nicest people ever working there too

    Curry Goat
    MaryKate A.

    Absolutely outstanding meal. The owners are so warm, welcoming, and friendly! We sat in the front booth and the food was served to us within 10 minutes of getting there. The jerk chicken's seasoning was like nothing I've ever tasted before. It was rubbed so perfectly and the chicken was so tender. The curry goat was practically falling off of the bones and was so succulent. The owners offered us drippings to go on top of our rice which made it so much more flavorful (although the rice is great on its own). The vegetables and fried plantains paired perfectly with the rice and meat. We also got beef patties which were perfectly crusty on the outside and soft on the inside. You need to go here!

    Medium jerk pork. Very flavorful, a little spicy, so good! Big enough for two people to share or have leftovers.
    Tori K.

    Delicious and well priced for the value! Be prepared to wait on a line for a bit, this place seems like it's packed on the daily.

    Curried Curry Goat
    Shawn P.

    Amazing food. Amazing people. Have been there twice now and can see myself there every Friday night.

    Tia Y.

    Great food and wonderful people! We were sad that they didn't have plantains but overall, the Oxtail tender and delicious. Great portion and nothing beats a home cooked meal. There are a few seats outdoor to enjoy but we took away and it was quick and seamless. Highly recommend!

    Jerk chicken and curry shrimp
    Robin L.

    Absolutely amazing place!! Would give TEN stars if I could! We've driven past this place a million times, it's a tiny little hut on a corner and never gave it a second thought. However, my husband read about this place and the chef/owner being nominated for a James Beard award - so we had to visit! All of the reviews don't lie - and it's perfectly named - TOP TASTE is exactly what you'll get. Along with amazing Caribbean food, friendly service, huge portions and reasonable prices. So much food, enough for 2-3 meals, it's an excellent value! Tiny place gets crowded, with a few tables to eat inside - but I'd recommend take out instead. Calling ahead would be a good idea too. Each meal comes with plantains, cabbage and rice and beans. I'll definitely be back here often! I'm eyeing the Mac n cheese fornext time!!

    Menu

    See all

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 2
    Love this 7
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Hades P.
    1
    61
    136

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Alison C.
    1566
    2222
    1540

    1 year ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 2
    Love this 4
    Oh no 2

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 3
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Great food. Very pleasant experience. We were in the area for the weekend and stopped in for lunch.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1

    4 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 2
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 2
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of J R.
    113
    523
    20

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Su L.
    320
    1010
    3811

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    A must eat at. BBQ chicken, goat curry and oxtail are our favorites. Owners love what they do and you taste it in the food!

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of robert d.
    0
    38
    116

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Msa J.
    1
    25
    9

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of S L.
    0
    17
    2

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 4

    Ask the Community - Top Taste Restaurant

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Caribbean 160 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    New Nelly’s Restaurant II - Steak

    New Nelly’s Restaurant II

    3.5(17 reviews)
    13.3 mi

    There was a little bit of a communication problem when we arrived. The young man at the counter did…read morenot speak English. He did smile a lot though! I thought to make it easier, we would just point to what looked good and he could charge us whatever but after a minute or two, he went to the back kitchen and an older gentleman came out who did speak English. He told us that we had a choice of three rice and a meat selection. So I went with oxtail and he went steak. We both got the yellow rice. You also get a choice of beans on top of the rice. I opted for no beans. I thought the portion size was good (lots of rice). Oxtail was fine but not fall-off-the-bone good. I would have liked more sauce. The steak was also fine and had a distinctive spice which we could not figure out. We ate outside on the picnic table. There is not much seating inside. After finishing our meal, I went to use the restroom. The toilet was not nailed down so when you sit, there is a loud sound as it hits the floor. There was also no toilet paper or paper towels. I guess I could have asked but then I would have to encounter the language issue again. Luckily I had extra napkins in my purse!

    Food: Extremely salty... I asked for red beans over my meal,…read moreand I was given a teaspoon of red beans. I had to ask her for more. There is a charge for the red beans anyway. REALLY A TEASPOON Service: ATROCIOUS!!!! The woman behind the counter is very RUDE, EXTREMELY UNPLEASANT. I asked this person for a menu, no menu, and I looked on my phone for the menu and prices. the prices of the food were different. Then she started quoting me prices. Different as well. There also was another woman sitting at the table, a worker. The woman who was attending me was angry with her. The plate of food was very small. For $18.00 I asked this person if there was a charge to use a card. Her answer was yes. This charge is not posted anywhere. NEW YORK STATE LAW READS: Businesses are not allowed to advertise a price and add a surcharge at the point of sale when a consumer elects to pay with a credit card. Instead, businesses are required to inform consumers of the higher credit card price for a product or service by posting the higher price. Ambiance: HEAVY with NEGATIVITY UNPLEASANT I will never return.....

    Photos
    New Nelly’s Restaurant II - Inside dining and ordering

    Inside dining and ordering

    New Nelly’s Restaurant II - Oxtail

    Oxtail

    New Nelly’s Restaurant II

    See all

    Top Taste Restaurant - caribbean - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...