I LOVE THEIR FOOD! I dine in, take out and service is always on time and food deliciously fresh. The atmosphere is very friendly. Thank you so much for your service for me, my family and friends.

flavorful, excellent service, good prices, enough food for 2 meals. definitely coming back

My wife and I ordered take-out from this restaurant as it is very small with few tables. The spicy home-cooked aromas can be sensed as you walk up the street. The FOOD IS FANTASTIC!! We had Jerk Chicken (w/rice & cabbage), Ox Tail (rice & cabbage) and an extra side of mac and cheese. The moist chicken was spiced perfectly and the flavorful ox tail fell off the bone. The baked mac and cheese had a crunchy topping and was yummy. I highly recommend this place. Do not leave Brooklyn before having this food.

Jerk chicken is spicy which is great! Mac and cheese is somewhat sweet which balances out the spice coming from the meals. Overall a good place to eat. The pricing is much more expensive than other caribbean restaurants I’ve been to, but that’s to be expected in a gentrified neighborhood

Amazing jerk chicken--quite spicy but not too spicy. We don't live in Brooklyn anymore but if we're in the area or can find an excuse to be in the area, we'll get food from here. To be fair, this is a location we've only been to once as we used to go to the other location when we lived in Brooklyn, but the food was just as good as we remember it. The plantains are nice too.

Jerk chicken was delicious and customer service was great! We even thought about going back the next day!! (Not enough time)

Perhaps my favorite restaurant in NYC. The ambiance upstairs is fantastic and has a real family feel. Almost every time I'm here, I meet new people. I also love the woman who runs this. She's incredibly nice and accommodating. The food is fantastic and about as home-cookin' as it gets. I recommend the shrimp, salmon, jerk lamb and jerk chicken. You really cannot go wrong. Don't come here if you expect a fast dining experience. This is for spending time with friends and not worrying about where the time goes as you eat some of the most delicious food in BK.

The food is wholesome and so flavorful. Genuine hospitality from the servers. I love this place.

The BEST Jamaican food I’ve ever had. We got the curry chicken, curry goat, oxtail, jerk chicken, and Mac and cheese. 10’s across the board. I would have taken photos but we all couldn’t stop eating! The chicken and goat curry were our favorites. Even the steamed veggies were great. The plantains were just a little dry.

Excellent customer service, huge portions of food! Tasty and I will return!

One of the best Jamaican restaurant in NYC. Cosy homestyle vibe, great food and service

+2

This was delicious! The Curry Chicken was amazing with huge portions! Yum! Service was amazing too. We were in a hurry and the waiter did everything he could to get us out of there quick. 🙏🏽 As a bonus they even offered my friend an extra chicken wing because the fritters were smaller then she was used to and expected.

We have know The Islands for close to 20 years and still love their food. We remember when they were a hole in the wall close to Eastern Parkway. Still the best!

Amazing food! We ordered the Jerk Chicken and the curry chicken, both incredibly good, also added a side salad for plantains 😉 perfect dish for a cold day. Ask for the spicy level if you are sensitive.

Excellent customer service and great food. Thanks a lot. We will definitely visit again.

Currently here eating this bomb steam snapper please note that they make everything fresh here so there is a wait time. But trust me guys it is worth the wait.

The food was a bit pricey however it was delicious. Each dish arrived hot, fully packed and nutritious. My Jamaican neighbor was more satisfied than me.

If I could give it 100000/5 I would Hands down best stew chicken and jerk chicken I've had. Even their cabbage on the side is absolutely delicious

I love the curry goat with red bean rice. Price was great for the portion. The staff were very nice and friendly.

Fantastic spot!! People from all parts of the world come to eat. The food is amazing! Staff is super nice and helpful. I got the oxtails and it came with a lot of meat!!

If you’re craving great Jamaican in the area - come here! The jerk chicken and Mac and cheese are exceptional and the hospitality here is great too! 😋

Food was delicious! I appreciated and very much enjoyed the vegetarian options. My friend enjoyed her curry chicken as well. Selene, our server, was an absolute delight! Decor is utilitarian but the other patrons were happy and enjoying themselves as well. Walked in randomly after a visit to the Brooklyn Museum. While chatting with Selene I mentioned that it was my good friend’s birthday. Selene later found a moment to subtly ask me if my friend liked cheesecake, I nodded. Not only did Selene come to our table with the most delicious slice of pineapple cheesecake but she subtly asked the other 3 tables to sing happy birthday before she approached our table. It wasn’t in a cheesy chain restaurant kind of way, but in a very sweet, good community way. I knew the cake was coming, but I did not expect that extra level of effort from our beautiful server and it was such a lovely touch. My friend was totally surprised and at first didn’t even realize everyone was singing to her. Ha! Thank you! This is now a destination spot for me, as I don’t live near the restaurant but just joined the Museum. We didn’t have time to pop into the lounge next door, but it looked like a good vibe and plan on trying it next visit to the neighborhood.

I’ve been looking for a good Caribbean food spot near NYC, and I think this may be my new go-to spot. Best food I’ve had in a while, jerk chicken was perfectly cooked and seasoned. Everything I ordered was amazing. I would eat here everyday if I could! Lol. 10/10 would recommend.

I cannot get enough of this place. My go-to order is the curry chicken and the homemade lemonade -- the chicken is always cooked to perfection, the rice is delicious, and the cabbage consistently has me on the verge of tears. This is probably the best lemonade I've ever had as well. I love the food here, the service, and the space with the Caribbean tunes they have playing in the background at _just_ the right level. I will be returning here consistently for as long as they're open and I live in NYC

The Islands is the best!!!! My family has been coming here since the restaurant was in that tiny space by the Brooklyn Museum. We’d always cram in there for dinner before Firsts Fridays and do pickup on our way to Celebrate Brooklyn. Literally been eating here all my life and it’s always excellent and everyone who works there is kind and helpful and lovely. You can’t go wrong ordering just about anything on the menu. The new(ish) bigger space is very nice and the food is as good as ever! Enjoy a meal at the Islands and start a family tradition to last a lifetime 💚

I was looking for a place to eat near the Brooklyn Museum and found this spot via Google Maps. I had a beautiful experience here - I ordered a preamble, which I believe was the plantain boat and rice and peas. Flavor was on point and the owner was so kind and welcoming. The chefs were amazing as well and the whole ambiance of the space was relaxed, comfortable and easy-going. I have to come back when I'm in town again. Thank you!

It was really easy to get a reservation for 10 people here. I came for my birthday and the food was incredible. This is some of the best mac and cheese I’ve had ever, and the jerk chicken was tender and flavorful. The service was spectacular. Though we had a huge group, our waitress made sure we were all comfortable and brought out wine glasses for everyone since it is BYOB. She was also hilarious. Hoping to come back soon!

Wonderful little spot in Brooklyn. Food was good (a little bland, I ordered oxtails). Service was great also. I came for an early dinner and noticed there was only one waitress. I could see this being an issue during a dinner rush. But she was very friendly! The entire staff was welcoming. Great spot I definitely recommend.

Absolutely delicious. I had the calypso shrimp - coconut-y and a bit spicy. Also loved the jerk shrimp dish - big portions so lots of leftovers. Plantains were a perfect dessert, not too sweet. We will definitely be back soon!

Food is delicious.

Being from Chicago we have high standards for food. So far NY restaurants have been hit/miss. This one definitely was a hit. Service is very friendly, food was bangin. We had curry chicken and jerk chicken, it was amazing. Jerk chicken was spicy so beware it’s got a kick to it. And tried ox tail for the first time ever. Def would have it again

Okay so look, i was randomly walking around on my birthday looking for somewhere to eat. Pete started a conversation, and we asked if they had food. They said yes come on in (mind youuuu they were closed). My best friends and i came in and had, quite literally the best Jamaican food I’ve ever had. (We had the jerk chicken, rice and beans and veggies). We also spoke to the owner Jahmal, who was quite as pleasant. This was an unexpected find with EXCELLENT customer service, delicious food and an all right amazing atmosphere. 10/10

First place in NYC I found where the portion sizes and prices are proportional! With such a large quantity you'd think the quality would suffer, but that's not the case. Every time I'm in BK, I make a concerted effort to visit this place. Highly recommend the Jerk Chicken

+2

Best jerk chicken I’ve ever had in my life. Not too spicy and so flavorful I had to leave her review. Thank you. Bless.

What is there not to love about this truly authentic and delightful Caribbean restaurant? The jerk leg of lamb is deliciously spiced and mouthwateringly tender, and comes with a generous side of rice and vegetables. The sodas are home made, and not too sweet. The pineapple-ginger is to-die-for. The atmosphere has a relaxing, modern, Caribbean feel. The staff is very friendly and hardworking. Visit and taste for yourself, you will not be disappointed.

Amazing food. Super fresh and flavorful. The mac and cheese was a 10/10. The coffee was also great comes in these cute little carafes! The server was so sweet and just a great comfortable vibe all around.

I absolutely LOVE The Islands. I've been eating at the Islands since 2014 when they were a take out only spot operating out of a whole in the wall on Washington St. Now, they have a large, sit down space to honor the amazing food that comes out of that kitchen! If you love Jamaican style Caribbean food, The Islands is a must.

Absolutely Stunning! Love the Jerk Chicken

Amazing food, big portions and great location and price.

Nice atmosphere. Music was on point and the food was Delicious 😋. My first time there and I'm looking forward to going back. Server was very helpful and the Chef actually came out to ask us how everything was. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone visiting Brooklyn NY. I'll be back again real soon.

This is the best Caribbean food in NYC. Chris is an amazing Chef and the oxtail and curry chicken is amazing.

So after some research on the best Caribbean, I came across this place. Firstly, if you want qualitu food, then wait...it may take some time but it's worth it, if not then go McDonald's. The flavour is authentic with the right amount of spice, the chicken was so tender, it almost melted off the bone. Really impressed and will come back again. I bought a combo curry goat, jerk chicken with rice & peas- $20 excl. Tips

So I only had ox tails once in my life and I wasn't blown away. Apparently, that's blasphemous and I decided to give them another try. The Islands ox tails were highly rated online and from people I know so I gave them a shot and man, they are delicious and the portions are great. Definitely worth the trip and money!

THIS PLACE IS BOMB!! I had roti with curry chicken and I cleaned up that plate! The waitress was so sweet and the food came out fast! I’m definitely going back here!

Great food - when I don't feel like cooking, I go here.

This place has the best calipso shrimps, in nyc. Atmosphere is nice, service is good, food taste great. Make sure you try mango cheesecake! I will definitely visit this place again. One of the best Caribbean food restaurant.

Jill Gregorie

Omg this place is magic. It’s a frigid cold day and my fiancé asked me to make a five-hour Caribbean recipe, which I was not about to do. So happy I ordered takeout here instead. The service was great, but more importantly; the food was 🤯! good. Soooo delicious, and hit all the right spots: warm and comforting, but also spicy and flavorful with a kick, just a joy all-around. One of the best meals I’ve had in a long time. I’m beyond grateful to have experienced this plate full of love, and can’t wait to eat it again many, many times going forward!

Joseph Grimaldi

Had the Chicken Stew, mac and cheese, and the Goat Curry here. The sauces were unreal and meat fell off the bone on both. Def recommend the rice and beans over the jasmine. Veggies were also wonderful. Best food I've had in crown heights so far. It was completely empty, which was off putting, but unwarranted. Service wasn't world class, but who cares. The mac and cheese was the best I've had outside my own kitchen. Make sure you ask for the house hot sauce. Portions are legit. We had leftovers. Thank you. <3

Damara Rose Stolfo

Best oxtail Best Seafood Best Staff in the neighborhood. Keep supporting local affordable businesses that built this neighborhood and sustain it!! Tip extra, tip the kitchen, what is stopping you from believing in the families that nurture you? One Love 💕

Scotty

The food is outstanding!!! You’ve got to get there early if you’re getting the goat curry… it sells out quickly (and for good reason)! Everything is incredible on the menu

Luca

AMAZING! from start to finish, chef (and owner) should be on one of the Food Network shows. Not only is he personable and kind but his food is ridiculously delicious, jerk chicken wings, oxtail and macaroni and cheese (oh my), save room for dessert, which their mom makes, insane cheesecake with a pineapple crust and warm guava syrup over the top. WOW! What a meal! What a gifted chef and beautiful family run establishment this is. True soulful home cooking at its finest.

Blayne Jeffries

Stopped in because the sign said happy hour and wanted to support a black business. $10 rum punch was amazing! Thank you to Kirsten for making us feel at home!

tolu opeewe

My friends and I meant to eat at the se7en next door but the kitchen was closed for the night so we were heading to the diner around the corner. Pete popped his head out the window and offered us some food. Pete made is three huge platters of jerk chicken rice and peas and cabbages. Chris the bartender made us a really strong drink, not sure of the name. Food was amazing, the owner Jahmal was very inviting and willing to accommodate us. Great restaurant!

Wendy F.

Came here with five others for an early Saturday night dinner and they were able to accommodate us easily. The food was gooooood. Everything was well-seasoned and flavorful without being overly salty. All of the meat dishes were tender. Everyone loved their dishes and agreed the food was worth coming back for!

+2

Nat T.

Pleasant neighborhood spot where you feel like walking in to your aunt’s house for a meal. This restaurant offers only indoor seating with paid street parking in front and free parking in surrounding area. Upon entering, we were told to seat ourselves. Our waiter is friendly and makes good recommendation. Food came out quickly, tasty, and is great portion. For 3 adults + 1 kid, we ordered 2 entrees and 2 appetizers and it was enough food. The restaurant also offers a variety of Jamaican Soda and we enjoyed the ginger beer! Overall, an authentic meal in a relaxing vibe.

+13

CC

Ask for an order of escovitch branzino and sorrel for your drink! Chefs kiss and the portion is so good. It’s honestly a meal for 2 people. The escovitch is packed with flavor and you can taste the coconut in the rice and peas that comes with this meal. When I am in Brooklyn, I always stop here. The staff are so attentive, warm and welcoming from the start of business to closing.

Hsin Yi Wei

Our friend brought us to The Islands and she said it’s her favorite Caribbean Cuisine in the neighborhood. The decor is humble, simple and wide-spaced with plenty of seating. There are limited but signature options on the menu. We got Ox Tail with Rice & Bean, Curry Chicken with Steamed Veggies and Salad with Jerk Chicken. The portion was huge with a reasonable price and we left a lot to go. Food was amazingly delicious, especially the jerk chicken, which was extremely tender and juicy. We also were impressed by their rice & bean, surprisingly appetizing and smelled so great.

+9

Kevin Zeng

Rice and peas? I need to be re-educated on the terms or travel a little more. They meant these are rice and beans. It’s a little spicy btw. After our Friday drinks, I decided to get a proper meal at the island. Jamaican food is always one of my favorites especially ox tail and jerk chicken. We end up getting them both. Jerk chicken just falls off the bones and the sauce is out of this world. They topped it off with some steam veggie which I highly suggest. Ox tail is amazing. I would go every day if it wasn’t for the $24 price tag. Oh yah this place isn’t cheap for an entree. Expect to spend $25 a person for a meal including tip and just plain old water. I think they can use an actual menu. Paper menu is a bit cheap and also dirt. I saw some sauce left over on my menu and that’s not okie. I let this one go for now. Just print out some QR code and have people scan on their phone. Overall great to dine in here but definitely can use some upgrades with the outdoor and in door. Music is too loud btw.

+5

Angelica Q.

We arrived as a group of four and saw that there wasn’t any free outdoor tables, so we had expected a wait. However, after putting our name down, one of the waiters brought out tables and chairs for us, so we were basically seated immediately. Not only that, but this place lets you drink your own wine AND WILL GIVE YOU WINE GLASSES FOR IT! The liquor store is literally 20 feet away and most tables had bought wine there for the meal. So you are supporting TWO local businesses — VERY NICE! Now for the food, I highly recommend the jerk lamb / chicken or the curry chicken. Meat is literally fall off the bone tender and HUGE portions — we were literally cleaning the place of the jerk lamb, and it’s just spicy enough for you to feel the heat but still keep you coming back for more. The roti is BOMB though, and would definitely recommend getting this to compliment your meal and just help sop up the sauce. The plantains and steamed veggies included in each plate are also delicious :) However, if they offer you the Mac and cheese as an add-on, I would say to pass: it’s decent but not worth the price. Service could have been better while we were dining; we didn’t get any water refills or check-ins, and had to flag down a waiter to order and get the check. However, for their initial service + the treat of being able to drink your own wine with the meal + the portions and quality of the food, I am still more than happy to give this place five stars. I will definitely be back the next time I’m in the city.

Kayi Wong

Spicy food? Yes this is the place for you. My tolerance for spice is terrible, but still tried some of the food here and it was great! This place is byob, and the staff were really nice. We ordered mac n cheese with ox tail gravy, jerk chicken, ox tail, shrimp garlic and curry goat. Each protein we got came with rice and veggies. We did like a family style so we each got a bit of everything. Everything was really flavorful and spicy so I had most of the ox tail because that wasn't spicy. Wish I could handle spice because all the food was flavorful, juicy and soft!

James Wade

Go here and get the jerk chicken. It is as good here as I've had anywhere in the Caribbean. It's a bit spicy, but has amazing flavor and is so tender that it falls right off the bone. Service is very friendly and they don't rush you at all, which is a refreshing change. The bread pudding also has very good flavor, and is definitely home made deliciousness. It's fun to sit at the bar and chat with the cooks if you get a chance. And seriously, try the jerk chicken.

The food was delicious, customer service could have been better. Lack of communication . We ate our entrees then asked to just have the mac and cheese to go by then we waited long enough just to be told they were out of mac and cheese. It gave me takeout restaurant vibes … for such a large spacious place .. It didn’t give dine in welcoming vibes . But overall food was delicious and thats all that really matters

This place seemed like a one man shop. We sat upstairs and it gave off a boat like atmosphere - not sure if that was intentional. I got the jerk shrimp dish, the small size, but it definitely was not small. The owner originally said the small size comes with 6 jumbo shrimp, but my dish definitely had more than 6. The owner definitely warned that the dish was spicy, but it was a beyond tolerable/deathly kind of spicy and I love spice! Not sure I'm a fan of this place but I might come back to try a different dish but beware of the jerk shrimp.

The prices are on the expensive side but the protiin and the quality is worth it. I had the rice and peas with jerk chicken and a side of plantains. The rice was very flavorful. I could taste the coconut in it and it was delightful. The chicken was spicy just how i love it and i bit every bone lol. The plantains were very good but some were dry. The service was very intimate and accommodating. Felt like i was being served in their home as a guest. Wonderful friendly staff.

Decent place for a meal. The food was good and the portion size was great.

One of the most authentic Jamaican restaurants in Brooklyn with flavorful oxtail and jerk chicken cooked with bold spices. Some places grill or bake then throw sauce on chicken but you can taste difference here. Good portions and friendly service at new location. Need to spice up decor and lighting. After subsequent visits, it should be noted the service is friendly but strangely inflexible for no reason.

Beautiful Staff @ The Islands. Food was delicious and healthy portions, allowing you to have leftovers. 👏

AK

This establishment offers excellent food. We decided to try several items from the menu, and while some dishes stood out more than others, overall, the food was enjoyable. The service we received was decent, although there was an issue with the timing of our order. Surprisingly, our food arrived later than that of customers who arrived after us, even though we had placed our order before them. It's unclear how the kitchen operates, as this was an unexpected occurrence. Among all the dishes we tried, the curry goat and oxtail stood out as our favorites. Their flavors and preparation were particularly satisfying.

Tri State Major

Such a Delightful Experience for my family. We thoroughly enjoyed it & Our Host ❤️ That Guy Jahmar Top Teir Attentive On Point Smooth such a delight & I must mention we were a party of 8 & his Attention 2 detail with out a mistake is definitely commendable he made the Experience even better . Wish all my outstandings for dinner ran this smooth . But the food was great as usual definitely a good choice

Blck Bettie

My experience was a good one; customer service was terrific. I thought I was in a different country for a moment, couldn’t believe I was in the U.S! As for the food, the oxtail was ok, tender, and flavorful. The jerk chicken had a good flavor but not a good texture, it seemed like it was sitting too long, and it was tough and dry, yet it was drowning in “gravy!” It’s missing that grilled crispy texture that a broiler or grill would give. I would go back and eat in I want to try their other dishes.

The food was just ok. Ordered 2 of salad called "The Islands" which had shrimp and chicken. My daughter didn't enjoy hers at all and threw half of it away. The salad has potential but it seems like they use the jerk chicken and the shrimp they serve with all other meals. The shrimp should have been grilled along with the chicken. Putting both on the cold lettuce only ruined it. The salad had all this liquid from the shrimp which then got mixed up with the jerk chicken making the salad really wilted and wet. Would I order the salad again, maybe, but I'll want the chicken and shrimp separated. I decided to try then becasue on my early morning walks it always smell so good. Maybe I'll try them again and get something else.

My first time here, place nice and clean. Atmosphere is casual and food smells heavenly especially the rice n peas which was very tasty. Service could use improvement, only 1 waitress on Father's Day, the wait time was awful and the party I was with was served in parts, not a good look.

Stopped by here before heading into the Brooklyn Museum and the food was well portioned, though not that appetizing. Nevertheless, the service was gruff but friendly and we were able to grab our food and go. I had the curry goat and will admit that when I first took a bite, thought it was perhaps the best goat I had tasted. Upon further consumption and combined with the just okay sides, I thought it was still a good dish but not something terribly wowing. The jerk chicken definitely had a kick but somehow the dishes just weren't as powerful as I think they could be. With a bit more kick and spice in the beans / rice and the vegetables, I think this place could be on to something great. Still a cool place to go when you're on the go.

The food was okay...i had the jerk chicken not what i am used to. It didn't have the full jerk effect like it was baked then jerk seasoning added. The server was nice. It was lunchtime on a weekday so it was quiet. The shocking thing was payment! If you use your card your bill will jump waaay up in price! For us it was 60 to 70 dollars. I understand a charge when using a card but somehow this seemed illegal. So if you choose to eat here bring cash!

I ordered the chicken salad (with jerk chicken) and the mac and cheese. The salad was super tasty; the dressing is a little sweet which works well with the spices in the jerk chicken. There are raisins in the salad, which I was a little taken aback about at first, but it works really well in the salad! You can tell they shredded chicken from drumsticks to put in the salad because there were a few pieces of bone left in, which was not great. The mac & cheese was inedible. It had no flavor and the crust was like plastic. I do not recommend.

The oxtail at The Islands is amazing, tender, flavorful, and falling off the bone. Portions are seriously generous, so come hungry or be ready for leftovers. The jerk chicken, while well-spiced, was a bit on the dry side and could’ve used more salt. The mac and cheese was a disappointment, it was dry, cold, and tasted like it had been sitting out for a while. The curried goat was decent, nothing mind-blowing. Definitely worth coming back for the oxtail alone.

The food is alright - it’s not great. The chicken could be SO much better in taste and texture! Marinate that chicken - bake it till it has crispy skin! Cus as it is now - it’s just like ehh - chicken that someone’s random mom made.

Joshua Raiffe

The food was five stars! The waitress, Celine was 5 stars. BUT! She was the only person working the whole room so we waited literally 2 hours to get our food. Also, the restaurant was extremely cold. Many diners were eating with their winter jackets on. I would recommend the Islands because the food and vibes are so good but bring a good book and only go on warm days.

Gui M.

The Islands is a cozy, home kitchen vibe restaurant. Went on a Sunday night and lots of families from the neighborhood were there. There was a lot of activity in the take-out area. Service was a little slow, but very friendly and nice. The food was good, but did not wow me. The space could use some maintenance, the entrance door is cracked and some tables seemed very old.

Food had a horrible old taste.. people was nice, but food was bad. When your plantains bad you know it’s bad. The Jerk chicken and peas and rice was also distasteful.

Sat us down at a dirty table. We asked if we could have jt cleaned and the server gave us attitude in return. And then he never took our order so we left.

I recently dined at The Islands Restaurant and, unfortunately, it was a disappointing experience. From the moment we arrived, the service was lackluster. We waited a full 15 minutes just to get our waters, and even then, we had to ask multiple times before they finally arrived. Instead of placing the drinks on the table, our server handed them to us, which felt unprofessional. While the atmosphere was nice, it was clear the staff lacked urgency. If you’re on a time schedule, I highly recommend looking elsewhere, as there seemed to be no anticipation or promptness in the service. It's baffling, especially since the restaurant wasn't crowded, and there were plenty of available tables. The highlight of our visit was the escovitch fish and oxtails, but even that was a letdown. We were told it would take 15 minutes to prepare, yet we waited 50 minutes for it to arrive. There was a complete lack of communication from the staff regarding our order, and no accommodation for the delay. Just as we were about to leave, they finally brought out our food, but the damage was done. To make matters worse, we noticed a party of six who arrived prior to us received their food much quicker, while one of their guests got her meal after we did. When I asked for a to-go container, I was simply handed one instead of the server offering to assist. After seeing her mistake, she finally offered to help, but by then, it felt a bit too late. The only part of our meal that was expedited was the check, which left us feeling more frustrated than satisfied. The manager did come out to apologize, but there was no real attempt to make up for the delays. Overall, I cannot recommend The Islands Restaurant. For anyone craving Jamaican cuisine, I suggest exploring other options where service and professionalism are prioritized. Save yourself the headache!

I do not mind paying $30 for good oxtails...these were not good. They were tough, they taste like they were cooked with ketchup or bbq sauce and a lot of sugar. Plantains were dry and no flavor... The rice was too sweet and mushy...too much coconut and I LOVE coconut. The cabbage was salty. Not worth it and I honestly can't see how the reviews match what I had...it was a takeout order and I can say I will never be back. My search for good oxtail (better than mine) continues.

Such a cute location but experienced the worst service at this location. The servers are not attentive and it's almost like you have to beg for them to come on time with the food and beverages. The service is way to slow and forget it if your going to ask for something custom made such as a seafood meal your better off eating before you come. As a black establishment i seen them serve the Whyte customers better than the others. I wouldn't come here again not even if this was the last restaurant in the world.

I have had take out from this place before. However, in person was a horrible experience. The worst service. Our server kept on lying to us about when the food would be ready. When we asked for an updated estimate after 90 mins of waiting with empty water glasses, the server said the kitchen lost the ticket. In this time, we saw them pack up multiple to-go orders. We were literally one of the three groups that was in the entire restaurant. We got no apology and were so upset we left. Never going back here again.

You might have read rave reviews about this place but if you value respectful service, please consider other Jamaican places that do not take their customers for granted. We found the servers rude and unprofessional. We placed our order with an inattentive rude waiter. When the food was delayed for 45 minutes, we asked what was taking long and we were told it would be ready in 15 minutes. After waiting for nearly 90 minutes, they told us they didn’t have our order and asked us to reorder, shamelessly and unapologetically. We talked to both the server and the cook making the food (I think the owner), and they told us they lost the order. We were absolutely infuriated and still got no apology. There are many hardworking smaller Jamaican places. Take your business to those, and do not continue to support a clearly unprofessional and lazy establishment who cares very little for the community.

I don’t normal write reviews but this was a must.. I ordered a oxtail with rice and peas . They charged me $29 I thought it’s probably going to be worth it .. I got home started eating and IMMEDIATELY REGRETTED IT ..the rice was so pasty with no flavor and the oxtail was as tuff as if I bought it uncooked . Like I would need to throw it back on the stove … I love to support my fellow black business but this was not it and I’m extremely disappointed. My suggestion get a chef that is actually from the islands and learned to cook from there cause whomever made this definitely missed the point

I ordered Postmates, extremely expensive almost $70 for 3 food I still paid it. Wait an hour for my order to arrive to see the store decided to change it because they were out of what I asked for. I ordered BbQ chicken with oxtail gravy instead I got stew chicken and a note stating they were out of barbecue chicken and decided to substitute it without contacting me. As a consolation they sent some lemonade and plantain. How about you contact me if you don't have what I want and let me decide. You want to make the decisions why didn't you pay for the meal?FYI the stew chicken is just ok and there's way to much cabbage where rice should be, I will NEVER order there again

This was one of my favorite spots when I used to live in Crown Heights 15 years ago. I tried to order tonight to share with my boyfriend how amazing the food is only to have my order canceled 15 minutes after the estimated delivery window. No call or explanation. Just canceled. Sad.

This used to be my favorite spot for Jamaican food but I will have to now look elsewhere. We were told to wait 15 mins outside (group of 4), and so we did. Then we came back and sat down. The table was dirty. Server took forever to come. When he did come, he mumbled something in a lecturing / attitude tone as he cleaned it. Then he never came back to take our order as we waited forever so we decided to leave. He saw as we walked out and didnt even bother to offer an apology. It felt extremely unwelcoming so will not be coming back here due to the horrible service. A shame because the food is really good.