Island Express
Caribbean · Brooklyn
Indulge in island vibes, Brooklyn-side
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About Island Express
Nestled in the heart of Brooklyn at 998 Flatbush Ave, Island Express invites you to step into a vibrant Caribbean oasis. Our unique location in one of New York City's most diverse neighborhoods sets us apart, offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere that reflects our commitment to authenticity and c...
Nestled in the heart of Brooklyn at 998 Flatbush Ave, Island Express invites you to step into a vibrant Caribbean oasis. Our unique location in one of New York City's most diverse neighborhoods sets us apart, offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere that reflects our commitment to authenticity and community. We specialize in serving up the flavors of the Caribbean, from spicy jerk chicken to sweet plantains and fresh seafood, all prepared with traditional techniques and fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Our menu offers something for every palate, whether you're seeking a casual lunch or an elegant dinner. Come experience our diverse range of dining options and taste the soulful flavors that make Island Express your go-to spot for Caribbean cuisine in Brooklyn.
What Customers Say About Island Express
Island Express is a popular Caribbean spot in Brooklyn, known for its flavorful and fresh Guyanese cuisine, especially the chicken patty, roti, and lunch specials. Customers praise the friendly staff and fast service, but some mention inconsistent roti quality and portion sizes.
Popular Dishes
Best For
Tip: Try the lunch special for a great bargain, but be aware that plantains can run out, so have a backup side option in mind.
Features
What to see nearby
Data from Wikidata
Explore the area around Island Express
Island Express is located in Brooklyn, surrounded by cultural and historical points of interest. Here are some of the most notable places nearby.
Historical Heritage
- Flatbush Dutch Reformed Church (A 353m) — church building in Brooklyn, New York City Propiedad contribuidora
- Church of the Holy Innocents (A 491m) — church building in Brooklyn, United States of America Lugar inscrito en el Registro Nacional de Lugares Históricos
Parks & Gardens
- Lott Park (A 392m) — park in Kings County, New York, United States of America
- Captain Oakley Junior Square (A 638m) — park in the United States of America
- Umma Park (A 795m) — park in the United States of America
- Parade Ground (Flatbush, Brooklyn) (A 876m) — park with historic playing fields in Flatbush, Brooklyn
- Lieutenant Federico Narvaez Tot Lot (A 981m) — park in the United States of America
Other Points of Interest
- Sears Roebuck & Company Department Store (A 324m) — historic building in Brooklyn, New York
- Caton Flats (A 810m) — building in Flatbush, Brooklyn completed in 2019
Data from Wikidata
Frequently asked questions about Island Express
Island Express Brooklyn Reviews
Real guyanese ting here !!! The flavors are incredible and every dish was rich and authentic. The bakery items were so fresh, soft, and full of flavor. The sorrel was especially delicious, perfectly spiced and refreshing. Oh also their prices are reasonable.
i had roti chicken wrap and then again i ordered chowmin… its so delicious lil oil healthy stuff… two guy working there are very energetic, really great atmosphere
Everything was flavorful and fresh but the chicken patty was a highlight. Quick service, friendly staff, and ample seating. 100% recommend!
I stopped by Island Express in Flatbush this evening because I wanted to try something new, and I’m really glad I did. When I first walked in, I was a little unsure of what to order and must have looked confused because the gentleman behind the counter immediately asked if he could help. I explained what I was in the mood for, and he kindly walked me through the offerings and showed me the different Caribbean dishes available. I loved the open concept of the space, especially being able to see the kitchen and how clean and organized everything was. The bakery selection also caught my eye, so in addition to a curry chicken dinner, I grabbed two chicken patties and some sorrel. The chicken patties didn’t even make it home. They were that good. The sorrel was absolutely delicious, and everything tasted fresh and well made. Nothing felt processed, which made the meal even more enjoyable. I don’t come to this neighborhood often, but I can say for sure that the next time I’m nearby, I’ll be stopping in again, especially for the chicken patties and sorrel. Definitely worth a visit.
This was my first time. I asked the gentleman serving the food what I should get and he suggested curry chicken and roti and it was delicious. I ate the entire meal with my hands as this is customary. I could just eat the roti alone 😋The atmosphere was clean. It’s a very open space with a huge community dining table in the middle and window front seating. Very affordable! I will return to explore the menu further!
I can't go a week without stopping in for my usual order. The staff at Island Express matches the cool vibe perfectly. Each course revealed new heights of culinary skill. It appears family members run this restaurant and are notably hospitable. The spot maintains exceptional quality.
The servers are prompt while the menu offers good variety. The dishes satisfy completely. The energy helps you enjoy your meal. Workers here provided perfectly timed assistance. I want to try their other creations next time.
Delicious lunch special. This fast casual spot caught my eye. Everything looked good to me but I wasn’t sure what to order, so I asked the server to make it like he was eating it. I wound up with BBQ chicken on white rice with chickpeas, and every bite was savory. For <$10, this spot is a great bargain if you’re on the move. The spacious table and clean atmosphere was super welcoming too.
Sybils is the original name. She is Guyanese giving our cultural cuisine and bakery of plush tasty pastries, bread, cake, roti, purie, bake and patties. I can go on its Guyana in Flatbush Brooklyn
Everytime i come to Bk, I look forward to coming to Island Express for their bakery items. The restaurant is clean, AC is on and the temperature inside is pleasant. Their staff is always great! I was helped by two gentlemen the other day, one of them resembled the late rapper Nipsey Hussle, which they both were so kind and patient as i always get a lot of bakery items each time I go. The other day I was a little disappointed in the cheese rolls, as they were kinda hard and didn't taste fresh like they normally do, everything else was fine and tasted great! I also got a peanut punch which was pretty tasty, maybe a little more nutmeg than what I'd prefer, but still was pretty good.
This is no frills fast casual dining with a very clean inside and a decent amount of seating. The service is quick. They run out of their plantains so be ready with a back up for side options. The prices to portions are great, I paid $15 for oxtail and $11 for goat curry. One dish is definitely enough to fill you up. The only thing I'd change is I wish the oxtail leaned in to the taste of the beef more with a stronger, more savory flavor instead of cinnamony sweet. I also wish the guava tarts had more filling and were softer.
Great food but whoever made the roti on 1/15/26 is not the usual person and did not do a good job. To maintain consistent quality please stick with those who know what they are doing or properly train replacements. If i want subpar roti I will stick to Sybil's in Queens.
not sure if there has been a change in their recipe, but the jamaican beef patties used to be so good but i don’t care for them anymore. this is the 3rd time i’ve visited, got more than one patty and they all have been dry, thin & just not good! bring the good juicy patties back please. also maybe some indication of where the line starts would help. 2 people were served before me while i was standing there waiting for patties.
This place is a complete joke. I ordered chicken curry, spinach, veggies chow mein, and tamarind from UberEats. The curry had absolutely noooo taste! I requested pepper and nothing came with it. At least if I had some pepper it would have gave the food a likkle flavor. The spinach was full of oil; just drenched. And the tamarind was sour skunt. The chow mein in mek it. I spent $41 for exactly what?! I will be disputing with Uber. Definitely will not be ordering again from this establishment.
Ordered the Oxtail with okra and rice and peas. Now I will start by saying the food is delicious, HOWEVER the the portions you get for $18 dollars are pathetic you get 3 little pieces of oxtail with a little gravy for $18!!!! And the tin “plate” is considered a small plate anywhere else. The man scooped the oxtail one by one as opposed to scooping to plate it. The food was delicious but NOT WORTH THE MONEY!!! Go elsewhere to get your moneys worth. $18 for literally 3 pieces of oxtail in a small tin… thank you, NEXT!! 👎🏼👎🏼👎🏼👎🏼
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About Island Express
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998 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11226
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998 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11226
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