Islands — Restaurant in England

Slightly worried about posting this review, because everyone else raves about Islands. We went the past Friday night, and sat at 9pm. We had called ahead to book earlier but we're told they had nothing before 9pm. We were sat and drinks order taken. Drinks took 10 minutes to arrive after reminding out server about them. Food order was taken when our drinks arrived. My partner went for the jerk chicken with a side of chips, slaw and plantain. I went for the veggy option with the baked mac and cheese. Food arrived about half an hour after ordering, which for a small place is a while. By that time we were deffo the only ones eating as there was just two tables of four left. Now. Unpopular opion but true. The jerk chicken was dry, salad, not great, chips were OK. My veggy stew was tasty and really nice, the baked mac was nice. The coleslaw would have fitted into an egg cup, really disappointed. Not cheap either, £3.30. The plantain was 6 slices, which again, not cheap at £3.90. A bottle of Red Stripe is £5.50 for a small 330ml. Glass of wine was £10.50. Prices aside. The food seemed not as others have had or other pictures suggest. Maybe because we were the last in the place, ours was a bit of can't be bothered? Would I go back or recommend, not yet, I honestly left a bit disappointed, having been looking forward to visiting.

Now, I know they team are new there etc, but this is when you should be at your best. The food is ok, the drink...

Just come back from a wonderful night out. Honestly this place is fab. Food was really nice, although if I’m being picky, it needed more spice to be truly authentic, but I get that’s not necessarily to everyone’s taste and we still had a lovely meal and will be coming back. Family of 4 (who have been to the Caribbean 5 times, Jamaica 3 times) enjoyed the food, atmosphere and found the staff super friendly. We had pretty much everything on the menu, knocked back a few rum punches, some red stripes and generally had a great time. Personally I enjoyed the fish cakes, curry goat and the macaroni pie the most, but everything was good. I will say, I can imagine at peak times it might get super busy and service could be slow as there’s only really one dedicated waiter (who was great) so don’t necessarily expect a quick meal if the restaurant is full. But remember this restaurant is new and it is clearly trying to do its best, so I’d imagine in time they may get more staff and I know the menu will be expanding to offer more choice. Whilst I can see areas for improvement, that doesn’t mean that we didn’t thoroughly enjoy our meal out, and we will be returning. Taunton is ultimately a better place for having a restaurant like this, and it’s so nice to eat somewhere a little different. We left feeling like we’d eaten good food and genuinely had a really nice night out. Looking forward to going...

Oooo such a delight to finally find a Caribbean restaurant in the South. Located just outside the town centre it is a small restaurant with a lovely larger than life owner called Emma. The vibe feels like a warm Island, despite the - 1°c outside and starting to snow.

Drinks offered on arrival and a good selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic.

A small manageable menu all cooked fresh. We started with chicken wings and Corn ribs, oh this wet the appetite for our mains. I had the Seabass with rice and peas. Cooked beautifully with dry slaw (wasn't a fan) and plaintain on the side. The other half had to try the Curry Goat, it didn't disappoint. Warming flavoursome traditional feel dish with rice and peas and Macaroni pie. Good execution of family food we grew up on. Next time it's the Jerk Chicken!

Oh and good choices for us non meat eaters, but check for Vegan as I didn't this time.

Desserts were a plaintain waffle - yes plaintain put through a waffle maker, very strange sensation, teamed with ginger ice cream it was delicious. The other half had the moist rum cake and ice cream.

Emma is a great host and Miller is a good sidekick. Fun personalities and great food. Reasonably priced for a nice meal out.

Good, clean, wholesome restaurant....