Island vibez Kitchen — Restaurant in London

I had dined at IVK a few months ago and at the time thought it was dreadful! Most of the items on the menu seemed to be on vacation (at lunchtime!) And when we did eventually find something which was available it was all unappetising, dry and had DEFINITELY been reheated from the previous day,...or so it seemed! Ever eager to support our Black businesses we decided to give it another try last night. I am so sorry to have to report it's just as bad and even worse...food horrible compounded by customer service.... non-existant! Once again, staple items not available. I ordered a side of plantain and when told they didn't have any then tried to be helpful by saying that instead of reversing the charge on an already paid bill I would settle for the monetary equilance in Mac n cheese. This created some confusion but eventually the manager said it was all fine. Wish I'd asked for my plantain money back. Got a finger size slice of Mac which then had the cheek to be dry and tough as old boots and I will never believe it was bakes yesterday. I mean people really?!??? There was not a slice of onion, pepper, lime or other staples on the Escovitch fish which was served with a side pot of watered down barbeque sauce. ESCOVITCH!!!?? The nail in the coffin was when I asked if the food could not be delayed as I am diabetic and had already spent time grappling with the menu. Although we smiled when I was told "that wasn't their business"...we need to be careful how we respond to customers and appreciate somethings are just not to be treated as a joke. It was to save your feelings why I let that pass but someone else may not feel the same qay! Sad to say if I am at Theatre Royal again and am hungry. I will go off to get some KFC as the table next to us did.....Still would love to support you but.......it would also have been nice if you'd asked how the meal was when you picked up the dishes. Hope you won't get any more reviews like this because even if we are not going to visit again we do sincerely wish...

We had a decent meal here - and we think it's totally undeserving of all the negative reviews.

It's not the most glamorous place, but the food is good, the staff are attentive and friendly, and the food is really tasty and feels more authentically Caribbean than Rum Kitchen.

The portion sizes are great, and the staff were more than happy to switch my rice for plantain. Most places nowadays refuse to make adjustments or charge extra - but this restaurant was really relaxed about it.

Our food arrived quickly - perhaps after 15 minutes - although it was quiet when we went, with only 3 or so other tables. We're due to see a show on Friday, so we booked a table whilst we were there. Staff mentioned that they get backed up with orders right before a show, creating longer wait times (which I guess is what people are complaining about) and suggest to arrive earlier - 1.5 hours before your show is due to start.

Anyway, we almost didn't come due to the bad reviews, but we decided to give it a go and make our own opinions - and we are definitely glad for it. Will be back on Friday - and no doubt...

AN EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTING EXPERIENCE AT WHAT SHOULD BE A PRIME CARIBBEAN RESTAURANT NEAR TO THE STRATFORD EAST THEATRE. THEY RAN OUT OF CURRIED CHICKEN ALTHOUGH IT IS DISPLAYED ON THE VERY SCRUFFY AND UNHYGIENIC MENU. THE TABLES WERE FILTHY WITH DRIED UP FLUIDS/DRINKS. I WISHED I HAD WIPES IN MY BAG TO CLEAN OURS. WE TRAVELLED FROM FAR TO SEE A SHOW AND DECIDED TO GO TO THE NEAREST EATERY. A SMALL PORTION WAS SERVED IN A BOX WITH A WOODEN FORK. DRY LUKE WARM RICE, A SPRINKLING OF STALE SALAD WITH NO DRESSING AVAILABLE. ... THE SMALLEST PORTION OF MUTTON (ALLEGEDLY) WAS PREDOMINANTLY BONE. WORST CARIBBEAN STYLE FOOD I HAVE EVER EATEN. AND I KNOW. BECAUSE I AM JAMAICAN AND EATEN MANY CUISINES IN MANY PLACES. EITHER IMPROVE HYGIENE, MENU AND HEALTH & SAFETY OR SHUT THIS PLACE DOWN. IT'S A TOTAL EMBARRASSMENT TO LEGITIMATE CARIBBEAN EATERIES. THERE IS A LOT MORE I COULD SAY BUT WON'T. I WOULD GIVE IT ZERO STARS IF IT WOULD LET ME....