True Island Grille — Restaurant in Alafaya

I’d like to say I loved it here but I can’t. The place is beautiful when you enter. There’s even a grassy wall with chairs for photo opportunities. We were looking for True Island food like the name says. My Jamaican cuisine that I cook is way better and I’m not Jamaican. In addition, I drove 1.5 hours because of an IG review. Note to self. No more IG reviews for me because they tell lies. The service was ok. I say that because as a former server and restaurant manager I know that you should check your customers food prior to the plate landing on the table. He did not check. He couldn’t have checked. He told us it would be 35 mins for the fried chicken because it is cooked to order. That was fine. That meant hot and fresh right? Nope. There was one drumette and 3 halves of chicken thighs. So a thigh and a half I guess. The chicken thigh had obviously been left over. The drumette was the only thing that was hot. The salad was wet and wilted from a bag of grocery store salad. Not edible. I ordered escovitch fish. Parts of the perimeter of the fish were dried like it had been par cooked or recooked. The cabbage was left over. Every steamed cabbage I have enjoyed was cabbage and carrots, NOT cabbage and a bag of frozen mixed vegetables added. the rice and peas was tasteless. Unfortunately our bill was close to $50 and we couldn’t enjoy our meal. If I’m not able to finish my meal, I usually get a to go box to have leftovers for later. Not this time. I left that mess right on the table. I just knew it was not gonna get any better later on. I’ll close with this, there were two other tables besides us. You can try the festivals. It’s a sweet bread. They were cooked to order. We had those while waiting on some old fish and old chicken. Please save your business and cook fresh and delicious food. Put the amount of effort into the food as you did the decor. It’s self correction time. If you fail to self correct. You are planning to fail and lose what you worked for. Don’t...

Authentic Jamaican Flavors!

If you're craving bold, authentic Jamaican flavors, this spot delivers in every way. From the moment you step in, the aroma of sizzling spices and slow-cooked goodness sets the tone for a satisfying meal.

Escovitch Fish The escovitch fish is a true standout—crispy on the outside, tender and flaky on the inside. The tangy vinegar-based sauce, infused with Scotch bonnet peppers, onions, and bell peppers, adds the perfect kick. The balance of heat and acidity makes every bite a delight, and the fresh snapper holds its own against the vibrant flavors.

Rice & Peas No Jamaican meal is complete without rice and peas, and this restaurant does it justice. The coconut-infused rice is fluffy and well-seasoned, with hints of thyme and scallion that complement the richness of the fish. The kidney beans are cooked to perfection, adding a hearty texture to the dish.

Pepper Shrimp For those who love spice, the pepper shrimp is a must-try. These juicy, shell-on shrimp are coated in a fiery Scotch bonnet sauce that packs serious heat. The seasoning is bold yet balanced, allowing the natural sweetness of the shrimp to shine through. It’s the kind of dish that keeps you reaching for more, even as the spice builds.

Overall Experience The service is warm (shout out to Janise!) and welcoming, reflecting the island’s hospitality. The portions are generous, and the flavors transport you straight to Jamaica. Whether you're a longtime fan of Caribbean cuisine or trying it for the first time, this restaurant delivers an unforgettable experience.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rating: 5/5 – A must-visit for lovers of authentic...

The best part of my experience was entering the venue because it’s not giving restaurant! Very nice ambiance and a hidden gem!

Service absolutely the most horrible in the area! Food was not presented well and the portions are not worth the price!

Curry Chicken not cooked long enough very tough and hard to come off the bone3/10

Cabbage needs to be cooked longer and seasoned 2/10

Rice was old and plated! 0/10

Coke products are $6 per person

Jamaican Soda is the best option $4 each

Party WAS THE WORST IN MY ENTIRE LIFE, they had to be old

The server never smiled and appeared to had been woken up and as if he is only experience was behind the bar! He never told me the total of the order just asked for payment. And of course he did not get a tip because he didn’t even give a receipt because the machine was out of paper! We attempted to make small talk and the guy was either hung over from the club on Friday or simply didn’t care to do his part as a server!

As a local business professional I truly recommend getting friendlier servers and you have a host station get some friendly people working as the face of your business! You have a lot of potential and your restaurant is a hidden gem! Overall I rate...