Jrk! — Restaurant in Aventura

The BEST Food We Have Ever Tasted – Worth the Flight From London! We visited JRK in Miami back in December 2024 while on holiday from London, and I can say without exaggeration that it was the most exceptional meal we have ever had. The food wasn't just good; it was a revelation. Ever since we flew home, we haven't stopped talking about it, which is why JRK is the only reason we've already booked a return trip to Miami! Honestly, we’re planning to go every single day of our next visit because the food was that absolutely banging. From the first mouthful, we were speechless—it was like our tastebuds were "crip-walking" with excitement! The flavor was so authentic, deep, and satisfying; it truly felt like a piece of Jamaica. The founder told us he learned the recipes from his grandmother, and you could taste that genuine, home-cooked love in every bite. It was just like eating the best "granny food," absolutely delicious, and better than any other restaurant meal we’ve had, and we've eaten at some damn good places. Beyond the incredible food, the customer service was 10/10. The founder was so friendly and accommodating, personally coming out to check on us and share the lovely history behind his recipes. It made the entire experience feel personal and incredibly welcoming. The ambiance was also spot-on. It was perfectly chill, and the dim lighting gave the entire space a wonderful, romantic vibe. This is more than a restaurant; it’s an experience. We are traveling all the way from London again just to eat at JRK, and you better believe that as soon as our plane lands, that’s exactly where we are heading. If you are anywhere near Miami, you must go to JRK. Trust us, it is the best food you...

I was pleasantly surprised to find Jamaican food in the food court at Aventura Mall. It's great representation and the food is high quality for the fast-casual diner.

The favorites are present: oxtail, curry chicken, and jerk chicken. Of course, due to the location, it's not smoked first and isn't bone-in, or this would be five stars. However, what they have is definitely top notch and worth your time if you're having a craving.

The Rice & Peas were even made with coconut milk and there's nothing more authentic than that. They did have a quinoa option but I couldn't pass up the rice. The jerk tasted slow stewed in the sauce and I got extra oxtail gravy on my rice. The protein comes with three toppings like plantain & sautéed onions and green peppers. Surprisingly, cabbage was no where to be found, which I thought was strange because why no cabbage? Perhaps, they were out. They do have broccoli for a surcharge and we opted for that. It was fresh and not overcooked because it retained and nice little crunch.

The other staples like D&G brand soda. including my all-time favorite Champagne Kola, are present. Plus, homemade patties at a good price. The have a Floridian brand water in an environmentally friendly canister but, I personally did not like the container.

It was $50 for 2 meals, which I found to be expensive for a food court and why I didn't mark this 5-stars. Would I eat there again? Yes. Would I go to Aventura Mall just to eat there? Maybe. Either way, you'll have a full belly and an enjoyable meal if not a lighter wallet but isn't that what the mall is for anyway? If you like Jamaican food, do go. A...

If Bolay went to Jamaica and had a love child, it would be Jrk. Located in the Treat's Food Hall at Aventura Mall, Jrk offers a mixture of island cuisine in a bowl.

It was pretty busy and noisy in the mall on a Saturday afternoon, but the line was moving steadily. All bowls include one base, one protein, three toppings, and a sauce. There's also patties, rum cakes, jerk mac & cheese, and cold beverages. Prices are moderate.

After looking at the choices quickly, I decided to fill my bowl with rice & peas (base), BBQ chicken (protein), pineapple plantains, pineapple-mango salsa, and yuca sticks (toppings), with vinaigrette dressing on the side (sauce). Now that I'm comfortable at home I can proceed to give my views on the food:

Rice & peas - was cooked to soft consistency. Was delicious with a sweet flavor like it was cooked with coconut milk BBQ chicken - was yummy. Tender cuts of chicken covered in a sweet BBQ sauce Yuca fries - I like yuca, but never had them like this. Lightly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. I could definitely eat more of this Pineapple-mango salsa - the pineapple/mango mixture was very sweet and didn't have that tangy taste I'm accustomed of, but it was ok Pineapple plantains - I don't know how they got these plantains to have a sweet pineapple flavor but it was real damn good!

I thoroughly enjoyed the food and can see myself eating at Jrk again. I would prefer to eat at a location more closer to me though. I'm not always in the mood to drive all the way down...