Jahiti Caribbean Restaurant — Restaurant in Brandon

This is a love at first bite experience. Seriously amazing! The last time I had good Haitian food was when visiting Castle Creole in Brandon. It has been years since it closed, and I haven't found flavorful food from Haiti until now. This is a family owned business. There is Jamaican and Haitian (or Jahiti) homemade goodness in this new restaurant in Seffner.

I have to say that the restaurant doesn't look like much from the outside. It's in the Parsons Village Square and next door to H&R Block off of Parsons and Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd. Parking is plentiful since it's in a very large plaza. The inside is clean and spacious, and the tables are spread out. It's nothing fancy on the inside. A very casual setting. The music is Caribbean and lively. It kind of made me want to get up and dance. LOL! The menu is small, but has a good mixture of both Jamaican and Haitian comfort food. I knew I wanted Haitian food right away. I saw that they had légume on the menu and I had to try it. They also have many different varieties of bottled or canned drinks. I chose the Jamaican Kola champagne soda. The owner was super friendly and patient. He answered all of the questions I had. He told me that their légume was very popular and that people come in daily for it. Yay, I made the right choice. A few minutes later he brought over a freshly made marinade (fried fritter) that was topped with pikliz, a spicy and pickled relish. I'm not sure if it comes with the meal, or if it was just a sample to taste before the meal. All I can say is that it was fantastic. I love that pikliz! If I had to describe it, it's very close to kimchi but more shredded and colorful. A very tasty treat. The pikliz also comes with the meal. I added it to the fried plantain. Delish! It was all a sign of good things coming. I was so happy when my meal of légume arrived. It was perfect in every way. This stew had tender beef and all kinds of simmered veggies and spices. I can't stop thinking about it. It was also served with white rice and a black bean sauce. I honestly couldn't eat all of it. I could only eat half of the rice, but I ate all of the stew with the rice. It was so tasty and definitely felt comforting. So much so that I can't wait to go back.

I haven't tried their Jamaican food yet, but I'm sure it is as tasty and flavorful as their Haitian food. I definitely want to try the oxtail next time. There will be many next times. I'm telling all my friends and family about it. Do not sleep on this place. It gets 5 stars for great service, great value, great portions, and...

One encounter and the customer service won me over before I even tasted anything. I was led to this place as a recommendation. However, I did not check it out at first because of the distance. I needed some pates for an event at my son's school. I called first to see if they could fill my request and he said he could. I came in and was greeted immediately. I was given a sample of marinade with some pikliz. First time trying this and I told him it reminded of a food I had several times in Guyana. Of course this just had that Haitian flavor that made it great. I placed my order for pick up for Thursday evening although the event was Friday mid morning into the afternoon. He suggested pick up that morning that way it's fresh out the oven! I was only ordering some pate pwason ak poul. In my head I didn't want to make that drive in the morning and also was thinking he would not be open. I agreed and he said just give me a call or a text and I got you. The day before I decided to make communications so that I knew my order was ready. Unfortunately, my 2 text and phone call with a voice message went unanswered. I then called the store and this young man reassured me my order would be filled even though he too didn't see it. He was like if Ja said he got you, he got you. He said he would try to call but it was his birthday. Well, I didn't hear anything until this morning and I immediately smiled. He first text and then later called. I confirmed I'd be there around 945am. I got there and he prepared them and gave me one to eat and I was amazed even more the freshness and goodness. I'm like imagine what the food will actually taste like when I return. We chatted a little bit and I realized this man values his business but more so his customers! This means a lot to me as a customer who appreciates great service. I read some of his reviews and it appears he has a niche for customer service and making you feel at home. Ayiti...

First let me just say the hospitality of this restaurant was perfect! I explained this was our first time there and my husband’s first time having Caribbean food. Nadine was so warm and welcoming and patient with all our questions. Nadine explained the dishes with such compassion and provided a few tastings. The food was delicious! I was impressed with the fresh ingredients and the flavor of the dishes. We ordered Oxtails, Haitian fried Chicken, Lugeme and beef patty. We also tried the Hatian Marinade! Omgee!!! It was all cooked to perfection. The oxtail falls off the bone and is seasoned very well. The fried chicken is served with onions and peppers and was very good, we got it with rice and peas and plantains (the plantains are cooked like tostones) all of it was very good. I loved the Legume, it’s sorta like a beef stew but has very distinct flavors that were great. It has chayote in the stew and it’s my favorite! The beef falls apart and is so moist. The beef patties were amazingly and has a little kick to it. Jahiti’s is a hidden gem in Seffner. I would highly suggest giving them some love. I can’t wait to try more! I forgot to take a pic of the patties, they were so good we ate them before I remembered to take a photo. Go...