Jamaica Kitchen — Restaurant in Kendall

I first heard about Jamaican Kitchen over a decade ago when I was still living in New York and saw them featured on the Food Network. I remember telling myself, I have to check this place out next time I’m in Miami! Fast forward to today—I now live in Miami, and after growing tired of the usual food options, I started craving the variety I had back in NY. A quick search led me not only to Jamaican Kitchen—the very place I had bookmarked years ago—but I was shocked to find it just a two-minute drive from my new home!

Since then, it has become an absolute staple for me and my family. Their go-to favorites like jerk chicken, stew pork, and escovitch fish are always on point, and their variety of patties never disappoints. Pro tip: Always go for the dinner portion! Even though I could easily inhale it all in one sitting, I try to save some for later because the flavors only get better. The sides? Perfect. From the sweet plantains to the rice and peas and even the steamed cabbage, everything tastes just right.

What really makes this place special is how much it reminds me of Jamaica—Jamaica, Queens, that is! They even sell plantain chips, Shirley biscuits, and Blue Mountain coffee, just like I remember.

Beyond the food, the owners are incredibly sweet and always treat my daughters kindly, often offering them fruit snacks. Now, my girls get mad when they find out I went without them! Bonus: Melvin the cat is super friendly and always makes our visits even better.

Highly recommend this spot for authentic, delicious Jamaican food with a warm,...

My wife and I were visiting from California for a week and tried their food a few times. Great food and friendly staff. However, I am only giving three stars because they don't include veggies, despite the fact that the menu photos boldly advertise the meals as being served with veggies. When I asked one of the young ladies about this, she shamelessly confessed that the photos were taken with veggies "just to look pretty". In other words, she admitted to deceiving her customers, also known as misleading advertisement. I doubt if she is aware of this, but they may be exposing themselves to litigious charges of misleading advertising. Shame on Jamaica Kitchen for engaging in deliberate deception. I would never recommend them because of this. What else could they be misleading their customers about? Also, I did not like the fact that they put oxtail gravy on our jerk chicken and pork without first asking. Not every Jamaican likes oxtail gravy on their food. People are more health conscious in the 21st century.

Update 10/16/2019: Looking at some of the other reviews, I noticed that the owner only responded to positive reviews. It says a lot about a business when they don't think it is necessary to address legitimate concerns from customers who have patronized...

Don't forget your mask. Wife and I went to check it out for the first time. We no longer carry masks because it is extremely rare that anyone demands it anymore, especially from vaccinated individuals. We waited at a respectable distance while the only other person completed his order. When it was our time to order at the register, the lady behind the plexiglass rather abrasively asked if we had a mask. When we said we didn't she rudely told us it was required and didn't bother offeringa mask. Offended by this, we said nothing else and went to the next nearest restaurant and had no issues being attended without a mask. I have been to businesses recently that still require masks and they are understanding of the fact we don't have masks and provide one to us which we in turn respectfully comply. Food looked great on DDD unfortunately we are still left wondering since we were kicked out for the sin of not having a mask as the pandemic winds down and masks are no longer required in about 98% of business. So if you are going for your first time, don't forget your mask or you will...