It was Friend Day Out and Mobay Spice was the restaurant of choice. I’m so glad it’s in the Toco Hills Plaza as there is ample parking… Upon walking in, the space is very quaint. There is a nice vibe to the overall ambiance and the overall feel is very inviting and pleasant.
After taking in the ambiance we headed to the table for 4 as it is a seat yourself type of setup. Though the space isn’t wide, they did a great job with positioning the table and chairs to ensure you don’t feel crowded. Our waitress greeted us with a warm welcome and menus as soon as we sat down. As I am a lover of Jamaican Food, I was super excited at all the classic offerings and intrigued by such offerings as the Jerk Burger… say whaaaaaaaat!
As the waitress arrived back a few moments later, perfect timing I might add I was ready to order. I ordered a Beef Patty as my appetizer and the Jerk Salmon Entree. I swapped out the potatoes that come with the entree for the rice and peas.
As we were waiting for our food, the music kept us upbeat and made for such a dope space of engagement. All of the staff who encountered us smiled and spoke which was such a great service experience. Kudos to the team.
Once the food came it was an immediate OhMyGosh Moment! The plating was beautiful and the food looked Bombbbbbbb.
Beef Patty - classic patty. The meat was well seasoned. The crust was flaky and buttery. The quality of the meat was spot on and there wasn’t any fat or gristle. Very good dish and perfect pick for an appetizer.
Jerk Salmon - Two Words… More Please!!!!! The salmon was meaty and moist. It was perfectly grilled without being dry or overdone. The Jerk sauce wasn’t overpowering and allowed for the fish to still be the draw while holding its own. The flavor profile of the seasoning used on the fish paired well with the flavor excitement of the jerk sauce. Furthermore, the jerk sauce wasn’t too spicy as it allowed for you to truly enjoy and savor the flavors presented.
Rice and Peas - One Word… FRESH!!!! I mean a different level of freshness. The rice tasted like freshly cooked rice. The peas were authentic and perfectly done. The combination of them as one was moutpleasingly outstanding. Again, neither outshined the other. Each of them held their own and they were married together so well. Great flavor and again, amazing freshness.
Steamed Cabbage - Ooh Chile! This cabbage was different. I think it’s the way it was shredded or something because babeeeeeeeeee. This was some of the best cabbage I have had in my whole life. Fresh. Seasoned. Not too hard. Not too soft. And the peppers just put what was already great even greater. I literally had to stop my waitress and tell her to tell the waiter he showed awffffffff with this. LoL!!!!
As you can tell, my Mombay Spice experience was amazing. Not only will I be back, I already know what I’m going to...
Read moreI have visited this restaurant on four separate occasions, and each time I’ve been impressed by the service. The servers and bartenders exude warmth and professionalism, creating the kind of atmosphere where it’s clear they enjoy being there. On my most recent visit, I was greeted by a newly renovated space—an elevated take on what was already a scenic setting. The updated design leans into a more natural, luxurious aesthetic, with comfortable seating and a subtle yet thoughtful use of Jamaican flag colors. The bar remains as inviting as ever, complemented by a variety of dining areas, from cozy two-top tables to lounge-style seating ideal for larger groups.
The saltfish fritters alone are enough to keep me coming back. Crisp, golden, and irresistible, they are masterfully paired with a tangy mayonnaise-based sauce that elevates them beyond a simple appetizer—I often wish they were offered as a main dish.
The oxtail taco is a clever concept, though for me, the true depth of oxtail shines brightest alongside rice and peas. Their traditional oxtail with rice and peas is satisfying, though not especially memorable for those well-acquainted with Jamaican cuisine. The curry mutton fares similarly—tender, falling easily off the bone, but somewhat lacking in distinction. By contrast, the jerk pork leans heavily into heat. For spice enthusiasts, its fiery bite may be a highlight; however, those seeking a balance between smokiness, seasoning, and texture may find the pepper overwhelming. The cabbage is straightforward but dependable, while the mac and cheese offers a pleasant surprise: a crisp, golden crust giving way to a soft, well-seasoned interior.
On the beverage side, the Bob Marley cocktail is as vibrant as its namesake, with layers of sweetness masking the alcohol in a refreshing, icy blend. The mango mocktail is enjoyable, though a thicker consistency would have rounded it out more successfully.
Visually, the presentation is thoughtful and clever: each dish is adorned with a miniature Jamaican flag toothpick—a simple detail that instantly ties the dining experience to the culture it celebrates.
While prices trend on the higher side, the setting and overall aesthetic justify the cost. This is a restaurant well worth visiting at least once, if only to immerse yourself in the atmosphere—and to experience the standout saltfish fritters, which remain the star...
Read moreI decided to patronize this business because I was interested in trying their food. After I had ate my dinner, I was speaking with one of the workers in the restaurant in regard to the gratuity being 18%. She started to explain to me that she was from Miami, FL and that everyone in Miami charges a gratuity of 20% and higher. I basically conveyed to her that I understood that and however, the service wasn't that great in this particular restaurant to charge that much. So, the Owner came from the back of kitchen to insert herself into the conversation. She got mad and started trying to argue w/ me about my opinion. I advised her that I am a Consumer and have a right to give my opinion about my experience. She was very rude & nasty in front of all of the customers that were dining in. She started yelling at me. Instead of her trying to make it right she proceeded to go back & forth with me being very confrontational and intimidating. So, I just left as well as the other customers who were dining in as well. I will NEVER go back to this restaurant. The Owner was very UNPROFESSIONAL! I DON'T CARE WHAT RACE YOU ARE; BLACK, WHITE, SPANISH, MEXCIAN, INDIAN, ASIAN, etc. I would NOT support this business at all I have already filed a complaint w/ the Better Business Bureau. And as far as the food, it was way too spicy & I have had better!
*May I add, yes- I requested a different lollipop on my beverage because of my religion. So, therefore, I don't support it. That is my constitutional right. Okay, lets understand that. And as far me saying anything about the Bartender- that was something that I said to myself out loud and she happened to over me as I was walking up to the bar. If she was offended or felt some kind of way..., why was she still talking to me? If she felt slighted in any kind of way, why not bring it to your attention immediately? Because she wasn't. She was actually very nice, very pleasant & professional and was making small talk with me the first ten minutes of me sitting at the bar.
So, don't try to use the LGBTQ as a highlight-- please! If I don't support certain things based on my religion that's what it is. Period. You all are tacky and classless. I would recommend that your staff there at Mobay Spice take etiquette classes. Because...
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