Dukunoo Jamaican Kitchen — Restaurant in Miami

My family and myself visited this location for a birthday dinner. We arrived with our 10:30pm reservation for 10 already set from days before. Parking in this area was extremely crazy, we found a lot that charged $70.00. Upon arrival, we were greeted by two awesome security guards. They tried to assist us as best they can given the circumstances. We were advised by a host that they are unable to seat us even with a reservation because the previous guest refuses to leave. We were very shocked at the attitude of the employees at this establishment. The line was almost wrapped around the block with other guests also with reservations. Luckily we were first in line. The host went in and out of the building multiple times as if she was confused. Eventually we were told we couldnt be seated and if we wanted a section we can “buy a bottle” for a booth outside. We never wanted to be seated outside as we only came to enjoy a birthday dinner! The host provided a list of bottles that were available for a fee, after glancing at the list I observed a $350.00 bottle charge. Like who in their right mind would want to be forced to pay a bottle fee for a section we never wanted!? The outside of the establishment was more like a club vibe something we weren’t seeking. After quickly turning down the outdoor booth the manager ANTHONY came out to advise us that he can’t seat us unless we purchase the section. We were so annoyed. During the back and forth their were multiple groups that walked right up to the door and were invited in as they knew Anthony obviously because he came out multiple times to greet them and to force security to let them in with whoever they were with. As we waited, we observed the security guards trying their best to search the guest as they should, as they advised the guys trying to get in with very large backpacks that they would need to put those bags in their vehicles. The manager Anthony came out of the building and told security to let them in without even checking their bags or frisking them for weapons. Security was not happy with how the manager disobeyed the rules. It was apparent that as long as one “appeared” to be spending a substantial amount they were treated differently. We were finally seated after an hour of waiting outside in a line. Everyone was obviously pissed as they all had reservations and did not appreciate being told they couldn’t be seated without buying a bottle and booth. We all declined that service. The waitress was okay, we received our food rather quickly. The food was decent but definitely over priced for the small portion size. The part that made absolutely no sense was the dining area was pretty empty the whole time. Even after we were seated the area still had multiple seating areas and tables that were not being used with a long line outside. Crazy! We most definitely WILL NOT be coming back to this location as it is UNSAFE and the manager is not professional at all! If it was not so late at night we would’ve left from the very beginning. Lesson learned. If I could give zero stars I would. Save your money folks. We...

Wish I could give them zero stars because of their unethical behavior and poor customer service which led me to cancel my group reservation. I made a reservation by telephone approximately six weeks in advance for a group of 20 to celebrate my birthday on Oct 7, 2023 at 7:30pm. My friends were flying in from various cities. I talked to more than one person at the restaurant (including someone who identified herself as a manager) over the course of the next two weeks. One conversation was to verify the best time for my group, another was to change the count from 20 to 19, and to verify if we would be seated outside or inside (which was my preference). Oddly, I also got a call from the restaurant a couple of days prior to the date asking if my group was still coming. I said yes, of course all of us would be there to celebrate my birthday. The lady reiterated the need to be prompt to which I agreed we’d arrive by 7:15. I also asked if I could have my custom made cake delivered and she said that was OK. Then, to my shock and disappointment, I get a call from the mgr. on the DAY OF the dinner about three hours before the reservation. She tells me my group would be required to choose food from some type of fixed menu selections (priced at 3 different levels - from $65 to $125). I told her I should’ve been informed of this requirement before the last minute and certainly during one of the several conversations I had with the other managers. My group included people with certain food allergies, dietary restrictions and health issues. I was never told we couldn’t order anything we wanted from the menu. Several of them were already in flight on their way to Miami. There was no way for me to relay this information and let them “opt out” of the dinner, if necessary. When I expressed my “concern” over not being told before the last minute, she stated she “didn’t know who all I talked to.” I said it was someone who worked at the restaurant to which she replied, “Maybe they don’t work here anymore.” What??!! I was appalled at this unprofessional & lame excuse, and lack of accountability - or rather their version of a “Bait & Switch.” Apparently they’re doing well enough that they didn’t need our business but I was not going to spend my money at an establishment with this lack of integrity and their attempt to hustle me. I canceled the reservation, redirected the cake delivery, and my group dined elsewhere with excellent service and...

I finally went to Dukunoo Jamaican Kitchen in Wynwood (Miami, FL) and what a vibe it was! Dukunoo means sweet thing however I did not see the traditional dukunoo dessert listed. First, the restaurant was hard to find since it had a small brown sign outside when the rest of the restaurants had large white visible signage....As we entered, afrobeats were blaring and my friend and I looked at each other like "yessssssssss".....We are loving this already....until we connected with the unpleasant host (she needs to go)....We chose to eat outside, which is beautiful!!!! It's a vibe. Reservations are a must. On to the hit or miss goodies...

DRINKS Dukunoos Natural Island Juice - Passionfruit Infused Ginger Lemonade -- I took a sip and it was refreshing topped with a pretty flower.

Zombie - Tamarind Syrup | Passion Fruit Infusion | Hennessy | Pineapple Juice | Sorrel | Appleton Signature Rum | Kalani Liqueur | Hibiscus Powder | Coconut Liquor -- I was scared at first when I saw Hennessy but I thought the other ingredients would overpower it. This was a nice tropical semi strong cocktail...On to the next!

LIKKLE BITES (Jerk Corn, Jerk Slidas, Crispy Ackee Rolls, etc) Pressed Plantain Bites Crispy Snapper | Escovitch Vegetables | Scotchy Oil -- Very good! A tostones, with a piece of seasoned fish topped with escovitch pickled veggies and spicy oil.

Saltfish Frittaz Golden Corn | Marie Rose Sauce | Scallions -- Dense, heavy, bready ...the dipping sauce saved it.

BIG PLATES What a BORING Big Plate selection! Get creative! It's the same type of food that you can get at the other restaurants. Put a twist to it. Be creative/original! (Oxtail, snapper, yardstyle fried chicken, jerk, rasta pasta, etc)

Lemongrass Shrimp Skewers Spicy Tomato Coconut Stew | Toasted Coconut -- Yawnnn....I said let me try something else since I've had the other dishes numerous times elsewhere. It was basically grilled shrimp, white rice, slaw and a tomato sauce. Odd selection.

Country Man Curry Goat -- Delicious goat! Served in a SUPER cute mini dutchpot. Tender and flavors galore however it was a small amount. Bones/fat. Waaay more sauce than meat.

SWEET TINGS No traditional dukunoo dessert. shrugs

Fire Inna Wire Bread Pudding -- Terrible. Strange taste....