MP Island Café — Restaurant in Norfolk

It had been almost a year since my last visit because I live in NC, but I have to bring my mom here anytime we are in VA. My Jamaican mother has a discerning palate, and this is the only Caribbean food that passes her tests. She also likes to hit up the grocery section for items she can't find locally.

We were blessed to arrive at a time when there was hardly a line. Throughout years of patronage, we have waited in a long line at every location of this restaurant. Don't get me wrong, the food is worth the wait, and the line is part of the experience, but it was so nice to be able to order right away. I immediately noticed some items available on the hot bar like ackee and saltfish - I hadn't seen that offered before. I'd also never seen every pattie variety available at once. I was happy to be able to have the veggie and the spinach and cheese as vegetarian options.

The staff was wonderful. They were patient with my mother who still is never ready to order when it's her turn😅. The staff also graciously navigated another issue when I attempted to pay for our food. I hadn't noticed my mom ordering another entree and changing the size of her plates. The staff informed me discreetly, easily figured the difference, and quickly sorted everything out.

We then went to the grocery side where my mom idly browsed the aisles. We were greeted by a very nice young man who was stocking shelves. This same young man was our cashier and he was so polite and kind and helpful. He took his time with my mom's items and loaded bags into her cart. I was so impressed, he was clearly raised very well. I wish I got his name because he deserves to be recognized. Please let him know he is doing an excellent job and I wish him well in life. It is so nice to encounter truly kind people, especially when they are young.

Anyway, I digress, the food was excellent. I brought a large oxtail dinner home for my husband, and he cleaned the plate. My hot patties were delicious, and I also purchased the unbaked, frozen versions of them from the grocery. I also stocked up on hot sauce and snacks. Best...

MP Island Café, tucked away near Military Highway, is a true local gem that offers a delightful escape from the everyday, easily earning it a strong four-star rating. This is the place to go when you're craving authentic Caribbean and Filipino flavors, served up with genuine warmth. The food here is consistently excellent. Their oxtail is a must-try – tender, fall-off-the-bone, and swimming in a rich, deeply flavorful sauce. The jerk chicken packs a perfect punch of spice and smoky char, and their lumpia are crispy, savory bites of heaven. What truly stands out is the authenticity; each dish tastes like it's been lovingly prepared with traditional recipes and fresh ingredients. They also offer a fantastic variety, so there’s always something new and exciting to try, whether you’re in the mood for a hearty curry or a lighter seafood dish. The atmosphere is laid-back and welcoming. It's not a fancy place, but it's clean, comfortable, and has a no-frills charm that makes you feel right at home. It’s the kind of spot where you can relax and truly enjoy your meal. The staff are also a huge part of the appeal – friendly, attentive, and always happy to guide you through the menu if you're new to the cuisine. While MP Island Café is fantastic, it doesn't quite hit five stars due to a couple of minor points. Given its popularity, seating can sometimes be a bit limited, especially during peak lunch or dinner rushes. Also, because everything is made fresh, there can sometimes be a bit of a wait for your food, though it's always well worth it. Despite these minor considerations, MP Island Café is a fantastic culinary find near Military Highway. It's a vibrant, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying experience that will transport your taste buds straight to the islands. Highly recommended for anyone looking for delicious, authentic Caribbean and Filipino...

Horrible! Went there at about 9PM to buy the 2 piece fried chicken combo since Popeyes was closed. They told me it was $8.99. Cool. I get to the register and the older lady with glasses says $13.85. Absolutely not. The fried chicken had been sitting in the warmer all day, but I just wanted to grab something quick. I was not however, going to pay $13 for 2 pieces of chicken and some mac and cheese lol.

When asked about the price discrepancy, they first tried to say it was the tax. Umm no...sales and food tax is not that high for a $9 purchase in VA. Not sure if they thought I was stupid. Then she says the price of $11.00 is listed on the board, so I checked the board and nada. Then she says "Oh, it's in the computer" Really? A business with INTEGRITY would have honored their previously quoted price. The male manager with gray hair was even worse. He talked to me with utter disgust and his back turned. I said nevermind and walked out.

On top of that, the quality of their food and service has gone way down over the years anyhow. Their Jamaican food is flavorless, which is why I ordered the fried chicken to begin with. For that, I will just stick with Popeyes! There are MUCH better Carribean resturarants in the area in terms of food and customer service. The only reason most people still go here is because MPs has been in the area for a while. The current ownership however, is just riding the coat tail of their long past glory days, and they are basically the Mcdonalds of Jamaican food now. Save yourself the hassle and stay away... unless you like subpar food, shady business practices, and horrible customer service!...