Laylah's Jamaican Food
Laylah's Jamaican Food things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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Walked up while they were grilling chicken right out front in the parking lot and it smelled so so good. When we walked in, the restaurant was pretty small with only three tables. One of which had dishes on their from previous costumers and had sent been cleaned yet. It was pretty hot inside also given the size of the place, the kitchen didn’t have any exhaust so the heat just stayed inside. They opened the doors when they saw we all decided to sit in after ordering but this only attracted flies.. :/ We ordered the oxtails, the jerk chicken and I got the jerk and fries. Oh and a beef patty! The oxtails were tender, perfectly cooked and nice flavor, the jerk chicken was also delicious, cooked perfectly! The jerk sauce was slightly sweet and pretty spicy. The beef patty was the delicious and so delicate and cooked perfectly with a flaky outer crust! The only problem I had was the jerk and fries.. which is why I’m giving four starts instead of five.. I was expecting a platter of fries with veggies and jerk chicken.. what I got was dried out chicken over a bed of soggy fries topped with lettuce, tomatoes slices and jerk sauce drizzled on top. It was so disappointing when I opened it up and more disappointing when I tried to eat it.. I understand trying to expand your menus but this was not the answer.. It was a real let down. I recommend this place but don’t get the jerk and fries ..
Daniela AlvaradoDaniela Alvarado
00
First... I found this place while reviewing another Jamaican spot in SD. The review said this place was the best in the city so my husband and I went to check it out. 🙂 This place, hands down is the best Jamaican food I've had in SD since I've been here. Tucked in the corner of a strip mall across the street from the Navy base, you'll find a man, his grill and a passionate support system. This food is made with love and you can tell. The jerk chicken is the BEST! Perioddttttt. Tender, flavorful, large portions. Rice and beans... on point. Plantains.... caramelized and tender. The cabbage be cabbaging in harmony with the seasoning. I mean, get your whole life here! It's wild because the other place we frequented, there were mostly American born people eating there. At Laylah's, Islanders and different African nationalities have eaten in there. That's a sign that this food is as authentic as it comes in San Diego. The owner is a sweetie pie. She's definitely got the right idea of customer service. LissN, just go and get yo life. 😋🔥🥰
Cass LifeCass Life
00
The worst Jamaican food ever I am Jamaican Native and this is such poor representation of how delicious and authentic REAL Jamaican food taste like ! 1st when we got stationed in San Diego I was pregnant with my oldest son that was in 2019 I had the food the guy who worked there at the time name was Collin he was pretty nice ! The food wasn’t all that but I gave them my support! I didn’t go back untill now thinking it would be better and who ever the guy is in the front with all the tattoos has no manners! I called to see if they were still open and he had an attitude from the start ! Typical ! But when I got there it got worse . He was nasty for nothing while I’m asking questions he’s there watching football on his phone I asked about the menu he says everything was available but then tells me that their out of stew chicken all while having a conversation on his phone out loud .Ok no problem . So on top of the horrible hospitality, the food comes out i ordered fried chicken , oxtail, curry goat , jerk shrimp pasta , & 2 beef patty ! Kmt! ALLL OF The food has no taste at all !!!! no seasoning so pepper (scotch bonnet) gravy is watery and salty and the veggies taste oily . The curry goat was watered down. The patty was bready like it came out of the freezer not crispy or flaky at all The plantain dem taste like they been fried in old oil and the meat isn’t neatly cut up . I am beyond disappointed not only because of the poor service but because of the robbery and foolishness this restaurant is serving and dishing out to customers. I understand that majority of the customers are military and not Jamaican or Caribbean familiarized but this is truly sad . The prices are ridiculous for the little portions and to add the food taste bad . When you try to support your own that won’t do anything but fail you in the end . As a born Jamaican I can truly attest that this is not what Jamaican food is supposed to taste like!!! Yall need to do better and stop charging people for foolery. Get better chefs and people who are genuinely working . The worse !!!
Wayan MorWayan Mor
00
Update: First time I came to this restaurant it showed it was open but it was closed. Positive: As far as the customer service goes, I would say that the customer service was on point and what I expected from a traditional Jamaican restaurant. Kenny, I believe was a tremendous help and correcting my order. The rice and peas was good but the best part of the meal was the cabbage. Negatives: The second time I came to the restaurant I ordered a jerk pork dinner which was by far the worst jerk park I've ever had in my life. The pork should have been thrown away 3 days ago. It was dry out of flavor and turning colors. I called the shop and let them know and they did apologize for the pork and told me to come in and get a replacement. The replacement order was decent. But for the price that you're paying and the amount of food that you're getting, it is not worth it. In my opinion. If you are a true Jamaican then you would understand that paying $20 for the plate that I received was unacceptable. I wouldn't recommend this restaurant at all as I'm typing this. I'm trying to see if I would come back again to give it one more try and I do not see it happening nor spending money here. In the pictures I did provide the first and the second plate that I received to show the difference in the quality of the food. The second plate was tremendously better but if you can tell they're still some really dry pieces of pork.
Matthew HallMatthew Hall
00
This was one of the worst experiences I had at a Jamaican restaurant, the female serving me was very rude and unprofessional , I know there is a stereotype about the treatment you receive at a Jamaican ran business, but not all of us appreciate that, especially when we are paying for goods or service. I asked what was in the soup and the cashier literally said, “You wouldn’t ask McDonald’s that question”. The food did not taste good, I had to throw it in the trash. The wait time was over 50 mins and there was 3 people in the restaurant. I DON’T recommend, spend your money elsewhere until they get their act and food quality better. ***Update 10 October 2023*** Please don’t Lie about a conversation we never had, I wrote this review on my husband’s account, I have added a picture of the SALTY soup on my office desk and not at your restaurant, unfortunately after ONE taste I had to put it in the trash, such a waste of an expensive small $8 soup. There was no one in the line, it was just me and my friend. Your reply just confirmed you have a bad attitude, fix your attitude and quality of food and your customer service will improve trust me.
Leon ClarkeLeon Clarke
00
Nice little Jamaican spot. Got take out, I bought the Jerk Salmon and Escovitch Fish with fried Plantains. First let me say I dont eat meat. 1. The salmon was Ok well seasoned wish it gad more of a jerk flavor verses BBQ, the rice and peas and cabbage was also very good well seasoned I could taste the Caribbean spices. One big slip up they put meat gravy on my fish dish/rice a big no no for someone who is ordering only fish. (I guess I could take the blame as i didn't specifically state I dont eat meat.) 2. The escovitch fish was OK nothing to brag about. A little too salty. I wish it was chrispy and the skin was not soggy like day old fried fish. I wouldn't recommend. 3. The plantains were excellent nice and sweet. Fried perfect, just like on the island. Overall its a good place for food if you eat meat naybe those helpings are better. But seafood lovers...not so much.
Candis RalphCandis Ralph
00
Nearby Attractions Of Laylah's Jamaican Food
Navy Exchange Main
Navy Lodge San Diego
Naval Base San Diego Theater
Pacific Beacon
The Olde Gym Fitness Complex
Sawaya Brothers
Foodland Mercado IGA
Navy Exchange Home
VCA Main Street Animal Hospital
Memorial Community Park
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Navy Lodge San Diego
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Naval Base San Diego Theater
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Pacific Beacon
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Mi Tierra Super Taco
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Los Tito's Mexican Food
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Barrio Food Hub
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El Paisa
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Learn more insights from Wanderboat AIBasic Info
Address
3160 Main St, San Diego, CA 92113
Map
Phone
(619) 269-5937
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Website
order.online
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Reviews
Overview
4.3
(403 reviews)
Ratings & Description
Description
This compact, brightly painted Jamaican eatery features classic dishes such as jerk & curried meats.
attractions: Navy Exchange Main, Navy Lodge San Diego, Naval Base San Diego Theater, Pacific Beacon, The Olde Gym Fitness Complex, Sawaya Brothers, Foodland Mercado IGA, Navy Exchange Home, VCA Main Street Animal Hospital, Memorial Community Park, restaurants: Mi Tierra Super Taco, Los Tito's Mexican Food, Barrio Food Hub, El Paisa, Burrito Leo's Mexican Food, Orlando's Taco Shop, Del Tepeyac (comida mexicana), Pho & Sushi - Asian Fusion, Giant Pizza King, Sorianos Pizzeria
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