Little Ochi Carl's Seafood Restaurant — Restaurant in Tamarac

A deeply concerning experience – my health and safety were affected

I don’t usually write reviews, but after what I experienced at Carl’s Seafood in Tamarac, I feel it’s my responsibility to warn others — especially those who may be older or have health conditions. I’m 65 years old, and I came here hoping to support a local Jamaican business during a visit to the area. What happened left me shaken.

From the moment I entered, I was met with cold, unfriendly stares from the staff. There was no greeting, no warmth — just an uncomfortable, unwelcoming atmosphere. I stood there unsure if I should even speak, as the staff acted as though my presence was a problem. The owner, Carl Dixon, was sitting at a table and stared at me intently without so much as a hello or acknowledgment. It was unsettling.

The woman behind the counter — tall, heavy-set, wearing a headwrap — looked visibly upset and served me in near silence. I politely asked for a fresh fried fish, but she responded with attitude and a look of annoyance. I went ahead and ordered a few patties, a large soup, and the fish, trying not to take things personally.

Unfortunately, the food smelled off — not fresh at all. The fish was rock hard, the patties were dry, and the soup had a strange odor. I tried to eat some of it because I had already paid, but not long after, I began to feel very unwell. I ended up in the hospital later that day and have since been diagnosed with food poisoning. I’ve also experienced blood in my stool, which the doctors have linked to what I consumed at this establishment. This has been very distressing for me both physically and emotionally.

To make matters worse, I have serious concerns about the cleanliness and sanitation at Carl’s Seafood. Staff were not wearing gloves, the kitchen area looked poorly maintained, and the food seemed like it may have been reheated or sitting out for too long. After speaking with my lawyer and doing some research, I’ve found Carl’s Seafood is not BBB accredited, and there are previous inspection reports that raise further concern.

I truly feel I was targeted and mistreated for no reason. I came in with respect, spent my hard-earned money, and walked away ill and fearful for my health. I would urge anyone — especially older patrons — to think carefully before dining here. No one deserves to be treated this way or put at risk by unsafe food.

I hope my experience serves as a warning, and I strongly encourage the health department and proper authorities to look into this business before more...

1/5 stars - Terrible Customer Service and Misleading Information

I had an incredibly disappointing experience at Carl's Seafood Restaurant. What should have been a pleasant takeout experience turned into a frustrating waste of time due to their abysmal customer service.

Before heading to the restaurant, I called ahead specifically to inquire about their snapper. I informed the staff member that I was on my way and would arrive in about 25 minutes. Upon arrival, I was shocked to learn they had sold out of snapper, supposedly selling the last one just before I got there.

The staff member I spoke with at the restaurant was not even the same person who took my call. Instead of apologizing for the miscommunication, she became argumentative. Her dismissive attitude and complete lack of concern for my wasted trip were appalling. She made no attempt to offer any alternative solutions or to make the situation right.

It's clear that Carl's Seafood Restaurant has little regard for their customers' time or satisfaction. Their inability to manage their inventory for just 25 minutes, coupled with their unapologetic and confrontational approach to customer service, is unacceptable.

Needless to say, I will not be returning to Carl's Seafood Restaurant. I strongly advise others to avoid this establishment if they value their time and expect even a basic level of customer service. There are far better seafood and Jamaican options in the area that actually appreciate their customers.

An...

I was a little disappointed this time around because the Curry Goat meals I ordered were FAR too salty. I knew this when It was actually spicy (you know they say pepper masks the salt) and My brother, who LOVES salt, even mentioned it to me. =\

If it was not feasible for me to return to the restaurant to have my meal replaced so the manager was kind enough to offer to take care of me when I returned.

On the other hand, the Red Peas soup was good. However, I did not like that they put chicken/chicken bones in the soup (my pieces were sharp). Where's the beef?!

I also had the mini fried chicken meal for lunch the next day which was enough to satisfy me. ⚠️ Caution: Be prepared to eat a lot of rice (no veggies included in mini meals). I cannot complain at that price though! I would order this again. P.S. Don't forget extra brown stew gravy with that rice!

Compared to other Jamaican restaurants in the area… I must say that Carl's Seafood's rice was MUCH fresher than their nearby counterparts. I mention this because I have been TURNED OFF from a nearby Jamaican restaurant due to the smell & taste of SOUR rice I was served! If you ask me, there is definitely some #DirtyDining going on there (I am talking solely about the quality of food being served to customers).

Glad Carl's Seafood Restaurant was able to restore my faith in Jamaican...