Lakay Restaurant — Restaurant in West Orange

Finally we found a Hatian restaurant that checks all the boxes. When we walked in, we didn't smell food and thought oh no we hope we won't be disappointed. A few people were dining in the restaurant speaking Kreyol so we figured there was serious potential for a good meal. I went with my usual, fried frish & rice, and my husband had his usual griot and rice. There was some Google translate exchange between the girl at the front desk and myself because she didn't speak much English and I don't speak much Kreyol, and the little Kreyol I do know is mainly cuss words I picked up here and there from friends. We work it out, however, and we wait. The reason we didn't smell food upon entry is because the food is cooked fresh, and it was worth the wait. The portions are sizeable. You will have leftovers if you can control yourself from not eating the entire plate. The food isn't greasy or salty. It is neither over- nor under-seasoned. The rice is single grained and not clumpy. The griot and fish were fried perfectly, and the fish was cleaned really well. There was no fishy odor or taste, and it easily flaked off the bone. The food tasted like it was made with love, and it's hands down the best Hatian for we've had in NJ. The restaurant was clean and the woman at the counter was very polite and patient while we placed our oder. There isn't a big dining space but it is family friendly. Admittedly, I haven't tasted many Hatian dishes but what we had was absolutely delicious. We...

I can't remember ever leaving a Google review but I made it a point to come leave one due to my positive experience! I had a graduation party that I needed catering for and wanted to have Haitian food as that's where my family is from. First thing first, EXCELLENT customer service. I am Haitian American, my Kreyol isn't the best. The host speaks fluent English and was incredibly professional. He asked the right questions, checked in a few days before the event, as well as the day of. It was a breath of fresh air to be able to do business in a clear, organized fashion. Secondly, their prices were unmatched- I received several quotes from other Haitian restaurants who I didn't go with because most were unavailable on the day of my party (closed on Mondays). The quote we received was lower than all the others and more than reasonable! Lastly and most importantly (!), the food was GREAT! All the guests Haitian and American raved about how good it was! I had never tasted their food prior to having them cater the event and was nervous about going in blind, but it far exceeded my expectations! Everyone was asking about where I got the food from! I definitely plan to patron the establishment regularly. I have been unimpressed with the Haitian food I've had since coming to Jersey (I'm originally from Chicago), so this one is one I want to stay in business! Go visit now! Thank you Lakay for helping make my celebration a...

I placed my order at the restaurant. It takes time to make the food so ordering ahead for pickup is a smarter move. After I placed my order, it took over 45 minutes for 2 dishes, griyo and chicken to be completed. There was one order ahead of mine. I waited inside and eventually went outside to get some air. There were no spaces in front of the restaurant when I arrived. I parked a few blocks away. The food was packaged well. The price is a little high for the amount of meat in a large order. The beans and rice taste similar to the Jamaican style of beans and rice. I expected it to be different since this is a Haitian restaurant. I was able to get about 4 plates of food from the 2 large dishes. Not shown in the picture is the Haitian macaroni and cheese. The griyo was spot on and the chicken was very good.

Soup joumou is every other Saturday. Best to call ahead. There was no more black rice when I ordered early evening at 5pm. It is rice cooked in water that is soaked with black mushrooms. Black rice, soup joumou and griyo are a must try for those who are new to...