Norah’s Irie

Just ate there tonight. Food was awesome served piping hot. Had oxtail dinner and my wife had the BBQ beef ribs. Best oxtails I have ever eaten. Also had goat soup which was equally good. Portions large enough for two meals. Looking forward to eating leftovers for lunch tomorrow.
Had a lengthy conversation with Norah and what a marvelous person she is. If you like interaction with owner/​chef/​hostess etc this is the place for you.

Very good Jamaican restaurant. Small place and very colorful. Food was tasty and came out very quick.
Was a bit hot inside the place so air conditioning or at least some fans being on would have helped especially when eating some spicy foods.
I had the jerk chicken with rice and beans, came with sweet plantains and some cabbage. All was tasty but could have used some extra jerk sauce on the chicken itself. Other entrée ordered at the table was curry goat with the same sides which was also tasty. Portions were big as well, could actually share one between two people.
Also ordered Mac and cheese as a side but for $ 5 I don’t think it was worth it. It was ok, nothing special. Prices were a bit hefty. Average entrée price was around $ 16-​$ 18 but I think worth the experience at least. Staff is very friendly and sweet. Authentic Jamaican

What an amazing way to celebrate our 32^nd anniversary. We spent the day at the beach and then found Norah’s on Unilocal.Much to our blessings we also found Norah see the picture. We shared chicken curry roti and jerk chicken. Split Norah’s homemade beef patty to start the meal which was almost too delicious to describe followed by the meal and then enjoyed the warm carrot cake more like a spicy carrot pudding. Also had the homemade Sorrel and ginger beer. The best reason to come here initially is certainly the food. The reason to keep coming back is Norah who spent some time talking to us about her childhood in Jamaica reminiscing and sharing her warmth and her spirit and her love for people. Make sure this is a stop when you come this way you won’t regret it.

In the area doing some computer work for another opening restaurant and checked Unilocal to see what was good. I was surprised when I saw a Jamaican restaurant close to my hotel. I was a little skeptical driving to it as its tucked away in a little neighborhood. But was pleasantly surprised to see the sign and the colorful island colors as you come up. It was this little place that makes you feel at home when you come in. I ordered the Curry chicken and it came out quick. My first stab at it with a fork and the chicken falls off the bone it was so moist and tender. When I started eating it with the rice and beans along with the cabbage and plantains. I felt he home cooked taste of the food. That warm feeling that reminds you of home. I’m not Jamaican but I travel for work and eat out a lot. This didn’t feel like eating out, it felt like mom cooked me a meal. Then Norah the owner came up and started talking to me, so warm and friendly. A couple seconds later she is like «you need more gravy for the rice» and insists that I need it and takes my tray and gets me some more curry gravy on the rice. Then she leaves again and comes back a few minutes later with some non-​alcoholic Fresh Pina Colada. And she talks to me about the neighborhood, family, culture, ect… It was like I was apart of her family. I will definitely make my way back next time I’m in the area. I might come back even if I’m in the same state but not the same area this place was so good!

This place has a lot of potential. Looks to be remodeled. There was a disco ball? The menu is near impossible to decipher if you’ve never been there. I asked the waitress for some suggesstions and she asked «Do you like spicy food?» and I said «yeah!» and she replied «I can’t help you, I dont like spicy food.» Really?
Anyway, The food was excellent (i had the curry goat). The drink choices are not on the menu and are mostly things you’ve never heard of. I recommend the ginger beer. If you like a food adventure, check this place out.

Great atmosphere, amazing food! Tried the oxtail and also the bbq chicken. Highly recommend this restaurant

Love love love this place!!!
We ordered the jerk chicken and oxtail. Both were mouthwateringly delicious. The sides that they came with (rice, cabbage, and plantains) were amazing also. I tried so hard to savor each bite but was seriously scraping off the plates in minutes. Would highly recommend visiting Norah’s for a great meal when you’re in Long Branch. We’ll definitely be back! I can’t wait to try the red snapper too.
Norah is also an absolute sweetheart! She came by and talked to us and we loved how genuine and passionate she is about her restaurant and food.

I had Norahs last year and it was a decent price for lunch and was very good. About a year later, I went today and had the jerk chicken and a bottle of water which again was very good, but not $ 18 good.
I got the same thing last year same size with water for half the price. Again food is very good and was glad to find a place like that here but way to expensive for a lunch.

Irie Mon! Norah is back and better and nicer than ever!!!
After an entire winter without curried goat or shrimp or oxtail or jerk chicken or rum cake, Norah is finally open again renovated with the colors of the Islands and the same tasty recipes she has shared from her birthplace of St. Elizabeth, Jamaica.
Only open Wed and Sundays to begin she is starting to expand hours. Check her out on Facebook and contact Norah’s at
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The curried goat is as wonderful as ever as is the oxtail. Remember BYOB!
See you at the Jersey Shore for a touch and taste of the Islands!
«we are all angels with but one wing, when we embrace we fly»

The oxtail was fantastic! Also had the opportunity to try Norah’s handmade beef patty and it was the best I have ever had.

Coming from the hustle and bustle of New York City, my mind was blown. It is truly a hidden gem, and I could not be happier to have been able to experience this. The food is off the charts, the spices and flavors are a kick in the mouth. It is unlike anything I have ever tasted before (I ordered the jerk chicken and my boyfriend got the bbq ribs). The people who work there are amazing, they were so genuine and hospitable to us. The lady was making conversation with us — you could tell immediately how passionate she was about the food and just everything, it’s rare to find this nowadays. I really wish I could put into words how amazing this place is! It was the highlight of my road trip and I definitely will be back!

Nora“s Irie is my kitchen. Best food on the planet. You got to try the carrot juice, its the best and your tast buds will never stop drinking this elixir made with love.

Hands down best Caribbean food I’ve ever tasted the lady inside is so nice great spirit I had the jerk chicken combo BBQ style absolutely delicious deff give them a try well worth it.

Soooooooooooo gooooooooood irie… cant say nuff bout dis place… one love… the oxtail is great, the jerk chicken is great, the curry goat is great… i love dem all, nice people that means alot to me

I have been looking forward to Norahs irie since I first read it’s reviews a few months back. They were under renovation which is now complete.
The place looks amazing with very bright Caribbean colors and great reggae music playing! You feel like you are in the tropics the moment you walk in! I ordered the jerk chicken and it was excellent along with the delicious rice and peas. Norah was very sweet and going there put me right back in Jamaica! I will be back very soon. Irie!

This is a real hidden gem of Long Branch. I have a particular affinity for Jamican food, and Norah’s does not fail to deliver. The ambiance is pure Jamaica, almost like stepping into a home. The prices are also very reasonable.
The best dish on the menu is the curry goat. It comes with a large portion, if you want your can order the «large plate» which gets you a good amount of extra meat. The fried fish is also very tasty, and Norah will even teach young children how to «cut the fish, and be the master of that fish». There are also many juices that Norah makes fresh that are refreshing and have interesting tastes.
Norah is a great woman who has talked to me many times. Her hospitality is very rarely matched in the restaurant business. I hope this interesting bubble of Jamaican culture stays in Long Branch for many years.

I visited this restaurant on a Friday. I was interested in trying some Jamaican food after recently visiting Montego Bay. My significant other and I walked in, there was a band setting up and other guest coming in with BYOB. My boyfriend and I were greeted by a young woman who asks could she take our order. We were undecided so she guided us to the menu. As we looked over the menu we were still indecisive. So we each ordered our own entrée and one to share along with some patties and homemade juice.
We enjoyed the ambiance of the small quaint location full of Jamaican culture as we waited for our food to be prepared! Our food was done and bagged and the young lady gave us our total. The total for 1 large entrée of oxtails and stewed beef. A small stew chicken and 3 patties and 1 large homemade carrot juice came to 75.00 $ yes 75.00 $ for that! My boyfriend and I looked at one another as if we didn’t hear her correctly! We then promoted to ask her why was the total 75.00 $
SHE THEN PROMPTED TO SAY THAT SINCE IT WAS A SPECIAL EVENT GOING ON THAT NIGHT THAT ALL MEALS WERE 20 $ each.
So ok i had no problem paying for the food but for her to wait till we ordered and at the end of us getting ready to pay to tell us that information. I was upset because that was poor business. When doing something of that nature you must advertise the change in prices for the time prices are subject to change!
No where on the menu or anywhere in sight on the premises stated this information! After questioning the young lady, she gave a snotty attitude which is why I have chosen to not support any business that tries to get over on their customers which keep their business afloat. Especially here in Long Branch! Good food is scarce here. I was really disappointed in the poor business strategy!
That is really unfortunate because the food was really great! But I don’t care how good the food, I will not be insulted and under appreciated as a customer! All she had tondo was give us that information while we talked to her before ordering! Especially since we told her it was our first time!

Came here late last night when craving something other than hot dogs and fries on the shore. What a fantastic decision. The décor isn’t anything to marvel at and looks pieced together at best. But OH BOY those smells that wafted through the space were absolutely amazing.
I ordered a small oxtail and it came with plantains, rice & beans, and some sort of cabbage and pea slaw. The oxtail fell apart and the portions were hefty.
The best part about this though was the sweet as honey woman behind the counter. When I told her I came here because of Unilocal,she nearly jumped from behind the counter to give me a kiss on the cheek. You can just tell she loves cooking, meeting new people, and sharing her love of the Islands with others.
So the next time you’re down by the shore, skip the crazy mediocre food all along it, and take a drive down to Norah’s. You won’t regret it.

When you see a place that has 30 reviews and is still five stars it makes you start to wonder what’s so good about this place?
That’s what drove me to this it’s gem. I thought I was lost as I drove down the residential street but there was right in the middle of a quaint neighborhood.
You can hear the music from the street sending island vibes to hungry masses.
It feels a little divey or more precisely what an island establishment may look like, right here in Long Branch.
I’m no expert on Jamaican food, but I know a good meal wen I get one!
I literally walked in and said, «What do you recommend?». The man behind the counter was polite and explained the dishes like I was not an idiot.
A $ 6 lunch bought me tender goat in curry sauce, rice, beans, cabbage and plantains along with a can of soda.
It was a beautiful afternoon to sit outside and enjoy the breeze and incredibly island flavors. I’ll be back! You should go too! Believe the hype.

I would rate them ⁵⁄₅ just for their goat curry.
Along with roti, it was so scrumptious. ssssp. will definitely go here again for the same dish.
We also got a king fish fry which was kind of a bummer tho. It was too hard to chew it. Not sure if it was just that day.