Island Spice

This was my first time visiting Island Spice and I’m glad I stopped by. It’s a rather large location with not much décor it’s very casual. BUT that’s not out of the ordinary for West Indian restaurants. You can trust me that the flavor is authentic (I’m Jamaican & Trinidadian). I really wasn’t looking to get s plate of food just wanted two beef patties and a coco bread. I lucked out with the last patty of the day! They take all major credit/​debit cards. Problem was that I didn’t have cash so he made a mini portion of delicious stew chicken with rice and peas. I got a nice portion for one total order $ 6. I’ll definitely be returning.

A++++!!! Their food is ALWAYS good! Never disappoints & they cater too!!! I used them once for my aunt’s 70^th birthday party & everyone loved the food!!! They were reasonably priced for catering too!!!

Popped in this neighborhood hole in the wall for some oxtail. Twas good. The meat was juicy and tender and covered with a beefy gravy. It could have used a bit more spice but I still ate it all. I washed it down with a cucumber soda. The shredded salad stuff was forgetable, but thats not what i stopped in for. Counter lady was nice too.

I was in a group of 4 for takeaway and ordered 4 different dishes. I have eaten Jamaican before but this one was telling in their presentation. Their cabbage was actually served separately as salad with dressing; very unusual from the traditional steamed cabbages served altogether with your order. The jerk chicken is jerk on the outside & just a tad spicy inside. My oxtail hit the spot & the goat curry was over the top. Otherwise, their service is great and I could tell how pleased they were with our purchase. Good people… no problem man!

I am Jamaican and though not from Miami I have tried different Jamaican restaurants in different cities in Florida including a few in Miami. We usually order takeout: a dozen beef patties to take home with us to last through the week, Oxtail, Stew Chicken, Curry Chicken or Ackee and Saltfish, so I can’t comment on the other menu items, but these are always good. The place is casual, geared mainly for takeout as is the norm for almost all Jamaican restaurants in North America but there are a few tables if you choose to dine in. So far this is consistently the best and most authentic food I have had so far. The gentleman at the counter is always cheerful and accommodating. The portions are quite large and the food flavorful. The Ackee is not lost in a ton of codfish and is fresh not canned, as is all too often the case (which would be understandable due to the scarcity, but it’s a great plus). The fried dumplings are not too greasy and just the right consistency. Though I still always like to try new Jamaican places, this one still remains our favorite. Oh and for those who are new to Jamaican food it is not unusual for many restaurants (as well as Trinidadian places also) to offer Caribbean-​Chinese dishes as well. There is a lot of Chinese and Indian influence in Caribbean cuisine since the Hakka Chinese and Indians came to Jamaica even before Africans, as indentured slaves, and not all but many restaurants outside of Jamaica are owned by Chinese Jamaicans as well.

Decided to splurge on the large oxtail and large curry chicken plus my beef patties. The beef patties were not as flavorful and fresh as they were in past. Thankfully, they did have Ting! And good cold Cucumber Water! I was disappointed that the rice and pea were mushy, the oxtail and the curry chicken recipes needs to be reworked and the sweet plantain was charred and underwhelming. Both of the proteins lacked the richness and complexity of flavors that I seek in Caribbean foods.
Still seeking the ultimate oxtail meal in South Miami. Open to suggestions.

A bit surprised at the high rating this place received. The food and service is not bad, but neither is anything beyond average. In fact, while they have an extensive Chinese food menu, the Jamaican dish side is somewhat limited. Price is on the high side, and while it’s a lot of food, it’s more rice than meat. The side salad was also rather bland.

Honestly, I found my goat curry & pea soup… adequate. Maybe my timing was to blame but flavor & textures were kinda’ bland and unremarkable. Perhaps, next time…

Good homestyle Jamaican food!

My boyfriend and I have both been to Jamaica and this place is as authentic as it gets. Was surprised that this place doesn’t have more reviews considering the quality. Jerk chicken was extremely fresh and tasty; as was the oxtail which was creamy and delicious. I absolutely recommend this tiny spot at the corner of a strip mall. Definitely authentic and worth the money (22 dollars for two dishes loaded with meat + rice & beans).

Great goat curry! Service with a smile… New fav Jamaican restaurant:-)

Friendly service and always on point. The fish, curry goat and oxtail are my absolute favorites. Call ahead and order it will be ready in 15 minutes. Great value as well as great taste!