Fun little restaurant with sole Caribbean vibes. The owners are a couple who are not only kind and professional but also would make you feel welcome. The stuffed fish $85 and it's definitely worth it as the food is excellent. There are both indoor and outdoor sitting. I would honestly recommend this restaurant read more

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Good food. We had the stew chicken plate, oxtails a la carte, beef empanada and sorrel. Everything tasted pretty good. I appreciate the owner walking us through the menu. She explained that the Panamanian style oxtails they serve are more sweet than savory. Portions were decent. Prices were pretty steep for me. $80 for everything including tip. Small restaurant with sit down tables available. Street metered parking available. read more

**updated: dear owner, who like to argue I totally forgot to mention that the sample of the macaroni was tasty. The food was nasty and I'm telling you the truth I kept using my gravy as you called me to try to help the chicken, but the fish was good and also trust me the price was never an issue. I am mentioning the price so that way people would know how much I paid. I don't care about that bill. I'm letting them know how much I paid for food I didn't like The outdoor patio area was nice, and we enjoyed sitting out there. However, the customer service and staff personality could use improvement; it seemed like the owner was the one serving us. Unfortunately, the jerk chicken was awful--it tasted off and was quite unpleasant. The oxtails with peas and rice were just okay, and I noticed they forgot to include the plantains. The large red snapper was acceptable for my taste, although my sister thought it was good. Overall, I wouldn't consider returning. With a bill of $161, I didn't feel it was worth it, and I chose not to leave a tip. I like to feel appreciated and enjoy my food. It wasn't hot ( only fish) Also all the owner do on these review is make excuses and argue Dang! read more

Caribbean Soul Kitchen La - Fish & video - Caribbean Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Can't say enough about how great this restaurant is. Amazing food, friendly staff and nice culture and ambiance. It feels like taking a step into a local Panamanian/Caribbean spot. The prices are on the higher end but the quality and taste of the food totally justifies it. I would highly recommend read more

The story behind this restaurant is legendary! Chef RJ and Mercedes are legends! Their love for each other over the decades translates directly into their hospitality and dedication to great food honoring their cultures. This spot is a must, through the ups and downs they continue to bring amazing food & create new menu items that stand the test of time! Anyone who's had their food knows the quality of it. You won't be disappointed and will leave feeling like family! Pull up and stay eatin! read more

Stumbled upon Caribbean Soul Kitchen and couldn't be happier. My oxtails were flavorful, tender and perfect. Service was excellent! I'll be back soon read more

Caribbean Soul Kitchen La - Beef Oxtails Bowl - Caribbean Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Food is delicious. Service is very friendly! Ambience is chill. Definitely be back again! read more

Caribbean Soul Kitchen La - Sunset - Caribbean Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Restaurant was absolutely amazing!!!! Food was authentic and seasoned to a T!!! I'm utterly at a loss seeing that it is saying permanently closed however...what happened???? read more

Was craving a little piece of home and stopped by today for lunch and they absolutely didn't disappoint. Being West Indian myself I gotta say this place is excellent. The seasoning is on point and has just the right amount of kick that leaves you wanting more. More importantly the staff are extremely polite and made me feel right at home as soon as I walked in. I highly recommend more people check this spot out! Everything was bomb read more

Caribbean Soul Kitchen La - Pineapple Ginger & Jerk Chicken - Caribbean Near Me - Los Angeles, California

....but first the flag! I have to say THANK YOU to the chef and his family for opening this restaurant. I'm a Cali girl with deep Panamanian roots and until recently only had authentic Panamanian food from my mom and Tia's. I appreciate ALL of the decor and the down home feel of the restaurant. My experience was generally a great one...the only thing I wanted was a real plate. Serving in plastic takes away from the experience and from the amazing food we are eating. I would have loved to have had it plated especially given the price point....i don't think it's too expensive....but I do think it could cover a plate. Tips: 1: Make a reservation. We had a group of 10 hungry Panas...and we almost didn't get a chance to dine. We didn't know this would be such a challenge. The dining area is extremely small so keep that in mind. 2: Pack patience. Your food is being made to order so some things will come quickly like fried yucca...patacones etc....but you will wait for those oxtails. I will be back!!!! I MUST bring my mom. Thanks again for bringing PTY to LA!!!! read more

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Staff were super great and made excellent recommendations for entrees. The chef's scratch made sauces and greens are to die for. Stewed jackfruit with plantains was our favorite. The cauliflower plate was tasty, but a little heavy as it's battered and fried. read more

First time in LA and this was the perfect spot to eat! Came in around 1 and seating inside and out was open. Beautifully decorated inside! Husband's first words after the first bite of jerk chicken "Damn. Damn, damn!" The flavor is so GOOD I wish I got the Jerk chicken! Great serving size and phenomenal service! Many blessings to the owner! They are truly blessed with cooking! The greens were fresh and tasty, a little sweater than expected. Would have tasted great with the rice and jerk seasonings! My kids didnt care much for the mac and cheese but my husband happily ate theirs too! Fried Yuka was perfectly salted! ORDER EARLY! Came in after noon and plantains were already a no go. My husband, two weeks later, still speaks of the flavors he experienced here, and I know he will be back! read more

We were the first people to get here on a Saturday, maybe a half hour after they opened and were told they were still preparing half of the things on the menu. As a result, we ordered one dish to share amongst us. When I asked for a soda, and was informed they didn't have soda products, only the $8 juices on the menu, we should have left then. I also noticed the only water available was the community water in a plastic jug. As someone who has lived in the Caribbean and visited both Jamaica and Panama, I will say we were very disappointed in the food and drink experience. The "juice" we were served was obviously made from a powdered mix and sugar. This should have been our second clue to leave. We ordered the oxtail plate. The stew was very watery and the flavors were weird. The meat was very bony and the rice was flavorless, and the greens were an embarrassment. Between the two of us we did finish the plate, which is why I'm giving them two stars instead of one, and the waitress was apologetic about taking so long before she could take our order. I am shocked that the ratings here are so high. We ended up paying $50 for one meal and a juice with tip. I would seriously reconsider choosing this place if you want a good meal. I also have noticed some snarky side remarks from less than desirable ratings, so want to make the disclaimer that this is just my opinion of the food and juice as someone who has lived in the Caribbean and is very familiar with the food and flavors. I would pass on this place. read more

Delicious food (had the jerk chicken bowl, must try!), amazing service, and great music. What more could you want?? For my Caribbean peeps, come through and enjoy some authentic Panamanian and Jamaican food. Will come back and recommend! read more

Food was excellent especially fish plus oxtail with rice can't forget the plantains. The owner was nice always smiling with service this is my go to spot. read more

I always stop by when I am in town. Chef & Mercedes are lovely people, the food is delicious, and I love, love, love the oxtails and the spicy shrimp. My only regret is that I don't live close enough to dine more often. read more

Went to this restaurant off of a recommendation on social media. We had a big party and to be fair they did accommodate us. We decided to get starters before the rest or the party arrived and when ordering drinks is when the downfall happened. They seemed to be out of everything including water and ice which is unheard of. Got our drinks brought out first which took 20 minutes then were told they didn't have straws. I luckily had water and straws but a it's a bit silly to have to bring my own. The rest of the party arrived and while everyone was excited and already knew what they were eating not once did the server mention they were out of 4 popular items on the menu. The server said there was a food festival and that's where the majority of the food was. That's great you are expanding but you should probably mention that if you are running a restaurant on a busy Saturday. An hour has passed and still no appetizers. Everyone else had to make due with what was available on the menu that day. I ordered the jerk chicken and nowhere on the menu was it mentioned that they were wings or the veggies were kale. Appetizers arrive and we are all still waiting for our drinks. No one checked on us to see if anyone needed anything and someone orderer a refill of their drink and they were out. It was to the point other guests were bringing in drinks they bought from across the street. In our party someone ordered a side of plantains and it took so long she asked for it to be boxed up to go because she finished her dish. You say you're a Panamanian restaurant but served mostly Jamaican food. Are you a fusion restaurant? Still waiting on some people to get their food.....We were a party of 12 but there is no reason anyone should spend 5hrs at a restaurant for the lack of preparation on your end. You would have had more empathy from me for this review if you would have mentioned or put up a sign letting customers know you would be limited with the food options. While the cook was very apologetic and kind about the whole situation and lack of preparation it doesn't mean you should be out of essentials. My overall experience was not pleasant. I will not be coming back and hopefully this is taken as constructive criticism and not negative. Reason for these reviews is for the establishment to take what is said and do better. Should you have improved then maybe I will come back to update my review. read more

Caribbean Soul Kitchen La - Jerk Chicken Bowl - Caribbean Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Hidden gem At least once a week, I order from here because I adore their food and great customer service. I've set a goal for myself to try everything on the menu, including specials that aren't on the regular menu. A must try! read more

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Had an excellent meal here recently! The stew jackfruit was absolutely delicious - it's refreshing to find a vegetarian option that focuses on real, flavorful ingredients rather than processed meat substitutes. Everything tasted incredibly fresh, which makes sense since the owner mentioned they make everything by hand in-house. The Caribbean Sunset drink was the perfect complement to the meal. While I went with the vegetarian option, I noticed other diners enjoying meat-based dishes and they all seemed very happy with their meals too, so there's clearly something for everyone here. Service was impressively quick, and the owner was genuinely friendly and welcoming. It's exactly the kind of small local business worth supporting, especially during Small Business Month. Highly recommend for anyone looking for quality food with authentic flavors and great hospitality, whether you're vegetarian or not! read more

I came here with two of my friends on a Friday afternoon. We ordered the oxtail, empanadas, and the sancocho. I could probably snack on the yucca fries all day long! Everything was absolutely delicious, the food was so flavorful. The food was prepared pretty quickly, we didn't wait too long and the staff was very welcoming to everyone who came through the door. Our server explained each dish we had questions about. The restaurant is so cute, with paintings covering the walls. I can't wait to come back and have some more oxtail and sancocho! read more

Caribbean Soul Kitchen La - Oxtail, sancocho, yucca fries, empanada - Caribbean Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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My friend and Ii visited this restaurant about a week ago and were very excited to try the food based on all of the positive yelp reviews. That was the primary reason that weI went to this restaurant. Unfortunately, it did not live up to the positive reviews, the food was mediocre at best. I ordered a jerk chicken bowl and my friend ordered oxtail bowl. We both ordered empandaras. The food was just average. It was not flavorful at all and was in fact dry. The bowls were filled with rice and although there was quite a bit of meat in each bowl , it wasn't as moist as you would expect. My friend liked the empandaras were good but for me they were just ok. Unfortunately, my friend and I will not visit this restaurant again as it did not meet our expectations. We were extremely disappointed. read more

I'm disappointed, this my first time trying Caribbean food. I guess it's the time i went but i wanted to give it a try for dinner. They had ran out of most their drinks. I wanted to try the pineapple ginger, but it was out. They had one other drink but didn't bother. I ordered the oxtail bowl. Thats supposed to come with rice, greens, and plantain.... Well after i ordered he said they ran out of greens and offered me extra plantain instead. The thing is i don't really like plantain and i told him. He said he will give me yuka fries instead lol. It sucks because im trying to be on a diet so this just made the whole me suck. Also i didn't get the plantain, i'm guessing because i said i didn't like it, but i never said i didn't want them. The oxtail was too sweet. It felt like i was getting rushed out or if they didn't want me to eat there. Not worth it to me, i should've just got the refund ;/ I added a receipt just in case they try and challenge my review as well. I mean i did ask for it to go because i wanted to go get greens. Yall could've mentioned that before i ordered. Instead of putting it in a to go box you told me he plated it already and to do it myself??? Whats so hard about putting it in a box for me? And i was starving so yeah i did finish the oxtail and rice... btw the rice was bomb i enjoyed the rice. And the yuka i took the rest with me, i might finish them, but idk since i am on a diet. I wasnt gonna waste 31$ and throw it there, especially since i was hungry. And i wanted to leave a 1 star? Look at all my reviews, usually when something happens then i leave a bad review. How about this, ill give A 2 star cuz at least the rice was good , the scenery was good, and yall seemed like decent people. But i mean half my meal was gone lol... what am supposed to do. read more

Caribbean Soul Kitchen La - Beef Oxtails Bowl - Caribbean Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Wanted the snapper they said I had to get filets bc it would take too long to fry a whole fish , charged me for whole snapper dish I was under the impression filets fell under the puru dish selection and not the whole snapper dish Soursoup juice taste like lemonade. No Hot sauce packets or table bottle available either only option to pay extra for a side of a specialty hot sauce that I'm told is ridiculous spicy for the average consumer so had to pass n eat fried fish with no hot sauce which I thought was a universal condiment. read more

This place collaborated with my son's school this past week for a fundraiser, and that was fantastic, of course. The lovely woman whom owns this place, along with her husband, was very sweet and welcoming. And the vibe of the place was great. Now, being from New York, I grew up eating and loving all types of food, so when I learned about this place, I was hyped. My son and I ordered a good amount of a few different menu items. And everything was delicious! From the beef empanadas that to me had a hint of sweetness to them. To their yucca fries, which I don't find very often here in LA. We absolutely enjoyed our meal. I recommend them for a great tasting meal. Especially if you're from LA and not used to Caribbean food. You won't be disappointed. They also offer parking which is a plus out here as well haha read more

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Delicious meal, but the oxtail plate was out of this world! Great atmosphere, definitely coming back for the oxtail and my sorrel-hibiscus drink. read more

My husband and I first stumbled across this amazing restaurant a few years ago and everytime we enjoy our food! We love the jerk chicken, stew chicken, oxtails, and empanadas! Highly recommend! And the owners are extremely kind! My husband took this picture of the beautiful wall mural. read more

Caribbean Soul Kitchen La - Wall Mural - Caribbean Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I had some of the most delicious food here. My brother and I had to try this new Panamanian restaurant and see if it was ant where near as good as the food that we grew up eating. I'm mostly vegetarian an be was glad to see the stewed jack fruit bowl, my brother had the oxtail bowl. Both came with yummy coconut rice and peas, greens, and the crispiest most perfect platanos maduros. We wanted to start by splitting the sancocho but it was late in the day and they were already out of it. The two bowls we had were fantastic. My brother almost never eats vegetables and he even scarfed down the "magic greens" (cooked kale and spinach). Everything was so tasty. I washed it all down with the sorrel (hibiscus drink) that tasted just like my grandma's! I will definitely be going back soon, in particular to try their sancocho. The restaurant is casual dining. Even though we sat down to eat it looked like most people were taking food to go. The service was great. Mercedes was our server and she was very helpful with suggestions. She even let us try the **spicy** Rio bajo drink and let my try the jack fruit before committing to it. The portions are generous. My brother finished his food but I took a little less than half home to enjoy the next day. Dinner for the 2 of us was just under $50. read more

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The food here is delicious. Since Metro has decimated parking along Wilshire. It will be best to park in the rear of the building for $6 on weekends. Especially if you're not able to snag a metered spot. Once you've gotten that out of the way be prepared for a great experience. Chef rohalio is a wonderful personality and excellent cook. On a random weekend I ran into my cousin and we enjoyed a bountiful feast. The drinks are amazing. Please be advised that you are eating fresh food and there may be a slight wait. I'm going to put this place on my rotation of restaurants to visit when I come up to LACMA. read more

Caribbean Soul Kitchen La - Enough to feed 3 or 4 - Caribbean Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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As much as I want to gatekeep this hidden gem and be the sole reason they run out of plantains (which they haven't any of the times I've gone, thank goodness), I've already told friends and family to come by what might be my new favorite restaurant in LA! The service is fantastic; you get very cozy and personable vibes from here, which I've noticed is more prevalent in small businesses like these. There's a bit of a wait for your food, but it's to be expected when everything is made fresh to order- I love sipping on their pineapple ginger drink or tamarindo while I wait, my boyfriend is a bigger fan of their passionfruit lemonade read more

Caribbean Soul Kitchen La - Oxtail, brown stew, jerk macaroni and cheese, beef and chicken empanadas, and plantains! - Caribbean Near Me - Los Angeles, California

This place makes me so proud to be Panamanian!! The inside mural and decor is so pretty, and having a chance to talk to the owner was awesome too!! Everyone is so nice and kind but the food is SO GOOD! As a vegetarian, i love how they put effort into the veggie meals and so cool seeing sancocho on the menu too! highly recommend and there's a parking lot in the back read more

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First time trying Caribbean food don't know much of it so I'm here to explore new flavors ... I got the Oax tail bowl and my friend got the red fried snapper. The Oax tail was tender falling off the bone loved the sauce especially mixed with the rice and cabbage. I also tried a little bit of the snapper didn't really try the breading part but the fish was good oh and the hot sauce that they brought us fire .. very spicy I love spicy food and hot sauce but this one was really spicy.. Great service love the story behind this place . I wanna say it's pricey but these dishes take a while to make .. Street parking or pay parking around the corner read more

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The flavors!!!! we come here every chance we get! Love this place and service is always top notch. They make you feel very welcomed. Atmosphere and music places you right in the Caribbean. My husband is Panamanian and he's in heaven with this food. The yucca fries and the fried shrimp are my favs!!! read more

Caribbean Soul Kitchen LA (CSKLA) is the epitome of what is wrong with L.A.'s dining scene. At first glance, the restaurant appears to be an unassuming, family-style Caribbean spot offering warm, approachable cuisine. But look closer, and you will find that CSKLA passes its high operating costs directly onto the customer -- and that is just where the problems begin. My partner and I dined here and spent well over $100 on jerk chicken, jerk shrimp, jerk mac and cheese, and two beverages. The food was good -- flavorful, even -- but drastically overpriced for what we received. When we arrived around 4:00 p.m., the full menu was already unavailable, and we were forced to choose from what little remained. At that point, we were the only patrons in the restaurant. As others came in, they too were told certain items were no longer available. I thoroughly enjoyed the meal, but let me be clear: the prices are so inflated that you would be better off flying to Panama, enjoying the same cuisine, and still coming out ahead -- with a better experience overall. What experience, you ask? CSKLA either lost its soul or never had one to begin with. Time and again, the restaurant's owner responds to honest feedback on Google and Yelp with defensiveness, passive-aggression, and a level of unprofessionalism that speaks louder than the food. Instead of letting the food tell the story, CSKLA seems determined to rewrite the narrative through snide replies. If you are looking for Caribbean food in Los Angeles that delivers not only on flavor but also on value, professionalism, and a complete dining experience -- I suggest you skip this place and try Lucia instead. You will spend your money more wisely, and you might even be treated with respect. Sharing my review here on Yelp for those who do not use Google. Update: Shaton, let us not confuse facts with a smear campaign. You, ma'am, are the problem -- and it shows in your business. Yes, I posted across platforms. That is not a campaign. That is called consistency. Here is some unsolicited business advice: Your restaurant is not struggling because of critics -- it is struggling because of you. Defensive owners who cannot handle feedback usually end up behind closed doors -- permanently. And yours will not close because of rent. It will close because you cannot stop talking -- in an industry where the food and service should speak for themselves. Oh, and one last thing: I will be sure to donate $5 for your year-old GoFundMe. Still stuck at $560 out of $190,000. read more

CSK LA is a wonderful dining experience, like eating a home cooked meal. The owners are very kind, and I felt welcomed as soon as I walked through the door. The restaurant is small, clean and no frills. The menu is straightforward. Light music played throughout. The food is delicious! I recommend getting one of the bowls (chicken is my favorite), you get a little bit of everything in the meal. The jerk mac n cheese is a must-try side item. Be sure to add a specialty drink! The soursop was sweet and tart, and so good. I definitely recommend this place, one of the best dining options in the area. read more

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Okay well to start service was great and the restaurant was very clean and nice, but the food was honestly horrible. Store bought rice, that is basically inedible, oxtails that were pure fat, and empanadas that make your stomach hurt. If you come here expecting authentic Panamanian food you will be disappointed. My grandmother makes better food. read more

All I'm going to say !! Hands down the best Oxtail I ever tasted and don't forget to get the Jerk Mac !!!! The owner and young lady in the front working cashier are truly amazing and great people skills and make you feel welcome !!! read more

Caribbean Soul Kitchen La - Jerk Macaroni - Caribbean Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Called for an takeout order and ordered the jerked chicken bowl, empanada, and a refreshing drink. Got to say I was very happy with the quality and service provided! I remember ordering a side of oxtail which I believe was forgotten (not charged) but the remaining food was delicious and satisfied my cravings! Will be back! read more

What an awesome experience. This food was delicious and the service was great. Definitely a hidden gem. The only Panamanian food restaurant on the west coast and its representing very well. read more

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Best fish since leaving the Caribbean. I can't wait to visit Panama in 2024. I'll be back to try their other dishes. We had the fried fish, greens, rice and beans, empanadas and plantains. All cooked with love read more

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Stumbled upon this place the other day when I happened to be in the area. No kidding, I suddenly got an overwhelming urge for oxtails. Did a Google search and it first directed me to an establishment that was closed at the time. Not one to give up, I Googled again and it led me here. Suffice it to say that THIS is the place I was meant to come to. I loved the warmth of the owners, the comfortable, homey feel of the place and the fact that they have outside seating. I met the chef (RJ), who is from Panama and has a unique and absolutely mouthwatering take on the oxtails. His beautiful wife offered me a sample and I was SOLD! I got two oxtail dinners for some displaced loved ones and a side of just oxtails for me. EVERYTHING was served with genuine love. The Mrs. (Mercedes) was so loving and kind that I was literally on the verge of tears just speaking with her. What a beautiful soul. The delightfully flavorful oxtails were fall-off-the-bone tender. Peas & rice, greens and plantain were absolutely delicious as well. This is not just a restaurant, it's a ministry that has been generous in its community endeavors. Not only do I recommend them, I HIGHLY recommend them! read more