From the outside, this restaurant tends to attract people to enter and try it out. And that is precisely what I did today. I guess I was impressed with all the food picture posters taped to its front windows. I really had high expectations that I would enjoy it and its food. But there are times that no matter how much you try, you are disappointed. And this was one of those times. Inside, I was impressed with the restaurant's colorful and lively decor, especially its very creative bar design. The place was almost empty with only one family dining at one of the booths. The very hospitable and friendly owner welcomed me, took me to one of the booths and handed me a menu. To drink I ordered a Pineapple Soda. For appetizer I ordered a Beef Patty and Cornbread. And for my main entrée, I ordered from their Specialty section of the menu, The Caribbica Plantain Burger. Between the owner and his wife they served me the different items of my order. The Jamaican Pineapple Soft Drink came in a bottle. As was about to drink it from the bottle when the owner's wife brought me a glass with ice. As I was pouring the soda into the glass, I noticed that it didn't look too clean. Then they brought me a plate with the Beef Patty and a square piece of corn bread. The patty didn't look too fresh. Its dough had wrinkles, like if it was not served fresh but reheated in a microwave. The cornbread was somewhat tasteless. I didn't complain because I didn't want to hurt their feelings, since they were so nice people. The wife of the owner comes by and asked what I wanted on my burger, without telling me that there was an extra fee for some of the items she mentioned. I then notice that a young Asian couple that were dining there got up and went to the counter and spent some time there discussing before they walked out. When the Caribbica Plantain Burger arrived, the first thing I noticed was that it was served with chips, and not with seasonal fries like listed on the menu, and that the sweet fried plantains were not acting as buns like in the menu description. But it looked good so I went on to eat it. As I was eating it, I noticed it did have buns under the plantains, but they weren't that fresh and you could tell that the burger patty came from being frozen and had become dry in the process on unfreezing it. The plantains were the only good thing about this burger. But I didn't complain. I ate what I could, waited, and asked what they had for dessert. It was either Chocolate cake ot Coconut cake. They told me they had ran out of their Rum cake. So I ordered the Coconut cake. When the slice arrived, I noticed it looked a bit dry. Even the frosting was not soft. Like if it was sliced and sitting there for a long time. Then I tasted a piece and what a disappointment. It tasted like insecticide. I could not stand it anymore. I called over the lady server and explained why I would not eat this cake and returned it. The husband came by and asked if I wanted the Chocolate cake instead. I told him, No Thanks. When I walked over to the restroom to wash my hands, I passed by the kitchen and it didn't look very clean at all. Afterwards, I paid my bill, and when I got home, I noticed the following statement written on the bottom of the receipt: "ALL SALES ARE FINAL. No refunds. Same day exchanges with receipt may apply at management's discretion. By dining with us, guests agree to house policies." I definitely not recommend this restaurant at all, and consider it one of my worst dining experiences ever and a waste of my money. read more

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Omg this place is amazing. The best red snapper outside of the Caribbean. Everything on the menu is so good. read more

Caribbica Soul - Ox tail is really good - Caribbean Near Me - Roanoke, Virginia

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Loved the vibe and the staff was super welcoming. Got the regular fish, cabbage, and plantines. Everything was delicious & reasonably priced. read more

The jerk chicken is absolutely delicious!!! The red beans and rice, as well as the collard greens, have just the right spice!!! I highly recommend eating here! read more

Random stop on a Saturday night on our travels. Walking around Roanoke and had been out visiting other local restaurants and wandered by here. Here is what we liked: *Hospitality was amazing. We looked in the window and was unsure if we wanted to go in. A gentleman out front was drinking an umbrella drink and started talking with us. Stated we had to get one of these, best around. Decided to go in and sit at the bar. Bartender was great, she was cool and helpful. Come to find out the gentleman out front is the owners husband- and they were celebrating his birthday. We hung out and had a fabulous time. * The twisted Bob Marley is a fun drink. *The greens were absolutely amazing- pretty sure the best I've had. * overall vibe was fun. What could of been better: * The plantains we're a bit chewy and tough. That's it- can't think of anything else I would change. read more

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Be transported to the Caribbean! The food is amazing and the punch is sending tingles through my spine. awesome service as well. The owner greets you personally and shareS stories of the island. read more

Caribbica Soul - Caribbean Near Me - Roanoke, Virginia

My kids took one look at the menu and HAD to go in! We loved everything about this place; the atmosphere was fun, the service was great and the food was delicious. Huge portions at very fair prices and everything tasted homemade and authentic. Their plantains were AMAZING! Our server was so kind and sweet with our kids as well. Would 100% go again and definitely recommend this restaurant! read more

Came here with my mom and husband and everything was delicious. I got the Curry Goat, he got the Jerk Salmon, and she got the Oxtail. For sides we got the mac and cheese, plantains, and beans and rice. Each dish was cooked to perfection and full of flavor. The waitstaff was attentive and friendly. The owner (I think) also came by to make sure we were enjoying our meal too. Overall, fantastic experience! read more

First glance I like the aesthetic of the outside light then when you come inside it's a whole vibe makes you feel right at home. They were very attentive checking on me and food came out fast. Owner even came by and I had a cool conversation with him. I will definitely be back when I come to visit Roanoke, thank you again for the hospitality this is really how Caribbean restaurants are supposed make you feel! read more

Caribbica Soul - Collard greens, cabbage, fried plantains and a waffle - Caribbean Near Me - Roanoke, Virginia

This was our second visit and it was as good as the first! We ordered the sampler and it was divine. Our server was amazin! Kudos to the new bartender as my drink was in point! I can not wait to return! read more

Great ambiance, great service and incredible food! I had the ox tails with collard greens, rice and beens! Every thing was great but the ox tails were amazing! Tender as a mother's love! Our server was fantastic! I didn't catch his name, I'm a bit hard of hearing, but he was spectacular! The aromas as you walk in greet you like an olfactory bouquet welcoming you with the love of the chef! I can't wait to return here! read more

This is my go to Roanoke stop whenever I fly in or out of the ROAnoke/Blacksburg airport. The owner and servers make you feel like a welcomed regular, it has a fun ambience. I like the jerk chicken and collards, but everything is very tasty. read more

Caribbica Soul - Dining Area - Caribbean Near Me - Roanoke, Virginia

It's a very small mom and pop store, but the food is so good! The owners are originally from New York City. We ordered the fried red snapper with rice and beans and plantains and also got an order of the honey henney wings and a beef patty. It took a while for our food to come out because everything is made to order, but the owners explained this to us and we were fine with it. We were also able to chat a little and get recommendations before we placed our order. The fried snapper might look intimidating because it is a fried whole fish and if you have not eaten whole fish before, deboning it might seem scary and weird, but it is worth it! The fish is so soft and tender and the skin is crispy. It is flavorful and crunchy and definitely reminded me of eating my mom's fried red snapper. Do take caution to not choke on any bones if you have not eaten whole fish before. The rice and beans were decent. The plantains are lovely! They're the proper amount of caramelized and sweetness. We originally wanted to get the jerk wings, but I saw that the Honey Henny wings are only available on Fridays and Saturdays and we were just in luck because we went on a Saturday. They're hot when served, so be careful. They are sweet and at first, I did not taste the Hennesey, but after taking a second bite, I could taste the slight alcohol flavor. It's definitely not strong enough to get you tipsy or drunk, but the flavor combination is delightful! Truly addicting. We didn't order a drink, but the owners were nice enough to offer us water cups and they weren't small cups either! The beef patty came out last and the owner warned us that it was really hot because it's freshly made. The most delicious beef patty that we've ever had! I thought it was slightly too spicy for me, but I also cannot handle my spice. My fiance LOVED it. He didn't think it was spicy at all. Highly recommend checking out Caribbica Soul. I would definitely come back to try other items and the Sweet daddy tea. They said they were opening a lobster/seafood restaurant down the block too, so looking forward to checking that out as well. read more

Caribbica Soul - Honey henney wings - Caribbean Near Me - Roanoke, Virginia

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Amazing food, wonderful service! In town for business and discovered this unassuming spot. I had the red snapper and it was divine. I had rice and peas and cabbage as my side, fresh and full of flavor...both of them. I'll be back before I leave town! read more

Caribbica Soul - Fish - Caribbean Near Me - Roanoke, Virginia

Went here for lunch with some family and this place is a must for anyone who likes food. The drinks were fantastic as well. We all sampled each other's food and agreed this is the best Jamaican food we've ever eaten. It was delicious and spiced just right. The owner came out and greeted us and made sure everything was good. I wish I could give this place more than 5 stars. It is that good! Will definitely be going back. read more

We went to Caribbica Soul yesterday for the first time, none of the 4 of us were disappointed. The food was delicious, plenty of it and the service was great as well. My curry chicken, mac and cheese and yams were awesome. The corn bread itself was worth coming back for and the environment was very nice as well. If you haven't been there, you should give it a try. read more

This place is AMAZING!!! I recently moved to Roanoke from Richmond. Two things I have not been able to fine is a good Chinese restaurant and I KNEW I would NOT find a good, if any, Jamaican restaurants. My boyfriend and I passed by this place during the first night of Dickens of a Christmas. We looked in and didn't see anyone so we passed on eating here...BIG MISTAKE!! When my boyfriend came back to visit, we'd decided to give it a try. OMG!!! The atmosphere was a vibe! The owners were so sweet and greeted us like we were family! They came to check on us and we conversed as if we were lifelong friends The food was the best Jamaican food I've had in a while!!! The curry goat was flavorful. My boyfriends family is Jamaican and from NY!! He definitely put the seal of approval on this!! The oxtails were big, full of flavor, and SOOOOO GOOD!!! I am very picky with cabbage, and I must say their cabbage was delicious and not crunchy!! The food was hot! I mean fresh off the stove hot!!! Who does that? The beef Pattie's were fresh and tasted homemade!! My youngest ordered the lemon pepper wings and Mac and cheese. She loved it. This is my new fav in Roanoke and we will be back. read more

Amazing food and drinks. the rum punch mixed drink is better than what I had on a trip to the islands. The staff is wonderful and I'm grateful I found this gem! read more

About last night, Caribbica Soul was so welcoming and friendly. The atmosphere was amazing, the DJ played good music from different genres. Then another customer requested to sing karaoke and brought the house down. To top it off, the food was very tasteful and the drinks on the money. PS. Try the Oxtails and the Henny-Wings. read more

I happened upon this gem located in Downtown Roanoke. The aroma beckoned and I could not resist!!! I ordered braised oxtails with fried plantains and seasoned collard greens to go. I was most delighted when I arrived at my hotel and opened my food container!! Caribbica Soul is a solid 5 stars!! Please visit soon and enjoy the BEST oxtails ----so flavorful and tender!!!! If you have never had the pleasure of this time consuming (cooking wise!) and heartwarming dish, now is your chance!!!! I hope to return soon for their Goat Curry!!! read more

Caribbica Soul - Braised Oxtails, fried plantains and collard greens - Caribbean Near Me - Roanoke, Virginia

Had an absolutely awesome lunch. I had the jerk shrimp with Mac n cheese plus cabbage as my sides along with a Bob Marley (a rum drink). The jerk shrimp was beautifully presented on a lettuce leaf and made with peppers and onions as a topping. It was delicious! The Mac n cheese was home made with a nice browned crust. The cabbage had some carrots shaved in and looked colorful;but could have used a tad more seasoning for a Jamaican joint. The Bob Marley was an awesome drink. Very colorful, delicious, and smooth. Service was awesome as well! read more

Good service and great food. My wife and I were visiting Roanoke and stopped in as it seemed authentic. We're always looking for authentic jerk after a couple trips to Jamaica. We both had the jerk chicken and it was wonderful. The rice and beans were typical. The plantains were some of the best I've had and the yams were also really good. Definitely recommend all around. read more

OMG that food was amazing!!!! I thought my hometown Caribbean food was good but this put it to shame!!!!! I don't know how to go back. The flavors, the portions, the deliciousness. Mmm mmm mmm. If you are going through Virginia and can go to this place, GO, it is worth it. I may hit it up before I go home. read more

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Caribbica Soul never disappoints! Truly authentic Caribbean soul food at its finest! Expect to wait a little while for your meal at this mom and pop restaurant as they are often the only ones working the entire business operation. Trust me though, it is well worth the wait. You will also probably have to work for you food (I.e. clean it from the bones!), but again... authentic! I got the dark meat curry chicken this time and my significant other got the oxtail. Both were delicious and the portions were filling. The collard greens are some of the best I've ever had, and you cannot dine here without trying patties and plantains. I love the beef patties and my significant other enjoys the chicken ones. We cannot wait to come back again the next time we are in town! read more

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The food, the vibes, and most importantly the staff are all amazing!! We got catering from here and everyone loved the food--the Mac and cheese was creamy, jerk chicken was flavorful, and candied yams were delicious! A great gem in Roanoke read more

Caribbica Soul - a woman sitting at a table - Caribbean Near Me - Roanoke, Virginia

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Talk about your hidden gems! It's my first time in downtown Roanoke, and earlier in the day I had eaten at a couple of places. I really wish that o would have started here. I was not expecting to find a Caribbean restaurant here. It is tucked away along a one way street and o I'm glad that I took a walk down this block. It was a cozy and less noisy restaurant compared to the one that I had visited earlier. The ladies who greeted me were very nice and welcoming. I decided to order the jerk salmon, baked mac-n-cheese, and candied yams. It took a while for the food to come out but good food takes time. My food arrived at my table piping hot. The salmon was seasoned and cooked well. I really enjoyed the texture and the spice. The yams were delicious, and even though I am not big on mac-n-cheese theirs was good for me. Next time I will be trying the fried chicken and collard greens. I have six days left here so I will have had everything on the menu before I leave. The owners are very nice and I truly appreciated their hospitality. I will be back for lunch. read more

Caribbica Soul - Jerk salmon, candied yams, baked mac-n-cheese - Caribbean Near Me - Roanoke, Virginia

I brought my entire family here and we were all very happy with everything that we ordered. The jerk was delicious, the oxtail was authentic, the shrimp was awesome. The service was especially great! We loved talking to the staff and I could tell that they genuinely appreciated our business. It was a great experience! read more

VERY DISAPPOINTED!! Not impressed at all, the food was deeply overpriced and seasoned... NO THANK YOU!!

Best seasoned rice & peas I have ever tasted. Did not expect this flavorful gem of a restaurant in Roanoke. I had the curry goat, fried plantains, & cabbage as well. Excellent flavor profile. I returned the next day to dine there again. The Rum Punch was delicious too! read more

Nice to have Caribbean food close by. I had the goat, not everyone likes goat but if you do it was cooked just right.

The food was ok. I tasted better. Due to the lack of Caribbean food in the area it will do. The service was great and the speed of the food was excellent. read more

Amazing, savory and flavorful food! We ordered the Island Feast (1/4 jerk chicken + fried red snapper) and the curry goat. All the entrees were cooked and seasoned perfectly. Sides of Mac n Cheese, Collards, cabbage, rice & beans, and fried plantains all good to great too. And got a half gallon of their homemade lemon and ginger sweet tea to bring home. Very friendly service and relaxed vibe in a nice spot downtown. Highly recommend! read more

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Amazing! My boyfriend and I tried oxtails for the time and it was SO good. They also have this special sweet tea which is also SO good. It's not everyday tea, I'm not sure how to explain it. The people who work there and run the place are insanely nice. Will definitely be coming back. read more

So my husband and i came here searching for a real soul food restaurant and boy did we find it !!! Wow what an awesome place the atmosphere is like none other the lighting and decor makes you feel like you are at a restaurant in the Caribbean somewhere, the drinks are absolutely to die for and a decent price. The food is so good. The oxtails are cooked to perfection the Mac and cheese is creamy and seasoned just right the cabbage is perfect with a bit of a kick. The potato salad tastes fresh and homemade and the collard greens are nothing less than awesome. We will definitely be coming back. This is our new lil spot read more

Amazing food! Best Caribbean I've ever tried! Just the jerk chicken and waffles are worth it.

Service was slow and unorganized, there are signs that state they are short staffed and ask for patience. Our drinks came out when our food arrived. The food was ok-not the best for sure. The ambiance-our table was too small for our food, there were only two of us for reference. I wouldn't recommend this if you are wanting a good meal. read more

Food is ok. I ordered: Ox tails, Mac and cheese and greens. (Ox tails over cooked. Mac and cheese lacking flavor. And greens need salt) Dessert: Chocolate cake (it was ok) Thoughts: I originally had a positive experience with the restaurant, I visited 2x before. However one day I found a hair in my food, and I pointed it out to them several times. The owner then began to stir around in the food because he didn't see it. It was unbelievable. They refused to believe it was hair and asked me was I seeing things. Frustrated I just got up to leave. I wasn't trying to receive money back or anything. I was just planning on not patronizing. Money talks. I could not believe the audacity. I have not and will not be back. read more

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The food here was GREAT! Roanoke's little hidden gem. We had Red Snapper with rice n peas and veggies and it was off the chain! Goat curry with Mac, Rice and Peas. Also had Jerk Chicken and Waffles side of plantains, rice n peas and Mac. Owners came by to check on us and are so personable. If you are ever in Roanoke, go get some Jamaican food. read more

This place is amazing, and a true hidden gem. I was in Roanoke for a business conference, and one of my colleagues recommended this establishment, so we had dinner there one night, and I've been hooked ever since! I took my Mom and my girlfriend there about a week later, and they loved it as much as I did. This is now our "go to spot". The oxtails are the best that I have ever had, and the brown stew chicken is just as good. The staff is super friendly and the owners take the time to even come over and greet you, and they also remembered us from prior visits. I have eaten here a total of 3 times, and each time has been nothing less than stellar! This place has a great ambience, as well, cannot recommend this place enough! read more

Food has good flavor. Came out quickly. Staff always wore a smile. Would eat here again!