Discovered Island Spice after reading a list of black owned restaurants in Pittsburgh. Discovered this place, not too far from me that I never knew existed. It's in a small strip mall at the edge of Carnegie (almost in Heidelburg) where Family Video used to be and next to a Subway. The menu was appealing because I love Caribbean food, and I'm sick of our usually takeout places. Called ahead and ordered. While they have some seating, they were not currently doing dine-in (this review was written during Coronavirus time). When I entered the first thing I noticed was that the place was spotless, which I find to always be a great quality in a restaurant. The gentleman working (Donald) was polite and pleasant. He was just finishing up our order when I arrived. I was excited to see a variety of Carribean bottled beverages in the cooler. My 8 year old daughter was even happier when I brought her home two bottles of pineapple guava juice that is hard to find. The portions are huge! For the meals, you pick your meat, cooking style, a veggie and a starch. My husband ordered jerk pork, with Mac and cheese and coleslaw. I ordered jerk chicken with Mac and cheese and a tossed salad. I also ordered an extra side of plantains (not many places serve it around here), and then fish fingers for my kids (which are $6 and come with a healing portion of fries- not mentioned on the menu). As you can see from the photos, their servings of Mac and cheese fill both side dish areas of the take out container and even spill out a bit. It was creamy, and not a super duper cheesy taste. I thought it was a refreshing break from spice of the jerk chicken. The side of coleslaw was quite generous- no itty bitty cups here. The tossed salad was very fresh- no bagged mix here- with thin slices of a few other veggies mixed in. I liked my husband's pork a lot and will probably order it next time. It was significantly less spiced than my chicken (granted I'm not a big best-seeker, though I love jerk). The pork was very tender. My chicken was unfortunately a little overcooked and dry, but damn the flavor was good. The plantains were a delicious addition. My kids were very happy with their fish fingers and fries (and shared in our sides). My kids are 8 and 10 and eat a decent amount- we still have significant leftovers. All of this food for about $51. So glad that I found this place- will definitely return. read more

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This is not authentic Jamaican food. This food is horrible to be honest. Mac n Cheese disgusting. Rice always crunchy. What's up with the ox tails? Literally fed this tray to my dog. Food has literally gotten worse over the years. So sad read more

Absolutely disappointing! First of all, I should've known better than to get a Roti from a Jamaican restaurant in PITTSBURGH ! Roti's are primarily a Trinidadian / Guyanese dish which and is derived from their East Indian roots. However, being born and raised in NYC, the Jamaican restaurants knew how to properly make Roti, despite it not being their original dish. This was by far one of most egregious and disrespectful attempts at making a "Roti" I've ever seen. This place used store bought, soft taco shells, sprayed with cooking oil, and warmed up in a microwave. Roti flatbread cannot be substituted for any other kind flatbread albeit, Naan, Pita, or Flour Tortilla. It changes the flavor of the dish and renders it a completely different dish. Not only was the preparation of the "Roti" absurd, but the customer service was trash. I requested a copy of my receipt and the lady who prepared my food told me she would text it to me. Not only did she ask me to repeat my number numerous times, but she had 1 earbud in while she was taking my number. Therefore, she was not paying attention. After I inspected my food and decided to leave the restaurant, knowing that there was no use in trying to get my "Roti" order fixed, I realized I still didn't get my receipt. I returned to the front counter and informed her that I didn't get my receipt and she insisted that I repeat my phone number again, slowly. I complied, and as I sit here writing this review, I still do not have my receipt. I will say, all in all, aside from the ludicrous attempt at making roti by using store bought flour tortillas, the curried goat was actually good. read more

My favorite Caribbean restaurant 10 out of 10 anytime I'm craving jerk chicken. I always hit this spot so far so freshman and every time I get my food it's hot and it's delicious. You guys should try it. read more

I used to live in Nassau and Paradise Island. I miss Caribbean food! This place has delicious food, and reasonable prices. Highly recommend. read more

for everybody that's saying the food is solid here. None of you know what real Jamaican food is supposed to taste like this place is by far the worst Jamaican food I've ever had in my life, overpriced and terrible flavor. If you think this is Jamaican food, I'm sorry to tell you this is not Jamaican food. I don't know what this is. read more

They have a few tables, but I'd say it's really only for takeout. It was VERY hot when I went to pick up our order. Placing the order on the phone was a bit problematic, but my order was correct. The food is very good, tho the tossed salad is only on the menu. I tried ordering it and was told they had macaroni and pasta salads. No actual salad. Very spicy (especially cumulatively) and the chicken is bone in tho I didn't see that mentioned. read more

My husband and I met friends here for dinner on a Friday evening. The menu looked really good and all of the reviews for this place were pretty exceptional so we were excited to try something different! When we arrived, I remembered exactly what this place was before - a Little Caesar's. The restaurant was set up the same, with a counter to order and almost a buffet set up where you choose your meat and sides and you can watch them dish it out of a the hot containers. The first item my husband tried to order that was listed on the menu was not available - oxtail. One of the sides he as interested in was also not available. When he ordered his mac and cheese it went right into the microwave with plastic on top to cover. I ended up getting jerk chicken, rice and "peas" which was actually rice and beans, and steamed cabbage. The chicken was bone-in and chopped, so it was kind of hard to eat as there were pieces with small bones/cartilage in it. But the sauce on the chicken was really good! It had a really nice kick yet a lot of flavor. The rice portion was HUGE and the cabbage quite a bit smaller - but the cabbage was definitely one of my favorite parts of my meal. Overall portion sizes for the price were phenomenal so you cannot go wrong there. The employees were friendly, but they had to keep asking us what we ordered as they did not write it down. Also, if you plan on coming here, plan on taking your meal to go elsewhere. There was one table that seated four people around the corner and a sit up bar area by the window looking out of the restaurant but that was occupied while we were there. We sat at the table for four but it seemed pretty clear that many people do not stay and eat as the area was not very clean and it was very bare. Overall the food portions were great, price was great, service was pretty good, lack of menu items was slightly disappointing, seating area was small and unkept, and some of the food was microwaved. read more

Island Spice Carribean Restaurant - Jerk chicken with rice and beans and steamed cabbage - Caribbean Near Me - Carnegie, Pennsylvania

I've been wanting to try this restaurant for the longest time and I finally had the chance last week. I ordered the curry chicken, rice and peas lunch special which came with a drink and added a beef patty and the total came to a little over $15! The amount of food that was provided could've easily gone for $20+. I had pleasure of being served by the owner who was fantastic and the food was great! I highly recommend for anyone in the Carnegie area. read more

Island Spice Carribean Restaurant - Curry Chicken, Rice and Peas, Beef Patty - Caribbean Near Me - Carnegie, Pennsylvania

Pictured are the bones from my Curry Chicken. It should just be called curry bones. There wasn't much chicken read more

Island Spice Carribean Restaurant - Pile of bones, hacked into tiny, sharp pieces. - Caribbean Near Me - Carnegie, Pennsylvania

Some friends and I met here for dinner. I was able to choose the restaurant and wanting something different I picked this place. Upon arrival my wife recognized this place having been to the Aldi's in the same plaza. Inside is a counter to order food at and around the corner were 2 tables to sit at. I would say this place is mostly takeout only and would not recommend this place for a group meet up as there is really no place to sit. We lucked out that no one else was dining in. For the meal I tried to order oxtail but was unfortunately out of it. I have only had Caribbean food twice and understand that oxtail is the thing to get. I ended up getting the jerk pork which was a solid option. It came with two sides so I chose mac and cheese and cabbage. The mac and cheese was really good and creamy. The cabbage was solid and soaked in butter which is probably the best way to eat cabbage. The pork itself was a nice spicy jerk rub. Had to be careful eating it since there were bones you had to be aware of. Overall this was a really good meal. For the portion sizes I would say split a meal between two people. The food is good, spices are different than what you normally find, portion is plenty, and price is decent. Recommend checking this place out and if you go just be aware of the limited seating inside. read more

Island Spice Carribean Restaurant - Pork. Cabbage, mac and cheese - Caribbean Near Me - Carnegie, Pennsylvania

Came here for the first time for lunch on a weekend during Covid-19. I ordered the seafood mix, which came with 2 sides, so I ordered the mac n cheese (for the starch) and steamed cabbage (for the veggie). Friend ordered their lunch special of jerk chicken with mac n cheese and tossed salad. Their lunch special also came with a bottle of water. Total was around $35. What Hot - Safety/hygiene. There is a sign on the door "No mask, no entry/service". Glad to see observation of protocol at the front door. There is also a plastic partition between the front desk/register and the customer. There was only 1 person working, who I presume is the owner. Their seating area is sectioned off, but... - Service. My friend and I stood outside looking at the lunch specials on their easel. While we were discussing our options, the owner came outside and handed us a menu, which was certainly helpful and appreciated. The food was made to order. Our order was prepped and made immediately we ordered. It was hot, which probably enhanced the flavor of the meal. Owner also gave us napkins and disposable utensils in our takeaway bag, which was helpful and appreciated. For example, I saw a couple take their order and eat in their car in the parking lot of the restaurant. - Quality. My friend's salad automatically came with a packet of ranch dressing, which had a kick. My friend enjoyed that. Their mac n cheese has a peppery kick! It's kind of a standard mac n cheese, but has a nice cheesy consistency and the pepperiness is subtle and I enjoyed it. My seafood mix was delish! The sauce is like a curry, but not a thick consistency. It was definitely spicy, but not overly so, and not too salty. The seafood was mussels, shrimp, fish with a mix of veggies, like carrots, bell peppers, okra, and onions. There wasn't that fishy smell from the seafood, either, which tells me their seafood isn't just sitting around and possibly going bad. Definitely a good sign. I mixed my steamed cabbage in the curry sauce, which only enhanced the flavor. - Price. Very reasonable, especially given the portions, the 2 sides (of a starch and a veggie), quality, and flavor of the food. My seafood mix is $17.99. - Portions. Awesome portions! My seafood mix came with 5 mussels (yes, I counted cuz of the leftover shells, haha...) Left me full, but not stuffed. There's certainly enough for you to have leftovers. What's Not - Safety/hygiene. The owner did not wear a mask and gloves. Since he was the only person working, that meant he was doing everything- handling the money, cooking, prepping, and serving. Although their seating area is sectioned off, I did see a family of 3 eat at one of the tables. Additionally, there is a small counter at the front of the restaurant with seats. It's helpful to have a place to sit while you're waiting for your food. To be fair, it looks like the owner is putting in a good faith effort. Final Answer Willing to come back and would recommend. read more

Island Spice Carribean Restaurant - Mac n cheese - Caribbean Near Me - Carnegie, Pennsylvania

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They are open during this time. Menu is located on the window so you can know what you want prior to waking inside. Food was good, looking forward to coming back. read more

Stopped in since I was craving some Carribean food. You can't go wrong with the food and the menu has a few more items then my last visit. The Jamaican Jerk chicken wings were good with a little bit of some spicy heat. Our Roti with curried chicken was just marvelous. So tasty! The chicken did have some small bones in it, so just be careful. But Oh So Good! read more

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I liked this place. I am a huge curried goat fan and have been eating curried goat since I was a kid. Taste was okay. Meat could have been tender and the chef could have used a little less turmeric. Everything that touches the curry turns yellow. Food was fresh and hot. I ordered large sizes and the portions were HUGE. This place is near to my home, so I might go back again to try their other. The cabbage , rice and beans were good when hit too. Might not be the one for goat curry connoisseur, still a must try for Jamaican food lovers. read more

Island Spice Carribean Restaurant - Goat Curry, Rice and Beans, Cabbage - Caribbean Near Me - Carnegie, Pennsylvania

First time there. Got the pork to go. I like hot stuff and really liked the spices. Rice was pretty good. 80% of the pork was un-eatable. All fat and gristle. The pork they served me should have been trimmed off and discarded. Won't go back. read more

Island Spice Carribean Restaurant - 80% of pork was un-eatble. Mostly fat and gristle. Threw this much away - Caribbean Near Me - Carnegie, Pennsylvania

My BF works in Carnegie and put me on to this place ! It was such a treat. Very clean & fresh ! The chef cooks the in front so you can see the whole process... can't wait to go back. If anyone follows me knows I forget to take food pictures because I'm normally eating the food and forget lo read more

Island Spice Carribean Restaurant - stove and oven - Caribbean Near Me - Carnegie, Pennsylvania

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My son found this place on yelp while he was surfing the internet for new restaurants. We stopped there for dinner tonight. We had the roti appetizer with curry chicken and three entrees. I had the stewed chicken and the boys had the curry chicken sandwich and dinner. All the meals and the appetizers were excellent. This place is in a strange location. You would never know it was there unless you were looking for it. The interior is sparse but clean and friendly. The staff was nice and also friendly. The food is so good. I can't believe I never went here before. This is truly a hidden gem. If you're in the mood for Jamaican food you absolutely need to try this place. It looked like there was only one cook, probably the owner. If you're a larger party you might want to order ahead. read more

Island Spice Carribean Restaurant - Caribbean Near Me - Carnegie, Pennsylvania

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5 dishes, drinks and plantain...one very happy family!!! Very delicious! Thank you Donald! Arunas read more

Island Spice Carribean Restaurant - Caribbean Near Me - Carnegie, Pennsylvania

Needed dinner in between games and found this place. Got the jerk chicken dinner , half a chicken with sauce on the side, red beans and rice and cabbage. Everything was delicious. I had some concern about sauce being to spicy but it was great. So much food, reasonable price. Can't wait to go back and try something else read more

We stumbled upon this restaurant after shopping at Aldi in the same plaza. The menu was hard to locate online, but another yelper had posted a pic of it. We ordered the steamed red snapper, curry chicken rice and peas and cabbage. The people in the restaurant were great. They brought the food out to the car when it was done.. The portion size of the meals were great. The price point was worth it. The curry chicken was very flavorful. The steamed red snapper and rice and peas were ok We would try this restaurant again read more

Had to come back a second time. Vegetables are fresh! Highly recommend if looking for Caribbean/Jamaican food. read more

Island Spice Carribean Restaurant - Caribbean Near Me - Carnegie, Pennsylvania

Food here is solid. We had jerk chicken, rice and peas, and the plantains. Service was quick. I ordered online and 15 minutes later was picking it up. Lots of parking and the food prep area was neat and clean. read more

My uncle is from Jamaica and I've had home-cooked meals a few times, so I went in with high expectations. I was not disappointed. Started simple with curried chicken, cabbage and carrots, and rice and peas, all of which were excellent. Loved the flavor of the curry, I was basically licking my plate when I was done. I'm really looking forward to going back for some goat and to trying some of the other things on the menu! read more

Island Spice Carribean Restaurant - Curried chicken - Caribbean Near Me - Carnegie, Pennsylvania

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It looked like they might have been closing up when I got there, but fortunately they still served me. The jerk chicken was the best chicken I've ever had in my life. Absolutely amazing. Whoever cooked that chicken has my respect. This is my first time trying Caribbean food, now I want to go there. I like spicy food, so it was perfect for me, but do be aware that this isn't for bland people. read more

Stopped in for dinner and got the Jerk Chicken with Rice and Peas on the side. The storefront and marketing isn't much to look at but don't let that discourage you - the food is delicious. I'd affectionately describe the spice level as : Jamaican. It was ready in minutes and there was enough to feed this 200 pound man for dinner with leftovers for lunch the next day. There's traditional Caribbean preparations like goat on the menu as well as hometown favorites like pasta and wings. The proprietors were friendly and attentive. I'll definitely be heading back for the wing specials. read more

When I ordered the lunch special which includes Buffalo wings from here, I wasn't expecting them to be that good, because it's a Jamaican restaurant after all. But I was wrong. These damn wings were incredible and delicious. The sauce they used was clearly a homemade batch and the chicken came out HOT. Let me just say: when you order this, you better come hungry! The portion size is incredible. These wings are JUMBO. Please take a visit. read more

The BEST in Pittsburgh!! Not even close.....Donald does his thing and every meal is made to perfection.

This doesn't look like much from the outside, and the decor is definitely fast food vibe, but the food is fabulous. I tried the oxtails, and they were delicious. The jerk chicken was very hot, but also fabulous. Very friendly service, and a clean restaurant. You won't regret trying this little gem! Limited indoor seating. read more

I've tried a few Jamaican restaurants in the area but island spice is by far the best I've had! The food was delicious and nice portions for the price! read more

I love their food! Their shrimp quesadilla and fish & chips are delicious. The service is fast & I love the quality of food.

I got the curried chicken. It was very good but please tell your patrons there are many bones in this chicken!

It's just ok. Pork and shrimp were ok. Pork was not "fall off the bone" tender. It was good but not like the slow cooked Caribbean food I have had before. The wings were a big disappointment. They are little tiny breaded wings like primanti bros. Not like jerk chicken you would get in the islands. Cabbage and rice were good. Had a difficult time ordering takeout on the phone. Guy taking my order wasn't paying attention to me and kept asking over and over again what I said. When I got there to pick up they seemed annoyed that I was there. read more

Island Spice Carribean Restaurant - Jerk pork - Caribbean Near Me - Carnegie, Pennsylvania

This place is BOMB. Highly recommend. Fantastic prices. Jerk Chicken sandwich was amazing as were the side of fries (cut really thin like McDonalds). Get the plantains for dessert, they are like the little fried bananas from Brazilian Restaurant but better. read more

Wow. This is seriously the best meal I've had in a while. I would eat here every day. Styrofoam container and all. I got the stewed chicken lunch special. It came with red beans & rice and cabbage- oh, and a can of soda. It's like heaven. I'm not sure why this place isn't bangin for lunch- if people only knew how good it is!! I'll be back as many times as I can manage. read more

This was my second visit to this great little place! Really good good, and reasonable price. The people are very friendly, and you get cloth napkins! They have weekly specials.Thier prices are great for the quality and quantity. Really love this new addition to the area! read more

Love this spot stop by every time I'm in Carnegie for lunch. Best wings, I get them plain , good size. Even though they are "plain" the breading is seasoned to perfection. read more

It looks like a hole-in-the-wall joint, but the food was really good! We got the goat curry (which came with a bean rice and cabbage mix), fries plantains, and a beef cake. All tasted homemade and authentically Carribean; so happy we stopped in! read more

Got the roti with curried chicken, beef patties, fried wings and jerk wings. Everything was cooked perfectly and taste very good. Authentic restaurant. Looking forward to trying the rest of the menu read more

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this place is amazing. we came out from washington for some good Jamaican food. We had the rice peas, ox tails, stewed chicken and the jerk chicken everything was top notch.. I will be back asap. read more