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    Jamaica House

    4.1 (239 reviews)
    ModerateCaribbean
    Closed 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Jamaica House Photos

    Business Info

    JAMAICA HOUSE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - Jamaica House

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    Oxtail on rice and peas with cabbage
    Wael D.

    Been meaning to try this place for the longest time and finally was able to. Definitely was not disappointed. I got the oxtail bowl which came on rice and peas and cabbage. The rice and peas were more rice and beans but really good, the spices in the rice were so different but really good. The cabbage was amazing and the oxtail was tender and had a lot of meat on the bones. I got my order to go but the restaurant looked like a nice place to sit down and have lunch and the guy that took my order was nice and helpful. Definitely will be back there soon to try more stuff on the menu.

    Jerk Chicken Meal, Jerk Pork Quesadilla, Meat Pies, Fried Plantains
    Gregory F.

    Drive by a place enough times and you eventually feel compelled to try it out. Smelled tantalizing the second I walked in and tasted just as good. Generous portions, especially for the jerk chicken meal with the inclusion of the cabbage and rice which still felt intentional and not just a throw-in. The meat pies were super savory and wonderful. Fried plantains were so addictingly delicious - felt like eating a heart candy, but healthier. The quesadilla was a great finishing touch, as we just wanted to try a bit of everything. Hidden gem, truly.

    Jerk chicken, peas, and rice with extra gravy
    David W.

    This place is mostly carryout, but they have restaurants seating and they were great when I switched from carry out to eat in. The food is delicious and very flavorful! I love the jerk chicken, and I also love their cabbage

    Oxtail with Rice & Peas
    Tee C.

    The food was really good. I had the large oxtail plate with rice & peas extra gravy on my rice. The service was ok, like it wasn't bad but it wasn't stellar either. It was very clean which I appreciated. It was a quick stop in for lunch with the girls. I would return for the food for sure.

    Ginger beer
    Javell H.

    The only Jamaican restaurant in Richmond that I swear by. Jamaica house has been consistently good since I was a student at VCU. I love the interior. The design is very cute. It's very quiet in there as a lot of people get to go orders. The prices are affordable, portions are great, flavor is immaculate, and food is delicious. I'm obsessed with their house made fruit punch. It is so potent and delicious. They also have a lot of Jamaican sodas/juices. I got the curry goat. Which was so flavorful, tender and delicious. My partner got the jerk pork which was spicy, delicious and some more. We both left very satisfied. We also got rum cake and carrot cake. The total was like $40 which I think is amazing for entrée, dessert and drinks. Customer service was also really good. I'm already thinking about going back for the oxtail.

    Meat pie
    Devon M.

    My girlfriend and I visited this place with her sister when visiting Richmond and her sister said this was one of the best places to eat. Having eaten authentic Jamaican food before, I can say it was very good. We started with some meat patties. They were very flaky and delicious. I ordered the jerk chicken and it was really well flavored and spicy. It tasted just how I liked it. The service here was good. You order at the counter and then it's brought out. So there's not much interaction with employees outside of ordering. But our cashier answered all our questions. The ambiance is super casual. Don't feel the need to dress up anyway when here. Highly recommend if you live here or visit and like Jamaican food.

    Jerk chicken "small plate"
    Rob Snow S.

    Yeh Mon! Richmond is full of surprises, and this wallet friendly, flavor heavy restaurant is one of them. Right on Broad St, the main road running up and down Richmond's downtown area...this store front style Jamaican eatery has everything you come to expect. What I wasn't expecting was 12.00 Oxtails. Even if that was a "small plate", thats a great starting price. I was pleasantly surprised by the helpful staff and quick service. I've been here twice, the first time I ordered online and the second time I just placed it in store. The food came out in less than 10 minutes when I ordered in store, on a Monday at around 2 pm. There aren't any lunch specials, but they honestly don't need any with the starting prices and the amount of food provided. I got the jerk chicken (small plate) for 8.00 and it was plenty of food, even for two depending on who you are sharing with. I got white meat, and it was very flavorful and juicy. Everyone's heat tolerance is different, but for me on a spice level I would give it a strong 6. Not overbearing or one note, but a perfect balance of slight sweet with spice. There are plenty of places to sit and eat in the dining area, and a few spots outside with chairs if you wanted to get a little sunshine. Protip: The transit system at the time of writing this was free, so if you are just visiting like me and want to visit. Don't be afraid to hop on hop off, and explore the city with some of the best Jamaican i have ever had!

    Shar H.

    Not the best but not the worst. The cabbage was awful though. The snapper was small but flavorful. Maybe less thyme sticks and bay leaves left in the food would be nice.

    Jerk Chicken (Small)
    Emily H.

    Filling and delicious! Jerk Chicken (Small) 9/10 - comes w/ white rice and cabbages (you can choose rice and peas as well) - plenty of sauce on the chicken and extra, more sauce = happy me - enjoyed the spices and aroma - chicken came off easily and veggies well seasoned

    Oxtail
    Caitlin R.

    Decided to try something new out in RVA and found Jamaica House! It doesn't look like much from the outside but once you enter you can clearly tell it's a local favorite. They had so many takeout orders on their shelves. We ordered the oxtail with rice and cabbage. The price was great for the quality and quantity of the food. The oxtail was so soft, fall off the bone! And the sauce was amazing, I could mix it w/ cabbage & rice alone and I would still be satisfied. The only thing I would say is that it is more fatty than meaty. So if you want to get full and don't necessarily like too much fat, stick w/ maybe the chicken or lamb. Overall, very satisfied w/ this place and will definitely stop by again!

    Jerk chicken platter
    Mike V.

    The jerk chicken was really, really good. Came with a big platter of rice and beans and cabbage. All for $13. Amazing deal. Great food for a cheap price. Definitely recommend a stop here.

    Jerk chicken with rice and beans and cabbage

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    4 months ago

    Great experience! Loved the food ! Services was great!! We will be returning because we enjoyed ourselves

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    Carena's Jamaican Grille

    Carena's Jamaican Grille

    3.6
    (387 reviews)
    5.5 mi
    $$

    The food is AMAZING! I love their curry chicken and oxtails. When you go inside the restaurant,…read moreit's very nice and inviting. Try the Long Island Iced Tea. You won't be disappointed.

    I am extremely disappointed by the treatment I have received from Carena's…read more I understand the importance of customer service and treating customers with respect. I work hard for my money, and because this restaurant is conveniently located, I have been a loyal customer who has supported this establishment regularly. Several months ago, I experienced unprofessional behavior from staff at the drive-thru window. As a customer, I felt it was appropriate to leave an honest review regarding my experience. Since then, when I recently called to place an order, I was informed that I would not be allowed to do so and was refused service altogether. When I respectfully asked the manager for an explanation, my questions went unanswered, and the phone was repeatedly hung up on. I then attempted to speak with the owner, only to be told that no one knew when the owner would be available or how I could reach them. The level of disrespect and lack of professionalism I have experienced is unacceptable. At no point have I been disrespectful; I simply spoke up about my experience and exercised my right to leave an honest review. It appears that this may be the reason I am being denied service. What makes this situation even more disappointing is that businesses should value and respect the customers who consistently support them. I genuinely enjoy the food and have patronized this establishment frequently, which makes being denied service without a valid explanation even more concerning. I believe customers deserve to be treated fairly and with respect. Based on my experience, I can no longer recommend supporting this business. I intend to pursue the matter further and explore the appropriate channels to address these concerns. Customers should spend their hard-earned money where they are appreciated, respected, and valued. I would love to speak to the owner I heard she's in and out so who knows

    Photos
    I am on the patio at Carena's and the breeze is nice! Glad the hot weather eased up.
    I am on the patio at Carena's and the breeze is nice! Glad the hot weather eased up.
    Patti and coco bread
    Patti and coco bread
    Rum cake, just amazing

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    Rum cake, just amazing
    Jamaican Taste

    Jamaican Taste

    3.9
    (41 reviews)
    2.4 mi

    I go here all the time and I always get the same thing--beef patty and chicken soup. Never had an…read moreissue until now. This time when I ordered my chicken soup, the young girl behind the register handed it to me and said "be careful." I didn't think nothing of it, but I made sure to hold it upright. When I got to my car and went to take it out, the cup she gave me was flimsy, old, and looked like it had been used before. The top came off and the whole soup spilled all inside my brand new Genesis G70. I called to let her know what happened and all she said was, "sorry to hear that." No concern, no effort to fix it. So I went back up there with the cup to show her. First of all, her attitude was nasty--face all balled up. When I showed her the cup, she told me the trash was behind the building. She didn't even want to take it from me. No hospitality at all. No customer service. Nothing. Then when she gave me another soup, I didn't check it until I left--but it had NO meat in it. Just straight water. I will never eat from here again. And I'm Jamaican--born in Jamaica, raised in New York. I know good food and good service, and this was neither. The attitude, the service, everything about that experience was nasty and bad-minded. Do better.

    First time at Jamaican Taste and wow. The cabbage was soft and seasoned perfect, rice & peas fresh,…read moreand the stewed chicken tender -- not tough at all. Tried the curry goat too and it had that real authentic flavor. Definitely one of the better Caribbean spots in Richmond."

    Photos
    Menu
    Menu
    Curry goat, cabbage, rice and peas  with plantains
    Curry goat, cabbage, rice and peas with plantains
    Red snapper over rice & beans and veggies. Definitely well over a pound of food!

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    Red snapper over rice & beans and veggies. Definitely well over a pound of food!
    Irie Ting Jamaican Grill

    Irie Ting Jamaican Grill

    4.2
    (173 reviews)
    0.5 mi
    $$

    Best jerk chicken in Richmond. I'm not debating it. Smoky, spicy, perfectly charred -- the kind…read morethat makes you pause mid-bite and just nod. It's not just heat either, it's real flavor layered all the way through. And the portions? Ridiculous. They don't believe in small plates over here. You'll open the container and immediately realize you made a great decision. Consistent every time. If you leave hungry, that's on you.

    I've been on a serious Jamaican food kick the past few weeks, trying spots all around Richmond and…read morethe surrounding areas, and recently stopped by Irie Ting. Overall, it was okay--definitely some hits and a few misses. Staff was nice and the place was cute. They had a packed house on a Wednesday night. We ordered a variety of items to really get a feel for the menu. I was especially excited to try the oxtail and mac & cheese egg rolls since everyone raves about them, but honestly, they were just mediocre. Not bad, just not as flavorful or memorable as I expected. On the positive side, the fish sandwich was really good--nice and not spicy with great flavor. The wings were also a win: tender, well-seasoned, and cooked just right. And the sweet potato fries? Absolutely delicious. We also tried the Rasta pasta with added salmon. The pasta itself was very flavorful, and the salmon was juicy and cooked perfectly. The only thing that threw me off a bit was the cold vegetables on top of the hot pasta--like the cucumbers. It's possible that's part of the style, but it just wasn't something I'm used to. Still, overall, the dish tasted really good. I'm actually a little disappointed I didn't get the oxtails this time--that's usually the true test of a great Jamaican spot. If they can make a tougher cut of meat fall-off-the-bone tender, you know they're doing it right. I'll definitely be back to give those a try. For now, it was a decent experience with some standout items. I'm open to going back and trying something different, but at the moment, Jamaica House still has my heart.

    Photos
    Irie Ting Jamaican Grill
    Saltfish bites
    Saltfish bites
    Family style. Curry Chicken and Curry Goat with Rice & Peas and Cabbage.

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    Family style. Curry Chicken and Curry Goat with Rice & Peas and Cabbage.
    Mama J's Kitchen

    Mama J's Kitchen

    4.3
    (1.5k reviews)
    0.4 mi
    $$

    OMG !!!! If you want the cool trendy downtown RVA experience, with excellent food and service…read morepleeeeeeease go to Mama J's Kitchen. We were first greeted by the most personable, young man that truly made us feel welcome. That's there motto "Welcome Home" His name is EJ. You will know it's him. This restaurant is a cute neighborhood landmark. It's a little small but not tight or uncomfortable with a full bar for additional seating. Because it has that old school I know this food is going to be FIRE, it's Perfect. Soooooo, the music certainly fits this cool old school vibe. The menu was under a very clean glass table topper to view and order. Very big Plus, Sanitary !!!!! I ordered the Fried Chicken (2pcs white), corn muffin comes with the meal, candied yams and cabbage. My plate was BEAUTIFUL, pictures will confirm. The chicken was golden brown, crispy on outside, flavorful and moist on the inside. YES, like my mom's use to be. The yams were perfectly sweet and the caaaabage was delicious. Go early to avoid the crowds, because everyone wants this good food and hospitality. Ooooh Lord, I forgot our extremely attentive server Dana. He checked in while being super busy with other customers, making sure the glasses were refilled in a timely manner. He also offered to go drinks, and very nice to go containers. This review is long because it's accurate and I need to share my experience. Last but not least, the owner came by and asked how was everything with her warm, down home hospitality. She also ask that we visit next door, Mama J's Market, so we did. It was sooo cool. I felt like I was in Greenwich Village NYC. If the restaurant is too busy for you, there in the market you can order from the kiosk and a staff member will bring it to you. There are refrigerated food and meal options to grab and go. Snacks, drinks, a little fresh produce, household and personal items. The Perfect Neighborhood Market. If you want the Old Historic Jackson Ward feeling of community, come to Mama J's Kitchen and Market. Thank you !!!!!!!

    Went here with my family and I will say the food is good. We both had the catfish and were a little…read moreunderwhelmed to be honest. It wasn't as seasoned as I expected it to be for a soul food restaurant. The Mac and cheese was about a 6 and the greens weren't very flavorful so we have them a 5. The candied yams were really good. Very tender and not too sweet. Our server wasn't the most personable, but he got the job done. The music was great! Parking was easy on a Sunday evening. I do recommend this place, but just be prepared to use the tartar sauce for your fish if you want a little razzle dazzle.

    Photos
    Seating
    Seating
    Pork Chops, Cabbage
    Pork Chops, Cabbage
    Exterior

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    Exterior

    Jamaica House - caribbean - Updated June 2026

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