Food is disgusting reheated from the previous day very small portions don't recommend

I visited their restaurant in Virginia Beach. People are very rude! Food is just fair . People that need to have better customer service skills read more

Whether you like Soul food , Carribean or Jamaican. This is the restaurant for you. With a tiny supermarket attached for more ethnic foods, Mp Island is the restaurant for authentic filling soul food. The average plate will cost you around 12 dollars but the portions are huge and the food is amazing. I would suggest the Curry chicken with cabbage and sweet potato yams. read more

MP Island Cafe - Curry chicken with peas n rice. Jerk chicken with yams and cabbage. - Soul Food Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

I have been here so many times! My "go-to" selections are stewed chicken or oxtails. Their vegetables and plantains are so good! Sometimes I throw in a coconut milk muffin. The staff is friendly and my food is always on point! If you order the large, you have enough leftover for lunch the next day. read more

MP Island Cafe - Oxtails, yellow rice, cabbage, and yams - Soul Food Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

-The service was quick -They had a small grocery store with authentic -Jamaican items -The food was warm -Friendly costumer service -Wish someone was making rounds and wiping down tables -Mac and cheese looked delicious but didn't have much flavor -The jerk chicken was spicy but the seasoning had not marinated into the meet. Everything just sat on the meat! -Beef patties were not that good...lack flavor and spice -Dumpling was hard -Parking is terrible in the front so be careful read more

MP Island Cafe - Jerk chicken, cabbage and Mac and cheese - Soul Food Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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Raw food is never what I want from a place. Never again especially after they made me drive back up to the restaurant because they accused me of lying about it being raw.. -1 read more

MP Island Cafe - Pink chicken meat - Soul Food Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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This is for an online order. Put in an order at 4:20ish & the pick up time populated area 5:09. Okay- no biggie, it's Sunday and it's around dinner time. Got it. My question is food placement. They use styrofoam to go containers with the dividers. We ordered a large ox tail with green beans and rice and peas. The rice and peas were in one of the small sections, the "large" order of ox tails were placed in the other small section. Then the green beans were in the largest section of the container. Not understanding why the "side" dishes were not served in the smaller sections and the expensive meal- this time ox tails were not served in the larger section... We frequent MPs probably once every two months and usually we just stand in line but this time, I wanted to try their online ordering. After this experience, we will not revisit this method of ordering anymore. read more

The food was terrible I felt I wasted my money.but the grocery store next door was good

I was told this place was pretty good to try so wanted to give it a go. I walked in and seen they had a bar area and a separate room where people could order their food to go. The bar area had tables and seats by the bar but no one could sit there. They had every other table available and the bar looked newly renovated. We were greeted by the bartender and she let us sit where we wanted. She came over and was very nice. We ordered our drinks and she got them right away. We then ordered our meals and it took some time for it to arrive. She got really busy at one point and wasn't able to be attentive but for the most part she was great. When the food finally arrived I tried my oxtail, rice and peas, and cabbage and it was just ok. The cabbage was the best part. I tried my friend's curry chicken and it was just ok as well. The service was really good but the food and drinks were not the best. read more

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This review is for an online take out order. The website is kind of confusing but we managed to make a large take out order that was supposed to be ready in 45 minutes. We went shopping, ran a few errands and came for pick up about an 1 and 1/2 hours later.......and I food was STILL NOT READY. They are SLOW, like obscenely slow. The Jerk is good, not too much heat without flavor and the cabbage is well done but I can't get over placing an order and waiting over two hours for it to be ready. I'm not sure we'll be back....3 stars for friendly service and solid food. read more

This has to be one of the worst carry out places I've been to in a very very long time. The set up of the restaurant having to order before you can even see the food. And the employees are BEYOND RUDE! The food looked as it had been sitting out all day ... i wouldn't return here again read more

MP Island Cafe - Soul Food Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

If there's one thing that Hampton Roads has a lot to offer of, it's a good buffet and MP Island café certainly falls into that category. I've been coming here since I was a little boy, and I love it. From the outside it looks very small; however once you step inside it is very spacious. A Jamacian grocery store to the right, a dining area / dance floor / bar to the left. An area to get carry out orders in the front, and a delicious buffet in the back. The buffet has many yummy Jamaican / Soul food options. The fried whiting, the jerk chicken, the cabbage, the macaroni & cheese, the rice & peas, the cabbage, fried plantains, and the coconut corn muffins all landed among my favorites. I was with a big group of picky eaters and nobody complained about their meal, so you know it must be good. The customer service was pretty good as well, a tad on the slow side; however, our waitress was very nice and she had a lot of people to tend to by herself. She definitely earned her tip. I have no idea why a lot of people are saying that they're rude here, I've never had any problem when I attended. The one drawback of this restaurant is the décor and the bathrooms. I think that its time for a rennovation. Other than that, MP Island Café is a good choice to stop off for a good meal with good customer service. read more

MP Island Cafe - (Plate #1) Fried whiting, cabbage, rice & peas, macaroni & cheese, a coconut corn muffin, and a bowl of plaintains on the side. - Soul Food Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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I really enjoyed the rice and peas, cabbage and stee fish gravy. King fish wasnt fresh and skin was super chewy. Collards were good but too much turkey neck. I really wanted callaloo but they had none. Curry chicken was just ok. It lacked flavor and tenderness. Jerk chicken was good but needed more grill flavor and jerk seasoning. Corn bread was good but i wanted fried dumpling and they didn't have them. They have a store along with a dining area and a bar! Naturally i picked up a few things while waiting in the line for 30mins to order. We wanted to sit and eat with a few drinks but there was no bartender. Regardless of the 3 stars, I would def try them again when im back in Virginia and want jamaican food. read more

I always come here when I'm in the area and in need of a "fat girl" moment! MP has a Buffett and take out but to get more bang for your bucks, the buffet is it! There's a restaurant on one side and a grocery store on the other. The store has plenty of your Caribbean island seasonings, meats, frozen stuff and other products and stuff. This restaurant turns into a club on the weekend with the mirror walls, bar setup and dark painted walls. I wouldn't be writing about that as I don't see myself venturing to find out. So for the F O O D! So good! Flavorful and true to the flavor of the Caribbean islands! I've been on many and I will say this place is as authentic as it gets for me. Forgive me for those who knows better than me but for me... This is a solid place! Buffett has plenty of all the dishes like jerk, curry, stew chicken, pork chop, collard greens, yucca, rice and beans, yellow rice, beans, Mac and cheese, coconut muffin (my favorite!!) and so much more... Go ahead and have a "moment" and try it out! read more

My second time buying food at the restaurant and both times the meat (Oxtail and Curry Chicken) was cold. Just recently I called to speak to the owner and/ or Manager and I was told there's nothing she can do about the food being cold. I was like excuse me? There is a lot you can do about it... you can fix the problem by making sure the food is at an acceptable temperature to prevent people from getting sick. Then she just hung up the phone on me. How rude. So I will not be eating thee again and will be call the Better Business Bureau to report them. read more

Every since they became popular their food has gone downhill. Seasoning is bland and food is catered to a different clientele. I've eaten here for years but I'm done read more

If you need certain seasonings, meats or groceries, this is the place to be. However, make sure to plan your trip before coming here. If you are in a hurry, have an appointment, or just don't have patience to wait, I highly suggest: don't come or give yourself at least 1 1/2 hours minimum. The line for hot food is always long. The workers seem to always be confused on what to do. A system of coordination is sorely lacking. They do have the best Patties in the area though. Consider yourself Informed. read more

I lived in Virginia Beach for about six years and in my time I never went to MP Island Café (MP). For some of you that are in the Hampton Roads (aka the 757) area you are probably saying WTF! How is that even possible? Luckily on a recent trip I had the opportunity to correct my mistake and partake on the lunchtime buffet. It was almost like catching up on all the missed opportunities in one sitting. The buffet was full of tasty tings to get you feeling irie so big up to MP (with the air horn in the background yelling buh buh buh). For a buffet the food was good and in heavy rotation. When you think of buffets you might be thinking of these long rows of warmers but not here. The buffet here is small and in total I will say there are probably 10 to 12 items to choose from. Of course all the hits are present such as jerk chicken, curry chicken, brown chicken stew, plantains and various other dishes. Even though this was my first time at the buffet I was told that they offer slight variations depending on the day of the week. The best part of the buffet being small was that the selection allowed for the food to go quickly always allowing for quick refills from the kitchen. Food was always hot and fresh instead of just sitting there being kept warm. During my visit there was never a time where people were hovering at the buffet waiting for something to be refilled. My favorite selection was the curry chicken that I poured over the rice and peas. If you want to try your hand at making some of the dishes you try there is a grocery mart next door that sell many items from the Caribbean. Yes this includes the Lucky Stripe beer for some of you. If you have lived in the 757 then you know this spot is a mainstay in the area. Good food to to satisfy those island taste buds and hankerings. read more

MP Island Cafe - Samples from the lunch buffet. L to R. Plantains, yellow rice, brown stew chicken, jerk chicken, fried gizzard, mac n cheese. - Soul Food Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

MP has fallen off. All the locations but mainly the Norfolk one which I use to visit frequently. They must have changed the cook...I don't know but the cabbage has been overcooked (taste like I was eating mashed potatoes). The cornbread was awful. The rice is dry. Just flat out disappointing. By the way, I only get the vege plate Time to look for another island spot. . read more

My favorite spot to get oxtails Great food, great portions The line is long sometimes but definitely worth the wait read more

A friend of mine kept talking about this place and how I had to eat there the next time I was in town. I finally went and let me tell you, I will never not stop here when I'm in the area. In fact, I'm willing to drive a couple hours just to get up in this food! I've been craving curry shrimp and they had it on the menu. They cook it to order so it takes 15 mins but I am telling you, it's time we'll spent. The curry shrimp is literally out of this world. My friend who recommend the spot had never tried it. I gave him some and he about melted, it's that good! So yeah, curry shrimp is to die for. The Mac and cheese, cabbage, corn bread, and rice and beans were all on point. The Caribbean food I've been craving for so long and can't really get in my neck of the woods. It was the happiest meal I had on this trip and I will, as I already said, be going back again and again when I'm within 50 miles lol. read more

Disappointed... cause clearly I had a whole other sit down meal vision in mind. This review can't offer input on the meal- cause we left this bright, cafeteria like experience to find a more ambient restaurant type setting. The idea of the food I knew I would have eaten to be great will have to hold till the next, next time... read more

I've frequented MP Island Café more times than my Yelp check-ins indicate. I often go for the all you care to eat lunch buffet. The lines for ordering can be long so if you can call ahead for to go orders, that's your best bet. The buffet does not come w/a beverage so that's an additional charge. Some of the offerings are subject to change based on availability but curried goat, curried chicken, escovitch fish, plantains, cabbage, macaroni and cheese, white rice are some of the mainstays. Oxtails are never on the buffet simply because of the price point. You've got to try one of the coconut muffins as they are divine. Booth and table seating is available. They often have events on the weekend and open the other side of the restaurant but lunch is normally in a general area. The bathrooms and décor are a bit dated but there are multiple televisions if you want to catch up on news or sports. Occasionally there is music and be sure to tip your waitresses as they generally do a good job of making sure you're taken care of. On the opposite side there is a small grocery store if you like traditional islander items, want to ship goods and produce and butcher area. Overall, I'd frequent again, this is an overall 3.5 star review. For those who are unfamiliar with Caribbean food, it'll offer the chance to do a sampling of many things to see what you like. read more

So today I decided to switch it some and have some Caribbean food what a big disappointment. I ordered the oxtail with rice & peas and Mac n cheese what a mess the rice was hard and no flavor the oxtail was very hard to chew and yes I have all my teeth lol. The bake Mac & cheese is not real baked Mac n cheese it taste like it came straight out of a non generic box of Mac & cheese. Then to top of off the charge you $14.99 for a oxtail dinner that comes with 5 pieces of oxtail what rip off. Please save your money this place is not worth it I can see if the food was good then you can spend that type of money on a meal but it to sucked keep your money. read more

MP Island Cafe - Oxtail dinner - Soul Food Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

I call this place the Jamaican Panda Express (but better). Very good food and good service at reasonable prices. It is also connected to a grocery store but it doesn't conflict with each other. I would definitely come back and would live to try what else is on the menu. I tried the curry chicken and dumplings and it was very good. read more

MP Island Cafe - Soul Food Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

While I was in the area decided to support one of the local black on businesses. I stopped at MP island café and the line kind of discouraged me from wanting to order here, but I decided I wanted to support the business. I stood in line for roughly 45 minutes. I ordered two entrées I did the dark meat jerk chicken with cabbage and rice as well as the curry goat with cabbage rice and peas as well as I did a small order of their mac & cheese and cornbread as well as the coconut muffin. My goat wasn't that flavorful but the jerk chicken was great.The mac & cheese definitely wasn't my favorite but the cornbread the cabbage and the muffins were wonderful. I would highly suggest you give them a try support your local business and they also have a grocery store attached to the restaurant so you can pick up some items to cook the dishes on your own at home read more

MP Island Cafe - Food bar - Soul Food Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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Always wanted to try this place after delivering orders through Doordash and goddamn it is good. Oxtail was flavorful, tender and filling. Only down-side was the amount of bone. Mac and Cheese was the best I've ever had from any establishment, and the collards were great too. The picture I've uploaded is a "small" dinner, and for a small dinner it made me full. Jamaican Soda was good too, and the food was ready on time when I arrived (mobile order). I will 1000% be coming back. read more

MP Island Cafe - Oxtail Dinner (small) w/Mac and Cheese (8oz) and Collard Greens (4oz) - Soul Food Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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The food wasn't good cabbage was hard food was horrible. i went in at 12:48 pm and didn't like it

This place is so authentic & food is amazing! If you've ever been to Jamaica you know how great the food is & this place reminds me of it! & they are not stingy with the portions at all! Highly recommend!!! 10/10 read more

Always pleased with the meats and groceries from MP. My Sunday dinner will be oxtails with broadbeans plantains, rice and salad. Fresh produce from MP. I hope the new Border rd store starts selling groceries also..Hint hint to MP. read more

MP Island Cafe - So excited for my Ackee n saltfish breakfast. Not like my homemade but convenient and tasty. - Soul Food Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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The food was amazing! Early morning great breakfast. The service was friendly and fast.

The best flavor ever. I love the oxtail dinner is my guilty pleasure. The Mac and cheese is something special. The oxtail was tender and savory. They have prompt service great portions and a friendly staff. There is a nice size seating area so if you have a party of 10 to 20 you'll be good, there are also TVs to watch set up in accommodating positions for all. If you get a chance check out their grocery store side with International food drink and spices..They have a wide selection of deserts. My absolute fav over carrot cake is rainbow cake! Thank me later read more

The customer service and the stingy portion of soggy food is the reason for the one star. The rude grumpy old man always has an attitude and is disrespectful. I call to place order and he always says they're "out" of whatever I ask for. All employees seem unhappy working here. I'm hoping for a new Jamaican restaurant in this area. read more

I think that this place definitely has some of the BEST caribbean food in town!! I've been here about 2 or 3 times before but this is the very time I came during the day and it was a pretty good experience. For starters there was no line so me and my guest were able to place our orders immediately! The young lady that served us was extremely patient and polite. She made sure that everything was exactly the way we wanted it and the serving portions were more than satisfying!! The ONLY reason I didn't give them 5 STARS is because they didn't have any stewed chicken ready and thats what I really wanted!!! The lady said that it would be a 45 minute wait until it would be ready. I was slightly disappointed but the Curry Chicken is good too so that's what I ended up getting. If the Stewed Chicken is ready next time I visit, I'll update my review! But until then, 3 STARS IT IS!! read more

MP Island Cafe - Lunch!!! Curry chicken, mac&cheese, cabbage - Soul Food Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

Food was super good, hot, and definitely worth it! My only downside is that I can never seem to catch a time they have yams (if they do at all) but it's on the online order list. And if you haven't been here before, it's hard to find out where the pickup line is. Had to wait in line a few minutes since customers kept going up to the register nonstop (which makes 100% since, because it's a buffet type line). PS: Soon as you walk in go to the left, all the way down, the long line, and it's the half wall space around the corner (if that makes sense). I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THOUGH! read more

The women at this restaurant spoke so rudely I will never pay another penny at this location. Rudeness for no reason. I dared not say anything because you are getting food. A friend of mine recommended the place to me as I was desiring some Jamaican food. She warned me that the attitudes of the Jamaican women would be interesting but to not be offended as this was their personalities. I went like a fool. I was not ready for that kind of treatment. I should not have to endure that kind of behavior when I am about to consume food. Their tones were crass, impatient, and definitely looked unhappy with their place of employ. There was an air about them as if something about them were better and they were feeding peasants. I remember Seinfeld's Soup Nazi even he was more appropriate than these women. Never again. read more

Food is really good but not worth the wait. I walked into the establishment at 258 and it's 413 and I'm just now getting my food. The food is already made and it's more like a buffet line with workers just asking guest what they want and making the plates. Similar to a subway line. The workers had no concern for the customers that were waiting in line. They were moving very slow and even texting on their phones. They have a "people are going to come anyway mentality and that's what's going to be the fall of this business. I won't be returning. read more

Their oxtail soup is extremely popular. However, they always run out! Been there the last three weeks and haven't been able to satisfy my craving. I called them when I got off before I took the 25 minute drive to make sure they still had some. She confirmed they still had it on the line. Upon arrival I asked and she said they only had broth left. So upsetting! read more

Worst "Caribbean" food ever. There's only a handful of places here you can get this kind of food and for it to be so trash i don't get it. The food is usually watery with no taste. I haven't went in awhile but decided to try the salt fish. Omg. No taste. Big chunks. Plus the person serving the food didn't even know what i wanted. I asked her about bake and salt fish and she was confused. How you have people in the front who don't know basic foods? So disappointing. And the people who say this food is good i have to think they don't know any better lol. You're better off trying DEGRILL. better quality food. read more

I'm pretty grossed out, grossed out enough to write about it. The other day I went here with my friend to have him try out the place since he was looking for carribean food. We got in line, planned our orders, and as we're waiting for someone to come from the kitchen to take our order on the glass countertop was literally a roach. I was so shocked, and me immediately left. I'm so disgusted and disappointed. Especially for a place ranked well, it was literally disgusting. That was for sure my last time going there. I am truly disgusted even thinking about it. read more