We have been getting take out from Norah's for about a decade and loved every meal. Unfortunately I cannot write that about the takeout my husband picked up last night. I ordered beef ox tails which were always in a flavorful brown gravy over white rice with sweet plantains and sautéed cabbage with some mixed vegetables. Last night they were in a sauce that is best described as a sticky, gluey bbq sauce that I have never experienced there in the past. There was just a tiny amount of sautéed cabbage though I was grateful for it as a palate cleanser. One piece of sweet plantain, in all fairness, I did order the small versus a large order. The rice was unpleasant with that dark, sticky sauce already stirred into it so there was no escaping it. (Today I took an entire pint of leftover white rice from a previous oriental meal and stirred it into Norah's rice to make it at least edible though still not delicious like it used to be.) I am extremely disappointed Norah seems to have changed her beef oxtails brown gravy recipe. For me ... it completely changed my opinion about her beef oxtails. I miss how it used to taste. read more

There is street parking. The owner was friendly and knowledgeable. There was plenty of seating. I ordered 4 items: Oxtail dinner Curry goat roti Oxtail empanada Oxtail& Mac& cheese egg roll The oxtail was the star of the show. The goat was a close second. In my opinion, the oxtail is best savored in dinner rather than in appetizer form. Next time I'm trying jerk chicken some kind of seafood. read more

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I have NO idea how this place has such glowing reviews. To start off... we placed an order at 2 pm on a Tuesday afternoon. We were given a pickup time of 2:15-2:30. We did not leave that restaurant with our food until 3:20 pm... and there was NO ONE In the restaurant!! When we arrived Norah came out of the kitchen after about 5 minutes of us being there. She came out and said "you guys placed a big order and I have to go from pot to pot and make sure everything is right" so we said "no problem, take your time!" She was a very nice lady. But we placed an order of 2 meals and a couple sides... it took almost 1 hour and 30 minutes to get that meal made and there was nobody else there. What does she do if a family of four comes in to have a meal? We didn't order a lot at all. We heard some great reviews, weren't from the area, and decided to wait assuming the food would be worth it. Sadly, this was not our experience. The food all had to be thrown out after a few bites. This "restaurant" should have pure grease and oil as a menu item. That is all we could taste, see, feel, and smell. Not to mention the fact that I needed to wash the inside of my car that now had oil stains on it... please look at the photos I attached. That doesn't even cover how bad the grease and oil was. Nothing tasted fresh and everything was completely soaked with oil. Even the bag with bread had oil all over it. Not to mention she took all that time and still forgot two of the things we ordered. Maybe one day Norah had a great restaurant and that's the reason for some decent reviews. In our current day and age, not only would I NOT recommend this place, I urge you to STAY AWAY from the grease restaurant! read more

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When to ask for a side of veggies and this is what you get at Norah's Irie! The veggie platter has a mixture of so many veggies and is so flavorful. Not the normal cabbage side you usually get. Also had the curry goat roti. Simply delicious! read more

Norah's Irie - Norah's Veggie Dinner - Caribbean Near Me - Long Branch, New Jersey

Absolutely phenomenal Oxtail dinner with rice, peas, cabbage and plantains! It looked a little sketchy when we first walked in, completely empty. We weren't even sure if they were still open. But don't despair, if the door's open, Norah's there and she won't let you go home hungry! And make sure you "suck all the meat out of them bones", as Norah commanded us. She was right, you won't want to leave even a morsel. read more

Dinner to go because I had an event to go to. The place is very rustic but charming. If it weren't Winter, I'd feel like I just stepped into a restaurant in the Caribbean! Decorated with Jamaican flags everywhere, the place it so worth the trip. The prices reflect the location. It's on the high side. But the food...EXCELLENT! I got the Shrimp Roti and it was so good! The right amount of heat, large sized shrimps, and the accompanying Roti was just as perfect. Big portions and big flavors! Service was very forward just like in the Islands. But I think that's part of its charm! I will be back because that oxtail was calling my name. I was just pressed for time. read more

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Native Brooklyn girl on my way to the beach but was starving. Decided to get shrimp Rasta paste at 11am!! Wrote this while I'm eating the best Rasta pasta I could ask for. They don't need my review but I had to write bc it's that good. Also the lady is so nice. I'll remember her the rest of my life. I would drive 2 hrs back to long branch just for this meal. The vibe is very authentic too I posted the boomerang and my friend thought I was in Kingston. Everything about this place did it for me. read more

Norah's Irie - shrimp rasta pasta - Caribbean Near Me - Long Branch, New Jersey

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The food here was great! We got the oxtail with a side of jerk chicken and plantains. The oxtail was well-balanced in seasoning, succulent, and savory. It went well with the rice, beans, cabbage, and plantains. If I wasn't scared of getting fat I could eat it everyday. The jerk chicken was well cooked and had a great texture as its exterior was nicely crunchy that contrasted well. It def does need its own set of rice and carbs to balance its saltiness. Plantains were also a great accompaniment and nicely cooked! Very welcoming atmosphere! read more

While the building is modest the food is off the chain. Norah is super friendly and attentive.

Norah is no joke!! Her food is so fresh and delicious. I order from here frequently. My favorites are the curried goat and the jerk chicken. I haven't yet tried the ox tails but definitely plan to. If I could give this place 10 stars, I would! read more

Easily some of the best food I've had in a long time. The plantains are incredible and we couldn't get enough of the jerk chicken and curry chicken. Massive portions of chicken and rice. Will absolutely be going back asap! read more

Great hole in the wall with delicious food. The oxtail is a must, meat is so tender it falls of the bone. Oxtail is paired with their rice cabbage and plantain, it was the perfect balance. Rasta Pasta was great too. We ordered jerk wings and although they weren't our fav of the meal the rest of the order was fantastic. I definitely recommend! read more

The food, service, and ambiance were outstanding!!! My husband and I found this place on Yelp. After reading the reviews we decided to take a 45 minute trip to try them out. We had our baby and they had a ramp leading into the store which was insanely helpful with rolling in the stroller. We were greeted by the kind owner of the restaurant. We had no idea of what to order but a gentleman at the front counter was so kind to ask us questions to assist in helping us make a decision. We decided on Jerk Rasta Pasta and Jerk Chicken Fried Rice along with cabbage, plantains, and Mac and Cheese. Once we got our food we ate and it was a hard 10 out of 10!!!!! We are so glad we found the is place. We highly recommend and will be returning soon! read more

Norah's Irie - Jerk Rasta Pasta - Caribbean Near Me - Long Branch, New Jersey

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Friendly staff. Helped me decide what to get. She was super caring. Food was DELICIOUS. I demolished the whole meal

The food is delicious. I ordered through DoorDash and it was done very quickly. I highly recommend the Jerk Chicken Box.

Norah's Irie Jamaican Restaurant, the food is outstanding. Everything was cooked to perfection. We really enjoyed the oxtail, super super tender. . The staff was amazing they make you feel like home! Thank you! read more

Amazing food. Such care and balance in all of Norah's food. Highly recommend. Had the Sweet Salmon. Amazing stuff. Jerk Chicken was solid. Rum Brandy Cake is so rich. read more

Norah's Irie - Sweet chili salmon - Caribbean Near Me - Long Branch, New Jersey

Quality and service has gone down down down. I want to love this place because our first experiences years ago were so good. Friendly service although a long wait and food good. Last thing I picked up from there was the banana cake - not good. No one is in there when we go. Does not look like it is taken care of. Her staff not at all friendly in last few attempts to eat there over the years. This last experience with the terrible (and expensive!) banana cake slice earlier this summer got me saying, I'm sorry- can't do it anymore! read more

Great little hole in the wall! Showed up with the kiddos and not knowing what to expect, ordered a little bit of everything. Miss Norah herself came out and sat with us while we dined. She is such a gem! Food is great and you could totally picture this place being in Jamaica. read more

Second time going to Norah. Place is decent and food is decent. Reason I say decent food is that the oxtail was watery and the server placed a C lot of gravy on my rice that the rice and pigeon peas was swimming in sauce. I also tried the curry goat and it didn't have the curry kick to it. Meat was soft as well. Natural juices was sweet as well overall it was ok. read more

Delicious!!!! I will be going back! The vibe was excellent I thought I was in Jamaica read more

We came here based on the judgement of yelps rating. Big mistake. The food doesn't seem fresh, more like made in a huge batch and then reheated to fill the takeout orders. We ordered oxtails and jerk chicken. Ox tail that we just pulled a small fly out of. Disgusting. My husband had already served his onto a plate and I walked up and spotted it immediately. The place wasn't busy at all and there were no other costumers, which is a HUGE red flag given it was lunch time and they were so reviewed. read more

Norah's Irie - Oxtail and the bug we found inside. - Caribbean Near Me - Long Branch, New Jersey

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They gave me a slice of a roti instead of a roti and shrimp in watery oily af curry sauce (no potatoes - just shrimp and loose sauce). Not tasty, not hot, package all leaking oil and grease everywhere. Brown Mac and cheese. An experience akin to being robbed. read more

Norah's Irie - Curry Shrimp Roti - Caribbean Near Me - Long Branch, New Jersey

All the empanadas are fire, but Jerk chicken empanada & curry goat is amazing. Always stop by for a bite when I'm down by the beach.

I love it here. Period! Ms Norah is the sweetest and the food is always good. I go at least twice a week.

Four of us. Jerk Chicken (twice) Goat and Oxtail. Nora can't be beat. The flavors are outstanding. I don't get it. Hot. Fresh. Fast. Good (I mean delicious). I'm glad to walk in here and see her smile and her enthusiasm for cooking. She is preparing the food and taking calls, oh and serving. Just one word. Outstanding. Love coming here. read more

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Killer food, some of the best flavors I have ever experienced in NJ. Stop reading this and just go eat there. What are you waiting for?

Ordered the jerk chicken which came with rice and cabbage, and plantains. It was flavorful. Chicken was juicy. A really solid portion as well - very filling. Will order from here again. They do Uber eats. read more

Originally from the shore but now visiting from LA. In a week here thus far eating out, it was the best meal hands down. The oxtail was unctuous and awesome. My husband got the goat curry which was great. And kiddo got the fried wings & mac and cheese. Not sure what the bad reviews for service were about but I didn't experience that at all. They were super laid back and friendly, and were especially really sweet to my 5 yr old. We all had a great time and the food was delicious. read more

Expensive, no comfortable seating, staff tried to upsell me and were rude. Food was spicy even though I requested it it to be due to my GERD. Looked dirty. Would also only give me one napkin and no straw and very flimsy take out container. Made a mess of my car. Food seemed frozen. Never again. read more

Very nice staff and vibe. Food is overly seasoned and overly spicy for you to truly appreciate the taste. Jerk chicken was super dry (was it breast meat)? read more

If you want a fabulous meal in a really fun and authentic place you have to come to Norah's Ire! The food was outstanding, fresh ingredients, beautiful presentation, ample servings. This was an overall terrific dining experience however the service is a bit lacking. They are shot staffed which will slow down the process a bit. I'm certain it's their way to keep operating costs down. Just expect a more laid back approach to dinner which kind of coincidence with the whole vibe. As for atmosphere it's very cool! I love the colors and the Christmas lights everywhere it's Island festive. It was also a bit warm in the dining area so be prepared for that as well to me it added to the experience reminding me of being in a Jamaican hut restaurant. BYOB so walk in with some Red Stripe man! read more

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Wow, super thankful for yelp for bringing me to this restaurant. Entire experience from start to finish was awesome. The food, the service, all of it, super positive and cant say enough kind things. We were a large group so we basically were lucky enough to try everything. I ordered salmon (literally, freshest and best we have had anywhere - she explained to us how she sources it and gets the cut just right) - it's out of this world. Rice and peas, bomb. Cabbage, bomb. Jerk chicken was delicious, huge huge portions. I'm talking, you could eat until you're full and take the other half home. Shrimp curry and jerk shrimp were both fantastic. Fresh ingredients, cooked with love. The woman who ran the show, likely the owner was Queen of Everything. A true and genuine person who goes above and beyond to make sure everything is perfect and cooked with love. I'm so happy I trusted Yelp on this way, though the restaurant was a little off the beaten path, it was wellllllll worth it and beyond. We don't live in the area (drove in from the city for a day at the beach) but this community should feel lucky to have such an authentic place to eat something that feeds your soul. read more

Norah's Irie - Caribbean Near Me - Long Branch, New Jersey

Like eating in aunties house ! So delicious 10/10 Service was great, and genuinely felt like I was being served a meal by my aunt! God bless this establishment! read more

Amazing! You wouldn't know you could get good Jamaican in NJ until you were here. I'm certain this place is poppin' come spring and summer with outside seating. Inside clean and spacious for this corner property. Welcoming woman to make you feel comfortable. She told me 'I am not going to rush your fish, have a seat and relax, love' it was truly worth the wait. Delicious large snapper. I would come back again and again and tel friends. Great service, clean establishment and pick up or dine in available. I'd try something new every time read more

Norah's Irie - Caribbean Near Me - Long Branch, New Jersey

First of First of they are super rude. Ordered a curry chicken and advised that I didn't wanted rice and peas. When I got my order it was rice and peas I proceeded to inform them that I didn't received what I ordered the son of the owner went off on me that they can make the rice now because they we put and I can pick it. They have no reason to be this rude when they're food taste like a weeks old food and they're curry chicken was in fact super grainy and bitter. The attitude employee/owner and the food are both nasty!! Would not recommend. I'm sorry I'm unable to give them no stars!! read more

This place is absolutely incredible!! Norah recommended all of the Caribbean staple dishes and our group was loving everything. The mac and cheese is heavenly...might be one of the greatest Mac and cheese's ever. You must try the jerk chicken, oxtail, curry goat, and short rib. Everything is so fresh and homemade. Norah was so sweet and gave us some tamarind to try as well. If you are near Long Branch, you MUST go here. The food is absolutely incredible. read more

Sorrel - delicious and helped me with a digestive/stomach issue Sea Moss Smoothie - delicious and jam-packed with nutrients, tastes like a thinner version of rice pudding with cinnamon Beef Patties - like the ones I tried in New York Jerk Chicken - SUPER spicy. I know jerk is spicy, but wow Curry Chicken, Oxtail, Steamed Vegetables, Rice and Peas - all delicious and like authentic Jamaican cuisine I wish the portions were bigger and worth more of the pricing. read more

What a cute place.. the decor was very cute! You can order at the counter and music is blaring making you feel like your in jamajca. Service was amazing Norah herself can over and chatted it up with us. Was very kind and gracious. It was so nice to have this type of experience. Food was amazing. Had the jerk chicken of course came with rice and peas., cola soda champagne a must! It was def a do over. The serving was so big had plenty to take home. read more

Norah's Irie - Caribbean Near Me - Long Branch, New Jersey

This is hands down the best Jamaican food I've ever had! Norah was extremely friendly and took a lot of pride in her food. I highly recommend trying her homemade ginger beer. It made me question all previous ginger beer. I had the jerk chicken plate with a side of plantains and loved every bite. Do not come to Long Branch without stopping by Norah's! read more

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