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

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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There are great aromas spewing from the kitchen.The ginger is so pungent. Wow my mouth is ready for a ginger beer. Norah introduces herself and I do likewise. She's very likable from the onset. The menu is a bit hard to digest. Tuesdays she said they're not normally open. I offered to come back in 2 days but she insisted that I sit down and have a bite to eat. So be it. I ordered a large jerk pork. Very authentic Jamaican food here at this venue check out the menu, please. If you like Jamaican food, Norah aims to please. She's a very personable proprietor. The prices are excellent and so was the food. The place is neat as a pin, located in an older residential zone of LB Weather permitting you can eat outside. read more

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Very good Jamaican restaurant. Small place and very colorful. Food was tasty and came out very quick. Was a bit hot inside the place so air conditioning or at least some fans being on would have helped especially when eating some spicy foods. I had the jerk chicken with rice and beans, came with sweet plantains and some cabbage. All was tasty but could have used some extra jerk sauce on the chicken itself. Other entree ordered at the table was curry goat with the same sides which was also tasty. Portions were big as well, could actually share one between two people. Also ordered Mac and cheese as a side but for $5 I don't think it was worth it. It was ok, nothing special. Prices were a bit hefty. Average entree price was around $16-$18 but I think worth the experience at least. Staff is very friendly and sweet. Authentic Jamaican read more

Norah's Irie - Big portions and good food. Mac and cheese was ok - Caribbean Near Me - Long Branch, New Jersey

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When I called this restaurant I asked for which type of chicken was ready; she had mentioned curry and stew. I asked her about jerk chicken and she said it was not ready and it will take 20 minutes so I told her I would just get any chicken that's already ready as It was 9:30 pm. It comes with a side of rice with light lentils (rice and beans) plantains and cabbage. When I arrived she was actually making the jerk chicken off the grill and I told her I just want what is ready and she stated it would just take five minutes and she was right. The jerk is very spicy and tasty ; it did cost $15 in which to me seems like a few bucks extra but then the meat is pretty generous. All in all if I am ever craving Jamaican Food I would definitely come here again. Cute inside- island vibes. My suggestion go to the beach at sundown watch the sunset, pray maghrib on the beach (to all my Muslims) :) then hit the spot to go or just eat it on the beach! I think most chiken is "halal" but if you don't agree try her fish then and order everything in advance! read more

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

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Love the people here, went to support them today during quarantine. Collards were a bit salty today, mac n cheese were out, thankfully i got the last bit. No plantains, no chicken patty. I still give them five stars cause the food is good. The menu could be limited due to covid19. Portions in the medium gettinabit skimpy ya know... yams delish. I did get a pineapple soda with their own label..cutesie read more

To think there was such a gem in New Jersey. I'm finding the shore area is where it's at for food! About their oxtail dish, which is number one for me: intense and flavorful. They achieve great oxtail that can hold down the flavor. The rest of the platter (rice, plantains, and cabbage) plays a great role in supporting the dish as a whole. Great balance of richness. Their jerk chicken is delicious as well, however, I can keep going back to their oxtail day in and day out. Just a suggestion, to anyone that can't handle spicy, tell the staff to go really low on the jerk chicken. I took the jerk chicken spiciness just fine, but I predict some people who can't handle spicy will not like the default version. No need to go anywhere else for authentic Jamaican food done right. It's here. The shore dwellers are so lucky. Sorry New York, this is my new favorite place. Also Norah (owner), is one of the sweetest people you can ever meet. She can be your mama for all you know! P.S. If you have a sweet tooth, their sweet juices and dessert are a must have with your meal. BYOB as well! read more

Best freshly made sorrel I've had outside Jamaica!

Curry goat and rice was ok. Very little cabbage and the Plaintains taste like they were cooked the day before. Had to throw them out.

This is a hidden gem. The food was amazing and the owner is kind and welcoming. Look at that large serving of Mac and cheese! read more

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They catered our holiday party and the food was fantastic Norah is awesome and sweet and she is a great cook. Highly recommend the beef oxtails rice and beans. read more

There menu keeps expanding and honey I'm here for it Viagra empanadas fresh queen crab meat scallops and shrimp ‍ read more

Norah's Irie - I got the Viagra empanadas norahs has now with the queen snowcrabs Shrimp shrimp scalops inside and some Cajun cheese Fries I'm happy - Caribbean Near Me - Long Branch, New Jersey

Rude customer service.. seemed very agitated when I asked a few questions about the items on the menu. I didn't even get to order because she was so rude. After I said I'll come in a take a look she just hangs up in my ear. read more

Ms. Norah's food warms my soul. Had the chicken soup, oxtails and a side of jerk chicken. Been coming here for years and the food is always consistent. Don't listen to the haters. Food is made with love and Ms. Norah is a gem. You won't be disappointed read more

Best Jamaican food in town. I love the jerk chicken and the oxtails, everything with a delightful homemade taste.

So authentic I will walk miles for oxtail but this place fills my addiction to oxtail great rice and beans, I felt the meal was a real lovely serving read more

Ok, so the curry goat was slammin! Tender, seasoned well, lick the plate clean type of flavor. I ate every bite of it. We went for dinner Labor Day night and when we walked in around 7:30 it was quiet, within minutes there were quite a few patrons. Norah came out to greet diners, asked how we liked the meal and chat about why food was left on the plate. After all it was delicious! My friend had the curry shrimp and enjoyed every bite as well. And the shrimps were huge! There is room for improvement, the rice was dry and tasted stale. I had white rice, my friend had rice and peas...same complaint for both. The cabbage was ok, it lacked flavor. The prices were high but I guess its in a tourist area so theres that explanation. I paid $18 for a small curry goat dinner with a glass of sorrell. I would go back because the meat is worth it, Who needs rice anyway read more

Norah's Irie - Small curry goat dinner - Caribbean Near Me - Long Branch, New Jersey

We came from Brooklyn - the North American capital of West Indian food. Taking a drive down to Nora's to go there and surrounding area, we stopped in for a meal. Very pleased ! I am a curry goat man. This one is very fine. Large serving of well cooked vegetables included. Rice and peas just right. We look forward to the next visit to sample more dishes at this friendly place. read more

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

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Was waiting at the DMV today and thought lets see was yelp has to offer in the area. 1st hit with very high reviews was this quiet little jamaican restaurant. I was feeling very adventurous today, deciding on the ox tail. My girlfriend chose the curry shrimp with carrot juice. The whole family came out to give us our food, it was so nice. My first ox tail and it was delicious, so tender. My girl's shrimp was phenomenal. The shrimp and rice mixed with the curry was straight fire. But the winner of the day was that carrot juice. I've never had carrot juice like this, all I know it was definitely mixed with cinnamon. I would gladly drive 45 mins for that juice every day. read more

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Ayyyeeee mon! If your looking for authenticity look no further and check this place out. It's a hidden gem in the out skirts of long branch NJ. The owner is very open and engaging in coming out and talking with her customers. The food is on point! Service is a little slow but they make up for it when it comes to quality dishes. I highly recommend this place to anyone who is looking for Jamaican cuisine. read more

I have never met a more rude individual. Food was just okay. My girlfriend asked about something that she has eaten before at other Jamaican restaurants and just because she doesn't serve it, she talked down to her. I ordered jerk chicken and was asked if I wanted curry or brown gravy which I had never heard of before If I wanted my chicken that way, I would have ordered it that way. Then when I said I would have some on the side. She said, that's not going to happen. My girlfriend ordered short ribs but received stew beef and was told that it was the same thing. Needless to say I will not be returning read more

Norahs Irie is fire. I ger the short ribs and an extra side of Mac and cheese. The beef patty's are really good too. I normally order too much and then eat the beef patty as like a perfect leftover snack during the day. The lady who works there, I'm gonna assume her name is Irie, is really great. She is extremely sweet, very patient with customers over the phone, and I'm 90% sure she does all of the cooking there. Maybe she doesn't but she sure is doing a lot whenever I pick up my stuff. read more

Amazing food and owner/hostess ... Place is a bit meh but the outside seating is good.

They set up a recurring change that so far for me has been impossible to get an answer. They're is no cancelation on their website. Lynze read more

Amazing place! I was feeling very sick and needed some warm food ASAP. I ordered their chicken soup and was blown away at its healing properties. I immediately felt better. I can't wait to become a regular at this lovely place. read more

Very slow. The inside was very sticky, not clean. The outside chairs and tables had lots of bird poop too. I was hoping the food redeemed it but it did not. We got about 5 dishes and each was either oily, salty, overcooked, or some combination of those. Went with real Jamaicans too and they were not impressed. I was really hoping that this place was as great as the reviews led us to believe, especially since it is a small business. Sadly will not be returning. read more

Delicious and a great value! I ate so much and this was still what was left over! Humongous portion of shrimp! 2 meals easy read more

Norah's Irie - Delicious and a great value! I ate so much and this was still what was left over! Humongous portion of shrimp! 2 meals easy - Caribbean Near Me - Long Branch, New Jersey

Norah's Irie is tucked away in the middle of a neighborhood where you wouldn't expect a restaurant to be. It's very small, but when you find it, it pops right out at you! I had found it awhile ago thanks to Yelp & finally got a chance to try it. The place is painted in all vibrant bright colors as you would expect in the islands (except I remind myself I'm in Long Branch). There is reggae music playing in the background & equally colorful pictures all around. There are a few tables out front but on this rainy day my girlfriend & I went inside. There was only one other couple & we sat for a bit before Norah came from the back all apologies. It appeared this day she was doing the cooking & waiting tables as her help did not come in. Normally I probably would have been annoyed by the wait but you can't be with Norah. She took our orders with a big smile, brought us some of her home made ginger beer (non alcoholic & absolutely delicious) & headed back to begin cooking them. In the interim I discovered why she had been in the back when we came in; the other couple there was waiting for a very large take out order. There are some things on the menu I have never eaten, & was still hesitant to try, so decided on a Jerk Chicken dish. My friend had the Curry Goat dish. Both dishes came with a side of rice & beans, cabbage & vegetable (kind of like slaw), & a piece of plantain. I had inquired when ordering how spicy hot it was. Norah had explained they either spice it once (not that spicy) or a 2nd time for heat lovers (which I am not). I opted with one coat & it had a mild hint of spice. I think I'll get 2 coats next time. I tried some of my friend's Curry Goat. The meat was so tender it just melted in your mouth & the curry sauce was delicious! I had never eaten goat or curry before. Although it didn't seem that spicy to me with just one taste, I guess it had a cumulative effect as my friend (who likes spicy) was sweating partially though her dinner. The only thing I didn't like about my chicken was trying to eat around the bones, but it was so delicious, it was worth it. As this was my first experience with Jamaican food, I was unfamiliar with how it was served. I decided get a dinner to go for my husband & ordered the Roti Shrimp (secretly though, I wanted to try it:) Norah offered us both a piece of carrot cake but we were too full to accept (next time). We had a wonderful conversation with her while she rang up our orders & I found she has been at this location for 3 years. She seems to really love what she does & this lady knows how to cook! When we finished a ready to leave she came out & gave us both a hug! I felt like I was saying goodbye to a good friend. I can't wait to go back with hubby & try something new. He, btw loved his Roti Shrimp, & shared it with me:) read more

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I used to eat here all the time and loved the food I had the absolute worst interaction today here not only did Norah purposely send out the wrong order because she said "there was no more so I gave you what I had" when I am allergic to what I was given but she came out took it from me and gave me an attitude because SHE gave the wrong order out. Her son was very nice and refunded me but she was just down right rude and disrespectful on top of that I am currently pregnant and what I ordered was my pregnancy craving but again she gave me food I am allergic too while I am pregnant. I literally had to drive all the way back after getting home because my order was wrong all I wanted was the right order and she came out and yelled at me saying "NOPE NO MORE EMPANADAS FOR YOU". I 100% will never eat here again and wouldn't recommend it to anyone especially because they have no regard for allergies. read more

If you want food made by a real auntie, you go here. get the goat curry, jerk chicken, and chicken Roti. Absolutely delicious and probably some of the best food in the West Long branch area read more

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

When you see a place that has 30 reviews and is still five stars it makes you start to wonder what's so good about this place? That's what drove me to this it's gem. I thought I was lost as I drove down the residential street but there was right in the middle of a quaint neighborhood. You can hear the music from the street sending island vibes to hungry masses. It feels a little divey or more precisely what an island establishment may look like, right here in Long Branch. I'm no expert on Jamaican food, but I know a good meal wen I get one! I literally walked in and said , "What do you recommend?". The man behind the counter was polite and explained the dishes like I was not an idiot. A $6 lunch bought me tender goat in curry sauce, rice, beans, cabbage and plantains along with a can of soda. It was a beautiful afternoon to sit outside and enjoy the breeze and incredibly island flavors. I'll be back! You should go too! Believe the hype. read more

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

What an interesting food experience. Me and my sister were craving some Caribbean food and looking through my bookmarks, I chose Norah's Irie. First thing I noticed was a lack of either central AC or window/split units, so it was up to a couple of ceiling fans and free-standing fans to cool the place down. We were quickly and cordially greeted by Norah and asked about our experience with Jamaican food. Growing up in NYC we were fairly familiar with the cuisine so we assured her we were fine. Norah indicated they had some freshly made Ginger Beer so we ordered those for our drinks. The Ginger Beer was so refreshing as it was robustly gingery and definitely cleansing to the palette. I saw little bits of freshly shredded ginger in the cup so it was the real deal. Coupled with what I assume was cane sugar, the sweetness definitely helped quell the strength of the astringent ginger. My sister who is just recovering from a bought of a summer cold found the Ginger Beer absolutely perfect for her itchy throat. For a starter we ordered the plantains and they were delicious. Perfectly cooked these sweet starchy treats were also not that greasy. As a big surprise we were given a complimentary beef patty to try! The patty certainly looked and tasted homemade as it was quite different than your typical frozen Tower Isles patty. It had a denser cornmeal-ish like pastry shell that was much less greasy than the aforementioned Tower Isles (if you've seen the oil saturated underside of a heated Tower Isles patty then you'll know what I mean). Filling was tasty and really well seasoned. Scanning the entrees I keyed on the Jerk Pork as it sounded very interesting. Moist brawny pieces of grilled pork coupled with jerk seasoning, I really loved this dish's flavors ranging from a bit of smoke from the grill, just the right amount of peppery heat, and tangy spices. This was really delicious! My sister had the Oxtail entree and thoroughly enjoyed it. The oxtail pieces were very large and equally meaty. Flavors were a bit different than than other Caribbean oxtails I've tried, as Norah's version was sweeter and had a slight floral taste. Overall they tasted quite like a Chinese dish, and I could swear I tasted either all-spice or star anise. On both our entrees the cabbage and rice & beans were noteworthy of praise as both accompaniments were very fresh and and perfectly absorbed our respect dishes flavors. To cap the lunch, Norah surprised us with two complimentary Coconut sorbets. Cutely served in a half hulled coconut shell, the sorbet was really refreshingly cool and sweet and I liken it to a milder coconut milk ice cream. It was quite tasty, though at this point I was quite full and couldn't take more than a couple of scoops. Speaking of Ms. Norah, she was so very pleasant and super friendly making us feel like we were regular customers and close friends. We concluded our meal with parting hugs and a guarantee to return as long as the Jersey Shore traffic isn't too bad! You like homestyle Jamaican food and amazingly friendly service, this is the place to go! read more

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This place cooks up some seriously delicious Jamaican food. The jerk chicken with rice, peas, and cabbage was phenomenal. Loved the sweet Jamaican lady manning both the counter and the kitchen. The decor was a bit divey in a good way - reminded me of awesome hole-in-the-wall places I've eaten at while traveling in other countries. I'll definitely be back if I'm ever in the area. read more

Although my first experience with Jamaican food wasn't the greatest? I still wanted to give it another shot. I had to, I knew Jamaican food had a flavor that I would like I just needed to find the right spot to try it at. And BOY I DID. The ambience is like a little Jamaica as soon as you open the door. The owner, Norah (who practically does it all and is Wonder Woman) is super friendly and makes you feel right at home. She gives you suggestions based on what taste you're looking for. This picture shows, jerk chicken, curry chicken, and curry goat with rioti. She even gave us to try her ox tail and wow! I cannot wait for my next visit, my next plate of oxtail, and a place to show my friends. Amazing! read more

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

Sorry, I'm 4 months late with this but I just saw I never finished the review. Saw a billboard for this place on the way to the beach, afterwards we decided to try it. It is a 10 table place in the middle of a residential area just a 5 min drive from Pier Village. Ms Norah was very sweet and welcoming with samples of her homemade ginger beer and carrot juice. I was torn between all the amazing choices on the menu but I started out with a beef patty and got a large order of jerk pork w rice and beans. My mom ordered the curried goat with rice and beans. We also got a order of coco bread and curried chicken roti to take home. It took longer than usual for the food even with no one else there and some take out orders but it was well worth it. The large orders are easily enough for 2 people. The goat was absolutely delicious and falling off the bone. The pork was flavored well but not spicy as I would have anticipated and found it to be a bit dry. The rice and beans were great and so was the cabbage with peas and carrots mixed in. The roti was massive and good but not great, maybe because it was reheated. All in all, it's a great place to stop after a long day of sun and fun at the beach. read more

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Delicious! You feel like you stepped off a plane and into Jamaica. The food is delicious and the owner I very nice. We will be back soon! read more

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I was literally addicted to the jerk chicken for about two months of my life. I once ordered it 4 times in a week. I literally have never been let down. The dish is spicy but so flavorful that you won't even realize how spicy it is until you're crying and blowing your nose after you finish your way-too-large portion. The steamed cabbage is a perfect touch to complement the jerk flavor. The owner and chef is also super sweet and accommodating (she offered to make the jerk dish less spicy when I brought my mom in). Would highly recommend this place to anyone in the area! read more

Norah in the picture is the owner chef from Jamaica. Irie in Patois means cool. The restaurant is 5 minutes from the beach. The chicken jerk dinner was spicy and very good good plantain. The beef oxtail in black sauce was spicy which was good but way too salty. The accompanying stir fried cabbage was good but the green bean and carrots were canned food. The brown rice could use more beans. If the food was less salty and the veggie was fresh, it would get a 5 star rating. read more

Was looking for some home cooked food & Norah's Irie did not disappoint! I had the oxtail dish, banana bread, and plantains and it was all incredible! Absolutely recommend! read more

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