I spent the evening with Miss Nora at Nora's Irie Kicthen. I was greeted by her warm smile, the authentic Caribbean Decor and the soothing rhythm of Reggae music. If you are not familiar with Caribbean food, no worries! Miss Nora will sit with you and go other the menu. She will determine what you like an prepare a meal to your taste an dietary restrictions. This is what sold me. I order the jerk pork and my dining companion order the jerk chicken which was accompanied by the most vibrant sautéed vegetables. (We are trying to avoid the carbs) The meat was tender and was flavored to perfection. Miss Nora makes you feel like family. We departed only after receiving warm hugs and her heartfelt show of appreciation for our patronage. read more

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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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Best red snapper I've ever had! The homemade gravy was drinkable! Be sure to order the beef patties and ask for the jerk sauce. The jerk sauce is killer spicy but so so flavorful! The food is so authentic and delicious, but Norah, the owner-chef-hostess is even better!! Head here ASAP! read more

This place is quaint and out of the way, but it works because for us, it's like finding a gem. The food is the obsolute Best and I won't make any apology. This is the kind of thing that you read about in adventure stories. My tastes buds could not believe what was taking place, the food was simply out of this world. When I first read the reviews I could not believe that all 100 review gave this place 5 stars, so of course I had to see what this was all about and what was so special about this little Jamaican restaurant. I was pleasantly with the curry goat... Totally blew me away and that wasn't even the great treat, for me, that award went to the carrot juice. I have always remembered the taste of the juice in the back of my mind from when I was a kid in Jamaica and I was never able to find a place here in the states the could replicate that exact taste. Well all that changed with Norah's amazing carrots juice. The first thing I notice was the color... It wasn't the usual orange color like the ones that I saw some of the stores, it was the color of the juice from my childhood. So I asked her, 'Is that what I think it is?' 'It sure is' she replied. Without asking she immediately grabbed a glass and poured me a glass. My reaction wasn't what I expected. When this liquid hit my tongue I was almost reduce to tears as memories and Sunday dinner prepared by my mom came rushing in. I almost didn't want to swallow because I didn't want to let go of the memory. Miss Norah asked me what was wrong because I guess she has never seen anyone reacted that way to her carrot juice whereby they would take their sunglasses off, held their head back and put their hand over his eyes as if to savor every molecule. My wife quickly jumped in and said, 'No no, this means he loves it'. Miss Norah nadded her head as if to say she has slayed another one with her unforgettably carrot juice. Thanks Miss Norah, you have make this man speechless. Please please do us all a favor, ' Don't change. ' your establishment is a gem and part of the fun is actually finding it. I will never forget this place and the service I and my wife received. My only regret is that I didn't live closer because believe me, I would be there every weekend. I hope the people who live in that area knows how lucky they are. May God continue to bless you with health and strength so that you may continue to share your gift of creating awesome food and being the master of the original Jamaican carrot juice. read more

Norah's Irie - The obsolute Best making no apologizes... The food is the best I have ever tasted in all my 45 years on the earth. - Caribbean Near Me - Long Branch, New Jersey

Always great food. I found out about Norah's last weekend when I was here on a business trip. I'm back again this following weekend, and after grabbing a quick shower, it's off to Norah's Irie to grab some good food. Last week I had the oxtails and ribs. Tonight, I had curry chicken and I also got the oxtails, and Norah told me that she had just finished making Carrot juice, so, 3 carrot juices for me to store in the freezer. I drank one on the way back to my hotel. The food, the service, the conversation and compassion are always on point at Norah's. So, do yourself a favor and get a genuine taste of the Caribbean today/tonight. The food isn't good, it's GRRRRRRREAT!! read more

I came here for dinner with one my foodie friends on a Friday night - we found the place through Yelp and I was intrigued by the overwhelming amount of rave reviews. What makes this place outstanding is simple - excellent food and warm, genuine customer service. The small interior (I counted roughly 8 tables aside from the bar stools and high boys) makes it easy to feel like you are literally a house guest at Norah's, and she is cooking just for you. I arrived at 6:30 but my friend was running late due to traffic. While I waited, I ordered a ginger beer (non-alcoholic just to clarify) and was delightfully surprised when Norah herself walked out with a cup of homemade soup and veggie pattie for me to munch on while waiting. When my friend arrived he ordered the curry goat and I went for the oxtail - side of coco bread for the table. I have to say the oxtail was the best I've ever had - fall off the bone but not too soft, and OH THE FLAVOR. Layers of complexity that took my taste buds on a roller coaster ride. I also loved the consistency of the cabbage that came with my dish (and most of the mains) - cooked perfectly, not mushy, actually tasted quite fresh and full of flavor with some sautéed peppers adding a nice pop of color and crunch. Just when I thought my happy belly would burst with joy, Norah treated us to some carrot cake for dessert. Being that carrot cake is one of my favorites, I was ecstatic. Even more ecstatic after taking my first bite and - again - a journey through flavortown. There was a unique spice in it that I struggled to identify, so guess I'll have to go back for more ;) All in all, if you want the simple the things in a meal - service to warm your heart and food to warm your soul - make a visit to Norah's. You won't be disappointed! read more

Norah's Irie - From top-left to bottom-right: chic soup & veggie pattie, oxtail, curry goat, carrot cake - Caribbean Near Me - Long Branch, New Jersey

After reading all the review... I decided to give it a try when I am down at the beach... I got that pretty early thinking I am going to order something to take with me to the beach... as my husband and I walked in, we were greeted by the owner (i guess that would be Norah)... she offered us ginger beer to try while we were deciding what to get... and of course we goes with what everyone get... Oxtail and Jerk Chicken... She gave us beef pattie on the house, nicely cut... and of course, we ordered the ginger beer and the other drink (which i forgot the name) but that was so delicious... :) Food was SO fresh!!! i don't know if she just grill it for us (since we might be her first customer of the day)... the chicken skin was crispy!! spicy and crispy... topped with the gravy from the Oxtail stew... oh man that we so good... Oxtail was tender and falls out of the bone... so tasty!!! at first we though we couldn't finish the 2 plates, we ended up eating everything and have nothing left over!!! WILL definitely go back for more next summer when we go to the beach!!! and this is something for me to look forward to... :) read more

Norah's Irie - Oxtail!! So tender and juicy!!! - Caribbean Near Me - Long Branch, New Jersey

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My love and I visited here our first time on a Monday night, we had the whole place to ourselves. The decor is colorful and there is a warmth inside with different table types to choose from, a TV that was on as well. Menus are on the tables and the option to order counter service for take out is available. My fellow Yelp friends helped influence my decision to come here after seeing a 5 star rating after many reviews. My sweetheart was going to order a Pepsi to drink, but the owner wasn't having it, she insisted he try a Jamaican soda which revealed her confidence of what is to come and rightfully so. He tried the fruit punch, I let her surprise me with a pineapple ginger soda. Was sweet but still had 40% juice. The food was amazing. We both had the same meal, jerk style chicken with rice and peas, cabbage with veggies, and soft plantains. The chicken fell off the bone, and had a perfect balance of depth/heat/spice. I shared a picture of the aftermath, we ate everything. Cannot wait to come back, Jamaican me hungry :))) read more

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

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Hands down the BEST! The food is authentic and the service is friendly and welcoming. Everything that we've ordered has been a HIT! I mean, the flavor is undeniably the best in the area. I wish I had pictures to share...but once you open the food and smell the spices, nobody has time for waiting LOL Just trust me, we've gone twice in a week and can't wait to return! read more

I enjoyed NORAS ver much found this treasure while looking for a bite to eat with a friend , the food was good , hearty And surprisingly didn't really have to wait long being that it was a 1 woman show going on . NORA was a great HOSTESS and quickly made us feel at home very cute establishment off the beaten path with indoor island flair as a business owner myself I was highly impressed on the service here by NORA she made it worth my trip and found time to sit and talk with-us like we were old friends. I WILL BE BACK read more

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

This Food was Slamming. I was in the area for work so I stumbled on it. But now its bookmarked and i can't wait to come back. I had the oxtails probably the Best I've ever had. read more

I wanted to try something different from the usual beach themed haunts in the area and came across Norah's Irie. What a nice find! It's a bit away from the main strip but this colorful space is made better with its homemade Jamaican food and the presence of Norah coming to your table and giving you the lay of her menu. I'm a big fan of oxtail and was very happy that I ordered it (meat falling off bones kind of happy!) but I was very envious of my friends jerk chicken with it's crispy skin and moist meat below. No need to order too much food, each plate comes with rice, veggies and a side of fried plantains. We were super full by the end, gave Norah a big hug and promised to come by the next time we're in the area. Love this place! read more

Very delicious jerk chicken, curry chicken and plantains. The service and atmosphere was warm and welcoming. Off the beaten path but good spot to try for sure! read more

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

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Where do we start? First I will start with the service. From the second I spoke to Norah I felt like family. She treated us and served us like we were family. Which is a perfect Segway into how delicious the food was. Everything was handmade fresh by Norah and the flavors were unbelievable! I would recommend to any local or tourist passing through the area! read more

Late review.. I moved to NJ from NY so you know I happy that I found a good Caribbean spot! I ordered a curry shrimp, oxtails, stewed chicken & they all were great read more

Hands down that this is a must go to. The cuisine is authentic and absolutely delicious. Oxtail and the Jerk Chicken are a must!!! Every bite is absolutely delicious. Then comes dessert. We never eat it all. Well, here we did. Outstanding! Norah, the owner, is one special woman. She talks to all that come to dine. It makes the experience that much more special. She is so warm and welcoming. Great food, great company. Can't wait to go back! read more

This place is a hidden gem! We were on our way back from the beach and don't want to go to a run of the mill place. Norah is extremely welcoming and makes fantastic suggestions! We had what she suggested and were not disappointed. We had Brown stew oxtails, jerk chicken and curry salmon. The flavors were fabulous and a very warm environment! We will definitely be returning! read more

Norah's Irie - Side of jerk chicken - Caribbean Near Me - Long Branch, New Jersey

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Have been here couple times but always very good had shrimp roti. Service good food excellent would recommend. Food is consistent and always friendly people to serve you. read more

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

Best Jamaican food I've had hands down. Norah's is a real hidden gem in an area without much foot traffic so its not usually very busy which means getting a table is never an issue. Norah is also a very lovely person and welcomes all of her patrons like family. You can tell she has a passion for her culture and it comes through in the authentic cuisine served here. I can highly recommend the jerk chicken if you like spicy food. It is very spicy, just the way I like it. The seafood curries, ox tail and goat are also top notch. She even has a very good mac n cheese which I usually substitute as my side. Most dishes come with a side of rice and cabbage. Make sure you get a Ting to drink or the homemade ginger beer. read more

Seriously amazing food and such a hidden gem. Norah is a wonderful person and she treats every customer like family. Norah's dishes are easily the best in Long Branch. I'll be back soon. read more

A hole in the wall and maybe 10-15 minutes away from the beach. This place serves you quality and major quantity for Caribbean food! I ordered the brown chicken and it came with rice salad and Maduros. Fresh and hot, and so delicious. This place is amazing! read more

Disgusting, The food was disgusting I had Jamaican food before real Jamaican food this is not it it's dirty the food was disgusting I have to say it one more time disgusting read more

Drop everything and come to this place. Only a 6 minute drive from Long Branch Beach, this is the best off the beaten path spot you will find. Norah is super welcoming, I felt like I went to see my mother and had a home cooked meal. Seriously some of the best Caribbean food I've had to date. Curried goat was to die for, fell off the bone and melted in your mouth. The jerked chicken was some of the best I've had and was the perfect blend of juicy and crispy. Would go out of my way to come to this place. And you should too. read more

Norah's Irie - The Curried Goat was Stellar - Caribbean Near Me - Long Branch, New Jersey

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My husband stopped by Norah"s today on his way coming back to Neptune and picked up a jerk chicken dinner and an oxtail dinner. The food was absolutely delicious oxtail full Of gravy and the jerk chicken was moist and flavorful not dry!! We will be coming back to sit down and enjoy! God Bless Ms Norah and family!! read more

Went here after a Long Beach day and man was I impressed. The moment we walked into the door we felt like we were walking into our grandmas house. You feel the love they put into the food. I got the jerk chicken combo which went far and beyond my expectations. From the chicken, to the plantains, to the cabbage everything just paired well together. The portions are also quite big, easily, shareable. Next time you're in the area you should stop by this great local, comfort food joint!!! read more

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

Norah's Irie is delicious! The place has a chill atmosphere, and great food. I had the curry goat and it was fantastic. Washed it down with a Ting soda, sat back and listened to some raggae as I was transported back to Jamaica, even if it was for a fleeting lunch. It's a small place located in a neighborhood in Long Branch. If you're looking for a cool spot, that isn't a cookie cutter corporate restaurant, check this spot out. read more

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

At the end of a sunny day at the beach, my gf and I were looking for a unique place before heading back to NYC. I checked Yelp and Norah's looked like the right choice. Yelper's were right. Located in a residential neighborhood, Norah's is a little Jamaican food oasis. Food was authentic and very tasty. Norah is a sweetheart and made sure we were comfortable and had everything we needed. Prices are more than reasonable. If I lived closer, I would be there often. I'll make the trip again. read more

The oxtail was AMAZING!!! I ordered a large and pretty much cleaned my plate!!! I even ordered another large to take home and enjoy later!!!

Comfort 5/5: This place was a great spot while in the area. When walking in for a late lunch we saw an instant hole in the wall. This place feels so cozy and like home. The ambience was wonderful and the food was above impressive! Norah was so welcoming and friendly, she takes the time to stop at each table and make conversation with you. Food 5/5: The food here was amazing. We had the curry goat and the jerk chicken because these are staples in Jamaican cuisine. All the entrees are served with rice, beans, cabbage medley, and plantains. The portions are large and appropriate for what you pay. The food was salty but I didn't mind. It was also moderately spicy but definitely tolerable so just keep that in mind. Service 4/5: This is a family run place that is comfy and warming when you come in. So expect to take your time here and also expect the same on their end of the experience. Norah does everything and it is great to see. I put a 4/5 for those Yelpers out there who look for swift service. Definitely a must go! read more

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

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I mean, I guess I'm missing something because I had the curry chicken and it was subpar at best. Did I choose the wrong option? This is my first review and I never review because of that infamous "SOUTH PARK" episode. An overwhelming majority in favor of this place made me. I'm rambling so this review is everywhere I know. I think most food from New Jersey is subpar. I'm from Dallas, my wife is from San Diego so I guess that's what makes us unimpressed. read more

Dined here with my wife, her cousin and his parents. The service was awesome, the food was delicious. We each ordered a different dish (stewed chicken, stewed beef, stewed oxtail, grilled red snapper, and shrimp curry) to share family style. Each dish was individually flavorful and tasted well when poured over rice. The homemade sorrel and ginger beer, as well as the fried plantains, were also must-haves when completing the meal. Clearly, this was a place locals came to hang out and have a good time over food. We had a great feast and shared some quality family time learning about Jamaican cuisine. Awesome experience and I would recommend this for any of my friends, as I also expect to return when I am in the area. read more

Great authentic Jamaican food. The Real Deal!!! Old School Local store turned into a family style restaurant Our group of three each ordered one of the specials - all meals were delicious- but the Ox tail was off the charts Ask for a glass of the house made carrot juice - nice compliment to the meal Order a side of jerk chicken for the table :) Enjoy read more

Wonderful place! I had the goat curry and chicken/dumpling soup. DELICIOUS! See you soon! read more

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

Ordered oxtail, jerk chicken, shrimp roti, and pig tails. Very good flavoring with a lot of spices, but very very salty. Don't come here if you have high blood pressure. Portions are also quite small... A large oxtail dish for $17 only came with 5 or so small oxtail. read more

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

Norah's irie by me. Amazing food, amazing service. Home cooked delicious jamaican food, Norah will hook you up right.

Now this was some delicious Jamaican cuisine! After a long day at the beach, coming here sealed the deal. Their mac and cheese is slamming. Ox tails, super tender and curry shrimp - delish! You gotta try this place! Authentic. read more

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

Have never had Caribbean food before, but my first time was amazing! Came here on a Saturday night and although the AC wasn't working, we dealt with it because the women who worked there were so so friendly. No wait around 6 pm - but most tables were full around 730. I split with my parents the goat curry, shrimp curry, oxtail, and jerk chicken. All we're so delicious!! Nothing like I've ever tasted before. Even the homemade ginger beer was spectacular. Jerk chicken was HOT so make sure you don't mind spicy foods... Entrees were HUGE and the price is fair! (Around $50-60 for 3 entrees, the ginger beer, and a side of chicken) Will definitely be back!! Only complaint I have is that the service was VERY slow.. our food came out quickly but we did not see the server again after that. But the owners are friendly so it was hard to be mad! read more

Norah is very kind and she makes Jamaican food the right way. There's nothing better than eating jerk chicken on the beach.

First off, it's a very homey feel inside and not a fancy date place to go. Just simple and chill like you're near a beach (but there's no beach). Lol! It's BYOB. Food wise, i recommend the oxtails in brown sauce, goat curry and jerk chicken. All have a nice flavor and spice to it. We got the large size and it comes with rice mixed w/ black beans, sauteed cabbage, and plantains. For dessert, i prefer the banana bread (not your usual kind, a bit different but still very good) compared to the sweet potato and rum cake. The sorell (hibiscus) tea was too sweet for my taste but i added more water to lessen the sweetness. It was just the owner serving and preparing the food so don't expect fast service (her companion wasn't around today). The owner is very welcoming and humble. They had issues with their credit card machine so just bring Cash for backup. If you want authentic home cooked jamaican food, then you're in the right place. Worth coming back. read more

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Very impressed by the charming staff. I thought I ordered too much food. Goat roti and a side of jerk chicken. It was too much and I ate every bite. Delicious. If you know you like Carribean food, you will love this place. If you're not sure you'll like Carribean food, this is the place to find out. Thank you ladies read more