A great place we stumbled upon on our way back home to SF. Delicious food, DJ was so nice and accommodating. Ill be back on our next trip. Don't miss this delicious taste of island home cooked food! read more

first of all this is not an authentic Jamaica restaurant to say that it is would be a joke and disrespect to the Jamaican culture I've order a jerk chicken and a brown stew fish and they have the same sauce for both for Californians to such a health conscious state they still serve hibiscus juice with brown sugar and their vegetable so call patty read more

Fantastic meal. Fish and ackee, with peas and rice, hibiscus ginger drink, everything super flavorful and clearly prepared with love. Highly recommended. read more

The food here is seriously the best in Chico, in terms of quality and taste. I've tried their jerk chicken salad and sandwich, the oxtail, and their jerk chicken rasta pasta. The pasta is their best, the sauce is some sort of tomato, and other awesome flavors. Very unique, and delicious! Their ginger hibiscus is good too! Super gingery. Only reason I give 4 stars is because it gets hot in there during summer, since there's no AC. If you go in the evening though it isn't bad. Food is worth it though. read more

Okay listen .. this place was an absolute delight. The food is DELICIOUS and the service, fantastic. Do not sleep on this joint. Oxtail stew, stewed chicken, festivals, stewed tofu, jerk chicken 12/10. read more

Love this place. Super friendly owners. The food is great. And the outside area looks awesome. The monthly buffet they do is a great way to try out all of the different dishes you've probably never had. This is becoming one of my favorite spots in Chico. read more

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If I could rate a 3.5, I would, but I'll err on the side of 4 stars. The food was very, very good. I had the curried goat and the boyfriend had the salt fish with ackee fruit. My dish was spicy while his was salty and very fishy--things we both appreciate. In addition to my entree I also enjoyed the plantains (I wish we got more!), the very spicy sauce served on the side (it makes your head tingle!), and the rice and beans (called rice and peas). My only complaint was the slow service. I could see where previous posters were not happy with this restaurant. There was one party of four besides us and it took a long time for us to receive our food. Given that one waitress was plenty for the low amount of guests, I'm going to put the slow service on cooking. The food is freshly made and that is a plus, but it takes a long time and that is a minus. I would recommend anyone wanting to try this place to go on an off night like we did on a Tuesday and to go in without expectations you'll be served quickly. Instead enjoy the restaurant for what it is and be laid back just like the atmosphere. read more

This place is great. It's only a week old, so they are still working out a few kinks in the system. Sipho is a super friendly guy, the whole staff is very nice and pleasant to deal with. I've never had Jamaican food before this, and really had no idea what Jamaican food was like. I heard that the Curried Goat was great so I figured I'd kill two birds with one stone 1) Jamaican 2) Goat, if it was gross no biggy, just never get it again. Well as it turns out, it was amazing! The Curried Goat is tender, spicy and delicious. My wife got the Jerk Chicken which is also a winner, it's very smoky with a little bit of spice to it. I can't wait to go back again for some stew, steamed fish...and pretty much everything else on the menu. Sipho's is clean, affordable and delicious so do yourself a favor and swing by. read more

Sipho's Restaurant and Cafe - Steamed Salmon - Caribbean Near Me - Chico, California

I debated on if I should give it four or five stars but to give it four would feel like I'm just nitpicking. I got the browned chicken with the rice and peas. You can tell that the chicken was cooked with mindfulness and love. It's so flavorful and juicy. Marinaded straight to the bone. The rice and peas were kinda dry (it's basmati rice), but the juice from the chicken brought life to it. I also got a slice of rum cake and I'm so glad I did. It's not so sweet that it feels like sugary afterthought dessert, but more of that satisfying end to a good meal. I'd definitely recommend this place. It's a laid back atmosphere worth coming to. The woman running the counter was so welcoming and kind hearted. She's the reason I'm giving it a full five stars. Nothing but love. read more

I stopped for lunch and was very pleased. Not being a fan of Jerk flavoring, I opted for the chicken curry. The flavors presented were incredible, presentation was adequate, atmosphere and staff friendly and courteous. Although they did not SEEM to hurry, they were quite efficient. I did have an issue with bones in the chicken. Now I am not a fan of boneless chicken, but these were cleaved to a small enough size they would have been VERY easy to accidently swallow. I am not an expert on Jamaican food or tradition, but it seems to me they would do better to leave the bones larger and easier to remove. There IS a warning on the menu that I was shown.. but it still seems to me that bones would be better not served as tiny fragments. Perhaps some day I will be adventurous enough to try the goat.. I will have to come mentally prepared for that though. read more

I love siphos and the down to earth atmosphere that it has. Servings are nice and everything comes out hot and fresh. A very lovely place for families, students, friends, colleagues, etc. read more

He atmosphere here is very on point! The outdoor garden area is very relaxing. Our server was very friendly and essential to the restaurant. The food was great as well. Lots of flavor and that ginger lemonade was worth going back for . read more

I first came here as a RCM for JoyRun. After entering and smelling the food I automatically knew I had to give this place a try! I came back a week later and tried one of their main dishes with chicken and rice as well as one of the deserts that was like a ball of dough with honey. It was all so delicious with simply yet flavorful spices! I can't believe I didn't give them a try sooner! The services was amazing and the owner is the cook. You can see how much they care about the food, their business and their customers. read more

For whatever reason, whether it's the location or the lack of air conditioning during the summer, I only get Sipho's every few months. And every time I do, I think to myself that I should really eat here more often. The food is amazing. read more

My girlfriend and I tried Sipho's for lunch last Sunday. My family is West Indian, so I was excited by the possibility of having some great jerk chicken in Chico. When we arrived we were the only customers, but I attribute this to the fact that it was raining heavily outside. The restaurant has a casual atmosphere and I heard several Bob Marley classics during our meal. Side note: I love Bob Marley, but there are so many more great reggae artists out there. At least toss in some Tarrus Riley every once in a while. To drink, I ordered a ginger lemonade which is described on their menu as lemonade with a ginger twist. In reality, the ginger was the only thing I could taste. The drink needed either more lemon juice or more sugar. Something was needed to balance out the spice of the ginger. For our meals, we ordered the jerk chicken plate and a jerk chicken sandwich. Before the chicken arrived, we received a plate of fried plantains. This was the best part of the meal. The plantains were crispy on the outside, and soft and sweet on the inside. Unfortunately, the rest of the meal was not quite up to the standard of the plantains. The jerk chicken plate only had two small pieces (a tiny drumstick and a thigh) of chicken. The rest of the plate was mainly unseasoned rice and beans. There was a little bit of a salad tucked into the corner of the plate. While the portions were disappointing, the chicken did have a great smoky taste. However, it was not spicy and lacked some of the spices that really set jerk chicken apart from American barbecue, namely allspice. I couldn't taste any allspice on the chicken. The jerk sandwich was fine, although I wish they had used a roll for the bun instead of two slices of un-toasted wheat bread. The fries were really the highlight of the dish as they were well-seasoned and perfectly cooked. Even though the food was not impressive to me, our service was great and the atmosphere was pleasantly relaxed. If you haven't had Jamaican food, it is definitely worth trying. read more

This is my new favorite restaurant in Chico. I've passed this place many times driving back from meetings with farmers out on Dayton Rd. This place is on the edge of town before you hit the orchards. The food here is awesome. If you've never had Jamaican food before, it's like spicy soul food. I say that because their food really has soul. I had the oxtail stew at lunch with rice and beans. It also comes with a small side salad and some fried plantains. It was so good, I came back four hours later for dinner to try their curried goat. First, the oxtail stew. It's a thick stew full of flavor and chunks of braised oxtail. It tastes so good, it feels like it's healing your soul as your eating it. The best part for me is picking up the pieces of oxtail on the bone and sucking out the meat. Not the best table manners but it's worth it! Rice and beans were also very tasty. When I returned for dinner, the cook recognized me and said 'You're here for the curried goat, right?' Right on! This was also full of flavor both curry and all spice (I think). It was just a bit spicy but soooo tasty.. The staff here is low key but very friendly and quick to smile. Half orders of most entrees are about $9 or $10 but half orders fill an entire plate. Not sure how big the full orders are. Maybe two plates? Give them a try! If you like spicy food, you'll love them. Next time, I'm trying the curried chicken and jerk chicken! read more

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3 Star Food - my yellow curry goat was pretty good, but daughter's chicken ... was well just poorly fried reconstituted chicken nuggets. At that price I was expecting something better. Fries were ridiculously oily. Gimme some real chicken strips and take the fries off the menu, and it could be four stars. 2 Star Ambiance - lighting was ... weird, and it was super chilly. (left our sweaters one). I love Bob Marley, but when I start hearing the same songs for the second time I realized we had been there a long ass time. 1-Star Speed - I'm okay with island time, but not when the place is half empty. Hell, an offer of an appetizer would have solved this. 4-Star Friendliness - chef came out and checked on us, and the waiter was slow to the draw but nice. Skip the restaurant, and just grab something at their booth at Thursday night market next summer. read more

My wife and I went with our neighbor. After bantering about where to go, we decided to adventure-out, and try Sipho's. what a great meal! We ordered a sampler (goat, oxtail, jerk chicken) and a half order of the brown stewed chicken. We also ordered plantains and dumplings (chicken curry gravy) off the appetizer menu. And a ginger lemonade. Sitting outside was delightful. The food was WONDERFUL. It's always reassuring when they bring you a bone plate; let's me know I'm getting real food. I can't wait to go back. Not too spicy...flavor with a kick. read more

From their veggie sandwiches to the curried tofu goodness and the ever so savory rasta pasta, this restaurant is delicious and amazing. With its Jamaican and Rastafarian themed decor and the dishes offered reflecting its theme, they have eon me over. It is fantastic for vegetarians and non - vegetarians, the staff, especially the manager, Sepoy, are welcoming, friendly, and approachable. Whether you buy half or full, I guarantee that you will be stuffed for a reasonable price. It may not be near the campus or downtown, but I recommend you try Sipho's out. read more

Sipho's Restaurant and Cafe - Curried Tofu with rice. - Caribbean Near Me - Chico, California

The food is always amaZing! The vibe in restaurant is very chill and welcoming. Rasta-wrap is delicious! Plantains , omg. Sooo good! Salmon salad is super yummy with great flavor. Jerk sauce is amazing too read more

Hey veg community - add this one to your list of vegan friendly options in town! Staff was very friendly and helpful when navigating the menu for items where tofu could be substituted. Ask about the curried tofu, ital stew, rasta pasta, rice & beans/peas, and fried plantains. Would definitely go there again! read more

Relaxed, ate great food, very polite staff, great experience! We had the Rasta Pasta (Tofu/Vegetable pasta) and Jerk Chicken- Ginger lemonade and Festivals of course! Always pleased!!! **don't go if you are in a hurry- seriously, this is island style- leave your stress at home. **don't be upset if they have ran out of some menu items- that happens to good restaurants- call ahead if you are concerned. **don't be upset if you get a wiff of bad smell outside- it is a county problem and they can't help it- just pretend like you are really in another country! It's WORTH it!! I'm eating left-overs as I type this and my gawd it's even more delicious! read more

This might be the only place in the northermost part of the United States where you can find legit Ital Stew and Salt Fish & Akee. I don't even think you can find that straight-off-the-island goodness in Seattle or Portland! In any case, I ended up at Sipho's from listening to a radio commercial, it sounded appetizing. The ox tail stew and callaloo together weren't too spicy but had enough kick. I ended up getting the sorrel drink and the sweetness of the sorrel calms down your tongue quite nicely. The goat curry also looked appetizing. I asked the waiter if they had cocoa bread and unfortunately they don't, nor do they have beef patties, but overall Sipho's was a perfect stop for dinner before heading back on I-5 for a long drive back home. read more

Sipho's gets better every time my family and I go back. In the beginning of their culinary journey, there were a few times I went and left feeling a little dissatisfied. However, I am a strong believer of good food and completely understand it takes a while to get the hang of things-between ordering, staffing, cooking, presentation, etc-it is tough! I am so glad we have come back (about 10 times). I am a fan of the Jerk Chicken and Chicken Curry dishes. My husband likes the Oxtail, Goat, and pretty much anything Sipho's offers. We also had the Island fries which were a nice touch. They now serve beer...Red Stripe goes so well with my Chicken Curry :) Sipho and his staff are humble and hard working which is a rare find these days in the restaurant business-you can feel the love when in there. I think it is so important to support local businesses in Chico-especially good ones like Sipho's. read more

After my sister's graduation from Chico, we were looking for a uncrowded, nontraditional and ridiculously yummy place to eat. After a stop at T. Bar and Fusion and Cafe, to cool ourselves after the ridiculously warm morning, we decided on Sipho's. First off all, it's off the beaten path. Second, it's painted with a color that only someone from an island nation could love. Third, they play reggae music all day long. What's not to love? Service was ridiculously slow and it seemed like there were only three people on duty. It seemed as though there were only two front of house and one back of house employees. That said, it took exactly 45 minutes to get our food. They were kind enough to send out some fried plantains and fries to tide us over (subsequently gobbled up like we had never eaten before). We finally got the food and it was...okay. I mean, the jerk chicken sandwich my dad got was awesomely delicious. My jerk chicken was well seasoned. I didn't care for the rice and peas (rice and beans) as they were definitely on the dry side. The Ginger-Lemonade is ridiculously refreshing and I recommend it on the rare hot day in Chico. All in all, I'd definitely come back! Yah, man. read more

We visited this place's booth at the Taste of Chico. We tried the jerk chicken and curried chicken. We were both very pleased with our dishes. The jerk chicken looked dry but it was very tasty and tender. The curried chicken was delicious. It was moist, fell off the bone, a little sweet but also had some spicy heat. I would like to try their restaurant one day when I am back in Chico. Their menu has a few things I'd like to try. read more

Cool friendly spot with delicious food made with love! Very vegan friendly with multiple options for all. Will definently return to try more dishes. Outdoor seating available with music playing on a sunny afternoon. Callaloo and rasta pasta were a hit but everything we had was delicious! read more

Love this place! Anytime I miss Jamaica, Sipho's does the trick of satisfying my nostalgia. The jerk chicken, plantains, and fresh additions from the garden, make this location a no-brainer. read more

This place is my favorite place to grub in Chico. The food is so fresh and delicious. I would recommend the jerk chicken, It's to die for!

I had high hopes as we need more authentic ethnic food restaurants in Chico. I went there on their opening night (July 8, 2011) and it was a disaster. Long story short: 1 1/2 hour waiting at our table, was asked 4 times what we had ordered, after waiting 30 minutes for our drinks they told me they were out of the drink that I had ordered. Right before we finally got some food they came and for the last time asked us what we had ordered. Then told me that they were out of jerk chicken. I told them I'd take anything and so a few minutes later we did receive some food which was cold. Normally I would never go back with service and food like we experienced however I want Siphos restaurant to succeed and so decided to give it another chance since that was opening night. -- So over 3 weeks late on a Tuesday night (August 2, 2011) I decided to give them another chance. Initially it wasn't busy (6pm) and Siphos himself came out to shake our handsa and ask our names. The service was better (it only took 30 minutes to get our food) however still far from acceptable. Our poor over-worked waitress was the only wait person and when they became busier there was no humanly way that she could handle all of us. Again I saw it as poor and inexperienced management. I never received my drink again this time and had to go to the front counter to ask for twice promised water (I had given up on getting my ordered drink). The jerk chicken was not only not juicy it was the driest chicken I have ever had in my life and was more like chicken jerky. Obviously previously cooked a long time ago. If Siphos is still in business in 6 months I might go back to give them yet another chance. read more

THE JERK CHICKEN IS AMAZING! Cooked over almond wood, authentically seasoned so be prepared for a little kick. if your not ready for some amazing flavors, pass on this dish. the chef is passionate about the food, he prepares it with pride. it shows. cant speak for service, got this at farmer market. However, being the impatient person I am, would gladly wait for food of this caliber. read more

Like reggae? Like beer? Like awesome food? This is the place! It's like going home, even if you've never been to Jamaica!!! read more

I've been trying to get here for some time, and finally got to it this week. What a great place to get some island vibes and fabulous food. I tried a little of everything, brown stewed chicken, jerk, and oxtail were all amazing. Rice and peas were on point and I enjoyed the different preparation of plantains too. Make sure you also get yourself a ginger-lemonade to wash it all down, it's the bomb. Seriously, I can't wait to get back to this place to explore more of the menu. Get there for some real food now. read more

Amazing! Such a fun, authentic place and the owners are lovely people! My husband and I were visiting in town yesterday and picked up our favorite, the jerk chicken wraps and the dinner for later as well. Slight sweet heat and terrific rice and beans! We are never disappointed with Sipho's and will continue to support small businesses likes this one, hope you will too! read more

Really good salmon sandwich. Food was taking a little longer than usual so they brought us out fried plantains. Great costumer service l!

I agree with the reviewer below me... Island time, mon. Don't complain about the service time, its just a difference in culture. Rasta Pasta, add jerk chicken. BOOMING with flavor. This meal literally warms my soul, and in my eyes is the Pad-Thai of Jamaican food. Just finished savoring my leftovers and decided to come give credit where credit is due. Also, their homemade ginger lemonade is tasty. Delicious food, quaint Caribbean bungalow decor, and authenticity at its finest. Give it a try and if you don't know what to get.. Rasta Pasta with jerk chicken all day. read more

The service was great, and the food was better! We got our food pretty fast, but we were there when it was pretty quiet. This is honestly some of the best food in Chico. read more

The jerk chicken was pretty good! The homemade fries are served sweet with cinnamon sugar. But the service sucked. Slow. We asked for salt and lemons, and never got either! The waitress forgot . We also had to get up and ask twice for water refills. And almost half of the entree plate is their red beans and rice, which isn't like the menu describes, and not that great. I couldn't swallow the green curry chicken. Not going back. read more

I had a delicious lunch here today. They have a real layed back atmosphere that is really comfortable yet clean and tidy at the same time. A very nice authentic Jamaican menu lets the chef, who was very nice when I met him, cook the food he knows best. and you can tell how authentic it is when you take a bite. Very delicious. I ordered the full order of Jerk chicken with red beans and rice and salad and fried plantains. Over all tons of flavor, really fresh tasting, and very good. I will definitely be back. irie read more

Only the best Jamaican restaurant in Northern California. I am Siphos first customer, walked in there over 7 years ago and still love it to this day . read more