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    St James - Modern Caribbean

    4.3 (475 reviews)
    PriceyCaribbean
    Closed 12:00 pm - 4:00 PM, 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM

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    ST JAMES - MODERN CARIBBEAN ATMOSPHERE

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    For the Culture: DMV Food Tour
    Joy O.

    Saint James was the first stop on the For the Culture: DMV Food Tour, and despite my feelings about the tour itself, this restaurant definitely made a good first impression. The décor is beautiful, the vibe is on point, and the Afrobeats had me ready to stay all night. The staff was friendly and welcoming, which made the experience even better. Now...if you're sitting by the windows, don't be surprised if you get a little free entertainment. There were some interesting characters outside banging on the glass, but hey...that's city life. As for the food, I know the tour menu was only a small sample, so I'm trying not to judge the restaurant too harshly. The brisket was good, the greens were good, but the mac and cheese just didn't do it for me. It had this delayed spice that caught me off guard, and I wasn't a fan. That said, I've heard their regular menu is much better than what we were served on the tour, so I'm absolutely willing to spin the block. Between the beautiful décor, good service, authentic Caribbean menu, and Afrobeats setting the mood, I can definitely see myself coming back for the full experience.

    Brisket and Smoky Greens (v)
    Dr F.

    I was excited to try St. James Modern Caribbean as part of the For the Culture DMV Food Tour, but unfortunately, this dish was a nope for me. We sampled the greens, mac & cheese, and brisket with gravy, served family-style. The greens were well-seasoned, but the texture was off and they lacked the flavorful finish I was hoping for. The mac & cheese was definitely cheesy, but the flavor just wasn't there for me. The brisket was the biggest disappointment--it was tough rather than tender, and the gravy didn't save it. Overall, the presentation and concept were nice, but the food didn't deliver on flavor or texture for me. Unfortunately, this one gets a NOPE.

    Paratha Platter
    Patricia S.

    The restaurant interior is very nice, and the high top tables have very comfortable chairs. We started with the jerk wings and pork pow for apps. Jerk wings were tender! The pork pow was a bit over salted and didn't come out that hot. For mains we shared the paratha platter with 2 beef (instead of 1 beef 1 goat). I did appreciate the option to switch out the goat! This also didn't come out super hot. We liked the chickpea curry the most, and the beef was just a bit plain. We weren't huge fans of the pumpkin. Overall we weren't blown away, might prefer Cane over this! Service was very quick though and food came out fast.

    Sorrel Fizz
    LaTonaya B.

    My first time having Trinidad culture food & it was absolutely delicious.Lots of spices & flavors. The service was FIRST CLASS, make sure to ask for Pierre's section...thank you Pierre for the delicious recommendations & service.The Pepper Shrimp was "AMAZING" along with the rest of our dishes.They have bread that's good called Roti which is delicious.It reminded me of a tortilla but lighter & softer. It's a little loud but the vibe is nice.They play nice jazz & there is a full bar.Great place to meet friends & definitely a date.Parking is a challenge but definitely worth it & everything was clean. When I'm back in DC again I'll visit St James again,

    Dumplings With Braised Pork Shoulder
    Ray B.

    Are you kidding me? Duck, pork, beef, fish--every single dish was superbly prepared. I honestly can't think of one thing I didn't enjoy. We showed up on a Thursday evening without reservations, and they had no problem seating our party of three. For the level of flavor and execution, the portion sizes were surprisingly generous. It's been over two hours since we left, and I'm still thinking about the meal--that says everything. Great job, St. James. BB

    Brisket Platter
    Gheeda H.

    Insanely flavorful! I ordered the brisket platter with sweet plantains and pepper shrimp, and everything on the plate was packed with flavor. The beef brisket was incredibly tender and cooked perfectly. The sweet plantains added the perfect touch of sweetness, and the pepper shrimp had a great kick. Our waiter was very helpful and walked us through the menu, pointing out some of the highlights. The ambience is chill and relaxed, making it a great spot for a date night or dinner with friends. Definitely recommend checking it out. Looking forward to coming back!

    Oxtails
    Kelci M.

    The bartender Diggs is so friendly and definitely made our evening an even better one! Extra star for the amazing service. I loved the greens & coconut rice however the oxtails were really fatty. I'm willing to give it another try!

    Pineapple Chow
    LaToya K.

    After seeing posts about St. James on social media I knew I had to come the next time I was in DC. My friend and I didn't have a reservation but decided to walk in on a Saturday night. There were no tables available but there were two seats at the bar. The bartenders who were working that night were great! They made amazing drinks and even tweaked some menu drinks to our likings. The food is shared plates and an appetizer a medium meal and a side were perfect for the two of us to share. The macaroni pie was some of the best I've ever had in a restaurant. Possibly the best that wasn't home cooked. The wings were also very tasty. The oxtails were honestly just OK. They were very tender but not super flavorful. I'll definitely be back the next time I'm in DC.

    Lorianne W.

    Came here last night for a meal and drinks. My friend and I sat at the bar and we had an experience. We just got back from carnival so we appreciated the array of Trinidadian rums available. I love the layout and decor - great use of space and color. Food Jerk wings - 10 out of 10. They were well seasoned and fell off the bone. They paired nicely with the aioli that was provided. Mac and cheese - the best. Very creamy and satisfying. Definitely not your typical Mac and cheese. Coconut rice - deliciousness in a bowl Oxtail- least favorite. Out of a 10 I would give it a 3. Seasoning was a minimum. This dished reminded me more of pepper pot. Definitely was a bit disappointed. Drinks Passion me up - 10 out of 10 strong but sweet Pineapple chow - 10 out of 10 another banger. Music They played a steady mix consisting of Afro beats. Here's my thing - you're a Caribbean restaurant, carnival was just two weeks ago - the people want soca- well I did. They missed a perfect opportunity to show up the people our culture. Cons There's a 20+% up-charge so the restaurant can pay the employees a "living" wage and then you still have to pay 18% (or more for tip). I think this is ridiculous and I have my thoughts but I still paid it. Aside from the oxtail and the additional cost - I loved this place. I will be back.

    Crab Accras
    Connie C.

    We came to St. James for my friend's birthday dinner -- a table for six on a Saturday night with a 7:00 PM reservation. The restaurant was clearly very busy, and we ended up waiting about 15 minutes past our reservation time to be seated, which wasn't ideal but understandable given the weekend crowd and lively atmosphere. I started with the Honeybee cocktail, which was excellent -- refreshing, well-balanced, and easily one of my favorite drinks of the night. I tried to order a second round toward the end of dinner, but unfortunately the order never made it through, so I didn't get another. A small hiccup, but worth mentioning since the drink itself was so good. The food started off incredibly strong. I ordered the crab accras, and I'm still thinking about them. They were perfectly crisp on the outside, soft and flavorful inside, and came with two standout aiolis -- culantro and garlic -- both absolutely delicious and perfect for dipping. Around the table, friends ordered the jerk wings (spicy and flavorful) and cassava fritters, which were a hit. For my entrée, I had the duck & dhal. The dhal purée paired with coconut jasmine rice was rich, comforting, and deeply flavorful. The duck, slow-cooked for 24 hours, had great flavor, though slightly on the drier side -- but when eaten together with the coconut rice, it balanced out beautifully and didn't feel dry overall. We shared bites across the table, and everything leaned strongly toward authentic Caribbean flavors. One friend who is Trinidadian commented on how authentic the food tasted overall, and another said the fried plantains were the best they've had in the area and tasted just like traditional Caribbean-style plantains. The callaloo soup had a wonderfully earthy, comforting flavor that stood out as well. Another friend ordered the pepper shrimp, featuring jumbo shrimp in a pimento chili sauce with black rice -- the kind of spice that slowly creeps up and gives a gentle numbing heat in the best way. One friend also ordered the paratha roti platter -- I didn't get a chance to try a bite myself, but it looked incredible when it came out and is definitely something I'd order next time. Unfortunately, the experience dipped toward the end of the evening. One friend's oxtail arrived burnt, which was disappointing and had to be sent back. After quite a long wait, the replacement order came out incorrect, which was frustrating -- especially during a birthday celebration. It felt like the kitchen may have been struggling to keep consistency as the night went on. That said, the restaurant still made the celebration special. They came out to sing happy birthday and brought a rum cake with ice cream, which was a lovely touch and a great way to end the evening -- the rum cake itself was delicious. Overall, the food at St. James is genuinely impressive -- flavorful, authentic, and memorable. Despite some service and consistency issues later in the night, I would absolutely come back again, especially to try the fried snapper (and hopefully a perfectly executed oxtail next time). And honestly, I'm still thinking about those crab accras.

    10/10
    T F.

    I stopped in for the lunch special, and it was outstanding. The setting is small and intimate, making it a great place to enjoy a relaxed meal. The oxtail was incredibly tender, and every item on the plate complemented the others perfectly. The flavors came together beautifully. I'll definitely be back.

    Macaroni Pie
    John A.

    I've been wanting to try the St James for quite some time...made reservations for a mid weekend experience and was seated immediately by the hostess. The decor is nice is certainly passable for date night and mid size parties. Looking at the menu we were a little indecisive but eventually figured it out. The best decision we made was the crab accra...I'm positive I spelled that wrong so just ask for the crab dish under the appetizers lol. Solid 10/10...fresh, different, and served hot kinda like mini crab cake but with a twist. Next we tried the Rotti platter for two...food is indeed enough for two people so majority of that dish went home. Out of the spread of items I'm picking the sweet potatoes as my fav. 7/10 Also tried the jerk wings...very flavorful indeed...these wings are grilled not smoked...but certainly contain flavor...not sure why they don't serve a jerk chicken entree because this appears to be a specialty item indeed 8/10 Last I tried the macaroni pie...great presentation and delivery but half of my pie was cold...luckily the sauce was hot so I just made it work. 7/10 Overall the food and service is very good...I understand restaurants cook food the day before in preparation but a few of my dishes were cold and hot at the same time which is a dead giveaway. No need to make a fuss over it so I just kept my meals to take home. I would comeback to try different items but I'd probably ask more questions before ordering.

    Jerk wings Crab Accras ‍
    Ashley C.

    Let's talk St James, our severs name was Tim same name as my husband so I can't forgot. The food was phenomenal. He said the pork chop was his favorite and boy was it good. Literally tenderism on a plate. I really wanted to pick up the bone and eat it but you know I'm a lady . The honey bee drink with sir Davis whiskey was right up my alley in how I like my drinks. That lil rum old fashioned butter beware that drink is SCRONG okay! The chocolate lava cake had some sort of spice seasoning on it very small amount tha just gave it what it needed. When I tell you the service was top top notch and I will truly be back again and again. Let me circle back to the pork chop really quick when I tell you I don't eat dumplings or mushrooms ... well apparently now only at st James!!! The whole plate was fantastic! We also had the jerk wings and crab balls (I'm going to dumb down the name because I don't remember) both of which were fantastic. The chicken was NOT over cooked at all super moist with a spice. And surprisingly the crab balls I liked. Anything that looks like a hush puppy is a no for me but my husband got them and I tried and we could add it to the list of things I also now eat. Okay now let's talk Tim. He was so on time with everything truly coming through with whatever you needed. Service all around was on point. This place feels like your local watering hole as far as the vibe with an upscale aesthetic. Honorable mention for the nice CLEAN bathroom yes please. I could go on and on but overall do not miss out on this place. I will for sure be back.

    Jerk wings

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    St James - Modern Caribbean Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - St James - Modern Caribbean

    How is the parking?

    I believe it's regular street parking. I last went about 3 weeks ago on a Sunday afternoon, I ended up parking on a side street about 2 blocks away

    I was trying to make a reservation for one on Resy but it wouldn't allow it. How do I make a reservation for one?

    Hi, please make a reservation for 2 and make a note in the special request section that it will be one person. We’ll then update the party size accordingly.

    Is there a Dress code?

    No, we do not have a dress code.

    Any live music?

    No live music, yet

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Seta Oasis

    Seta Oasis

    4.5(13 reviews)
    1.5 mi

    I came here with my wife and her friend... I was the designated driver. They had a few drinks. They…read morementioned how much ice was in their first orders of drinks, but the waitress served them more drinks and the second orders had less ice and they liked it. I had plain Coca Cola with ice. They also had rum punch and they loved it. My wife's friend had some steamed fish with vegetables and she said she enjoyed it. I had a piece of it and I do concur. Yum, yum. The jerk chicken wasn't that spicy but I loved that it was grilled. Our waitress, Mara was awesome, she was quick to bring our drinks and refills. She was very inviting. And she kept bringing more drinks for my wife and her friend. I don't drink. So I stayed with my water and soda. I also enjoyed the World Cup game on their bring screen. Great sound and the lighting is very relaxing. Not too loud, which is a wonderful thing for me.

    Celebrate Black History month by supporting Black owned businesses…read more I attended a fun cigar event held in the VIP room on the second floor of SETA Oasis, which featured an open bar. We ordered a variety of chicken wings, along with french fries and some light fare. The VIP room has a lively ambiance, equipped with four large-screen TVs, seating for 60 people, making it perfect for events. From the outside, the building appears smaller than it actually is, as it's a multi-level venue that can host various events simultaneously. The restaurant downstairs offers a Caribbean menu that has received positive reviews, particularly for its brunch. It's also heartwarming to note that the restaurant is named in honor of the owner's late mother, Seta, adding a personal touch to the experience. I plan to return and explore more of their offerings in the future.

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    Seta Oasis - Irie stickers, vegetarian

    Irie stickers, vegetarian

    Seta Oasis - Rum punch

    Rum punch

    Seta Oasis - Seabreeze (876 martini)

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    Seabreeze (876 martini)

    Lydia On H - Jerk wings

    Lydia On H

    3.6(152 reviews)
    2.8 mi
    $$

    I have been here a few times mostly for work related events. This is an African owned and inspired…read morevenue. The owner was motivated by his mother and grandmother. The menu has a mix of African and soul foos options. All the dishes I have had have been flavorful and cooked so good. Drinks have been hit or miss and are on the pricey side. The venue has 2 floors. The first floor has an outdoor patio in the back. The second floor is smaller and has a Speakeasy.

    Lydia on H is a cozy Afro-Caribbean restaurant in Washington, D.C., offering a unique fusion of…read moreMalawian and Caribbean flavors. It's a small but quaint spot with a mix of booth and table seating, making it a nice place for a relaxed dinner with friends. As a picky eater visiting for the first time, I kept my order simple with wings and rice. The wings were the highlight of the meal--crispy, flavorful, and well-seasoned. The rice, however, was disappointing. It was dry and lacked seasoning, and I found myself wishing it had at least a little butter and salt to enhance the flavor. The mocktails were delicious and complemented the meal well. The atmosphere was warm and inviting. The music was at the perfect volume--easy to enjoy while still being able to carry on a conversation without shouting, which made for a pleasant evening with friends. Our server was attentive, friendly, and made us feel welcome throughout the meal. One small note: the ladies' restroom was clean but very small and narrow. It had a hook-and-latch style door but no place to hang a purse, which would be a nice addition. Parking on H Street is always a hit or miss, so plan accordingly if you're driving. Ratings: * Food: (3/5) * Atmosphere: (3/5) * Service: (4/5) * Dinner with Friends: (5/5) Overall, Lydia on H is a pleasant neighborhood spot with friendly service, tasty wings, and excellent mocktails. While the rice missed the mark for me, I enjoyed the company, the conversation, and the relaxed atmosphere. I would consider returning to try other menu items.

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    Lydia On H - Facing the kitchen

    Facing the kitchen

    Lydia On H - Drums and fries

    Drums and fries

    Lydia On H - Rum punch and Margaritas

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    Rum punch and Margaritas

    Dōgon - Smoked collard greens and cornbread

    Dōgon

    4.3(350 reviews)
    2.4 mi
    $$$$

    My friend came to town, and I wanted her to experience Dōgon before she left. We both ordered the…read moreMango Basil Smash. Every time I come here, I'm blown away by the quality of their drinks. The mango was a great complement to the Dusse Cognac. The oysters escovitch came out first: 3 oysters with jalapeño slices to give it an added kick. The shrimp creole was out of this world with its flavor profile and spice. The rum cake never disappoints either.

    Dōgon, Kwame Onwuachi's restaurant located in the Salamander Hotel, has been hailed as one of the…read morebest new dining destinations in the Washington, D.C. area. For me, the restaurant was a perfect introduction to Afro-Caribbean cuisine. As someone with little prior experience with the cuisine, I went into the meal open-minded and excited to see what was to come. The restaurant is located off to the side of the Salamander's main lobby, and from the very first peek inside, the space screams elegance. The interior design is sleek, clean, and intentionally dark, featuring a fully black color palette with dim, moody lighting. Despite the sophisticated appearance, our first interactions with the hosts were warm and inviting, giving off a much more laid-back vibe than I expected. After taking our first steps into the restaurant, it was much bigger than it seemed from the entrance. Despite this, it was exceptionally well-staffed. Our table was ready when we got there, and we were seated immediately. Throughout the night, the staff was fast and efficient. It was never hard to get someone's attention, and our server constantly did rounds to ensure everything was running smoothly. However, as the evening progressed, I noticed the service being a little formulaic. Every interaction felt scripted, as I heard the same verbiage being used with the tables next to us. I ultimately didn't have a problem with this, as it ensures consistency and smooth execution across all tables and visits. As for the menu, it was very concise. Only being one page, I thought it was the perfect size. It offered enough variety to be interesting without being so vast that it felt overwhelming. Every option felt unique, showcasing flavors and ingredients I wasn't entirely familiar with, yet everything felt enticing and highly orderable. Our server ran down the menu and enthusiastically suggested much more food than we could realistically handle. We ended up selecting a snack, a small share, a large share, and a bread option. This felt like the right amount of food to get a proper, well-rounded survey of what the kitchen has to offer. Although the kitchen courses the meal out, the dishes seemed to have arrived at our table as soon as they were ready. We ordered the piri piri salad, the charbroiled oysters, Mom Duke's shrimp, and the chicken and rice. The first thing to hit our table was the piri piri salad, which featured a beautiful presentation. The bright colors of the fresh ingredients popped vividly against the dark plate. While the salad itself only took up a fraction of the plate, it was matched by just the right amount of dressing to fully coat the salad. After mixing everything together, it harmonized perfectly. The piri piri flavor came through beautifully, delivering its signature spice alongside a fruity, tangy taste. This heat was nicely balanced by the surprising addition of fresh grapes for sweetness, the rich creaminess of avocado, and crisp seasonal ingredients that highlighted a delicious combination of textures. This was followed by the charbroiled oysters, which arrived as a pair alongside a lemon wedge. Of all the dishes we ordered, I found the oysters to be the least interesting, essentially just being a somewhat standard one-bite flavor bomb. I was also a bit disappointed to see that the two oysters weren't even close to the same size. Because of this, we had trouble splitting them equally between two people. While they were definitely flavorful, they are on the more expensive side at fourteen dollars, and they aren't necessarily something I would order again. The next two dishes were amazing. When the shrimp was brought out, the presentation looked a little messy, but the aroma made it clear that the dish would be packed with flavor. The shrimp itself was cooked to perfection. The head and shell were still intact, which forced us to interact directly with the food and peel it apart at the table. The shrimp sat soaking in an incredibly well-balanced sauce that was savory, had plenty of acidity, and carried a subtle hint of spice. There was enough sauce to coat every bite, with some left over to be soaked up by the fluffy coco bread served on the side. This was a great dish that was equally fun to eat as it was delicious. Rounding out the meal was the chicken and rice. The meat was extremely tender while still featuring crispy skin and seasoning that penetrated through the whole chicken, while the rice beneath absorbed all the rich, savory juices of the dish. But what really made the dish click was the perfect balance of temperatures and textures. The sauce that coated the chicken was very spicy, but combined with the herbs, lime, rice, and chicken altogether, the spice wasn't too overwhelming and was actually quite fresh. It made for a soulful, deeply satisfying conclusion to the meal.

    Photos
    Dōgon - Entry

    Entry

    Dōgon - Wagyu, smoked collard greens, cornbread

    Wagyu, smoked collard greens, cornbread

    Dōgon - Tiki Drink

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    Tiki Drink

    Jerks of the Caribbean - Inside of the beef patty

    Jerks of the Caribbean

    4.5(72 reviews)
    2.4 mi

    Jerks of thr Carribean is a 3 min walk from the Bible museum. After walking around the museum I was…read morefamished and decided to stop by for some food. The staff there were extremely friendly answering all questions about the menu. The place was well lit and clean. All of the food is on display on a steam table so you're able to see what your food looks like beforehand. I was shocked that a restaurant selling Caribbean food didn't sell plaintains and sweet potatoe was offered as an alternative. Not even the same thing but okay. I ended up ordering oxtail. I wanted rice and peas but he said it came with white rice. I also had cabbage and sweet potatoes as my side. I had less than a quarter cup of rice and it was swimming in gravy. The food was subpar at best, unfortunately. I gave three stars cause the customer service was amazing but I can't co-sign the food.

    This review is coming to you from an actual JAMAICAN. This…read moreis NOT authentic Jamaican cuisine. The menu selection was a hint: what kind of Jamaican restaurant doesn't serve plantain? In addition, there were a number of items that aren't even considered ethnic staples. I was not a fan of how the curry or brown stew looked. With that being said, not only was I disappointed with the food, I was also disappointed with the service. The things I initially ordered were not available but rather than tell me that they disappeared into the back without telling me if or when they would be ready. After playing the waiting game, I decided to order something that was already out. The oxtail was pretty good (8/10) but nothing else on my plate was worth eating, including the rice. The callaloo wasn't nasty it just wasn't right (6/10), but the cabbage was the worst (4/10). It was too much ginger? And it didn't seem cooked down all the way. I would only recommend this spot to Americans (who've never had Jamaican food).

    Photos
    Jerks of the Caribbean - Interior

    Interior

    Jerks of the Caribbean - Oxtail, Mac and cheese, callaloo greens

    Oxtail, Mac and cheese, callaloo greens

    Jerks of the Caribbean - Interior

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    Interior

    Bammy's Modern Caribbean - Jerk chicken wings

    Bammy's Modern Caribbean

    3.9(294 reviews)
    3.5 miNavy Yard
    $$

    Bammy's is an old faithful in my book! I've been here several times over the years, and I've always…read morehad a consistently good experience. The staff are always friendly and make good conversation, and the drinks are always a good strength. Most recently, I tried one of the flavored margaritas and left very pleased! When I come here, I typically get the curry goat, which comes with rice, chickpeas, and potatoes. The most recent time I visited, the potatos were going to take a little longer to cook, so they offered me a choice between cabbage or greens instead. I went with the collard greens, and they were really good! They seemed to be cooked with a lot of butter, which was new for me when it comes to collard greens, but I still loved them overall. Bammy's is located in Navy Yard, so parking isn't always the easiest. But if you're able to snag a spot or you're already walking around the area, I definitely recommend stopping by!

    **** First off - this is a review for Union Market location. ****…read more Expect straight island time and beyond when ordering from this location. It took almost 20 minutes for the food on a Thursday afternoon. I appreciated the self order kiosk but you'd with all hands on meals it wouldn't take as long. As for the food, it was a big miss unfortunately. The cabbage was mushy. Decent taste though. The peas in the rice were hard and undercooked. The jerk chicken was cooked nice and moist. However, they put a mango sauce on top which maybe its me, but that was not the play. The beef patty was the best part of the meal but was one of the flattesr patties I've ever had. I may try to go back and try something else since its super close but I'm not going to rush to do so.

    Photos
    Bammy's Modern Caribbean - Seating area

    Seating area

    Bammy's Modern Caribbean - Jerk Wings

    Jerk Wings

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    St James - Modern Caribbean - caribbean - Updated September 2026

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