London’s bursting at the seams with Caribbean culinary wonders, but finding the true taste of the islands in this urban jungle takes some serious sleuthing.
We’re talking about those spots where every mouthful teleports you to the warmth of the Caribbean sun, the beat of steel drums, and the sea-sprayed air.
From lip-smacking Jamaican joints to dazzling Bajan gems and a whole lot more, this guide will lead you to the promised land of Caribbean cuisine in London. So, buckle up and get ready to embark on a taste bud-tickling adventure through the city’s best Caribbean restaurants.
Limin
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Location: 56 Upper Ground, London SE1 9PP, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 7916 316851
Limin takes you on a journey through the Caribbean, serving up dishes that are steeped in tradition and bursting with flavour.
From jerk chicken to curry goat, and all the way to their famous Trini doubles (a must-try, I tell you!), the menu here is a treasure trove of island goodness. Their bestseller, the oxtail stew, is a melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece that’ll have your taste buds doing a happy dance.
Rudie’s Jerk Shack
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Location: 2-10 Bethnal Green Rd, London E1 6GY, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7033 0483
If you’re talking about Caribbean cuisine, you can’t skip the glorious jerk dishes. Rudie’s Jerk Shack has absolutely nailed the art of jerk cooking.
From succulent chicken and mouth-watering pork to tender lamb and even some fantastic vegetarian options, their jerk recipes are pure perfection.
We can’t talk about Rudie’s without mentioning their award-winning dishes. “Jamaican Jerk Chicken” is an all-time favourite. It’s tender, and smoky, and packs a delightful punch of flavours that will leave you craving more.
Negril
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Location: 132 Brixton Hill, London SW2 1RS, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 8674 8798
Negril specialises in the bold, spicy, and downright delicious dishes that define Jamaican food. From fiery jerk chicken to succulent curry goat, your taste buds will be transported to the sun-soaked beaches of the Caribbean.
And Negril isn’t just for meat lovers. They’ve got a delectable selection of vegetarian and vegan options that cater to all dietary preferences.
Whether it’s their mouth-watering vegetable curry or the iconic ackee and saltfish with a plant-based twist, everyone can savour the flavours of the Caribbean.
PandaBerry Caribbean Restaurant & Jerk Centre
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Location: 2 Nether St, London N12 0EL, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 3441 5089
PandaBerry is like a passport to the islands, offering an authentic taste of the Caribbean right here in London. From the moment you walk in, you’ll be greeted with reggae vibes, vibrant colours, and the welcoming aroma of spices.
You’ll find an extensive menu that pays homage to diversity. Whether you’re a fan of the fiery heat of jerk dishes or the seafood delights of the coast, they’ve got you covered.
Chaconia
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Location: 26 Deptford High St, London SE8 4AF, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 8692 8815
Caribbean cuisine is a treasure trove of flavours from various islands, and Chaconia beautifully showcases the deliciousness of Trinidad and Tobago. They excel in offering an array of dishes that celebrate the rich culinary heritage of these twin islands.
When it comes to Chaconia’s bestsellers, you can’t overlook their Oxtail Stew. This dish is a symphony of flavours, with tender oxtail cooked to perfection in a rich, flavorful sauce that’ll have you licking your fingers and yearning for more.
Cotton’s
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Location: 45-47 Hoxton Square, London N1 6PD, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 8037 9555
Once you’re inside Cotton’s, you’re not in London any more – you’re at an island party. The lively and colourful ambience, reggae beats in the background, and the friendly staff create an atmosphere that’s as warm and inviting as a Caribbean beach.
When it comes to bestsellers, the Curry Goat is their superstar. This classic dish features tender, slow-cooked goat meat infused with a medley of spices that’ll have you savouring every single morsel.
Caribbean-Kitchen
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Location: 67 Mare St, London E8 4RG, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 3730 9952
This vibrant hotspot is the talk of the town with its lip-smacking 48-hour marinated meats, delightful sides, and a treasure trove of flavorful, home-cooked dishes.
What’s more, there’s an amazing lunchtime deal at just £4.50 a dish, making it a steal for a delicious midday Caribbean feast. Fear not, veggie lovers and herbivores, for there are dedicated vegan and veggie dishes that are sure to hit the spot.
Buster Mantis
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Location: 3-4 Resolution Way, London SE8 4NT, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 8691 5191
What’s the secret ingredient behind Buster Mantis’s mouth-watering menu, you wonder? The owners split their time between Deptford and the tropical paradise itself, ensuring their menu stays fresh and authentically Caribbean. Talk about a commitment to deliciousness!
While innovation is at the heart of Buster Mantis, they also ensure that the classics shine. The menu pays homage to Jamaican favourites, so you can savour the flavours you love while embracing the new.
Fish, Wings and Tings
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Location: Granville Arcade, Unit 3, Brixton Village, Coldharbour Ln, London SW9 8PR, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7737 4888
Fish, Wings and Tings is the ultimate hotspot for regional street food that draws crowds, and trust me, it’s for all the right reasons. This joint’s popularity is a testament to its scrumptious offerings that leave everyone clamouring for a bite.
As for the menu, Fish, Wings and Tings cater to every Caribbean craving you might have.
From delightful bites like Fried Plantain and Reggae Wings to larger-than-life offerings such as Boneless Fish Roti and Stew Oxtail, every dish promises a burst of flavours that’ll have you coming back for more
Danclair’s Kitchen
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Location: 67-68, Granville Arcade, Coldharbour Ln, London SW9 8PS, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7733 9800
You could swing by Danclair’s Kitchen for brunch, lunch, or dinner, and be greeted by a tantalising tapas-style menu that promises a symphony of flavours.
From the delectable stewed vegetables to the irresistible Brian’s BBQ Wings with a delightful guava glaze, and not forgetting the renowned cod fish fritters served with a zesty ginger and lime aioli – each dish is a ticket to a flavour-filled Caribbean paradise.
Guanabana Restaurant
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Location: 85 Kentish Town Rd, London NW1 8NY, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7485 1166
Nestled on Kentish Town Road since 2007, this spot isn’t your run-of-the-mill Caribbean joint. It’s a fusion gem that brings Latin Caribbean delights to the table, offering a melting pot of South American and Caribbean flavours
And here’s a little secret worth knowing: Guanabana Restaurant operates under a BYOB policy – yes, you heard it right! BYOB stands for “Bring Your Own Bottle”, allowing diners to bring their preferred alcoholic beverages to enjoy with their meal.
So, whether it’s a fine wine or your favourite tipple, bring it along and complement your meal with your drink of choice.
Ma Petite Jamaica
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Location: 4-6 Inverness St, London NW1 7HG, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 3668 2537
With locations in both Camden and Shoreditch, Ma Petite Jamaica brings a double dose of Caribbean delight to the city. It’s a full-blown party with a rum and reggae bar, where the vibes are as good as the food.
Looking for a romantic dinner spot? Ma Petite Jamaica has you covered. They offer a choice of three sharing platters that are perfect for a cosy date night. Imagine savouring barbecued pork ribs, sweet potato and pumpkin fritters, and chilli battered squid, all in a setting that oozes Caribbean charm.
Ting n Ting
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Location: Unit 2, The Pavilion, 2 Watermill Way, London SW19 2RD, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 3784 7315
Award-winning Chef Garfield Davidson, the genius behind this Caribbean gem, brought Ting ‘n’ Ting to life in 2002.
But here’s the spice-infused twist: the name Ting ‘n’ Ting wasn’t just conjured out of thin air. It was born on the TV show “Ready Steady Cook” in January 2001, where Garfield showcased his skills, whipping up the winning dish – Jerk Chicken with sweet potato mash.
Ready Steady Chef Lesley Waters, dazzled by the flavours, christened the dish and, in turn, the restaurant as Ting ‘n’ Ting.
Bellz Caribbean Restaurant
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Location: 332 Regents Park Rd, London N3 2LN, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 8346 0952
The moment you set foot in Bellz Caribbean Restaurant, you’re greeted with the rich flavours and vibrant vibes of Jamaica. It’s a full sensory experience that’ll make you forget you’re still in Finchley.
Let’s talk about their hero dish – the oxtail stew. Rich, tender, and simmered to perfection, it’s a crowd-pleaser that embodies the soul of Jamaican cuisine. One bite and you’re transported to the heart of the island.
Roti Kitchen
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Location: 6 Leeland Rd, London W13 9HH, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 8567 8899
Run by the charming Ravi and his family, Roti Kitchen specialises in the roti – a deliciously soft flatbread wrapped around fillings like curried chicken, slow-cooked goat, and their legendary butterfish.
The rotis are made fresh to order, loaded with chunks of tender meat or fish soaked in Ravi’s secret blend of herbs and spices. Each bite fills your mouth with a taste of paradise.
Make sure to try Ravi’s famous jerk chicken roti, marinated for 24 hours in his authentic island jerk sauce. The chicken is perfectly grilled, infused with that distinct fiery kick but full of depth from spices like allspice, cloves, cinnamon and scotch bonnets.
