![\"A](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alldayidreamoftravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/IMG_1452-scaled.jpg?resize=620%2C465&ssl=1\")
<\/p>\nA vibrant evening at Jasmine\u2019s Caribbean Cuisine in Hell\u2019s Kitchen<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Celebrate Caribbean Heritage Month by exploring these 9 must-try Caribbean restaurants across the the New York City metro area.\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n June is Caribbean Heritage Month. According to the 2020 US Census, approximately 4.5 million Americans<\/a> are of Caribbean descent, with Jamaicans making up half<\/a>, followed by Haitians, and Trinidadians\/Tobagonians. It\u2019s no secret that New York City is home to thousands of immigrants from the Caribbean and their descendants.<\/p>\n When New Yorkers think of West Indians, we tend to think of Brooklyn: Flatbush and Crown Heights\u2013 sections of which have been informally renamed Little Caribbean<\/a> and Little Haiti<\/a>, even appearing on Google Maps<\/a> and subway signage<\/a>; Richmond Hill and Ozone Park, Queens, home of Little Guyana <\/a>(and yes, Guyana is considered part of the Caribbean<\/a> and is a proud CARICOM nation); and of course the Bronx\u2019s White Plains Road and Gun Hill Road<\/a> corridors, home to thousands of people of Jamaican descent, but also home to Guyanese, Antiguan, Virgin Islander, St. Kittian, and Montserratian communities (bet you didn\u2019t know that!)<\/p>\n New York City has a wealth of diversity and is a great place to experience Caribbean cultures if you can\u2019t make it to the islands themselves. While there are similarities between each country, each one is unique and what better way to celebrate that uniqueness than to eat your way through each country\u2019s cuisine. Supporting locally owned restaurants and businesses is the way to experience that diversity within the Caribbean community.<\/p>\n Until the last decade or so, it was difficult to find a wealth of Caribbean sit-down restaurants. Sure, there are a abundance of roti shops and jerk take-out joints, yet not so many places to relax and savor the flavors \u2013 and perhaps, enjoy an an adult beverage. Besides, have you ever tried to eat a roti walking down the street? A messy experience \u2013 don\u2019t ask me how I know ; ) Five years ago, after the city cancelled the annual West Indian Day Parade, I decided to post a list of Caribbean-owned restaurants<\/a> to support. This list includes Black-owned, immigrant-owned, and family-run businesses. Since then, some restaurants have closed, while new ones have cropped up.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n 158 Utica Avenue Quick Summary:<\/strong> Savannah Spiced is a a culinary love affair between Trinidad and Grenada. If you\u2019ve been away for a minute, you may have known them as Savannah Cafe, a quaint yet lively spot on a sleepy stretch of Utica Avenue. Three years ago, they relocated and expanded \u2013 but don\u2019t worry, they only moved down the street. Its namesake is a combo of Trinidad\u2019s largest park, Queen\u2019s Park Savannah<\/a>, and a nod to Grenada, known as the Spice Isle, where its owners hail from. Sit-down Trinidadian restaurants are still rarity, even in Brooklyn, making it a must-go.<\/p>\n Signature Dishes and Drinks:<\/strong>\u00a0 Menu favorites include oildown, red snapper, and oxtail. Carnival junkies and West Indians alike will immediately recognize the references, with drink names like the Dingolay, Play a Jab, and Moko Jumbie. For the full experience, order an entree, a side of mango pineapple chow, and for drinks, try the Mr. Fete<\/a>, a passion fruit-infused cocktail.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n 371 West 46th Street Quick Summary:<\/strong> Most New Yorkers avoid Times Square like the plague \u2013 and you can\u2019t really blame us. Inevitably, we all detour through there once a year or so. 9th Avenue is the go-to for eats and drinks, if you get suckered into showing out of town guests Times Square. A taste of Jasmine\u2019s Caribbean Cuisine may just have you making an intentional the trip out. Located on 46th Street\u2019s Restaurant Row, Virgin Islander Jasmine Gerald<\/a>, the restaurant\u2019s namesake, will have you imagining you\u2019re at a beach bar in the Caribbean instead of busy, noisy New York.<\/p>\n Signature Dishes and Drinks:<\/strong> While Jasmine<\/a> was born in the Virgin Islands, she also has roots in Antigua and Dominica. For that reason, her vision was to give diners a medley of Caribbean dishes, like ackee and saltfish, curry chicken, and stew peas. The drink menu features fun names like Scandal Rum Punch (my favorite), One Love Colada, and Peppa Seed, a spicy libation. If you still have room for dessert, order their bread pudding, which I was lucky enough to eat on my birthday back in April.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n 62 5th Avenue Quick Summary:<\/strong> Celebrating a decade in business, BK9 is located steps from Barclay Center on Park Slope\u2019s 5th Avenue. The restaurant\u2019s name<\/a> is an homage to the nine childhood friends who co-own it. The men are of Jamaican, Haitian, and Trinidadian heritage, which play a heavy influence on the menu. Here, you\u2019ll also find Caribbean takes on conventional items, like their eggs benedict.<\/p>\n Signature Dishes and Drinks: <\/strong> Order the curry mussels or braised oxtail empanadas for starters. Their pork griot served with with pepper sauce, djon djon rice, pikliz, and green plantain is a standout and you can\u2019t go wrong with the well-seasoned jerk chicken. Wash it all down with a Bajan rum punch (sorrel-based) or a frozen Rude Boy, a strong but sweet Jamaican rum punch.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n 9501 Flatlands Avenue Quick Summary:<\/strong> Canarsie is\u00a0<\/em>off the beaten path but you won\u2019t regret making the trip out to\u00a0TriniJam<\/a>. Come with an appetite, because you\u2019ll want to try a bit of everything!\u00a0 Family-owned, the restaurant\u2019s name is a play on the husband and wife owner\u2019s Trini and Jamaican heritage. You\u2019ll see their two daughters bartending or serving tables. The spacious location is often the setting for a DJ set, karaoke, or steel pan performance.<\/p>\n Signature Dishes and Drinks:<\/strong> My favorites include the curry chicken with buss up shot (paratha roti), the stew chicken, with sides of the callaloo and calypso mango chow. For drinks, you can\u2019t go wrong with the neon-colored Bob Marley, a boozy slushie (Be careful, it creeps up on you!) or the Siparia Fete Rum Punch.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n 1206 Nostrand Avenue Quick Summary:<\/strong> Djon Djon \u2014 named for the quintessential Haitian black mushroom rice it serves up \u2013 made a splash when it opened up in 2021 in the height of COVID \u2013 then known as Zanmi<\/a>. Owner Wesley Simon, a former executive sous chef, made the decision to open his own restaurant and showcase his native Haitian cooking. On Flatbush\u2019s main drag, Nostrand Avenue<\/a>, even if you\u2019ve never stopped in, you\u2019ve definitely admired the gorgeous mural\u00a0 of a woman in full carnival costume on the restaurant\u2019s exterior.<\/p>\n Signature Dishes and Drinks: <\/strong>It would be almost wrong not to try the djon djon. Order it with griot or another meat. Google Reviewers rave about the Voodoo Pasta and macaroni au gratin. While there, my husband enjoyed a Haitian Sunset mocktail.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n 2614 Newkirk Avenue Quick Summary:<\/strong> At this point, you\u2019d have to be living under a rock not to have heard the buzz about Sugar\u2019d. The famous purse cocktails, jazz steel pan brunches<\/a>, Caribbean karaoke, and happy hours all characterize this popular Trini-inspired restaurant. This is the place you take your mom for Mother\u2019s Day, enjoy a girls night out, or to celebrate a birthday.<\/p>\n Signature Dishes:<\/strong> I\u2019ve become partial to their jerk chicken with a side of macaroni pie and callaloo. As far as drinks? The Classic Trini Rum Punch, Sorrel Margarita, or Spicy Mango Chow Margarita.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n 1248 Castle Hill Avenue Quick Summary:<\/strong> It\u2019s hard to find a sit-down West Indian spot, but even more difficult to find one in The Bronx, so a place that serves roti with a full bar and Saturday evening live DJ is a must try. The Castle Hill\/Parkchester area hits far above its waist in terms of diverse food options, with Melanie\u2019s just a block south of the 6 train.<\/p>\n Signature Dishes and Drinks:<\/strong> Regulars are fans of the Guyanese-style lo mein and fried rice. I had the curry chicken, roti, white rice, and dhal (yes, I\u2019m a good eater), and washed it down with a rum punch.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n South Division Street Quick Summary:<\/strong> Krave looks as good as it tastes, with its elegant botanical-inspired wallpaper and decor, muted colors, and modern light fixtures. Get there early so you can get a seat at one of the comfy upholstered seafoam green booths. Located in New Rochelle, it\u2019s convenient by car or train, especially if you\u2019re coming from Southern Westchester or the Bronx.<\/p>\n Signature Dishes and Drinks:<\/strong> We just happened to be passing through the neighborhood and got to experience brunch. You\u2019ll recognize elevated versions of Jamaican classics, like ackee and saltfish, and red snapper with green banana in a sea of vegetables. The drinks are good too.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n 448 Dean Street Quick Summary:<\/strong> Charm Bar celebrates five years in business this fall. On the fringes of Park Slope and Prospect Heights, this is the perfect spot to duck into for happy hour or before a show at Barclays Center. It\u2019s hard to decide what the best part about Charm Bar is: the food or the drinks. The owner cultivated the restaurant\u2019s menu to pay tribute to her own Haitian, Trinidadian, and Jamaican heritage, with modern takes on favorite dishes.<\/p>\n Signature Dishes and Drinks:<\/strong> The drinks are as gorgeous as they are delicious. It\u2019s hard to choose. I loved the Cloud 9 and Spicy Meg. Order the pork griot with djon djon rice and greens, guava jerk chicken, or oxtail rasta pasta.<\/p>\n This is my<\/em> list, though it\u2019s far from exhaustive. You can celebrate this month by amplifying your favorite Caribbean chefs, mixologists, bars, restaurants, and cookbooks<\/a>. Share posts about your<\/em> own\u00a0favorite Caribbean restaurants on social media. You could even host your own Caribbean bar crawl<\/a> or going on a food tour<\/a>. And most importantly, celebrate Caribbean heritage and support Caribbean businesses all year round, not just June.<\/p>\n Give your favorite Caribbean restaurant a shout out in the comments below.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\nCelebrate Caribbean Heritage Through Food<\/h2>\n
How I Chose These Caribbean Restaurants<\/h3>\n
9 Must-Try Caribbean Restaurants This June<\/h2>\n
1. Savannah Spiced<\/strong> \u2013 Crown Heights, Brooklyn<\/h4>\n
Brooklyn, NY 11213
@savannahspiced<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Saltfish](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alldayidreamoftravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/9117057266750682602.jpg?resize=620%2C467&ssl=1\")
<\/p>\n2. Jasmine\u2019s Caribbean Cuisine<\/strong> \u2013 Hell\u2019s Kitchen, Manhattan<\/h4>\n
New York, NY 10036
@jasminecaribbeancuisine<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Jasmine's](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alldayidreamoftravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/IMG_5483-scaled.jpg?resize=620%2C378&ssl=1\")
<\/p>\n3. BK9<\/strong> \u2013 Park Slope, Brooklyn<\/h4>\n
Brooklyn, NY 11217
@bk9restaurant<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Jerk](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alldayidreamoftravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/IMG_1594.jpg?resize=620%2C465&ssl=1\")
<\/p>\n4. TriniJam<\/strong> \u2013 Canarsie, Brooklyn<\/h4>\n
Brooklyn, NY 11236
@trinijambk<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Curry](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alldayidreamoftravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/IMG_0454-scaled.jpg?resize=620%2C465&ssl=1\")
<\/p>\n5. Djon Djon<\/strong> \u2013 Prospect Lefferts Gardens, Brooklyn<\/h4>\n
Brooklyn, NY 11225
@djondjon.bk<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Haitian](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alldayidreamoftravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/IMG_0642-scaled-e1750106772127.jpg?resize=620%2C432&ssl=1\")
<\/p>\n6. Sugar\u2019d<\/strong> \u2013 Flatbush, Brooklyn<\/h4>\n
Brooklyn, NY 11226
@sugardbk<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Jerk](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alldayidreamoftravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/4207212062675246112.jpg?resize=620%2C537&ssl=1\")
<\/p>\n7. Melanie\u2019s Roti<\/strong> \u2013 Castle Hill, Bronx<\/span><\/h4>\n
Bronx, NY 10462
@melanies_roti_bar<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Rum](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alldayidreamoftravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/IMG_0704-scaled.jpg?resize=620%2C749&ssl=1\")
<\/p>\n8. Krave <\/strong>\u2013 New Rochelle, Westchester<\/h4>\n
New Rochelle, NY 10805
@kravenewroc<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Red](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alldayidreamoftravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/IMG_8351-scaled.jpg?resize=620%2C465&ssl=1\")
<\/p>\n9. Charm Bar<\/strong> \u2013 Park Slope, Brooklyn<\/h4>\n
Brooklyn, NY 11217
@charmbarbk<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Cloud](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alldayidreamoftravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/IMG_6273-scaled.jpg?resize=620%2C605&ssl=1\")
<\/p>\nMore Ways to Celebrate Caribbean Heritage Month<\/h2>\n
Related<\/em><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
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