8 Of The Best Caribbean Restaurants in London
There are a large handful of Caribbean eateries that are more institutions than just restaurants. Since becoming more widespread in the 1960s, they have served as community cornerstones while bringing vibrant and spicy dishes into the wider culinary ecosphere, first springing up in Brixton, Hackney and Notting Hill. Whether you’re after the best jerk chicken, curry goat, rum cocktails or saltfish, here is our pick of the best Caribbean restaurants in London.
Limin Southbank
The small square just off of Southbank is a curious spot, but the Trinidad eatery Limin is a standout. Sporting a beach club vibe, the menu is full of Trinidad favourites like doubles, golden-fried flatbreads filled with channa and topped with scotch bonnet pepper sauce, tamarind sauce and mango chutney. Perfect either before or after visiting the National Theatre, BFI Southbank or Tate Modern.
56 Upper Ground, London SE1 9PP
limin.co.uk
Jam Delish
Caribbean food is delicious, but not exactly a world of choice for vegetarians. Step forward Jam Delish, which is fully vegan. Opened by siblings Jordan and Chyna, it combines their love of their grandparent’s authentic, traditional Caribbean recipes and upbringing in a vegan household.
Located in Islington, expect vegan twists on classics like jerk ‘pork’ belly tacos, curry goat and saltfish sushi.
1 Tolpuddle St, London N1 0XT
jamdelish.co.uk
Maureen’s Kitchen
A restaurant redefining what having a ‘homely’ feeling means – Maureen’s Kitchen is literally served out of Maureen’s own kitchen and home. Strolling down Railton Road, most would have no idea of the culinary delights being prepared in one of the houses – and it’s free to walk in. Mostly a takeaway spot, they now have outdoor dining in the garden, a great idea if you think you might have to go back for seconds.
Serving Caribbean classics like jerk chicken, curry goat and oxtail stew, this is one of the most beloved hidden gems in Brixton
A restaurant redefining what having a ‘homely’ feeling means – Maureen’s Kitchen is literally served out of Maureen’s own kitchen and home
52 RAILTON RD, LONDON SE24 0LF
Buster Mantis
Can’t decide between a Caribbean-inspired Sunday roast, small plates or a nightclub? Buster Mantis has all three. Situated in an old industrial unit in Deptford, it specialises in sharing dishes and turns into a dance spot open until 1:30am on the weekend.
For the food, Thursday is the day to go, as everything on the menu is just £6 – from crispy jerk chicken wings and saltfish fritters to sweet potato and plantain curry and jerk pork belly. And don’t miss their special cocktails, including a Guinness punch, made of Guinness stout, condensed milk, cinnamon and nutmeg.
3-4 Resolution Way, London SE8 4NT
bustermantis.com
Guanabana
First opened in 2007, Guanabana was one of the first Latin-Caribbean restaurants that served Halal food in London. Its menu spans all over the Caribbean and South America, from Jamaica, Colombia, Mexico and everywhere in between. Think oak-smoked jerk chicken and pincanha steaks, as well as house dishes like their Island roasts served on Sundays, a reimagining of the beloved British staple.
First opened in 2007, Guanabana was one of the first Latin-Caribbean restaurants that served Halal food in London
85 Kentish Town Rd, London NW1 8NY
guanbanarestaurant.com
Roger’s Kitchen
White tablecloths run the risk of stains at this restaurant which is more on the formal side. The menu features a mix of Caribbean classics from eponymous chef Roger, previously of the much-lauded Mango Room in Camden Town.
Think chargrilled jerk chicken, pan-fried red snapper with pineapple, mango and green pepper sauce, and curry goat, as well as new favourites like pork ribs and vegan curry with pumpkin and okra.
The menu features a mix of Caribbean classics from eponymous chef Roger, previously of the much-lauded Mango Room in Camden Town
71 Camden Rd, London NW1 9EU
rogerskitchen.co.uk
Fish Wings and Tings
Arguably the most famous Caribbean restaurant in Brixton, and a staple of Brixton Village. Expect staples jerk chicken, cod fritters, curried goat roti and oxtail stew, topped off with homemade ginger beer and pineapple and ginger punch.
Ensuring no one gets left out, founder Brian Danclair has now opened a veggie outlet directly opposite, aptly named Veg and Tings, serving a completely vegan taste of Trinidad & Tobago.
GRANVILLE ARCADE, UNIT 3, BRIXTON VILLAGE, COLDHARBOUR LN, LONDON SW9 8PR
brixtonvillage.coM
Ma Petite Jamaican
Part Jamaican diner part rum and reggae bar, Ma Petite Jamaican has fast become a fixture in Camden and Shoreditch. The selection of rum cocktails is not to be missed either, best enjoyed during either bottomless brunch on the weekend or happy hour in the evenings.
On the food side, the chicken and pork from the jerk pit is a must-have, as are delicious sides like fried plantain, dumplings and festival.
camden & shoreditch
mapetitejamaican.com