Jamaican Restaurants Around the World

Jamaican influence has spread from the tiny island to the furthest corners of the world—and we don’t just mean reggae music. Jamaican food is a big part of our culture, and it’s been expanding farther and farther afield. Here are five amazing Jamaican restaurants around the globe.

North America:

One Love Vegetarian, Toronto

Known for its friendly staff and super-healthy Jamaican dishes, this quaint six-seat vegan restaurant is a local gem. Even self-professed carnivores love it.

Good for: Vegetarians and vegans and everyone else.

Try this: Whole wheat roti with chickpeas and potatoes, and a bowl of the famous corn soup.

One Love Vegetarian, 854 Bathurst Street, Toronto

Europe:

Jamrock, Rome

When you’ve had more pasta and pizza than you’d like to admit, head over to the trendy San Lorenzo neighborhood for a classic Jamaican meal. Jamrock serves authentic dishes like jerk and curry chicken, plus the amazing Rasta Pasta—a very spicy homemade pasta with sauteed peppers. Because who are we kidding: You will never get tired of pasta.

Good for: Date night. Jamrock is intimate and cozy, perfect for a first date.

Try this: Coconut-milk shrimp curry cooked in rum, and served with rice and peas.

Jamrock, Via di Porta Labicana, 52, 00185, Rome

Bamboula Restaurant, London

Brixton has long been a cultural enclave for Jamaican expats living in London. In recent years, the neighborhood has experienced a surge in diversity—with more African, Asian and Latin American restaurants—yet it remains a reminder of home for many Jamaicans. Bamboula Kitchen is small, with just a handful of tables, so many people grab food to go.

Good for:  Fuel before hitting Brixton Market, one of the most underrated shopping destinations in London.  

Try this: Patties For Fatties (Jamaican patties)—oxtail, pumpkin, curried goat, jerk chicken or ackee fruit.  

Bamboula, 12 Acre Lane, Brixton, London

Asia:

Mandy’s Restaurant & Private Kitchen, Hong Kong

What began as a private catering business in Mandy Nathali’s kitchen has turned into a  bustling restaurant and bar in Hong Kong’s Sai Kung neighborhood, inspired by Nathali’s husband’s Caribbean heritage.

Good for: A personal dining experience. Owner and chef Mandy is always on hand to mingle with guests.

Try this: Skewers of marinated jerk chicken served with rice and peas.

Mandy’s Private Kitchen, 24 See Chung Street, Sai Kung, Hong Kong

Africa:

Jamaica Me Crazy, Woodstock, South Africa

The bright yellow restaurant and rum shack tiki bar serves fresh Jamaican dishes in the suburban Woodstock neighborhood in Cape Town. Bonus: There are killer views of the harbor from the rooftop deck.

Good for: Groups of young professionals. Whether it’s quiz night, a futbol match on television, or reggae music thumping from the sound system, this spot is made for fun with friends, old and new.

Try this: Kingston Schnitzel: chicken seasoned with authentic jerk spices and breaded and fried till crispy.

Jamaica Me Crazy, 74 Roodebloem Road, Woodstock, Cape Town