8 Caribbean Restaurants In New Jersey Bringing Island Flavor Home

New Jersey’s food scene features amazing Caribbean restaurants that transport your taste buds straight to the islands. These vibrant eateries blend traditional cooking methods with fresh ingredients to create authentic dishes packed with bold flavors.

Whether you’re craving jerk chicken, curry goat, or roti, these eight Caribbean restaurants across the Garden State deliver a true taste of island paradise.

1. Bacchanal Junction: A Bloomfield Treasure

Bacchanal Junction Caribbean Restaurant & Bar is located on Arlington Avenue in Bloomfield and has built a reputation for serving authentic Caribbean fare. The menu features staples like jerk chicken, curry goat, and oxtail, each seasoned with bold island spices. Customers often pair these dishes with sides such as rice and peas, fried plantains, or Jamaican patties for a complete meal.

The bar adds another layer to the dining experience, offering Caribbean-inspired cocktails and rum drinks. The lively atmosphere, marked by its colorful décor, reflects the vibrancy of the cuisine.

2. Caribbean Cafe: New Brunswick’s Hidden Gem

Caribbean Cafe on Bayard Street has become a fixture in New Brunswick’s diverse food landscape. Located near Rutgers University, the restaurant is especially popular with students who appreciate its generous portions and reasonable prices. The menu includes jerk chicken, curry chicken, and oxtail, all cooked in the traditional Jamaican style.

Freshly made sides like rice and peas, cabbage, and fried plantains complement the mains. The casual, family-run atmosphere adds to the restaurant’s welcoming feel. Caribbean Cafe has established itself as a dependable spot for authentic flavors in central New Jersey.

3. Cafe MoBay: Bloomfield’s Jamaican Paradise

Cafe MoBay sits on Broad Street in Bloomfield and delivers the bold, smoky flavors of Jamaican cuisine. The restaurant is well-known for its jerk chicken, which pairs perfectly with traditional rice and peas. Escovitch fish, topped with pickled vegetables and tangy sauce, is another standout dish. Many diners also recommend the beef patties, a classic handheld snack with a flaky crust and seasoned filling.

Cafe MoBay’s consistent quality has earned it praise from locals who return regularly. The restaurant has become a cornerstone for those looking to enjoy Jamaican food in Essex County.

4. Chez Rodine: Cinnaminson’s Flavor Explosion

Chez Rodine in Cinnaminson focuses heavily on Haitian cuisine, making it unique among Caribbean restaurants in South Jersey. Dishes such as griot (fried pork) and legim (vegetable stew) showcase the country’s culinary traditions. Their pikliz, a spicy pickled slaw, adds heat and tang to the meal, balancing out the rich flavors of the meat dishes.

The restaurant is family-owned and emphasizes homestyle preparation. Regulars praise its ability to capture authentic Haitian taste without compromise. Chez Rodine has become a gathering place for the local Caribbean community as well as adventurous diners looking to explore Haiti’s food culture.

5. Harry’s Daughter: Jersey City’s Island Escape

Harry’s Daughter is a Caribbean gastropub in Jersey City’s Bergen-Lafayette neighborhood that has gained a strong following. The menu mixes island staples with modern presentation, featuring dishes like jerk chicken, curry goat, and fried plantains. Diners also appreciated the extensive rum selection, which was a highlight of the bar program.

The interior design featured tropical accents and a cozy layout that gave the space an inviting feel. Brunch service once included Caribbean breakfast items such as saltfish dishes alongside creative cocktails. As of June 2025, the restaurant is temporarily closed due to fire damage, but its reputation keeps it firmly in the conversation about Jersey City dining.

6. Roti Plus: Hamilton’s Trinidadian Delight

Roti Plus in Hamilton specializes in Trinidadian cuisine, particularly the roti flatbread that gives the restaurant its name. Customers can order roti filled with curried goat, chicken, or vegetables, each wrapped with curried potatoes and chickpeas. Another signature offering is doubles, a street food favorite made with fried bread and curried chickpeas.

The restaurant’s bright yellow exterior makes it an easy landmark to find. Diners often remark on the friendly service and consistent quality of the dishes. Roti Plus remains one of central New Jersey’s top destinations for Trinidadian food.

7. Sassa Bienne: Marlton’s Culinary Fusion

Sassa Bienne in Marlton combines Afro-Caribbean traditions with Cajun cooking, giving it a distinctive identity among New Jersey restaurants. The menu includes jerk chicken, gumbo, fried plantains, and hearty stews that bring together two culinary heritages. This blend of flavors sets Sassa Bienne apart from restaurants that focus on only one island cuisine.

The setting is both modern and welcoming, making it popular for both casual meals and special occasions. Customers enjoy the creativity of the kitchen while still finding comfort in familiar Caribbean flavors. By combining multiple influences, Sassa Bienne has carved out a niche in South Jersey’s dining scene.

8. Jamaic’s Caribbean Cuisine: Burlington’s Authentic Corner

Jamaic’s Caribbean Cuisine in Burlington is known for its traditional Jamaican cooking. Signature dishes include jerk chicken, curry goat, and brown stew chicken, all made with rich seasoning and slow-cooked techniques. Diners can also order sides such as festival, a sweet fried bread, and fried plantains.

The restaurant maintains a casual and welcoming atmosphere that reflects the home-style nature of its food. Portions are generous, making it a favorite for families and groups. Jamaic’s has built a reputation in Burlington County as one of the most reliable destinations for authentic Jamaican flavors.