Brooklyn is a patchwork of cultures. Immigrants from Jamaica, Trinidad, Haiti, and more have woven vibrant threads into its culinary scene. Nowhere is this more thrilling than in Caribbean food in Brooklyn. Every neighborhood brings a fresh taste of the islands.
In Crown Heights and Flatbush, the Caribbean pulse is strong. These hubs bristle with flavor—steaming oxtail. Tender goat curry. Golden plantains. Each bite tells a story. Let’s roam through ten standout spots. We’ll visit hidden gems and buzzy newcomers. And we’ll dive deep into one special place: Jamit Bistro.
1. Jamit Bistro (Red Hook) – Caribbean Food in Brooklyn
It blends classic recipes and modern touches. The restaurant is run by Dawn Skeete. The menu covers jerk chicken, coconut curried tofu, and fresh plates. The vibe is warm and inviting. It’s casual dine-in, takeout, or catering.
They even accept EBT/SNAP under NYC’s Restaurant Meals Program. That speaks to community and access. Try their curry chicken patty. Every flavor lands bold, bright, and balanced.
2. Bamboo Walk (Flatbush) – Caribbean Food in Brooklyn
Flatbush’s Bamboo Walk is next-level. It’s Black-owned and upscale. Think cabana seating, tropical drinks, and drive-thru. They even made history as the northeast’s first Caribbean drive-thru.
Menu highlights: jerk chicken, oxtail, escovitch fish. They spin plantains and goat curry into high-end fare. Sundays feel like beach nights.
Why go: A polished take on traditional Caribbean bites in a lively modern setting.
3. Kokomo (Greenpoint/Williamsburg)
Kokomo blends island vibes and Brooklyn edge. They host “Koko Hour”—cocktails meet small plates. And weekend brunch brings boozy fun.
Why choose it: Trendy vibes, enormous energy, coastal eats.
4. The Simpson Restaurant & Bar (Fort Greene)
The Simpson puts Caribbean-American fusion on full display. Owned by Chef Wenford Simpson. The menu swings soulful with Caribbean spices. Think Hennessy shrimp and macaroni pie. The vibe? Artsy, warm, and lively.
Why stop by: For soulful comfort food, artful plates, and Caribbean flair.
5. D Garden Caribbean Bar & Grill (Flatbush)
D Garden offers an upscale Caribbean bar and grill. It’s great for gatherings. Try crispy salmon or curry goat—they nail it. Live music often lifts the mood.
What stands out: Elevated taste, friendly staff, and a touch of glam.
6. Peppa’s Jerk Chicken (Flatbush)
It’s a neighborhood classic. Peppa’s on Flatbush is a staple in the neighborhood for jerk chicken: Jamaican-style heat, smoky char, rice, and peas on the side. No frills. Just honest heat.
Why it’s iconic: Local go-to spot with authentic jerk flavor.
7. Caribbean Vibes (Nostrand)
Significant portions and spices dialed right. Homey feel. Try stews and doubles for breakfast.
Why stop: Comfort food that fills you and warms homesickness.
8. A&A Bake & Doubles Shop (Bed-Stuy)
Open since the 1990s. Famous for Trinidadian doubles, bake, and roti. Simple setup. Big flavor. Expect lines. Worth it.
Why taste: Street-food staple from Trinidad with loyal fans.
9. Gloria’s Caribbean Cuisine (Crown Heights)
Trini roti champion. Gloria’s is best known for Trini-style roti and pholourie—a third-generation family biz. Goat buss-up (paratha) is legendary. Eat with your hands, and savor hot pepper sauce.
Why go: Authentic Trini roti in its cultural heartland.
10. Trinidad Golden Place (Crown Heights)
Currant rolls debut daily at 3 PM. They bake flaky pastry stuffed with currants. Also, serve Chinese-Caribbean pepper shrimp and chicken fried rice.
Why visit: For sweet-savory early-afternoon treats.
Why Caribbean Food in Brooklyn Matters
Communities—Jamaican, Haitian, Trinidadian, Guyanese—make food part of identity. Neighborhoods like Crown Heights and Flatbush pulse with Caribbean culture.
Food unites here. It celebrates roots. It brings people together.
Sampling the Flavors of Caribbean Food in Brooklyn
- Oxtail: rich, gravy-soaked, perfect with rice and peas.
- Goat curry: tender, spiced, often served with roti.
- Escovitch fish: crispy fish drenched in vinegary pepper sauce.
- Doubles: Trinidadian street food with chickpeas and chutney.
- Plantains: sweet or savory—fried tiny gems.
Spotlight: Why Jamit Bistro Shines for Caribbean Food in Brooklyn
Among all Caribbean food in Brooklyn venues, Jamit Bistro stands tall. Here’s why:
- Fusion done right: mixes Jamaican tradition with health-conscious modern cooking.
- Community Heart: first local to accept EBT/SNAP for meals.
- Chef-owner vision: Dawn Skeete crafts every dish with care and cultural pride.
- Menu highlights: from coconut curried tofu to jerk classics, each dish has a soul.
- Local love: glowing reviews call it “hands down the best Jamaican restaurant in Brooklyn.”
If you want a taste of Caribbean food in Brooklyn that marries flavor, ethics, and heart—this is it.
Tips for Visitors for Caribbean Food in Brooklyn
- Pick your borough: Flatbush and Crown Heights have roots. Red Hook is welcoming and fresh.
- Go with groups: share dishes to sample more flavors.
- Time it right: Trinidad Golden Place’s currant rolls drop at 3 PM. A&A Bake opens early.
- Eat with hands: roti and doubles are meant to be folded and tasted by touch.
- Check menus online: Jamit Bistro’s menu lists favorites like jerk chicken and stew dishes.
Caribbean food in Brooklyn is a celebration. It honors islands, heritage, and warmth. It’s fiery, soulful, sweet, and spicy. From classic roti to chef-crafted jerk fusion, the borough offers delights at every corner. Its dishes tell stories. They bridge generations. They invite everyone to the table.