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I feel the same way as Josh. I catered my 2009 wedding by ordering takeout for our 100+ guests. That jerk chicken is my all time favorite meal. Marilyn, how can I get in touch with you?? 🙏
What customers say about The Islands
Recent reviews
AMAZING food. Been coming to this place since 2007 when they were on Washington & Lincoln in a tiny little spot with counter seats and 3 tables upstairs. Best rice & peas in the neighborhood. Get the eggplant if it's available, the curry veg is fabulous, jerk shrimp, mac & cheese, you really can't go wrong. Super nice servers.
Update June 2026 - really missing this place! I tried going in February and saw you're closed, just walked by again today. Missing the amazing food from Marilyn and Shaun and kind smiles from Celine. I hope it's closed because you all have moved on to better things and not because you've been priced out / rent raised etc. The food here was incredible. Please let us know if you'll be opening somewhere else.
Does anyone know if or when The Islands will reopen? I’m a die-hard fan of their jerk chicken, which, to my knowledge, has no equivalent in NYC. Any info on what’s happening with the restaurant would be most appreciated!
Reply from The Islands
2026.05.19
Thanks for your support David. Unfortunately, we are permanently closed.
I’ve been looking for a good Caribbean food spot near NYC, and I think this may be my new go-to spot. Best food I’ve had in a while, jerk chicken was perfectly cooked and seasoned. Everything I ordered was amazing. I would eat here everyday if I could 10/10 would recommend.
Omg this place is magic. It’s a frigid cold day and my fiancé asked me to make a five-hour Caribbean recipe, which I was not about to do. So happy I ordered takeout here instead. The service was great, but more importantly; the food was 🤯! good. Soooo delicious, and hit all the right spots: warm and comforting, but also spicy and flavorful with a kick, just a joy all-around. One of the best meals I’ve had in a long time. I’m beyond grateful to have experienced this plate full of love, and can’t wait to eat it again many, many times going forward!
Had the Chicken Stew, mac and cheese, and the Goat Curry here. The sauces were unreal and meat fell off the bone on both. Def recommend the rice and beans over the jasmine. Veggies were also wonderful. Best food I've had in crown heights so far. It was completely empty, which was off putting, but unwarranted. Service wasn't world class, but who cares. The mac and cheese was the best I've had outside my own kitchen. Make sure you ask for the house hot sauce. Portions are legit. We had leftovers. Thank you. <3
Best oxtail Best Seafood Best Staff in the neighborhood. Keep supporting local affordable businesses that built this neighborhood and sustain it!! Tip extra, tip the kitchen, what is stopping you from believing in the families that nurture you? One Love 💕
This is the best Caribbean food in NYC. Chris is an amazing Chef and the oxtail and curry chicken is amazing.
The food is outstanding!!! You’ve got to get there early if you’re getting the goat curry… it sells out quickly (and for good reason)! Everything is incredible on the menu
AMAZING! from start to finish, chef (and owner) should be on one of the Food Network shows. Not only is he personable and kind but his food is ridiculously delicious, jerk chicken wings, oxtail and macaroni and cheese (oh my), save room for dessert, which their mom makes, insane cheesecake with a pineapple crust and warm guava syrup over the top. WOW! What a meal! What a gifted chef and beautiful family run establishment this is. True soulful home cooking at its finest.
Stopped in because the sign said happy hour and wanted to support a black business. $10 rum punch was amazing! Thank you to Kirsten for making us feel at home!
Frequently asked questions about The Islands
How many reviews does The Islands have?
The Islands has 590 reviews on Trustindex, collected from Google and Trustindex.
What is The Islands's average rating?
The Islands is rated 4.5 out of 5 based on 590 reviews. 72% of reviewers gave five stars.
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