You've tried bahama breeze, now try these authentic local jamaican restaurants at the jersey shore

TOMS RIVER, NJ – Bahama Breeze is perhaps the shore’s most popular Caribbean-style restaurant, but at the end of the day, it’s packaged and portioned chain-restaurant fare. There are Bahama Breezes all over the country, but as somebody who visited 16 Caribbean islands, many more than once over the years, you’re doing yourself a disservice by skipping local authentic Caribbean restaurants.

Each of these restaurants has its own touch and tastes as some are purely Jamaican inspired with oxtail soup, scotch bonnets, and meat pies, while others are regionally Caribbean.

Do this, not that when you want Jamaican and Caribbean food at the Jersey Shore.

A Taste of the Islands, Yorktowne Plaza, Brick – Have you been dreaming of the ocean breeze and palm trees all around? You don’t have to leave New Jersey to escape to the Caribbean Islands. Just visit A Taste of the Islands in Brick Township, NJ to taste the flavors of authentic Caribbean food. Our family-friendly Caribbean restaurant is the only place to get traditional island food in the area. And with a loaded menu, we have a spread bigger than your stomach.

Spices of Jamaica, 370 Dover Road, Toms River – Led by a passionate cook and owner, Spices of Jamaica features the best of the Caribbean’s most beautiful island. You can find curry goat, jerk chicken, oxtail soup, beef patties and rice and peas.

Caribbean Vibes, Route 9, Howell – Next time you’re passing by and want to try something different, check out Caribbean Vibes on Route 9 in Howell, right next door to Five Guys. Like other Jamaican and Caribbean-inspired restaurants, you can find all of the treats of Jamaica. There are traditional favorites, like Ackee and Saltfish, Curry Goat, Curry Chicken, Fish and Chips, and more. Best of all, you can grab yourself a glass of Ting, one of the Caribbean’s own sodas.

Notable Mentions: Jamaican Patty Wagon, Howell; Islander Caribbean Restaurant, Asbury Park; Norah’s Irie Jamaican Restaurant, Long Branch; and Shore Caribbean Restaurant; Long Branch.

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