Caribbean Taste

I always enjoy a delicious meal at Caribbean Taste restaurant whenever I visit San Diego. This is my favorite Jamaican restaurant in San Diego. The food is always well seasoned with a delicious flavor and good portions for the cost. I enjoy cooking Caribbean food at home but it’s worth it to enjoy any meal on the menu at Caribbean Taste restaurant. I will certainly support their business anytime I visit San Diego.

We eat here regularly. Call in and take it to go. Flavors are consistent and well-developed. The portion size is good. We always order Large and share. My son likes oxtail & the plantains.

Just tried their food yesterday for the first time. And the food wasn't even that good. I gave it a 5 out of 10. When I first walked in the building the worker behind the counter was just standing there and not saying anything. Which already had me feeling uneasy about eating there due to the terrible customer service. Then the food came out, which was the oxtail dinner. It cost $26 for the large plate. Which is very overpriced to me due to the small portions of oxtails. The oxtails itself were very small with little to no meet on them. The vegetables weren't even seasoned well and tasted very Bland. Overall I would not recommend eating here because the portions are very small and the food isn't seasoned very well. The customer service was also very terrible which is another reason I would never eat there again.

First time going here, they had delicious food, great service and a plentiful meal (for a big family). We ordered a large goat curry (12.50 for large), ox tail, and jerk chicken. Also we ordered the patty (beef and chicken) it was delicious. The patty is like an breaded empanada with meat inside... A lot of people were coming in ordering takeout, and also a few people eating inside. Everything came out great and we enjoyed our meal (even had leftovers). The environment is what's expected on Imperial Ave. But the friendly service and delicious food is what gave this review 5 stars! 🤙

Idk even know what to say. I wish I would have read the reviews before going. I stopped in because I was in the area. Ordered the brown stew chicken 2/10. It was edible but was it Jamaican? The rice was so mushy, the plantains were good. The veggies looked pre-chewed. The chicken was under seasoned and the gravy was so watery.

The jerk chicken was delicious and has a kick to it. The oxtails were tender and juicy. I love the portion size here. They are generous with it. I kept seeing regulars coming in and out so it must be that good. Don't mind the sketchy area. It's CASH ONLY!

I went there today and had a very good experience. The food was delicious. The service was great plates were a little bit expensive. Definitely will go back and take my family.

Maaaaan was the food good! I tried the spicy jerk chicken and it was really good and it actually had a good kick to it. The rice and vegetables that it came with were full of flavor and the portions were decent. The plantains were actually a lil sweet to which was a great surprise!

So I've driven past this spot several times and told myself I must pop in and I finally did. It's very unassuming, but the food is anything but. I got my food to go and was served very fast. I got the goat/oxtail combination plate and I was blown away when I opened my plate. The amount of food was impressive. The goat was tender and the sauce had the right amount of heat. The oxtails were tender as well and the sauce was thick and flavorful. The plantains were fried to the right consistency and were sweet. If looking for Caribbean food this is definitely a spot to try.

The chicken was really good but the oxtails weren't all oxtails. They were mixed with some other beef. It was tender and tasty. The cabbage was terrible and the plantains were hard and unripe. Customer service was wonderful and the place was clean. Don't play with my oxtails. Be truthful...

The food was really delicious. I ordered the veggie plate and a veggie patty. The portions are generous and everything is flavorful. The prices are reasonable and the service is good. The ambiance is casual. I would definitely recommend this place and I will also be back myself.

Decided to switch up my normal large oxtail order for a combo plate to try something new. Much to my surprise I open up my plate to find no oxtail and just chicken. Extremely disappointing.... If this place wasn't so far from when I live I would have went back. That coupled with the fact that they close soon.. it's just not worth it. The chicken is decent but the oxtail was my main reason for going. The rice is dry and lacks flavor without the gravy on top. This experience and just confirmed I will be opting for a different jams in spot moving forward.

I ordered the curry chicken. The portions are big but I wish they added more veggies. The food had a lot of flavor and chicken was really tender.

Being an East Coast transplant in San Diego, I grew up on Jamaican beef patties, and they're not easy to find out here. Both the spicy beef and chicken patties were legit--definitely hit the spot when I was craving a taste of back home. Don't come expecting ambiance or overly polite service--it's got that classic bodega vibe, which I respect. Just grab the patties--you won't be disappointed.

Answers quickly and portions are very good. Always get the oxtail it's so tender and flavorful.

This place had the best ox tails I've had in a long time. I've been on the hunt for a good Jamaican ox tail plate here in SD and this place has it. Their beef patties are also incredible. I've been to 3 other Jamaican restaurants and they all sucked. This place was so good. I've also read reviews about the bad service. I didn't have a problem at all. They were cool.

Tried the large jerk chicken platter. Very good spice level. Sauce was awesome. Worth the Drive from Sorrento Valley . It's the classic hole in the wall place with excellent food and friendly staff!

The food is always good when we have a taste for Jamaican food. One of few places in SD to find authentic Jamaican food. This place is my go to. My favorite is the oxtail, curry and jerk chicken.

the service was fast which i loved! we were greeted and ordered the large oxtail plate that comes with rice and peas and steamed vegetables! the portion of oxtails were large and nice sizes! the oxtails could of been more tender! i think they could of cooked for another hour or two to be more tender! but the flavor was good! it's a hole in the wall restaurant so the inside resembles that! i would again and try different things on the menu!

I can't speak on the ambiance/service because my friend picked us up an oxtail plate. But wow so tender, amazing flavor, and great portion size.

Let me just say I been going here for years!!! I've tried other Jamaican spots and I must say they are taking the cake by far in San Diego. They may not always seem to be in the best of moods but the food is always on point. My favorite go to Jamaican spot. Try the spicy jerk and oxtail plate. Oh and there pies are scrumdiddlyumpious. #saysaydaaat

The Food is BOMB and service was on point. I ordered ahead for a meal to-go for my Jamaican husband. Unfortunately the call dropped like twice but I still got my order in!! I got a whole bunch of patty, Beef Patty and Chicken Patties which were all nice and hot. Then I ordered a plate of Oxtail Plate w/veggies (no rice) and Brown Stew Fish w/veggies (no rice). Everything was so delicious, HOT and flavorful!! I'm so glad I picked up from Caribbean Taste and Peter helped me out on Sunday afternoon.

I finally tried my neighborhood spot for jerk chicken and a patty. They only had a chicken patty and I was pleasantly surprised how much flavor it had with a terrific flaky crust. My large jerk chicken fed 2 people and I enjoyed the heat level/medium spicy- the chopped pieces weren't super meaty which made me wishing for more. All the sides were bomb- veggies, plantains and rice n peas. Everything was cooked well and full of flavor. Service was quick and polite.

I ordered this to go, but I couldn't wait to eat it so I just ended up eating it in my car. Well worth the chances of getting it dirty. It was strong in its flavors and the small size was still a super generous serving! I've been looking for a spot that has banging curry goat, and I let me tell ya- I kind of like this spot better than the places I've tried in Jamaica hahaha. Anywho, it's over twenty minutes away from me but I def foresee myself being a regular.

Never had Jamaican food before this restaurant but I loved the chicken and beef empanadas they had. Very tasty and it was fresh. I also had their oxtail and jerk chicken. Their dish come with rice and veggies and I thought they tasted great. I understand why their dishes are more on the pricier side but if they were just a bit cheaper I would definitely come here more often. This place definitely opened my eyes to try more Jamaican food.

This is AMAZING FOOD! And I don't say food is amazing lightly! The goat is perfectly spiced, aromatic, so tender! You can really taste the allspice and scotch bonnet. Plantains are always perfectly ripe and nicely fried. This place deserves more starts than any Caribbean spot in San Diego and it's not even close.

Haven't been here un a very long time and I'm not sure why not. One of the best authentic Jamaican food places around. I ordered the curry goat dish and it was magnificent. Will be going back from now on.

My son is studying culinary arts. He asked if he could make jerk chicken one day. I said shouldn't you try it so you know what it's supposed to taste like? So we decided to find a restaurant. Caribbean Taste had a very humble store front in the neighborhood I grew up in, Encanto. We tried a small jerk chicken and a small oxtail dinner both came with a yummy rice and beans mixture two plantains and mixed vegetables on the side. Everything tasted amazing. The jerk chicken was a little spicier than my son expected, but it was definitely good and has quite a level of kick. The oxtail was delicious. I wanted to try the beef patties, but there were none in the case so next time.

This is the best Caribbean please I have tried in San Diego. I got the jerk chicken and my husband got the goat curry. Husbands from the Uk so he has been complaining how all the other Caribbean places we have tried have been "trash." The jerk chicken had the perfect amount of spice and the goat curry was delicious. The rice was really good and the greens were okay. Each plate came with greens, rice, and plantains. The plantains were yummy. Portions are huge so you could probably share a plate with someone. The only issue with this place is that it's kind of warm in there and it was cash only.

My Jamaican friend took me here and said this is the best Jamaican food in San Diego. We had Jerk Chicken, BBQ Oxtail and Goat Curry served with plantain, red beans and rice and veggies. Service was quick and the food was hot. It's a humble mom and pop shop nothing fancy, but the food is legit. Flavor throughout the soft, moist Jerk chicken. Oxtail fat rendered soft and tasty to compliment the soft suck-off-the-bone bbq meat, and mouthwatering spiced, make-you-wanna-eat-more, curry on super succulent and soft goat meat. My favorite was the Goat Curry. The food is half eaten in my picture because we started with a small taste of everything then just dug in and started eating, so delicious! I'll post better picks next time because I'll defiantly be back.

Amazing food and fast service, i just keep coming back, specially for the oxtail and lamb

The jerk chicken is spicy and tasty. The brown stew chicken is really good. The rice and beans are good. The veggie mix is okay and the plantains are good,

Goat curry, Oxtail, Jerk chicken - in that order is my favorite. Don't forget the patty (ask for hot sauce) with a bottle of Ting (like the soda pop Squirt). This place is so good. If I want to impress friends of a "great food spot" I order food from here. Please order from here, and support small local businesses.

Great Jamaican flavor food, the oxtail was amazing not too soft or hard but perfect texture and flavor

If authentic Jamaican / Caribbean food is what you're looking for, you won't be disappointed making a commute to this "foodie jewel of South East San Diego!" I'm a 2nd generation repeat customer with my 3rd generation of family members happy joining me for the following reason. There is NOTHING on Caribbean Taste's menu that we wouldn't want to order... Everything made is fresh, deliciously tasty and made with original Jamaican authenticity that cannot be compared. Although I live 45 minutes away, there's still no other Jamaican restaurant I'd consider as a substitute just out of convenience. Ever since my parents and family became repeat customers, the service has always been that of quality and genuine good vibes. Like the owners and most of the staff, the ambiance of the restaurant is incomparably authentic Jamaican as well. No regrets.

The food was expertly prepared and served. We enjoyed the large oxtail plate which comes with rice and beans and vegetables with plantain and a side of jerk chicken no gravy. Absolutely recommend!

Arrived once they opened in the morning. The store front is old, located in a very local plaza. Inside was hot and a little humid- like being in the Caribbean! The two nice ladies were busy cooking and attending to the counter. Oxtail wasn't available, but I had the curry goat, with rice and beans, and fried plantains. It was fantastic and full of flavor. Goat was very tender, and the rice had a lightness to it, which matched well with everything. San Diegans need to come down and support local restaurants like this one in Encanto, just like how many of us support/patron businesses in Convoy. This is now my favorite homestyle go-to spot for Jamaican food, and I will definitely bring friends and family.

Visited Caribbean Taste today for the first time and I can say for certain, we will definitely be back!! I ordered the oxtail (small) and my spouse ordered goat curry (small). Both plates came with rice and beans and fried plantain, and a fresh side salad (I can't recall the name), all were delicious. The goat curry and oxtail were absolutely delectable! Highly recommend Caribbean Taste! Beyond exceptional food and service, they share ample parking with other store fronts, also their chairs are super comfortable.

Awesome taste and the service was really good too. I tried out 2 other Jamaican restaurants and I think Caribbean Taste has the best flavor. I will definitely go here again the next time I'm in San Diego.

I had a craving for jerk chicken and found this place on yelp-- and am VERY glad I did!! I ordered a small Jerk Chicken plate with plantains and greens, no rice or beans (but the plates come with all). My fiancé ordered the Curry Chicken with everything. All the food was seasoned perfectly, with a great level of spice and so much flavor. My chicken basically fell of the bone and I'm wishing I had another plate just typing this. It absolutely hit the spot! I didn't even get a chance to take pictures of my meal because I dug in before I could remember. Mostly a takeout place, but we decided to sit inside after driving for a while. It was warm and homey inside, with an easy menu and comfortable seating. Since it was mostly takeout, it was nice and quiet inside aside from the people coming in for pick up. The service was fast and the food was AMAZING! Highly recommend if you're looking for some delicious comfort food.

The food was delicious. The oxtails are absolutely to die for. Everything here is so tasty. You've got to taste it for yourself

I recently opened my business next door a month ago and finally gave this place a try. I absolutely loved it!!! I got "The chicken stew". The food was amazing, super flavorful and fresh. The place is super clean and spotless. I will definitely be going back for some more of this and the "chicken and beef empanadas" Thank you for sharing your culture!!!

There's not much to say here the food is fantastic. I love their brownstew and jerk chicken. I get excited just thinking about that flavorful dish. They give you good portions for what you pay for. Sitting inside is nothing to write home about - they've got some tables and chairs and a tv playing a drama - but I'm not there to sit and eat. I want that delicious chicken.

Located in Southeast San Diego's Encanto area, this Caribbean gem is a must place for flavorful food and quality service! The setting may remind you of sitting beachside somewhere in Jamaica. Take a trip to try some delicious food!

First time trying Caribbean food and I'm in love. The jerk chicken was amazing and the best rice and beans I've had in a while.

The food was so good, the service was quick, and the prices are reasonable. The small size is basically a medium so the portions are nice. I got the oxtail plate and the jerk chicken- both very good. 10/10 highly recommend, would come again.

They were out of the beef patties when I called in my order, so I went with the veggie patty. It did not disappoint. I loved it and would order again. The plantains on the other hand were a little too oily and this limp. This place seems legitC but I would highly recommend that you call ahead as they seem to run out (which could be a good sign of their popularity? ).

Order the jerk chicken to-go. Was ready super quick. Servings are very generous! Food was hot & flavorful, my only disappointment was the jerk chicken wasn't very spicy. I wanna be sweating while eating jerk chicken lol The spice did build up a little as I ate my plate but personally like mine a bit more spicy.

First time trying and got the oxtail plate! Sooooo goooodd omg you HAVE to try this spot if you ever visit San Diego!!!!!!

Food is good and of qood quantity but the price of oxtail keeps going up so i reduced how many times i go there. Too expensive

Very disappointed. The oxtail was very tough and rubbery not at all what I thought it would be. No plantains even though the I asked for no cabbage and yes to the plantains none were given. Called and told the owner all he could say was sorry instead of please come back so I can give you what you paid for. $28 Never again will I go back.

With all these good reviews, I decided to give this place a try instead of my usual Jamaican spot for food. Hell no , never again. Let's just say my dog ate well that day. Nothing was good. The 4 oxtails that were given to me had nothing but fat, rice & beans were dry. The beef patty was not good at all either.

Good food, you don't come here for the service lol. Still nice people and again a GOOD Food.

The best Caribbean food in all of San Diego! If you ever in the southeast / encanto ... even if your in alpine and you need that original delicious Caribbean taste , this is the place to go! Remember when I was a kid hopping off the trolly and right across the street was this place , hit it at least once a week! The ox tail plate is amazing and the jerk chicken is madd crazy!! Get irie , gran your plate and enjoy yourself! Trust me you'll live this spot

Peter, who owns the restaurant, is amazing. So welcoming and joyful. The food is spectacular. I had the jerk chicken today and it was soooooo flavorful. The perfect amount of spice. Chicken falling off the bone. Just GOOD! My mom had the curry goat and said it was tender and flavorful, and that's coming from a born and raised Jamaican. Would highly recommend and will be back the next time I am in San Diego!

Whenever we travel as a family, my Mommy makes sure we find a Jamaican Restaurant to try. No matter how long or how far it is, we venture out to satify the Jamaican cravings. The restaurant is cute and intimate, adorned with colorful wall art, similar to how restaurants in Jamaican are set up in town. We ordered the Red Snapper, Curry Goat, and the Oxtail. All were flavorful and the portions were decent. We also met the owner who was pleasant. - He rung us up and served us our food and made sure to check in to see how we liked it. We enjoyed the meal and chose to dine in while we saw other patrons came in to take out. Although the restaurant is located in a strip mall and off the beaten path, it was worth it.

We wanted jerk chicken on Black Friday, but our favorite Jamaican take-out wasn't answering its phone. So ... we went with my brother-in-law's recommendation and placed our take-out order with Caribbean Taste. What a great choice! The jerk chicken was excellent -- best we've had in San Diego. Spices were spot on. The large jerk chicken meal has four pieces for $12.50 -- a great value! All of their meals are served with steamed vegetables, rice & beans, and fried plantain -- we love the flavors. You can order just veggie or just rice & beans. We also ordered two Friday specials, chicken patty and beef patty. These are meat-filled pies -- street food meant to be eaten from your hand. They were good, but could have used more seasoning. One item on the menu that I have to try next time ... curry goat! Nothing fancy about Caribbean Taste, but definitely the best Jamaican food in San Diego.