Flames

If you're craving authentic Jamaican cuisine, look no further than Flames Jamaican Restaurant. I find myself ordering takeout here at least three times a week, and it's always a treat! My go-to is the large King Fish with rice and beans—it's absolutely delicious every single time. For breakfast, I love starting my day with a small bowl of their Jamaican cornmeal porridge. It's the perfect way to kick off the morning. And when I'm in the mood for something spicy, their boiled green banana with callaloo never disappoints. The quality of food is consistently outstanding, but what truly sets Flames apart is their exceptional staff. Wayne, in particular, deserves a special shoutout. Despite what might be going on in his personal life, he always greets you with a smile and great service. Wayne’s hard work and dedication do not go unnoticed, and it makes every visit that much better. If you haven’t yet tried Flames Jamaican Restaurant, do yourself a favor and give them a visit—you won’t regret it!

Found some leftover rice and peas in my families refrigerator while visiting and was sooo good! So made my own way over! Food: cafeteria style prepared hot bar, however the food all looked and tasted hot and fresh! Obviously got the rice and beans with sweet and spicy chicken with the extra sauce poured over! Love the sauce and rice combo! Would order just that. Cabbage was good as well. Large portion. Plate pictured with a drink and coco bread was $20! Fed 2! Restaurant: small seating area inside. Of note, no public bathrooms even with food purchase

If you’re looking for authentic Caribbean food, this is it. The jerk was spicy, richly seasoned, and was falling off the bone. I had the veggie rice, jerk chicken, and the cabbage side. Can’t wait to go back and try everything else

Dinner at Flames did not disappoint! The food was packed with flavor, the portions were perfect, and the vibes were just right for a relaxing night out. Service was quick and friendly, and the whole place felt super welcoming. As someone who spends all day training dogs around town (Down 4 Paws Dog Training), it was such a treat to unwind here. Already planning my next visit! — Pam | Down 4 Paws Dog Training Norwood, MA | www.down4paws.com

When I go skating I always stop here before or after. The food was a bit cold last time I went before skating. It’s not usually cold but try not to go near closing.

So I went to the one in mattapan and this was for breakfast and I had the saltfish with fried dumplings and the saltfish was too salty no I haven't been to this particular location in years and I never got breakfast from this location I normally get their dinners again it's been years and I can't say I liked salty saltfish.

I went here yesterday and spent about $100. First let’s start with the customer service from the lady ringing up my order. I asked for oxtail gravy on my small jerk chicken meal. She preceded to give it to the chef in back for jerk sauce to be put on the rice and when I explained I asked for oxtail gravy and not jerk she instantly got an attitude. This is not the first time it seems she’s always bothered. Support black businesses they say🙄🤷🏽‍♀️ now the food! The jerk chicken is EXTREMELY TOO HOT! You can’t even enjoy it it’s sooooo hot. The oxtails were tough and needed to be cooked longer. There was a thick layer of cheese ontop of the Mac and cheese that wasn’t even melted.🤢 My first time back here since I chewed on some wire thingy that was in my saltfish.

Rice & peas, cabbage wit 2 pieces of chicken. In real time cost me about $15-16. Which would of been ok if the food was hot. Today's review is a thumbs down.

Found some leftover rice and peas in my families refrigerator while visiting and was sooo good! So made my own way over! Food: cafeteria style prepared hot bar, however the food all looked and tasted hot and fresh! Obviously got the rice and beans with sweet and spicy chicken with the extra sauce poured over! Love the sauce and rice combo! Would order just that. Cabbage was good as well. Large portion. Plate pictured with a drink and coco bread was $20! Fed 2! Restaurant: small seating area inside. Of note, no public bathrooms even with food purchase

After the fire they must have gotten a new chef because the food is so bad here. I've gone here several times over the past month. But the pricing and servings are inconsistent . They won't sell individual sides, yet when you get a plate they charge you as if you ordered individual sides. The one at Ashmont Station is much better and there is rarely a line.

All I can say is what happened? Flames used to have the best oxtail in the city. This is my third time going and the oxtails were tough. They lacked the flavor that they usually have. It tasted like one seasoning was dominating yesterday, and it was not the right one. The cashier added a beef patty and charged me for it. I do not like their beef patties so I would not have ordered it. I called to inform them of the mistake, and they wanted me to drive 25 minutes to get a refund, when it could have been reversed. No way. There was not even an apology. She said I could drive. No thank you. I decided what the heck, I can taste the beef patty. No thank you again. I threw all of the beef patty away. I I will go back to the one on Blue Hill Ave to see if the food and service are any better.

Most recent time I ate oxtail, rice and peas, and it was great. Not spicy which I personally appreciated. I do think the spicy level depends on what you order and who is cooking but this day I went it was really good. Great portion too!

An incredible hidden gem here in the JP, Mattapan area! This is some of the best Jamaican food I've had this side of Jamaica. I highly recommend the curried goat or stew chicken with beans and rice.

They raised the prices on the food without raising the quality of the food the patties I ordered were cold after they supposedly reheated them. The jerk chicken had many large an un-edible parts. The server was rude and unprofessional. they will never receive my patronage again.

Wow just had the Curried Goat here and it blew me away. So much depth of flavor and no gaminess to speak of and ooooh so tender. Plenty of reason to come here. They have a plethora of Jamaican favorites and they are all good believe. Thank me later.

Please don't sell customers spoiled rice or oxtails. It was only 9 pm and the food was spoiled I could smell it when I opened it after I got home.

I been eating from this establishment for years. Today I decided I'm not going back. I ordered a Large curry goat, rice and peas, and mixed vegetables. The food goat was spoiled. It must have been left over because she piled the goat on my plate and they never piled it on like that and after tasting it I know for a fact the food was spoiled. They fail to understand that because I'm not speaking Jamaican my family is Jamaican and I know good food and today it was at its worst. Not everyone knows good or great food. Flames your going up in Flames!!!

I've been coming here for years, and they may not have good customer service on the line but the "back office" does. I always get the oxtails and curry goat or jerk chicken with rice & peas and extra gravy. I tried the Mac n cheese for the first time, and I was not a fan. Although a lot of people fancy it and it sells out pretty early. Just not for me. Also, their Pattie's and cheese don't quite taste the same, and are usually a little on the crispy (burnt) side. I went to get my usual plates and I ask for my food a particular way every time. The person making the food and the cashier weren't on the same page, so I was overcharged $70 3 times, because the cashier could not figure it out. Now when I walk in there was only one person inside, now behind me are about 10 people looking as if I'm causing chaos at the front of the line. The cashier takes a few more people, AFTER she's charged me 3 times. She then pokes her head out and tells me her manager is goin to need to do it and she will take my phone number. At this time I'm upset because tf ? $210 for some flames? I think not. So I politely tell her this is BS and she informs me she can't find the transaction and assured me it would be fixed. I get home and my food is still wrong lol. The manager was very nice when she reached out and she ultimately did have the charges fixed, but it did take almost a week which may not be any fault of theirs (I mean she did swipe it 3 times but ya know)

Went in for a beef patty with cheese and came out with a tasteless, government cheese filled flake crust.

Flames was cool, I ordered the medium oxtails with cabbage and I got a plate full of rice, hardly any cabbage but I will say that the oxtails were delicious.

If you like very salty, spicy, hot jerk chicken, go here. I ordered a jerk chicken dinner and it was so spicy that I could not taste any other flavor. They should offer different spice levels, because that was ridiculous and I love hot n spicy food! Very disappointed! Grrrr..... they wasted all that good chicken by putting that salty spicy isht all over it. The cabbage and rice & beans were good, except for the part that touched the jerk sauce, WHICH WAS ALL OF IT! Robbed me of my entire meal! It'll be another several months before I go back. In the past, I've had their steak, rice & beans, green beans, cabbage and curry goat. None of it was bad, but it was definitely not the greatest! They need to help out the community by limiting the salt in their dishes..please.

One of my favorite dishes is Jamaican food. Oxtails, rice and beans, and plantains. Now when I ordered my food, they were out of plantains so I got cabbage instead. Still good. This place did not disappoint. The woman who helped me at the cash register was really nice. I didn't get her name otherwise, I would've shouted her out. This is a place I would get my Jamaican food frequently.

If you'd like to experience decent Jamaican food this is the place, but please bring you wallet because they are grossly overpriced! At my visit yesterday, while in line, I watched as a customer argue over being charged for food she did not request. And to make matters worse she didn't even receive the food in her bag to go. good thing she looked at her receipt! I won't even talk about my order, but it will be the last time I am charge over $20 for a large oxtail plat only to given a plate of rice and literally 5 pieces of oxtail. And the messed up part is they just replenished the tray! This is my last time eating there.

I think the flames in Randolph is way better. I came to this location years ago, and thought the food was just Ok. It didn't really have any taste to me. Recently, tried Flames in Randolph and really enjoyed my plate. The jerk, in particular, was flavorful, juicy and well spiced. Decided to come back to this location and try again, thinking food quality improved, but it still tastes like what I remembered which was pretty tasteless. Jerk chicken is dry and my food is lukewarm. Guess I'll stick to flames in Randolph even though this one is 5 minutes away from my job. The extra star is for nice ladies in front.

The food at this place is so good. The hubby and I just slammed down some curry chicken with red rice and a couple of patties, and I'm ready to go back for more. Being from out of town it can be a little intimidating to try new places but the menu is so simple that you can't really go wrong. The line was a little slow but the food is buffet style service so it's hot and ready to eat. Wish we had a Flames in Oakland, Ca!

Good afternoon, I am a frequent and usually pleased customer. The food is usually satisfying. However, the customer service at the Randolph location today (1/9/2022) was quite poor. My server was distracted, cleaning and engaged in a conversation with others. Because she was distracted she asked my for my order multiple times. she seemed disinterested/unbothered. I felt disrespected. WhIle a bit better, the cashier's custer service was also poor. Dissatisfied customer!

I'm conflicted about flames on one hand the food is really good and their machine is well oiled but on the other end quality ranges. This past trip back to Boston from my Los Angeles where I live now I knew Jamaican food was one thing I had to have. Literally, one of the hardest things about living on the west coast is the absence of amazing Carribean food. I was born and raised in Boston and I feel very fortunate that I grew up eating some of the best Mom and pop food. So every time I come back I already know what I must eat. I opted for the Large Oxtail plate with Rice and peas, cabbage, plantains and festival (dumpling some people call them). I got extra sauce on my rice because that's the only way to eat it. Now I know Oxtails are expensive but I don't think I got a large order it seemed a bit small like it was a medium order. Mac & Cheese: Skip it and go get some from a soul food place. It looked very good in the pan but didn't hold up in taste even though it was very cheesy. Quality: Oxtails were hit and miss the last 3 or 4 Oxtails I had were inedible and all fat/gristle. Some oxtail were tender and juicy and others were tough. So keep this in mind. Service: moves quick, and you have to remember that most people who work here and come in here are regulars and Carribean so if you're the type who needs to ask questions, explore what you might like I think that you should go to Garden of Eden which is my favorite West Indian spot in Boston. All in all 3/5. It's a solid spot but it's also a circus navigating Parking: BEWARE! People will block you in, some might even hit your car and it's madness. I remember now how awful and mad Boston drivers are

Ive been going to this spot since I was a teenager! The oxtail plantains rice and peas plate never disappoints nor does the breakfast banana cornmeal and oat porridge.

Never ate at this restaurant before but everytime im in the area the smell is undeniable. I finally find the courage to walk in and order a small meal the other day. Ok so heres the deal. Im actually mad at myself for not ever getting food here. Im new to the area and dont really know a lot of good places to eat. So to get a great meal from Flames was awesome. I got the curry chicken with green veggies and it was layered with flavor chicken was fall off the bone good with just the right amount of spicy. Since im not all too familiar with jamaican food i would say my order was a little conservative. However, i will deffinately be back and im excited to explore more of the menu. Thanks Flames!

Came to try King Fish but it was almost closing time and there was none left. I just got a side of rice and peas with cabbage and gravy. My bf had rice and peas with curry chicken. There was a long line but it went so fast due to great service. I will definitely be returning.

When I got there, it was packed and when I say packed there was a line that extended from one end to another of the place. You instantly know the food is good. The food was very very tasty and flavorful. However I can see why people here say things are a hit and miss sometimes. I got the rice with chicken curry and cabbage, the rice and cabbage was hot while the chicken curry was cold. Ordered the fish, it was very good but over fried. Overall I think it was a good meal and will be back soon.

I love this restaurant. It's the only one I go to get my oxtails plate. I never have a problem with the portions they give, the staff is always friendly and clean, and the food never fails to disappoint. They definitely got a customer for life.

Our favorite spot for delicious take-out Caribbean food. Love their jerk chicken and hot patties. Try cheese and coco bread for a snack

This entire time, I thought Flames Restaurant was a burger joint. Boy was I wrong, as they have nothing on the menu that resembles a burger patty. Friend was craving ox tail and told me that he had a place in mind that we could go. First thing I noticed was being greeted by the workers with a heavy island accent. Very friendly staff and took the time to help me decide on what to get as there was an overwhelming amount of choices from ox tail stew to jerk chicken to curry chicken and many more. I decided to not be too adventurous as it was my first time and decided to try curry chicken with vegetable rice and a side of plantains. I got a medium size but they do offer a small and large as well. The amount of food can be split into two servings depending on your hunger level. Everything tasted really good, just make sure to ask them to put some sauce on top of the rice to make your experience that much better. After finishing the meal, the struggle of getting up to leave was real. All I wanted to do was jump into bed and take a nap, the food coma started to kick in real hard. Get out of your comfort zone and try new things because when you think of ox tail, it doesn't sound appetizing. Next step it trying to find another Caribbean that will top Flames.

I'm usually not a fan of chain restaurants when it comes to Caribbean food, but Flames wasn't too shabby. I ordered a medium oxtail plate with rice & peas and vegetables. My friend also ordered coco bread stuffed with cheese and a patty. This was my first time trying coco bread and it turned out to be delicious, my friend said it tasted even better than where he usually gets it. The oxtails were tender and full of flavor. The rice was a bit on the dry side but luckily they added extra oxtail sauce on the plate (they probably knew the rice was dry). They had a variety of other food which I am eager to try. The restaurant itself was clean with a few tables on the side to eat but I don't think that is a popular choice for customers. There was an influx of people when I arrived but the staff was quick so the line cleared up quickly. I will continue to search but I'm not sure if there are many restaurants that can top Flames in the area.

This spot is the truth! I normally mess with the goat curry with yellow rice and cabbage. I also ask for extra sauce because that enhances the meal but so many others harass them about it so if they don't look pleased, don't take it personally. Oxtails is my back-up if Goat isn't available. Avoid the fried chicken and mac n cheese. You won't be pleased if you don't. Most people prefer to get their food to go. There are tables but it isn't much of an experience so if you're trying to get that too, I strongly recommend doing the one in Brigham Circle.

The food was delicious!!! I am sad the macaroni and cheese always runs out because it is so tasty!! Check out this restaurant for awesome takeout Caribbean cuisine!!!

Flames is the only place I trust to eat from in my neighborhood! I don't know why but it's true! I'm glad the lady that use to ring up the customers is gone because she was extremely rude. They have better staff now. They have their days though! The food is a hit and miss for me every time! One minute it's good and the next it's trash! One of my biggest issues is how they are so cheap with the salt fish! They dress it up with peppers and onions and barely any salt fish! One day I heard the cook tell the server to make the food stretch and don't give to much but then they want to charge way to much

First time coming in here and man did everything looked delicious! However, that wasn't the case. Ordered a large rice and peas, oxtails, and veggie plate (15$). The food wasn't as hot as we expected it to be. The rice was undercooked and hard in some places. Never had oxtail seasoned like this before... very tomatoey and wasn't as good imo. Veggies are just.. veggies. Kinda disappointed but we probably came in on a bad day. Would come back in the future though.

Very delicious, big portions! This stuff is great and you can't get everywhere so every time I'm in the area I savor it and I order myself an assortment of meat. After the meal I feel extremely satisfied. Oxtail and cow feet is the special. I think they were a little surprise an American asian was eating this but I watch a lot of bizarre foods and know it's good for my manlihood. So always double portions!!!

It's a pity to have unhappy and disgruntled workers serving food to recurring customers particularly in the early morning hours. My suggestion to the owner would be to send your workers to be trained how to become more customer friendly and not to be so unapproachable. I have determined that I would never spend my hard earned US Dollars there again.

This is my first visit to this restaurant upon a friend's recommendation, I decided to visit for dinner. Need I say the food was delicious, I ordered jerk chicken with rice and peas, and a side of stewed cabbage. Although, the jerk sauce was a little spicy for my taste, it was still really delicious. Perhaps they should offer a mild jerk sauce option, and this dish would be perfect. I will definitely recommend this restaurant.

So never again , the meat wasn't cook good . I ask for simple oxtail and sweet plain and they gave us nothing and it was burnt. Like I'm good with them since they reopen nothing but disappointment

I came here during my first visit of Boston, and we came around 9PM on a weekend. There was a line when we got there! I got the small chicken, and I asked what the most popular flavor was and got that. I think it was stewed. Anyway, the flavor was really good, although a little salty. For the price of $7.95, it was a lot of food! Lots of rice, some vegetables, and three big chunks of chicken (with bones). All in takeout boxes, as there's not a lot of space to eat there (there are maybe enough seats for about 10 people total). Anyway, would recommend if you're around the area!

Love the Caribbean food here , would definitely recommend this place . Just be ready to wait though as it's always packed , goes to show how good business is here especially with how good the food is .

This is my second time at this location. The food is wonderful. It's fresh all authentic Jamaican food. They have a very large variety. The service is impeccable.

Jerk chicken was just heat from the hot pepper you couldn't even enjoy your meal. Too spicy there should be a mild or slightly hot alternative if it's going to be soo hot

I prefer the food over Irie. The prices are much, but worth it. Especially the oxtail plate . I've seen people complain about the staff... I've never had problems with rudeness. Maybe ya naa undastan dem rude bwoy?

Fantastic meal! Came to this restaurant on recommendation from my boss and got the rice and beans, veggies, and of tail. All fantastic. Only reason I gave it 4 and not 5 stars it because they had no plantains, no corn bread, and no Mac and cheese. I thought this was a tad unacceptable for a restaurant. Would have loved to try them.

Best Jamaican food in Boston hands down!! Always fresh and seasoned right. Just brought singer Hezron there and he really enjoyed the food! Love it!

Best curry chicken around!!! I have to have it at lease once a month!!! Yummm!!!

I just brought some food in this Jamaican restaurant. If am being honest this is the best Jamaican food i have ever eaten. The ingredients just fit perfectly together i will definitely make this place my to go to when am craving jamaican.you guys should try it

Love the salmon and cabbage. I loved that the food was all out on display; food was hot and delicious. The make over looks great inside and out.

Love this place. But the line can be brutal. When I pull up I always feel like it's a fight to the finish. Pulling up, parking. Running in to get a good spot in line. LOL The people are so nice.

Bought some Ackees, most of it was code fish, went to the store, got myself a can of ackees for $10 and added to it with more flavor since their is tasteless. I sued to buy Ackees from them in 2012-14, it was very good back then.

I am West Indian so of course I love Flames Restaurant. My favorite is the curry chicken or oxtail plate with rice/peas and vegetables. My fiance loves Flame's curry goat. The meat is tender and will melt in your mouth. Another favorite is the beef patties. It has a hint of spice and the beef is savory. In addition, they have the best patties in MA. You should try the Jamaican Pineapple Cola. It is sweet with a delicious flavor. You do not have to be from the Caribbean Islands to enjoy the food so give it a try!

My cousin and I went here on Friday afternoon. We got there a little after eleven but didn't want breakfast food so we waited about 10 minutes for them to put out the lunch/dinner selections. She had the oxtails and I had the curry goat. Not only was the place clean but the staff was very courteous. The good was beyond amazing and I left feeling like I may have gained 5 pounds. I recommend this place to all my friends and it's on my list of places to visit regularly.