Hungry Eyes Jamacian Restaurant and Perlas Pizza and Bar

I would usually not do a review of my first experience and I certainly wouldn't do it about takeout but the empty restaurant at dinner time made me want to support and get the word out. The people were so grateful for our order. The portion was HUGE. I got the large goat and was glad I did. It was so tender with amazing spices. Next time I'll ask to see if I can get it a little spicier. I asked for more cabbage than rice but got the opposite and it was a good mistake because the cabbage was flavorless and the rice was delicious. I also got the beef patty. Would have liked a little more filling but it was good and I'd get again. I really encourage you to hit them up. You'll be happy and FULL!!!

One thing to know about me: I ❤️ Jamaican food. Wherever I am, whenever I find a Jamaican restaurant, I have to try it. I discovered Hungry Eyes on a business trip to Richmond. I didn't realize at the time that I had discovered a hidden gem. I have a test to distinguish real, authentic Jamaican restaurants from fake places: I ask for Scotch Bonnet pepper sauce. When the server replied "You want the sauce or the whole pepper?" I knew I was in the right place. I ordered the jerk chicken plate with plantains and a rum punch for lunch & enjoyed every bite. The chicken was spiced just right, the rice & peas and vegetables that came with it were perfectly cooked--soft, fluffy, and fragrant rice with tender savory vegetables that accompanied the jerk chicken like backup singers. What I didn't expect was how friendly the staff would be. Tara (the lunchtime server & bartender) was the nicest, most attentive and personable server I've ever met a Jamaican spot. I even got to meet the owner, Lester, who is meticulous about everything from the bottles they stock in their (very) full bar to the way the food is plated. Most Jamaican restaurants are hit or miss. Hungry Eyes doesn't miss. So if you ever find yourself in Richmond, craving a taste of the island, stop by Hungry Eyes. Tell them the OTHER "Cousin Lennox" (from California) sent you 😉

The curry chicken the the beef patties were just ok not hot and not a lot of filling but the mac and cheese was great and the meatlovers Perla pizza was delicious

Best Jamaican spot in RVA. Food was great! We also had a chance to meet the owner. Super nice we’ll be back!

I Finally found a Jamaican spot in the west end that taste good 💯♥️🙏🏽 I’m a foodie and very hard to please. 5 out of 5 stars for me. I had jerk chicken, cabbage, and rice. EVERYTHING was good and FLAVORFUL ❤️ Beef patties were on point! I no longer have to go across town to get some good Jamaican food 🙏🏽 Found my spot!!!

WOW! Food was amazing! Hungry Eyes is the best Jamaican restaurant in Richmond. The Oxtail had perfect flavor, meat was very tender. It was stewed to perfection. Even though the dish was expensive, but it was well worth it. We also loved the Jerk Chicken. It tasted sweet at first, but it leaves a tangy after taste in your mouth. Good quality chicken breast meat. The chef did a wonderful job with the sides too. We substituted rice with Green Beans and Sweet Yam, they were delicious. Our waitress Tara made us felt so welcomed. Owner/Chef Lester shared his passion for culinary with us. You can tell every dish was prepared with pride. We cannot wait to go back and try other dishes on their menu. I also learned a new nonalcoholic beverage named Sorrel. It is a Jamaican holiday drink. Chef Lester makes it in house. It is sweet and refreshing. “Sorrel is the Jamaican name for a type of hibiscus flower known as the Roselle. The dried sepals (the outer parts) of the hibiscus flower create a versatile and colorful red liquid when infused with hot water.”

This restaurant is definitely a hidden gem. The food exceeded my expectations. My kids even loved it. We got to meet the owner who is also the Chef and he was very kind and made sure that we understood the menu. You could tell that he loves what he does. I highly recommend this restaurant.

Unfortunately, , I was too hungry to get pics for the second time. Today I had a combination plate with oxtails and curry goat with white rice and cabbage. I appreciate how the food comes separated because I am able to add my own gravy. Both the oxtails and curry goat were extremely tender and delicious. The rice was warm but once I added the gravy from my goat it was good. Also, I tried the candy yams and they were good. They had something in there I never tasted before but it was welcomed! The server was wonderful from the time we walked in. I enjoyed everything ! (Smiling)

Stop by here! The food is a 10! The food is packed with flavor love the spice, not unbearably hot. The portions are huge. Definite bang for your buck. The team here was very inviting and patient. They were very attentive. Also the service here was considerably fast. This is a very cozy environment spacious seats and good background music playing. I have to bring the whole family by. This was a hit for sure!

We loved our visit to Hungry Eyes! We were the only ones dining in on a Saturday night, though there was a nice flow of take out orders. We got the curry chicken entree, jerk chicken, mac n cheese, plantains, and a Jamaican drink. Everything came out pretty quickly and was so good and flavorful. The chicken fell off the bone. We were pleasantly surprised by the portion sizes. The employees were really nice and attentive. One of them noticed I went to grab an extra layer and asked if we wanted the AC lowered.

HOME!!! That's the vibe Hungry Eyes gives me. A piece of the Caribbean right here in RVA. Not only is their food absolutely perfection their service is top notch. Great customer service with authentic food. Name a place in RVA where you get fresh Dhal Puri? Sunday was like my fifth time there and I can't wait to go back. Highly suggest the chicken patti and the curry chicken Dhal Puri with the potatoes and chic pea. My Guyanese hearts appreciates this establishment.

I feel like Richmond needs more cultural food like this. This restaurant reminded me of the Jamaican cookouts I used to go to when I was a kid. The jerked chicken was cooked to perfection, with enough sauce, spice and crispy skin. It tasted like it was made on a charcoal grill, however it is fairly spicy, so if you are not into that stay clear. The caramelized plantains were also enjoyable and perfect to cool down my mouth from the spices. My wife had the Ox tales and the flavor was amazing especially mixed with the rice and peas (red beans). I have nothing but good things to say about Hungry Eyes. Definitely my top Jamaican restaurant in Richmond right now. Overall: 9/10 Location: 10/10 Beautiful Short Pump. Easy to find parking Prices: 9/10 Good portions. Fair pricing Customer Service: 8/10 Food: 10/10

The food is delicious, along with the rum punch. Plentiful portions and a great selection of authentic Jamaican dishes. Good vibes with the music. The service staff were attentive and welcoming; with the chef coming out to make sure we enjoyed everything.

Everything we've tried from here has been great - beef patties, chicken patties, jerk chicken, oxtails, cabbage, rice and beans. The staff is super friendly and welcoming, too.

Service was good. The curry chicken was a little too salty and not enough curry flavor

Oxtails were full of fat. They did not remove the outer fat. Also the meat was dry and chewy. No oxtail gravy. I ended up throwing the entire meal out. Will not order here again.

The food was delicious and the portions were large. The staff was friendly. It was chill and relaxing.

Hungry Eyes is a mixed bag. Let me start with the cons first. * The ambiance is authentic. It's kind of cafeteria-ish and not too comfy. * Service is lackadaisical. They don't greet you. Once you get your food, you're on your own. * We didn't know that we had to pay at the register so we waited at the table for a long time for the check. Nobody came to check on us. Now, let me tell you about the pros. * The food is authentic. It's hot, tasty, well seasoned, and what you'd expect from a Jamaican restaurant. I tasted the goat curry, jerk chicken, fried Whiting, cabbage, plantain, mac and cheese, and rice and peas. Everything was good. * The presentation is lovely. * The portions are good. I didn't have any leftovers, but I was hungry. Everyone else did. :) I've been to Jamaica. I think the cons are just cultural. The owners were really friendly. If you're going to a Jamaican restaurant owned by Jamaicans, expect to visit Jamaica and you won't be disappointed.

food was trash dry and the portions were horrible for the price only thing good was the plantains. the large oxtail dry rice no seasoning on oxtail and no gravy. mostly packed with rice and barely any oxtail just pure trash. do better.

Excellent service and food !! You have to try the oxtail gravy .. delicious.. We all got the jerk chicken .. shared mac n cheese and plantains .. nice music .. highly recommend.

Fantastic find! The jerk chicken and beef patties were fantastic, the beer was cold, and the service was top notch. Will absolutely be back to try more of this traditional Jamaican menu.

My boyfriend & I drove a hour away to try this spot and they didn't disappoint! If you're thinking about trying this restaurant, this is your sign to just GO! We got two orders of curry chicken that come with rice and peas & cabbage. It also comes with plantains but we substituted it for candied yams and we got a separate order of mac & cheese. This food was a 20/10 and if I could give more than 5 stars I would. The food was so fresh that when we returned home 2 hours later, both platters were still hot! You get a hefty amount of food for the money as well & that is a plus nowadays. Normally you find a spot that gives a good portion of food but the food isn't that good BUT here, you get the best of both worlds. Very good price point for all this food. The customer service was so homely and personable. The only issue is that they need to have a bigger sign over their building or find a better location because no one should have to miss out on this great food due to not knowing it's there. I want to give a special thank you to the gentleman who rung us up and if you see this, my boyfriend loved the jerk chicken as well! We will definitely be back soon.

This restaurant was mid at best. The food was hot but could use more seasoning. The service was obviously teenagers who didn't care to be there.

My wife and I stopped for an early dinner after a movie. Wanted to try something different, and this was a good choice. She had the curry chicken, and I had the jerk chicken. Both were good, but mine was a little better because it was a bit spicy. The rice and peas (beans) were awesome in both. One word to the wise though, be careful on the smaller chicken bones in the dish. The chicken truly falls of the bones, and we did find several little ones while eating. But even so, would definitely stop by again. I'm no expert, but I would say this is definitely legit Jamaican food, and they give you a TON of it.

Amazing jerk chicken! Can't wait to go back! Food was fantastic and staff was friendly and professional. Place is clean and nicely decorated

Excellent service and cuisine. Whenever I visit there are smiles on the faces of the staff. While I have had really good meals every time, my favorite dish on the menu is brown stewed chicken with cabbage and peas and rice. The chicken is so tender and very delicious. I've visited many Jamaican restaurants through the years, but Hungry Eyes is my favorite.

New restaurant to me and the Richmond area. Great friendly service with an intimate vibe. Food is plentiful and very tasty. I like my jerk a little spicer, but the char of the chicken is great.

Very tasty food! Friendly service. Love Jamaican food and glad to have such a wonderful place near Richmond. Hidden gem, will be back!!!

Is there a seasoning shortage? Is this Jamaican food with a Caucasian twist? Bring a salt packet.

This place is a hit or miss, too many chefs in the kitchen, one week the food is good, next time it has NO TASTE. please use these reviews for improvement and not criticism

The staff friendly and welcoming. Service was excellent, the portion for a small Oxtail dinner was good (I will see how it compares on my next visit). The atmosphere/aesthetics is very nice. I enjoyed the food and do recommend giving Hungry Eye Jamaican a try.

The beef patties always on point. The oxtail was soft I would ask for extra gravy on the rice if you like you rice like that.

This place is serious. The food was authentic and delicious. The portions were incredible. The Brown Stew Chicken was easily a 9 out of 10. The Curry Goat was 9.5 out of 10. The cabbage, rice and peas, and plantains were great as well. The service was excellent, this family ran business made me feel like were eating at my aunt and uncle's house. The owners/chefs were pleasant and engaging. The server was nice and helpful. This place should be packed to capacity. The setup is cool and relaxing, there's also a bar for those looking for a great drink. Great spot for the weekend.

I was first a little disappointed because several things that I wanted they were already out of how ever when I got my fish sandwich and shrimp, fried shrimp dinner, I could not believe how much food it was and the curry goat I was told that it was fantastic. The service is great and friendly try the food is all I could say, and have a Jamaican experience.

Apparently, this spot is only open when they FEEL like being open, regardless of their store hours. My friend and I were ready to spend a pretty penny after nearly an hour's drive, we arrived to see that they were closed unexpectedly. You lost a customer permanently. God bless.

EVERYTHING AMAZING! The jerk chicken was perfect. Enough sauce, spice, and just sooooo yummy. Please go eat here. IT IS SO GOOOOD! PLUS service was excellent!

They didn't open on time and food was just okay.. They gave more rice than actual food. Wasn't worth the drive from Sandston....

Ordered the Curry Goat last night (first time trying goat); added the mac n' cheese because why not? I have to say, I was impressed with every aspect. The goat was tender, hardy, and well seasoned. The mac n' cheese had a Thanksgiving feel about it. The plantains were probably the best preparation I've ever had on a plantain: super sweet and buttery to perfectly accentuate that starchy plantain taste. Just a job well done! My only fear is that the bar is too high for the next time I try goat.

Just opened yesterday. Owners are super nice! I had the curried goat and it was fabulous. I hope they do well...

Their food is AMAZING. Food came fresh and hot. My eyes rolled when I tasted the mac n cheese okay. The service is awesome and timely. I wish I had more room to taste more on the menu. I'll definitely be back!

The service was great and the food was delicious. They give great portion sizes. It's in a nice area of Short Pump.

The food, the service, and the people were amazing. They greeted me and were very hospitable. A very welcoming atmosphere. Described each dish. Also made sure the food was satisfactory before I left with my meal. Highly recommend. Oxtail to perfection.

Customer service was rude, we waited to order food after we were told to pick a table. Waitress never came and checked on us nor did she take any orders from us. She proceeded to sit other couples walking in and immediately took their order. We ended up just walking out and was never waited on. Worst customer service ever, I give them 0 stars

the owners were friendly and welcoming. the portions were big and the food was delicious! we ordered to go but i liked the vibe of the inside.

A first time customer and I must say, I ENJOYED every bit of my meal that I had to order other items off the menu to take home. Jerk chicken, curry chicken, oxtails, peas and rice, plantains and cabbage is what I've tried and took home. This is a true Jamaican restaurant, small but cozy and the Owners were very friendly.

Wonderful food and super nice owners. You can taste the love they put into their dishes. The curry goat melts in your mouth and the meat pies are tasty without being greasy. The ox tail is very tender and delicious.