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Island Taste Caribbean Grill ico

Island Taste Caribbean Grill
- 225 E Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA 95112

Caribbean restaurant, Jamaican restaurant ★4.0 (147)·$20–30

225 E Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA 95112, USA

4.0
The hostess was pleasant and explained the menu choices well. They offer complimentary lemon water while waiting. My sister had the lemonade and I enjoyed the hibiscus drink. The plantains and patties were a hit! I was disappointed in the plating of my food. The salad with vinaigrette mixed with the Rasta pasta, so I didn’t get to enjoy the different flavors on my plate much, except the Jerk Tofu which was phenomenal. My sister had the rice and it was cooked well, but her salad was also added with next to the rice so you got more of a vinegar taste. My suggestion is to serve the salad separately, but I would try it again if in the area. - Sheryll Hamilton
Island Taste Caribbean Grill Overview Intro Food & drink Detail Photos Location Reviews
$20–30 per person Reported by 147 people$10–20$20–30$30–50

Island Taste Caribbean Grill Introduce

For California diners seeking an escape to the islands without leaving the Bay Area, **Island Taste Caribbean Grill** in San Jose offers a vibrant and authentic culinary journey. Located conveniently in the downtown area, this restaurant specializes in a delicious fusion of Caribbean, specifically Jamaican and Haitian, cuisine. Far more than just a place to grab a meal, Island Taste provides a cultural connection through its food, music, and atmosphere, which are infused with island vibes and genuine hospitality. The restaurant is celebrated for bringing traditional island staples—often hard to find in the region—to the San Jose community, putting a fresh, flavorful spin on classic dishes.

As a proud Black-owned and women-owned business, the restaurant is built on a foundation of passion and heritage, with every dish telling a story. This commitment to authenticity and quality has earned the restaurant a strong reputation, highlighted by rave customer reviews that praise the rich, genuine flavors and the generous portion sizes. Whether you are craving the slow-cooked tenderness of Oxtail, the signature spice of Jerk Chicken, or a savory vegetarian option like Rasta Pasta, Island Taste Caribbean Grill serves up comfort food that truly satisfies both the stomach and the soul.

The casual yet trendy atmosphere makes it an inviting spot for a variety of occasions—popular for lunch, dinner, and even solo dining. It serves as a vital hub for authentic Caribbean flavors, bridging the culinary gap in the San Jose dining landscape with its unique and highly-rated offerings.

Location and Accessibility

Island Taste Caribbean Grill boasts a prime location in the heart of San Jose, California, making it easily accessible for residents, professionals, and students. You can find this culinary hotspot at **225 E Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA 95112, USA**. The central downtown location, often noted as being near City Hall, ensures high visibility and convenience for those in the metropolitan area.

The restaurant is committed to ensuring a comfortable experience for all patrons, featuring robust accessibility amenities:

  • Wheelchair Accessible Entrance: Provides easy access for all guests.
  • Wheelchair Accessible Restroom: Ensures comfort and convenience during your visit.
  • Wheelchair Accessible Seating: Offers suitable dining arrangements in the restaurant area.

Parking options in this bustling downtown location cater to different needs: **Free street parking** is available, though it may require searching, and **paid street parking** is also an option nearby. This flexibility allows patrons to choose the most convenient method for their visit, whether they are stopping in for a quick bite or settling in for a full dinner.

Services Offered

The service model at Island Taste Caribbean Grill is designed to be versatile and accommodating, fitting seamlessly into the fast-paced or relaxed schedules of California life. The services include traditional dining alongside modern convenience options:

  • Dine-in Service: Enjoy your meal in the casual, trendy atmosphere of the restaurant, complete with comfortable seating and access to the restroom amenity.
  • Takeout: Convenient service for customers who wish to pick up their favorite dishes and enjoy them at home or at work.
  • Delivery: Offering delivery allows the restaurant's authentic flavors to be enjoyed directly at a customer's location throughout the San Jose area.
  • Catering: Providing full-service catering for groups and events, allowing the rich flavors of the Caribbean to be the centerpiece of any gathering.
  • Dining Options: The restaurant offers a variety of experiences, specifically catering to **Lunch**, **Dinner**, and **Dessert** service times.
  • Payment Flexibility: Accepts modern payment methods, including **Credit cards**, **Debit cards**, and **NFC mobile payments**, ensuring a smooth and quick transaction process.
Features / Highlights

Island Taste Caribbean Grill stands out in the San Jose dining scene due to a compelling blend of cultural authenticity, quality food, and dedicated service:

  • Authentic Jamaican and Haitian Cuisine: Specializing in the distinct and flavorful dishes from both Jamaica (e.g., Jerk Chicken, Oxtail) and Haiti (e.g., Tasso/Fried Goat, Griot/Fried Pork), providing a unique blend of island flavors.
  • Black-Owned and Women-Owned: Operating as a Black-owned and women-owned business, it brings a rich, personal heritage and passion to the culinary experience, which is often reflected in the warmth and authenticity of the service.
  • Highly-Rated Comfort Food: Menu items like the "Jamrock" Oxtail and the "Bolt" Jerk Chicken are customer favorites, consistently praised for their phenomenal flavor, authenticity, and generous portions.
  • Strong Vegetarian and Vegan Options: Catering to diverse California diets with excellent options such as "Smile Jamaica" (Coconut Curry Garbanzo Beans), "Rasta Pasta" (Vegan), and Jerk Tofu, moving beyond traditional meat-centric Caribbean menus.
  • Vibrant and Inviting Atmosphere: Described as both **Casual** and **Trendy**, the environment, complete with island-inspired artwork and music, enhances the dining experience, making it a comfortable spot for **Groups** and **Family-friendly** dining.
  • Unique Beverage Menu: Offering authentic Caribbean drinks like **Jamaican Sorrel (Hibiscus And Ginger)**, which provides a refreshing, traditional accompaniment to the spicy and savory mains.
  • Popular for All Meals: Equally popular for **Lunch**, **Dinner**, and for **Solo dining**, demonstrating its versatility and ability to fit into different dining needs throughout the day.
Contact Information

To experience the authentic tastes of the Caribbean or to make an inquiry, local California users can reach Island Taste Caribbean Grill using the following information:

Address: 225 E Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA 95112, USA

Phone: (669) 899-1097

Mobile Phone: +1 669-899-1097

What is Worth Choosing

Choosing Island Taste Caribbean Grill is choosing a dining experience that offers depth, culture, and phenomenal flavor, making it one of the most compelling restaurant options in downtown San Jose. It is worth choosing for several crucial reasons that resonate with the values of the California community:

Firstly, the **authenticity of the cuisine**—a skillful blend of Jamaican and Haitian recipes—is unmatched in the area, offering dishes that are both traditional and innovative. Customers consistently highlight the "phenomenal" taste and the "legit and authentic" nature of the food, especially main courses like Oxtail and Curry Goat, and even the creative Jerk Tofu.

Secondly, the restaurant's identity as a **Black-owned and women-owned business** adds a layer of community support and cultural richness, providing a welcoming and warm environment that is often praised by guests. This is more than just good food; it’s an opportunity to connect with a genuine cultural expression right in the heart of Silicon Valley.

Lastly, the **incredible value and variety** is a major draw. With generous portion sizes that satisfy deep cravings, diverse offerings for all dietary needs—including excellent vegetarian options—and a casual setting that is good for kids, groups, or even just a solo quick bite, Island Taste Caribbean Grill offers a comprehensive and highly satisfying dining solution. For any California resident looking for true island flavor and a heartwarming meal, this establishment is a must-try destination.

Island Taste Caribbean Grill Food & drink

  • Beverages

  • Bottled Water $2.00
  • Bottled Caribbean Drinks $3.75
  • Jamaican Sorrel (Hibiscus And Ginger) $5.00

    Sorrel combines the flavor of hibiscus, ginger, and spices to create a tasty and refreshing beverage.

  • Napkins & Utensils

  • Napkins & Utensils $0.00
  • Mains

  • Smile Jamaica (Coconut Curry Garbanzo Beans) $16.00

    Curry coconut garbanzo beans served with basmati rice and garlic infused callaloo [Gluten Free + Vegan]

  • What A Gwaan (Brown Stew Chicken) $20.00

    Brown stew chicken marinated and slow cooked in traditional Jamaican seasoning and spices, served with white rice, sweet plantain, and your choice of steamed veggies OR our pickled cucumber, carrot, and red onion salad

  • Kingston (Curry Goat) $22.00

    Curry goat served with your choice of white rice or rice and peas along with fried sweet plantains and our in-house pickled cucumber, carrot, and red onion salad [Gluten Free]

  • Montego Bay (Curry Shrimp) $22.00

    Curry shrimp served with white rice or rice and peas, sweet plantain, and your choice of steamed veggies OR our pickled cucumber, carrot, and red onion salad

  • Bolt (Jerk Chicken) $20.00

    Pimento smoked marinated jerk chicken served with rice and peas, sweet plantains, and our in-house pickled cucumber, carrot, and red onion salad [Spicy]

  • Cool Runnings (Curry Chicken) $20.00

    Curry chicken served with white rice or rice and peas along with fried sweet plantains and our in-house pickled cucumber, carrot, and red onion salad [Gluten Free]

  • 1804 (Tasso/ Fried Goat) $23.00

    Fried goat marinated in authentic Haitian herbs and spices, served with rice and peas, fried green plantains, and our in-house pickled cucumber, carrot, and red onion salad [Gluten Free]

  • Bang Bang (Griot/ Fried Pork) $23.00

    Fried pork marinated in authentic Haitian herbs and spices, served with white rice and black beans, fried green plantains, and our in-house pickled cucumber, carrot, and red onion salad [Gluten Free]

  • Rasta Pasta (Vegan) $17.00

    Penne pasta cooked in coconut cream sauce with a blend of bell peppers, garlic and cherry tomatoes

  • Rasta Pasta $18.00

    Penne pasta cooked in coconut cream sauce with a blend of bell peppers

  • Skankin Sweet (Fried Fish) $35.00

    Escovitch whole red snapper fried and served with Jamaican festival bread and our in-house pickled cucumber, carrot, and red onion salad

  • Jamrock (Oxtail) $27.00

    Oxtail and butter beans slow cooked in traditional Jamaican seasoning and spices served with rice and peas and our in-house pickled cucumber, carrot, and red onion salad

  • Side Of Meat

  • Fried Pork ONLY $14.00
  • Curry Goat ONLY $14.00
  • Oxtail ONLY $18.00
  • Jerk Chicken ONLY $13.00
  • Fried Chicken ONLY $13.00
  • Fried Goat ONLY $14.00
  • Starters

  • Jerk Chicken Wings (6) $13.00

    Six wings marinated in jerk seasoning and Jamaican herbs and spices [Spicy]

  • Island Tacos (Mix - Oxtail And Chicken) $12.00

    Two (2) tacos served with purple cabbage slaw and sweet plantain bites in a flour tortilla

  • Beef Patty $7.00

    Minced beef marinated in Jamaican herbs and spices in a savory, flaky, pastry crust

  • Curry Chicken Patty $7.00

    Curry chicken marinated in Jamaican herbs and spices in a savory, flaky, pastry crust

  • Veggie Patty $7.00

    Mixed veggies marinated in Jamaican herbs and spices in a savory, flaky, pastry crust

  • Island Tacos (Oxtail) $14.00

    Two (2) tacos served with purple cabbage slaw, sweet plantain bites, and island aioli in a flour tortilla

  • Island Tacos (Chicken) $11.00

    Two (2) tacos served with shredded purple cabbage slaw and sweet plantain bites in a flour tortilla

  • Sides

  • White Rice & Black Beans $8.00

    White rice served with our Haitian style black beans [Gluten Free + Vegan]

  • Sweet Plantains $8.00

    Sweet, ripe plantains, lightly fried in oil [Gluten Free + Vegan]

  • Jamaican Festival Bread (2) $5.00

    Slightly sweet cornmeal fritters that are perfect for mopping up jerk sauce or oxtail gravy.

  • Mac & Cheese $8.00

    Baked macaroni seasoned with Caribbean herbs and spices, and cheese [Vegetarian]

  • Rice And Peas $8.00

    Jasmine rice and red kidney beans cooked in coconut milk with Caribbean herbs and spices [Gluten Free + Vegan]

  • Sauce

  • Pineapple Hot Sauce $9.50
  • Oxtail Gravy $0.50
  • Sweet Sauce $0.50
  • Pikliz $0.50

Island Taste Caribbean Grill Details

  • From the business

  • Identifies as Black-owned
  • Identifies as women-owned
  • Service options

  • Delivery
  • Takeout
  • Dine-in
  • Popular for

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining
  • Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Wheelchair accessible seating
  • Assistive hearing loop
  • Offerings

  • Comfort food
  • Quick bite
  • Small plates
  • Vegetarian options
  • Dining options

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Catering
  • Dessert
  • Amenities

  • Restroom
  • Atmosphere

  • Casual
  • Trendy
  • Crowd

  • Family-friendly
  • Groups
  • Payments

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments
  • Credit cards
  • Children

  • Good for kids
  • Parking

  • Free street parking
  • Paid street parking

Island Taste Caribbean Grill Photos

Island Taste Caribbean Grill Picture 1Island Taste Caribbean Grill Picture 2Island Taste Caribbean Grill Picture 3Island Taste Caribbean Grill Picture 4Island Taste Caribbean Grill Picture 5Island Taste Caribbean Grill Picture 6Island Taste Caribbean Grill Picture 7Island Taste Caribbean Grill Picture 8Island Taste Caribbean Grill Picture 9Island Taste Caribbean Grill Picture 10

Island Taste Caribbean Grill Location

Island Taste Caribbean Grill

225 E Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA 95112, USA

Island Taste Caribbean Grill Reviews

An average rating of ★4.7 from 264 user reviews.

rasta pastahaitianjerk tofufried goatfried porkjerk chicken tacosjerk chicken wingsentreesteamed veggiesjamaican patty

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

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