The Islands - Brooklyn

Our friend took us to The Islands, claiming it's her favorite Caribbean restaurant in the area. The decor is modest and spacious, offering plenty of seating. The menu features a limited selection of signature dishes. We ordered the Oxtail with Rice and Beans, Curry Chicken with Steamed Vegetables, and a Salad topped with Jerk Chicken. The portions were generous and fairly priced, leaving us with plenty to take home. The food was incredibly delicious, particularly the jerk chicken, which was super tender and juicy. We were also pleasantly surprised by the rice and beans; they were delightfully flavorful and had a wonderful aroma.

The food was incredible—super fresh and full of flavor. The mac and cheese was a perfect 10 out of 10. The coffee was also fantastic, served in charming little carafes! The server was incredibly friendly, and the overall atmosphere was very warm and inviting.

I ordered the goat curry and tried the plantains, and both were delicious with fantastic flavors and generous portions! The restaurant has a welcoming, homey atmosphere, although it was quite quiet on a Tuesday night with only one other table occupied. The menu isn't extensive, but everything they serve is done exceptionally well. The prices are reasonable, and as a bonus, it's a BYOB establishment!

THIS PLACE IS BOMB!! I had roti with curry chicken and I cleaned up that plate! The waitress was so sweet and the food came out fast! I’m definitely going back here!

We arrived as a group of four and saw that there wasn’t any free outdoor tables, so we had expected a wait. However, after putting our name down, one of the waiters brought out tables and chairs for us, so we were basically seated immediately. Not only that, but this place lets you drink your own wine AND WILL GIVE YOU WINE GLASSES FOR IT! The liquor store is literally 20 feet away and most tables had bought wine there for the meal. So you are supporting TWO local businesses — VERY NICE! Now for the food, I highly recommend the jerk lamb chicken or the curry chicken. Meat is literally fall off the bone tender and HUGE portions — we were literally cleaning the place of the jerk lamb, and it’s just spicy enough for you to feel the heat but still keep you coming back for more. The roti is BOMB though, and would definitely recommend getting this to compliment your meal and just help sop up the sauce. The plantains and steamed veggies included in each plate are also delicious : However, if they offer you the Mac and cheese as an add-on, I would say to pass: it’s decent but not worth the price. Service could have been better while we were dining; we didn’t get any water refills or check-ins, and had to flag down a waiter to order and get the check. However, for their initial service the treat of being able to drink your own wine with the meal the portions and quality of the food, I am still more than happy to give this place five stars. I will definitely be back the next time I’m in the city.