The best Jamaican food to me in Arizona. Always fresh and hot and reasonable prices.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Titania Appleton
I miss you guys
Solaris Energy
Food is not good not very authentic rice horrible ox tails were
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 5
Steven Baker
I had the jerk chicken, it was delicious. The beautiful waitress, Tasha, is very
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Rice
Grayce F.
My partner and I were on a Saturday afternoon walk through the area and stumbled upon this unassuming plaza which also had an Ethiopian restaurant. We checked out both places and the moment we walked into Island Sensation Cuisine we were sold by the meat patties in the warmer behind the bar. There was island music playing in the background and overall it was an inviting place. We ordered the beef patties as an appetizer as we waited for our entrees to be prepared. The pastry on the beef patty was perfectly flakey with a flavorful beef filling that had a kick behind it. The perfect starter for the oxtail & curry goat that was on it's way. We were the only customer dining in at the time so service and turn around time was great, if you're familiar with the traditional service at Caribbean restaurants sometimes you can be waiting for a minute for the entrees to arrive. This wasn't the case at Island Sensation Cuisine. Our meals were beautifully prepared. The oxtail was tender and the gravy was so flavorful and provided the meat with a perfect layer of moisture. The oxtail easily fell off the bone and the gravy didn't feel as heavy as other restaurants may prepare it. The curry goat was cooked very nicely as well; the meat easily shredded and separated from the bone. The curry wasn't necessarily the yellow color I have experienced in other restaurants but the flavor accented the meat beautifully. Between these two entrees I would definitely have both again, but I'd choose the oxtail over the curry goat based off of flavor profile and meat quality. We also ordered a side of plantains (not pictured) that were a nice sweet accent to both dishes. Overall I'd give Island Sensation Cuisine a 4.4/5
Colin Meneghini
I was left speechless by my meal here. The Oxtail was so good. I had the Large Curry Chicken, , Fried Plantains , Mac & Cheese, and the Spinach Patty. I still struggle to find the right words to describe just how delicious and how happy this meal made me. The cooks are super friendly as well.100% recommended. No Doubt.
Hyleia Kidd
If I could I would give this place a -5. This was the worst Jamaican experience I’ve ever had. From the moment we walked in, the lady who took our order was not friendly and her customer service was subpar at best. I ordered the j*** chicken wing dinner and that was not good. Not only did the wings not taste like authentic Jamaican j**** but they were way too salty. The rice and peas were dry and so were the plantains. The spinach patty I received had no crunch or flavor to it, and the j*** shrimp tasted like something you could make at home. This was not worth the $53 we paid for the food and I do not recommend this restaurant to anyone! For those who have not tasted REAL Jamaican cuisine, there is nothing to compare this to and of course you would be fooled into thinking it’s good. However, I’ve had Jamaican food that far surpasses the trash I was served here. Unfortunately, those places are 1,800 miles from Phoenix.
Tiffany
I had made reservations here for my husband and I 11 year anniversary. Our anniversary fell on a Thursday and I thought it would be perfect since I saw that they have an open mic/poetry night on Thursday’s. I had email after hours the night before to get a reservation and was surprised that they responded! When we got there for dinner, they had a nice table set up for us and a bottle of champagne on ice waiting for us! (I was not expecting that at all!) The people there were so nice! The atmosphere was great! We even got a little shout out and a song sang for us as well (you can’t go wrong with some Al Green!). To top it off, the food was beyond amazing!!! My husband had the jerk chicken and it was full of flavor and tender. I had the oxtails and there aren’t even words to describe how good they were! We will definitely be going back (I just have to try the rest of the menu lol). Between the great staff, live music, great atmosphere and AMAZING food, this place is definitely a place to try out!!!
Brian B.
Food is good but the hours say that they are open on Tuesdays and after waiting in the car for 30 minutes to find out they're closed on Tuesday too. Update the hours on yelp or if it's temporary put a damn sign in the window.
One of my favorite Caribbean restaurants in Phoenix. The food is amazing and the service is great. They also have a live band and open Mic every Thursday. Awesome vibe and great ambiance.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Michael Neil
I'm Glad the place I heard about in Avondale doesn't exist, and that the closest place was rated 5 star. Island Sensation Cuisine is pricey, and they warn you with a placard at the counter that it's not "Fast food". Which translated to Arizona vocabulary means, relax for about 15 minutes... It'll be worth the wait. The oxtail dinner Experience (to go, this time) was Superlative. Capital. The seasonings in all elements is perfect. The Rice and peas is your Mama's, if she's from any tropical island where this is a staple, but each variation is distinct and delightful. This is that island in every bite. Bomb. The oxtails were perfectly composed, the meat succulent and bursting with delicious flavors in every bite. Every other bite was ecstasy, balancing the crisp, steamed cabbage or the excellent plantain slices with the rice. I passed out, and revived repeatedly. Have I said enough? Thank You, Folks. I'll be back. With my RV. Living in your parking lot until I sample everything. Great Job!!!?? ?⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Irene Bird
My coworker introduced me to the restaurant. They didn’t have the item I wanted so I ordered the oxtail. I loved it. The oxtail was so tender and flavorful. The red bean and rice was tasty.
Stacy Taylor
Went for the first time on Friday everything was delicious!! Oxtails we're not ready so I have to go back.
Doniesha Davis
The oxtail and goat with rice and peas is amazing! Everyone is nice, the vibe is right and you can tell they cook with love. Can't wait to visit again and tell everyone I know!
Food great and every very
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The best Jamaican food to me in Arizona. Always fresh and hot and reasonable prices.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I miss you guys
Food is not good not very authentic rice horrible ox tails were
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 5
I had the jerk chicken, it was delicious. The beautiful waitress, Tasha, is very
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Rice
My partner and I were on a Saturday afternoon walk through the area and stumbled upon this unassuming plaza which also had an Ethiopian restaurant. We checked out both places and the moment we walked into Island Sensation Cuisine we were sold by the meat patties in the warmer behind the bar. There was island music playing in the background and overall it was an inviting place. We ordered the beef patties as an appetizer as we waited for our entrees to be prepared. The pastry on the beef patty was perfectly flakey with a flavorful beef filling that had a kick behind it. The perfect starter for the oxtail & curry goat that was on it's way. We were the only customer dining in at the time so service and turn around time was great, if you're familiar with the traditional service at Caribbean restaurants sometimes you can be waiting for a minute for the entrees to arrive. This wasn't the case at Island Sensation Cuisine. Our meals were beautifully prepared. The oxtail was tender and the gravy was so flavorful and provided the meat with a perfect layer of moisture. The oxtail easily fell off the bone and the gravy didn't feel as heavy as other restaurants may prepare it. The curry goat was cooked very nicely as well; the meat easily shredded and separated from the bone. The curry wasn't necessarily the yellow color I have experienced in other restaurants but the flavor accented the meat beautifully. Between these two entrees I would definitely have both again, but I'd choose the oxtail over the curry goat based off of flavor profile and meat quality. We also ordered a side of plantains (not pictured) that were a nice sweet accent to both dishes. Overall I'd give Island Sensation Cuisine a 4.4/5
I was left speechless by my meal here. The Oxtail was so good. I had the Large Curry Chicken, , Fried Plantains , Mac & Cheese, and the Spinach Patty. I still struggle to find the right words to describe just how delicious and how happy this meal made me. The cooks are super friendly as well.100% recommended. No Doubt.
If I could I would give this place a -5. This was the worst Jamaican experience I’ve ever had. From the moment we walked in, the lady who took our order was not friendly and her customer service was subpar at best. I ordered the j*** chicken wing dinner and that was not good. Not only did the wings not taste like authentic Jamaican j**** but they were way too salty. The rice and peas were dry and so were the plantains. The spinach patty I received had no crunch or flavor to it, and the j*** shrimp tasted like something you could make at home. This was not worth the $53 we paid for the food and I do not recommend this restaurant to anyone! For those who have not tasted REAL Jamaican cuisine, there is nothing to compare this to and of course you would be fooled into thinking it’s good. However, I’ve had Jamaican food that far surpasses the trash I was served here. Unfortunately, those places are 1,800 miles from Phoenix.
I had made reservations here for my husband and I 11 year anniversary. Our anniversary fell on a Thursday and I thought it would be perfect since I saw that they have an open mic/poetry night on Thursday’s. I had email after hours the night before to get a reservation and was surprised that they responded! When we got there for dinner, they had a nice table set up for us and a bottle of champagne on ice waiting for us! (I was not expecting that at all!) The people there were so nice! The atmosphere was great! We even got a little shout out and a song sang for us as well (you can’t go wrong with some Al Green!). To top it off, the food was beyond amazing!!! My husband had the jerk chicken and it was full of flavor and tender. I had the oxtails and there aren’t even words to describe how good they were! We will definitely be going back (I just have to try the rest of the menu lol). Between the great staff, live music, great atmosphere and AMAZING food, this place is definitely a place to try out!!!
Food is good but the hours say that they are open on Tuesdays and after waiting in the car for 30 minutes to find out they're closed on Tuesday too. Update the hours on yelp or if it's temporary put a damn sign in the window.
Restaurantji Recommends
One of my favorite Caribbean restaurants in Phoenix. The food is amazing and the service is great. They also have a live band and open Mic every Thursday. Awesome vibe and great ambiance.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I'm Glad the place I heard about in Avondale doesn't exist, and that the closest place was rated 5 star. Island Sensation Cuisine is pricey, and they warn you with a placard at the counter that it's not "Fast food". Which translated to Arizona vocabulary means, relax for about 15 minutes... It'll be worth the wait. The oxtail dinner Experience (to go, this time) was Superlative. Capital. The seasonings in all elements is perfect. The Rice and peas is your Mama's, if she's from any tropical island where this is a staple, but each variation is distinct and delightful. This is that island in every bite. Bomb. The oxtails were perfectly composed, the meat succulent and bursting with delicious flavors in every bite. Every other bite was ecstasy, balancing the crisp, steamed cabbage or the excellent plantain slices with the rice. I passed out, and revived repeatedly. Have I said enough? Thank You, Folks. I'll be back. With my RV. Living in your parking lot until I sample everything. Great Job!!!?? ?⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My coworker introduced me to the restaurant. They didn’t have the item I wanted so I ordered the oxtail. I loved it. The oxtail was so tender and flavorful. The red bean and rice was tasty.
Went for the first time on Friday everything was delicious!! Oxtails we're not ready so I have to go back.
The oxtail and goat with rice and peas is amazing! Everyone is nice, the vibe is right and you can tell they cook with love. Can't wait to visit again and tell everyone I know!