(abeautifullife) Jamaican Kitchen

Food was good and the service was very polite, friendly and warm. The wait times were a bit of an issue. About 35 minutes from the time we placed the drink orders to actually receiving the drinks. Food was a similar wait time. If there was 1 more server and bartender then there would be no issue.

Service took almost 2 hours for food, no refills, no check ins, were out of numerous things, OWNER EXTREMELY RUDE. made a direct comment of “I’m talking to you” when I was having a separate conversation. She said that the waitress would come back to bring our checks but she returned herself seeming to wanting to keep the issue going. She proceeded to say my order was made to order but it still wasn’t what I asked for. it was alfredo pasta with no alfredo. would not recommend. And the restaurant is entirely too dark.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

When I first walked in I was greeted in which it was one person serving the whole restaurant. I ordered oxtails in which was $40. It was horrible in flavor and the gravy was super thin.The portion was small and The rice was hard. I also ordered a lemonade for $8 and it came in a tall thin glass. When it came to pay they automatically added 18% gratuity without acknowledgment. So my total came up to $60. It was definitely not worth it.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 2

Service: 3

From the moment we walked into A Beautiful Life, the atmosphere was unmatched—Jamaican-boho aesthetic, warm lighting, and you’d never guess you were right in downtown LA.

Our server, Diamond, was absolutely exceptional. Her customer service, attentiveness, and amazing energy made the entire experience stand out. She truly elevated the night.

The food was equally impressive:
• Plantains with jerk sauce: perfectly sweet with the right amount of kick.
• Vegan wings and nuggets: crispy, flavorful, and a must-try for plant-based diners.
• Oxtail Mac & Cheese: moist, tender, well-seasoned—hands down a 10/10.
• Lamb chops: spicy, meaty, and cooked to perfection.
• Vegan curry: flavorful, mild spice, another 10/10 dish.
• Churros with caramel: sweet, soft, and melt-in-your-mouth good.

This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience—whether for a date night, a girls’ night out, or simply treating yourself. We’ll definitely be back.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This is definitely the coolest Jamaican restaurant in L.A. Most Jamaican restaurants you pick up and go...this place has all the vibes with great food, music, and cocktails. My favorite is the jerk wings and waffle 😋

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Jerk Salmon, Jerk Chicken Wings, Jerk Lamb Chops, Whole Escovitch Snapper

REMOVE THE 18% ILLEGAL GRATUITY - In Los Angeles, under California’s SB 478 (effective July 1, 2024), restaurants cannot add an automatic gratuity for small groups after the bill is presented unless it’s already included in the menu price. This “honest pricing” law requires all mandatory fees—except tax—to be disclosed upfront, so no surprise charges can be added at the end. Before July 2024, these gratuities were legal if disclosed. Now, if not included in the listed price, they’re illegal.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

They nailed-it, in terms of atmosphere. The ambiance was nice.

This was my first time eating there and I only stopped because I was hungry and happened to be passing by.

I ordered curry chicken with rice & peas and plantains.

The rice and peas were ok. The chicken was undercooked. The plantains were not as tender as I like them, however, they were perfectly caramelized. The curry sauce could've been seasoned better and thicker (it was a bit runny).

I will most likely keep searching for a good Jamaican food restaurant.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 2

Service: 1

This is my spot, and they’re usually good. Last night, patties were on point, plantains were good. Oxtail was TERRIBLE - bony and tasteless. Rice & cabbage wasn’t much better. Sorrel was watery as hell. Super disappointed, and I brought my homies with me. Mad embarrassing.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 2

Service: 5

Rude experience.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Nice interior

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 3

My 11 guest arrived at the establishment was greeted by one of the waiters which was perfect! The atmosphere was very dark. Couldn't see the menu's with the candles on. Not lively, music videos playing on the screens.Just not the same.

Best Jamaican Restaurant in Los Angeles. Hands down!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

One of the best meals I have had in a long time... Can't wait to come back and try more items... The Mac & Cheez was absolutely amazing!

Beef Patties, oxtail and rice and peas thank me later

This place runs out of ingredients, I’m
assuming due to a lack of professionalism and ability to keep adequate track of inventory, and then last-minute has them delivered via Instacart in many five-pound bags from a nearby grocery store. Worse, they do not tip the drivers who have to pick up and then lug fifty pounds of ingredients into their place.