Caribbean Soul Kitchen LA

I don’t have any complaints

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The food was great. The owners came and talked to us personally for awhile. The food was a little spicer with the Carribian background than my wife was used from her region of Panama. But each family is used to how their mom or grandparents make things. Overall it was delicious.
On an important side note they are relocating to Long Beach and having a name change to PTY, after Panama's airport.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 5

The outdoor patio area was nice, and we enjoyed sitting out there. However, the customer service and staff personality could use improvement; it seemed like the owner was the one serving us.

Unfortunately, the jerk chicken was awful--it tasted off and was quite unpleasant. The oxtails with peas and rice were just okay, and I noticed they forgot to include the plantains.

The large red snapper was acceptable for my taste, although my sister thought it was good.

Overall, I wouldn't consider returning. With a bill of $161, I didn't feel it was worth it, and I chose not to leave a tip.

I like to feel appreciated and enjoy my food. It wasn't hot ( only fish)

Also all the owner do on these review is make excuses and argue Dang!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 2

Service: 1

No air circulation indoor, quite suffocating if u dine in.
Barely have any service, water is self serve. With that being said, their default tip options are quite insane, starting at 20-25%.

Food is decent :-)

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 5

Service: 3

I’m Caribbean and I can say hands down best Caribbean in LA. Amazing quality! Great taste! There’s a lot of love put into the food.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

My first time here and everything was amazing! They were out of the oxtail so I’ll have to come back and try it! So we ordered the jerk chicken, and the brown chicken, both were so flavorful and tender, and all the sides - rice and peas, cabbage and plantains were each great on their own. The jerk sauce felt like a nice fusion, was a sweeter variety but not too sweet which was perfect. And the owners were so welcoming and friendly, we’ll definitely be back!

Food: 5

Service: 5

Ordered the Patacones, Jerk Chicken and the Stew Chicken. This was all AMAZING and so tasty. The chicken fell off the bone on the stew chicken. The patacones were just right- salty and crispy. The jerk chicken was just the perfect amount of spice. Also got a taste of the oxtail and it was so good. Empty plate club- Will definitely come back.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Fried snapper 20/10
Curry chicken empanada 20/10
Plantains 20/10
Everything was hot delicious and good size portions!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Veggie Patty

I came for the jerk chicken and stayed for the vibes. The chicken was flavorful and spicy, grilled just right, and served with rice, plantains, and cabbage. The owner was friendly and explained some of the traditional spices they use. It’s a take-out spot with a few tables, but the portions are big and filling. If you like Caribbean flavors done with love, don’t skip this place

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Absolutely delicious food! The owner is wonderful and I highly recommend the oxtail bowl and jerk Mac! The only thing is that I wish the drinks were refillable(it’s soo delicious).

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I won’t be returning, I was over charged a random price since the menu did not list all available items. Expect to spend $60 - $80 if you go decide to go. You’re better off going elsewhere for Caribbean food.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Just a fantastic meal! From the genuine smiling service, to the home-cooked, hearty Panamanian Jerk Chicken and fried plantains (patacon) - 10/10. And I had left overs 😏 ohhh and GLUTEN FREE options!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Jerk Chicken, Patacon

Caribbean Soul Kitchen LA (CSKLA) is the epitome of what is wrong with L.A.’s dining scene. At first glance, the restaurant appears to be an unassuming, family-style Caribbean spot offering warm, approachable cuisine. But look closer, and you will find that CSKLA passes its high operating costs directly onto the customer — and that is just where the problems begin.

My partner and I dined here and spent well over $100 on jerk chicken, jerk shrimp, jerk mac and cheese, and two beverages. The food was good — flavorful, even — but drastically overpriced for what we received. When we arrived around 4:00 p.m., the full menu was already unavailable, and we were forced to choose from what little remained. At that point, we were the only patrons in the restaurant. As others came in, they too were told certain items were no longer available.

I thoroughly enjoyed the meal, but let me be clear: the prices are so inflated that you would be better off flying to Panama, enjoying the same cuisine, and still coming out ahead — with a better experience overall.

What experience, you ask? CSKLA either lost its soul or never had one to begin with. Time and again, the restaurant’s owner responds to honest feedback on Google and Yelp with defensiveness, passive-aggression, and a level of unprofessionalism that speaks louder than the food. Instead of letting the food tell the story, CSKLA seems determined to rewrite the narrative through snide replies.

If you are looking for Caribbean food in Los Angeles that delivers not only on flavor but also on value, professionalism, and a complete dining experience — I suggest you skip this place and try Lucia instead. You will spend your money more wisely, and you might even be treated with respect.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 2

Service: 4

This place is a hidden gem, and needs to be on the map!! The food and people here are excellent. Authentic flavors, great vibes, cute patio out front playing Caribbean rhythms. Come check them out!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

It hits in all the right ways. So flavorful and full of soul. Reminds me of my time in Panama. Definitely would recommend if you love Caribbean and Central American food. Some of the best I’ve had in California.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5