Little Ochi Carl's Seafood Restaurant

Love going here for goat fried fish staff is always welcoming

A deeply concerning experience – my health and safety were affected

I don’t usually write reviews, but after what I experienced at Carl’s Seafood in Tamarac, I feel it’s my responsibility to warn others — especially those who may be older or have health conditions. I’m 65 years old, and I came here hoping to support a local Jamaican business during a visit to the area. What happened left me shaken.

From the moment I entered, I was met with cold, unfriendly stares from the staff. There was no greeting, no warmth — just an uncomfortable, unwelcoming atmosphere. I stood there unsure if I should even speak, as the staff acted as though my presence was a problem. The owner, Carl Dixon, was sitting at a table and stared at me intently without so much as a hello or acknowledgment. It was unsettling.

The woman behind the counter — tall, heavy-set, wearing a headwrap — looked visibly upset and served me in near silence. I politely asked for a fresh fried fish, but she responded with attitude and a look of annoyance. I went ahead and ordered a few patties, a large soup, and the fish, trying not to take things personally.

Unfortunately, the food smelled off — not fresh at all. The fish was rock hard, the patties were dry, and the soup had a strange odor. I tried to eat some of it because I had already paid, but not long after, I began to feel very unwell. I ended up in the hospital later that day and have since been diagnosed with food poisoning. I’ve also experienced blood in my stool, which the doctors have linked to what I consumed at this establishment. This has been very distressing for me both physically and emotionally.

To make matters worse, I have serious concerns about the cleanliness and sanitation at Carl’s Seafood. Staff were not wearing gloves, the kitchen area looked poorly maintained, and the food seemed like it may have been reheated or sitting out for too long. After speaking with my lawyer and doing some research, I’ve found Carl’s Seafood is not BBB accredited, and there are previous inspection reports that raise further concern.

I truly feel I was targeted and mistreated for no reason. I came in with respect, spent my hard-earned money, and walked away ill and fearful for my health. I would urge anyone — especially older patrons — to think carefully before dining here. No one deserves to be treated this way or put at risk by unsafe food.

I hope my experience serves as a warning, and I strongly encourage the health department and proper authorities to look into this business before more people are harmed.

It's a hit or miss unfortunately I got oxtail and they watered down the gravy to stretch nothing but bones last time I go there rasta pasta smelled spoiled unsatisfied spent 25 dollars for water down food

Ordered 2 soups and wish I had went home to cook instead… I was excited to try the food but I will never return! The seafood soup should be called dirty water soup… it literally only had 1 shrimp and 1 small finger size piece of conch. The color of it was even awful. DONT WASTE YOUR MONEY ON THIS PLACE! THE LADY IS VERY RUDE BY THE WAY. THE MAN HAD BETTER SERVICE

If I could give this location zero stars I would! I am writing this while my blood is boiling!!!
I was starving and feel for some soup. My husband called and said he'll pick some up for me. He came home with a large chicken peas soup. When I opened the cover I was shocked. 3 little piece of chicken wing tips (the ugly flat part of the wing!) in the entire large soup!!! It's as if they clipped off the flat part of the wing for the soup and used the little drumsticks for their BBQ wing dishes! No noodles in the soup and it's greasy as hell!!! Lost my appetite immediately! Can't believe we wasted our money! These restaurants always end up falling off because they never maintain level of good service and looks like they use the buy 1 get one free chicken from the stores. Low quality food!
I'll never spend another dime here again!

The only reason I gave a 3-star is because of the lady who assisted me. I know some folks had a bad experience, but not me. However, I was very disappointed with the food. I was hyped about eating there for the very first time. So food, I give a 2-star. Service a 4-star. I ordered takeout. Atmosphere a 3-star. The restroom had all types of items like storage, but it the restroom was clean and surprisingly was not smelling. So that's a huge plus. You can see the cook in the kitchen from the counter. The dining area was clean. Overall, 3-star until I can make another visit, maybe then I can revise my review.

Rude poor customer service

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

I went in for dinner(Take out) My 1st time there, small restaurant // parking could be a hassle if other restaurants are busy, I got Stew Peas it was tasty....way better than when I tried it at another restaurant.

Food: 5

Service: 5

Parking: Parking is no problem at all. Lots of parking in close proximity

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Steamed Fish

Very clean... festival and fried dumplings was excellent. King fish was tasty...

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: King Fish Rice and Peas with Veggies

I frequent this restaurant and actually service them as a banker for many years before switching jobs. I never thought I would be treated so poorly in a restaurant as I was today the cashier on the receipt it says Chantel I'm not sure if that is her true name but she was a younger girl and a blue shirt They gave me one piece of chicken instead of two that I always get and explain that it was done this way because the chicken was larger today she spoke to me very slowly and condescending, and was very rude to me. When I told her that she was being rude. She said that she was trying to make me understand And she said do you want it or not in a very rude tone. Then when l pointed out that the entire time she interacted with me she was taking a phone call in her AirPod. She tried to deny it and when I said, were you not on the phone she said to me well were you not on the phone as if I'm the one in uniform working counter Very rude and very nasty The food is OK at best, but if you're looking for good customer service, you will never find it with that young lady as a longtime customer disappointment is an understatement

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 2

Service: 1

roach in food rat running around in back needs inspection i notified lady on sunday she said it was the pet cat that disgusting and redicolous

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

The Fry dumplin was a disgrace i don't understand why they would serve people dry hard fried dumplin, it's best to through it out and say you out of festival dumplin... do better my jamaican people...

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 1

Service: 1

It's a decent take out spot of you want some quick Jamaican eats. Nothing to rave about! There specials are dirt cheap.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 2

Service: 3

Recommended dishes: Curry Chicken

Shame on this restaurant; I am calling Inspector General , selling spoiled food .

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1