Savor the Caribbean Flavor in These Houston Restaurants
- Café Piquet
- Caribbean Hot Pot Grill
- Caribbean Jerk Cuisine
- Dakar Street Food
- Donafe’s Café
- Island Flavorz
- Island Sizzler Jamaican Rum Bar & Grill
- Jamaica Pon Di Road
- Lucian's Caribbean Grill
- Nyammings Fusion Bistro
- Punta Cana Caribbean Restaurant
- Reggae Hut
- Taste of The Caribbean
- Tex-Chick Puerto Rican Restaurant
Did you know that Caribbean cuisine, often misunderstood for its bold and rich flavors, is actually not unhealthy? Caribbean dishes are loaded with fresh vegetables and fruits. Surprisingly, they also have way less fat.
Luckily, Houston is overflowing with Caribbean restaurants. With a mixture of influences from Africa, Creole, Asia, Cuba, and other countries, you’ll have plenty to choose from.
So, if you’re ready to challenge those misconceptions and embark on a journey that treats your taste buds to a culinary journey without the guilt, join us as we uncover the best restaurants in Houston that serve great Caribbean food.
Café Piquet
Address: 5757 Bissonnet St, Bellaire, Houston, TX 77401, United States
Phone Number: +1 713 664 1031
Pricing: $ $
Hours:
- Open from Monday to Thursday from 11 am to 9 pm
- Open from Friday to Saturday from 11 am to 10 pm
- Open on Sunday from 11 am to 7 pm
When the craving for Caribbean dishes with authentic Cuban influences strikes, we always turn to the stalwart Café Piquet. With 18 years of experience under their belt, this family run spot serves up comforting home cooked meals.
This eatery is a favorite among Cubans in Houston looking for a taste of their native dishes and food lovers looking to try something new. Ropa Vieja, Pernil Asado, and Picadillo are only some of the best sellers from this place.
Each dish is best paired with the chewy sweetness of maduros (plantains) and congri which is a flavorful blend of rice, black beans, and meats.
| Pro Tip: We recommend starting the meal off right with their small sampler of appetizers. It’s a great way to get a taste of everything in one go. This order includes 2 croquetas filled with smoked ham or spicy chicken, 1 tamal, 2 empanadas, and 1 papa rellena. |
Caribbean Hot Pot Grill
Address: 954 Cypress Creek Pkwy A, Houston, TX 77090, United States
Phone Number: +1 281 377 1961
Pricing: $
Hours:
- Open from Monday to Thursday from 10 am to 8 pm
- Open from Friday to Saturday from 10 am to 10 pm
- Open on Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm
Located near the George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Northern Houston, the Caribbean Hot Pot Grill is perfect if you’re in search of genuine Caribbean and Jamaican flavors. This eatery serves classic dishes without the hefty price tag.
For an affordable price, dishes like their jerk chicken and curried goat are not only filling, but also flavorful. Everything is perfectly seasoned and the meats are always tender and juicy. Their seafood dishes are also always fresh and succulent.
The friendly and attentive staff just add the extra cherry on top to a great visit everytime.
| Pro Tip: If you’re up for it, try to venture beyond the ordinary dishes and indulge in the must-try beef patties on coco bread, ackee & Saltfish, or the crowd favorite oxtails. You can also ask the staff for recommendations if it’s your first time there. |
Caribbean Jerk Cuisine
Address: 9334 Richmond Ave., Houston, TX 77063, United States
Phone Number: +1 713 784 6626
Pricing: $ $
Hours: Open from Tuesday to Saturday from 12 pm to 8 pm
Caribbean food is often categorized as casual fare, but the team behind Caribbean Jerk Cuisine take it up a notch and serve Caribbean style dishes with style.
The food is plated more in the style of fine dining dishes than fast food joints. The flavors themselves make just as big of an impact with fresh and strong herbs and spices used to make them stand out.
The Jerk Weekend Wings are their modern take on jerk chicken. They also have traditionally executed dishes like Jamaican Patties and Brown Stew Chicken.
| Pro Tip: If you’re vegetarian, you’ll be glad to hear they have options that cater to your needs. Their Jerk or Brown Stew chunks made from soy meat are just as tasty as their counterparts. |
Dakar Street Food
Address: 2923 Walnut Bend Ln, Houston, TX 77042, United States
Phone Number: +1 281 846 6420
Pricing: $ $
Hours:
- Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 11 am to 10 pm
For lovers of Caribbean dishes with a heavy influence from West African and Jamaican cuisine, Dakar Street Food is an absolute haven. Offering delectable yet still affordable dishes, this restaurant provides generous portions in a clean and welcoming setting.
The menu showcases a diverse array of West African delights, including the beloved jollof rice and Dibi Lamb. Don’t miss the homemade Bouye juice, a tangy and exotic drink that adds an extra layer to the flavorful experience.
The fact that they only use the freshest ingredients and traditional spices contribute to the overall great dishes they serve up.
| Pro Tip: Make sure you check out their website for their daily specials menu if you’re dropping by for lunch. Watch out for the days when they serve Cepp Yapp with Yassa Jen or citrusy onion sauce drizzled over grilled tilapia on top of rice. |
Donafe’s Café
Address: 126 Vintage Park Blvd Bldg D Suite F, Houston, TX 77070, United States
Phone Number: +1 281 257 5677
Pricing: $
Hours: Open from Tuesday to Saturday from 8:30 am to 7 pm
In the upscale Vintage Park area which is usually populated by high end Italian restaurants or French bistros, the unexpected Trinidadian bakery and café, Donafe’s, surprises and delights with their array of Indo-Caribbean fusion dishes.
The must try from here are Donafe’s baked goods. The dessert selection is a blend of Caribbean standards and Euro-style sweets, providing a unique fusion of flavors.
These desserts are not your typical cakes and muffins. The best seller is the pholourie which are fried dough balls filled with spicy chutney made from green mangos, tamarind, and chillies.
| Pro Tip: If you don’t have much of a sweet tooth, you can opt for the savory pies they offer. The pastry is just as flaky with flavorful fillings like beef, lamb, chicken, sausage, and potato. Try the lamb variety with rosemary, garlic, pimiento, and oregano. |
Island Flavorz
Address: 11051 Fuqua St, Houston, TX 77089, United States
Phone Number: +1 832 538 1486
Pricing: $ $
Hours:
- Open from Wednesday to Thursday from 10 am to 7 pm
- Open from Friday to Saturday from 10 am to 10 pm
- Open on Sunday from 9 am to 7 pm
Right in the hustle and bustle of Houston, you can escape to Island Flavorz, a Caribbean culinary spot that beckons you with the authentic and delectable flavors of the Caribbean islands.
The moment you step in, you smell spices they use to season every protein which includes chicken meat patties, Escovitch fish, and chicken. The decor of the place itself is also heavily influenced by the theme and is an overall great place for a meal.
The staff are very professional, but not standoffish. We always ask them for recommendations on new dishes to try.
| Pro Tip: We highly recommend you try the Rasta Pasta made with stewed oxtail and broiled shrimp if you’re unsure of what to try first. Their selection of rotis are also great especially the curried goat with chickpeas, potatoes, onion, and bell peppers. |
Island Sizzler Jamaican Rum Bar & Grill
Address: 2114 Holly Hall St, Houston, TX 77054, United States
Phone Number: +1 281 781 7222
Pricing: $ $
Hours:
- Open from Monday to Thursday from 11 am to 11 pm
- Open on Friday from 11 am to 12 am
- Open on Saturday from 11 am to 2 am
- Open on Sunday from 11 am to 10 pm
Defying the occasional misconception that Jamaican food is all about heat and no flavor, Island Sizzler Jamaican Rum Bar & Grill takes balancing the spice level of their dishes seriously.
Most of the items on the menu do pack a punch, so it’s perfect for those who like a bit of a kick in their food.
One of the great things about the Island Sizzler Jamaican Rum Bar & Grill is they let you order in halves, which means you can try out more dishes without ordering too much food.
| Pro Tip: We recommend pairing the spicy stewed chicken with the braised oxtails for 2 of the best dishes on the menu. To balance out the rich flavors of both dishes, you can also order a side of rice, peas, plantains, and cabbage. |
Jamaica Pon Di Road
Address: 2213 S Victory St, Houston, TX 77088, United States
Phone Number: +1 832 328 5220
Pricing: $ $
Hours:
- Open from Tuesday to Thursday from 11 am to 8 pm
- Open from Friday to Saturday from 11 am to 9 pm
- Open from Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm
Like a lot of new restaurants in Houston, the Jamaica Pon Di Road found its humble beginnings as a food truck in Acres Homes. What started as just 2 days of operations per week has now turned into a fully functioning restaurant.
The great dishes were the main driving force of the Jamaica Pon Di Road’s success, with locals and new visitors flocking to the restaurant regularly.
The team behind Jamaica Pon Di Road brings a delightful twist to Jamaican cuisine. Some of the staples include their Caribbean version of fish and chips with fried fish fritters in Cajun sauce and their plantains fried in rum and sugar.
| Pro Tip: If you like burgers, we highly recommend their famous Insane Bolt Burger, named after the record breaking Olympian Usain Bolt. They claim that you’ll finish the burger just as fast as he runs because of the spiced jerk patty, island aioli, and cheddar. |
Lucian’s Caribbean Grill
Address: 1035 Clear Lake City Blvd, Houston, TX 77062, United States
Phone Number: +1 281 410 2233
Pricing: $
Hours:
- Open from Tuesday to Saturday from 11 am to 9 pm
- Open Sunday from 11 am to 7 pm
Aside from the music and the lively events usually held at the Lucian’s Caribbean Grill, the dishes are the true stars of the show. The menu promises a ticket straight into the heart of authentic Caribbean food.
You can choose between ordering their signature jerk chicken or the red snapper fish if you’re more of a seafood person. Some of the other standout dishes include the chicken roti and goat curry. Everything is freshly made and cooked to order.
The welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff set the stage for a memorable dining experience.
| Pro Tip: If you like a little (or a lot of) spice in your food, you can ask any of the staff for some of their signature hot chili sauce. The sauce is made from different kinds of peppers and packs quite a punch, so don’t add too much on the first go. |
Nyammings Fusion Bistro
Address: 1482 Wilcrest Dr, Houston, TX 77042, United States
Phone Number: +1 832 516 0910
Pricing: $ $
Hours:
- Open from Tuesday to Wednesday from 11 am to 9 pm
- Open onThursday and Saturday from 11 am to 10 pm
- Open on Friday from 11 am to 11 pm
- Open on Sunday from 11 am to 8 pm
If you can’t quite decide if you want to grab some Caribbean or Creole food, then the Nyammings Fusion Bistro is a great place to visit in Houston. This place does a perfect job in combining the 2 cuisines into one fusion restaurant that delivers good food.
Some of the Jamaican traditional dishes include Escovitch fish if you can’t get enough of fresh seafood and stewed oxtail, jerked chicken, and curry goat for meat lovers. The dishes are all seasoned well and portioned generously.
Pair your meals with their drinks like the signature lemonade or their imported Jamaican Rum Punch, Shandy, or Sorrel.
| Pro Tip: Nyammings Fusion Bistro emphasizes growth, so there are always new items added to the menu to keep watch of. Some of the ones that are gaining popularity are the Jerk Lamb Chops, Curry Coconut Spinach Shrimp, and Oxtail Rasta Pasta. |
Punta Cana Caribbean Restaurant
Address: 17776 Tomball Pkwy #21, Houston, TX 77064, United States
Phone Number: +1 281 894 0960
Pricing: $ $
Hours:
- Open from Tuesday to Thursday from 11 am to 9 pm
- Open from Friday to Saturday from 11 am to 10 pm
- Open from Sunday from 11 am to 8 pm
You can get a taste of Dominican cuisine without having to step foot outside of Houston by dropping by the Punta Cana Caribbean Restaurant. Here, you’ll find delicately balanced dishes with just the right amount of saltiness, spice, and flavor.
Their fried pork skins are the best way to start the meal, fried to crispy and flavored perfection. For mains, we recommend getting their pulled pork shoulder stewed in a rich broth or goat meat stew.
We always end our meal with an order of their classic milk flan and a slice of their sweet tres leches cake.
| Pro Tip: Although the mains, platters, and appetizers are truly tasty, make sure you don’t miss out on the sides either. These underrated dishes including fried cassava, pigeon beans, and fried sweet plantains do a great job of rounding out the meal. |
Reggae Hut
Address: 4814 Almeda Rd, Houston, TX 77004, United States
Phone Number: +1 713 520 7171
Pricing: $ $
Hours: Open everyday from 11 am to 9 pm
Owned by Marcus Davis of The Breakfast Klub, Reggae Hut reflects the same level of quality in both the food served and the service at this Jamaican joint. Everything is seasoned in strong Caribbean flavors.
Their most used herbs and spices include cloves, thyme, cardamom, and turmeric which explains why all the dishes are so flavorful.
Some of the best dishes are their curry chicken, oxtails, and creole shrimp. Every dish is served with a side of dirty rice and vegetables.
| Pro Tip: If you’re into art, try to go to Reggae Hut in the less busy hours during the afternoon in between lunch and dinner rush. You can stay and appreciate the walls and the murals that adorn them. These were done to tell the story of the African Diaspora. |
Taste of The Caribbean
Address: 13331 Kuykendahl Rd Ste 117, Houston, TX 77090, United States
Phone Number: +1 631 633 0054
Pricing: $
Hours:
- Open from Wednesday to Saturday from 11 am to 8 pm
- Open on Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm
Established in 1993, Taste of The Caribbean has been living up to its name in service of the Houston community for over 3 decades. Homestyle cooking and a welcoming atmosphere are what made this restaurant what it is today.
The menu boasts traditional favorites such as roti, jerk chicken, and callaloo. Everything is enriched with bold and flavorful spices. More adventurous dishes include the island doubles dish with 2 fried flour bara with chickpeas, hot sauce, tamarind, and cucumber.
Their home made island drinks are also a must try and go perfectly with the spicy dishes. The soursop and passion fruit drinks are our favorites.
| Pro Tip: If you know you can eat a lot, you can opt for the buffet to sample all of their dishes and eat as much as you want.The buffet is offered from Wednesday to Friday from 11 to 3 and 4 to 7 pm, Saturday from 11 am to 7 pm, and Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm. |
Tex-Chick Puerto Rican Restaurant
Address: 712 1/2 Fairview St, Houston, TX 77006, United States
Phone Number: +1 713 528 4708
Pricing: $
Hours:
- Open from Monday to Friday from 11 am to 5 pm
- Open on Saturday from 11 am to 6 pm
You can explore Caribbean dishes with a heavy influence from true Puerto Rican cuisine at the Tex-Chick Puerto Rican Restaurant. The prices are low, but the quality of the food you get is high.
The menu is lean to guarantee a well balanced and flavorful dish each time. We always begin our meals with an order of the alcapurrias or stuffed fritter and empanadas. You can choose if you want yours stuffed with crab, shrimp, chicken, or beef.
Their pechuga de pollo (chicken), bacalao (cod fish), and the carne guisada (beef stew) are the top 3 dishes for us to try.
| Pro Tip: If you want the most authentic dishes, we suggest getting the mofongo con carne frita ( mofongo with fried beef tips) or the trifongo con carne frita. Mofongo is made from green plantains which are then cut. They’re then fried or boiled. |
