Finding a great meal in Jamaica, Queens, is a delicious dilemma. You need a spot that’s worth the trip, with flavors bold enough to satisfy adventurous eaters yet accessible for your skeptical cousin. And it has to be the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve discovered something special, not just killed time before your flight from JFK. Let’s solve that puzzle.
Mina’s Kitchenette
$$ | (718) 465-2777 | WEBSITE
Make no mistake, you’re going to be craving something authentic and deeply satisfying after a long day, so it’s important to find a place that feels like home. Head to Mina’s Kitchenette, order some adobo or coconut chicken, and mentally prepare for a meal that will keep you coming back for years.
Aso Rock
$$ | (718) 525-1533 | WEBSITE
This is another spot with a cozy, welcoming vibe. Come here with a few friends, share some authentic African dishes, and savor the fufu with okra soup before heading out for the evening. They also offer street parking, so if you’re looking for a quiet, homey place to enjoy boneless goat head with white rice or just want to discuss how delicious the Jollof rice is compared to other versions, you can do that too.
Holy Cow Burgers
$ | (718) 400-8454 | WEBSITE
Finding a decent meal near the airport can be tricky, and if you’re already passing through Jamaica, you might as well make it worthwhile. Head to Holy Cow Burgers. It’s become one of my favorite spots in the area, which has a lot to do with the fresh, hot burgers and tasty milkshakes they serve.
The Panorama Of My Silence-Heart Cafe
$ | (718) 206-4960 | WEBSITE
The Panorama Of My Silence-Heart Cafe has a more relaxed feel, so maybe come here with a friend for a long catch-up. The salads are more like fresh vegetable bowls with fruit and seed toppings, but they’re really good. They also have a solid selection of teas and coffees.
New York Sports Grill
$$ | (866) 508-3558 | WEBSITE
If you find yourself at JFK with a layover and don’t know what to do with your newfound airport-induced restlessness, head to the New York Sports Grill in terminal 5 and test your luck against the multiple TVs showing games. If you have the right timing, you can catch a great match – but you’ll most likely watch whatever regional sports network the cable provider pawned off on them eight months ago. Have fun.
Air Bar
$$ | (718) 725-0002 | WEBSITE
Air Bar hits a good balance between convenient, enjoyable, and relaxing if you’re trying to unwind before or after your flight or train at Jamaica station. You can get coffee, tea, beer, wine, or amazing cocktails here, and we’re big believers in the expertly crafted cocktails. The vegetarian options like samosas are much better than you’d expect, too. They also have a variety of beverages, with bartenders who take the time to get to know each customer and make thoughtful suggestions.
J & C Seafood
$ | (718) 454-6247 | WEBSITE
J & C Seafood is one of our favorite restaurants in Jamaica, and if you don’t live in the neighborhood, you can get a two-for-one trip in by stopping here before a movie. Everything on the menu is good for sharing, and if you’re looking for comfort, the cozy dining room is ideal. Make sure to get a few sides like potato salad and string beans too, so you’re not stuck paying theater prices for snacks that aren’t half as satisfying.
89 Gourmet Deli
$ | (718) 480-1032 | WEBSITE
89 Gourmet Deli is one of our favorite places to go when we’re craving something substantial. The menu is straightforward, everything is generously portioned, and there’s a reliable consistency to the experience.
You can get standards like the beef patty with coco bread, but if the typical corner spot isn’t hitting the mark, you can make it the theme of the visit and order something similarly exceptional, like the ‘Mayor Sandwich’ with chicken cutlet, bacon, mozzarella, and fries on a nicely toasted hero.
Jade Garden
$ | (718) 658-0310 | WEBSITE
Jade Garden is where you should go for lunch if the craving is a Chinese food scenario. This is one of our favorite restaurants in Jamaica, and while it’s often busy, they’re reasonably priced, so a midday visit is worth the trip. Make sure to get the general tso shrimp and pork lo mein.
New Butterfly Restaurant
$ | (718) 528-8881 | WEBSITE
This Chinese spot is where you go when you leave the fancy places and still want authentic flavors. Every time they’re open (except maybe during the lunch rush), they serve garlic wings and crab sticks, with shrimp and vegetables over steamed rice that doesn’t drown in salt like so many other Chinese dishes. It gets busy on weekends, but if you time it right, you can watch the kitchen work from a corner table and give your taste buds a treat.
Stick to the classics like the shrimp plate and maybe an order of wings and you might just have a better meal than you did at the pricier restaurant down the street.
Rock Island and Grill Jamaican Restaurant
$ | (718) 233-8347 | WEBSITE
This spot feels more like a family kitchen, but if that’s what you’re craving in Jamaica anyway, then this could be the perfect post-work dinner. Just know up front that the curry goat is rich, but when you need more flavor, you need more flavor.
Go Detox Juice Bar and Grill
$ | (718) 206-0333 | WEBSITE
Go Detox Juice Bar and Grill gets busy, but the line moves quickly and your order comes out fast. Pick whatever juice and wrap combination you’re craving, find a spot at the counter, and share your smoothies around to see whose blend hits just right. It’s hard to miss with the daily specials, but if they still have the Tropical Green Smoothie, it should be in your cup.
Panda King
$ | (718) 470-2828 | WEBSITE
Panda King feels like a neighborhood Chinese spot that serves authentic food, which makes it ideal if you’re craving takeout after work, but the delivery fee is still on your mind (fried rice is $8). If you’re not in the mood for rice, we like the egg foo yung, too, and skipping the fried whiting at all is a bad idea. Wash everything down with their well-priced soda or tea before you head home.
china star
$ | (718) 725-0995 | WEBSITE
When you need a quick, affordable lunch in Jamaica, head to China Star. Our go-to is the sesame chicken that comes with a side of rice, but if you want to mix it up, you can order the beef & broccoli with some vegetable spring rolls on the side. Grab this to go with one of their fountain drinks, and make your way back to work.
J&C Fish Market Inc.
$$ | (718) 322-7370 | WEBSITE
If you don’t want to go full-seafood market mode, but can’t sit forever, try J&C Fish Market Inc. in Jamaica. This is one of our favorite places to get takeout, but it’s also great for a quick lunch break. We love the fried whiting sandwich, but the rest of the menu is great, too. They also have a solid (and reasonably priced) selection of steamed fish dishes, especially when cooked by the Spanish Mami.
JD Breakfast & Coffee
$ | (718) 939-2200 | WEBSITE
If you’re looking for a spot to grab a quick bite without the fuss, head to JD Breakfast & Coffee. This place is cozy, with both indoor and outdoor seating that feels just right. Settle in early, order something tasty, and make room whenever your friends wander in. They also have a solid menu of breakfast and lunch options with things like their chicken panini and smoothies that hit the spot.
Bella’s Place
$ | (718) 739-5373 | WEBSITE
You could swing by for a quick lunch and grab some fresh tacos to go, but the real time to visit Bella’s Place is during the dinner rush. This spot is one of those local gems that feels even more vibrant when the tables are full and there’s a steady stream of takeout orders, which gives you a moment to chat with your friends about how amazing the guacamole truly is. Just relax and know that some reasonably priced, flavorful goodness is headed your way.
NY Fried Chicken
$ | (718) 525-3801 | WEBSITE
Swing by NY Fried Chicken after work if you’re craving something satisfying but not fancy. This place feels like a neighborhood classic and is a perfect spot to grab a quick meal that hits the spot. Order some crispy wings and share a large fries while you’re trying to not get too messy from all that delicious seasoning.
JAMROCK JERK
$ | (718) 400-6139 | WEBSITE
Jamrock Jerk is perfect for a lot of cravings, but it’s flavorful enough on its own that you may skip cooking at home. For a similar taste and to get some food and a satisfying meal before heading out for the day, stop by their convenient pickup counter. The jerk dishes are all great, and the food is some of the best to ever come out of a Caribbean kitchen. If you’re not in the mood for chicken, go for the ox tails with generous portions or the jerk pork and rice.