Taste Jamaica Information

Located at 190 State St in Ellsworth, ME, Taste Jamaica brings a burst of Caribbean flavor to this small Maine town. If you're craving something vibrant and different from the usual local fare, this place is a gem. The moment you step inside, you're greeted with the warm, welcoming atmosphere of a laid-back island vibe that’s perfectly matched with the delicious food they serve.

The menu at Taste Jamaica is a celebration of authentic Jamaican dishes. From jerk chicken to curried goat, the options are both mouthwatering and comforting. One standout is their jerk pork, perfectly spiced with just the right balance of heat and sweetness. It's tender, juicy, and absolutely packed with flavor. If you're not in the mood for something too spicy, there are plenty of milder options, like the escovitch fish, which is a lightly fried fish topped with a zesty, tangy sauce that's both refreshing and rich in flavor.

Side dishes at Taste Jamaica are equally impressive. The rice and peas is a must-try, as it’s the perfect combination of fluffy rice, creamy coconut, and the earthy flavor of kidney beans. The festival (a kind of fried dough) is another fan favorite, offering a sweet contrast to the savory dishes, and it’s always perfectly crispy on the outside while soft inside.

Service here is casual and friendly, with the staff making sure you feel like you’re part of the family. It’s a relaxed place, so don’t expect a rush. It’s the kind of spot where you can take your time, savor your meal, and enjoy the cozy ambiance. It’s easy to see why locals and visitors alike rave about it in their reviews-Taste Jamaica has become a community favorite, offering a little taste of the Caribbean in the heart of Maine.

The location is simple, yet inviting. Whether you're popping in for a quick bite or staying for a leisurely meal, Taste Jamaica offers an experience that's hard to beat. With generous portions, bold flavors, and a unique menu, it’s clear that this place knows how to bring a slice of island life to the Northeast. Don’t skip it if you’re in the area and looking for a meal that’s packed with personality and soul.

Business Info

What People's Say About Place

The food is really good! I think the price can be a little bit high, but it might be the typical price for a Jamaican restaurant. We only stopped by for a quick lunch so not much service/atmostphere to comment on.

Stopped here for lunch. They have outdoor sitting area. The veggie plate was amazing. The goat curry and jerk chicken delicious! Very friendly and kind staff.

The food was really good (jerk chicken, curry shrimp, fried plantains). VERY good actually. The rice and beans were almost so bland, tho, that we didn’t eat much of it. The sad part? It felt like we were intruding. No smiles, no one asking how things were. It wasn’t closing time but felt like it. I’m glad we tried it out but we won’t go back.

The cooked food was great and we were given a decent portion size. I also love the fact that the restaurant also sells Jamaican products that reminded me of home. A little expensive but considering where it's located it makes sense. Shane was very pleasant and gave us recommendations for attractions in the area. I wish him the best in his business.

Taste Jamaica was an experience. This small establishment does a large amount of take-out orders, but if you want to eat in, there are only 4 seats. During warmer months, there would be plenty of additional seating outside. There is not a huge selection on items on the menu. The items that I did try were the Fish Cakes, Fried Plantains, and BBQ Wings. Both items were flavorful and delicious. Their beverage selection has a lot of items from Jamaica and a few local breweries. If you want additional items, spices, and snacks, there is a mini grocery store on site. I am looking forward to my next meal at Taste Jamaica.

This place deserves all the stars!! My wife and I came in about 45 minutes from closing, they didn't mind us eating in even though there is only one table inside. The owner helped us decide what food and drink to order and was very nice! He checked on us non stop after we got our food. I ordered the sampler and added oxtail to it. My wife ordered the pulled pork sandwich with a side of veggies. We also had the fish fritters as an appetizer. The fried fish fritters reminded me of hushpuppies but WAY better. Both of our entrees were amazing!!! The owner even brought us a homeade hot sauce that he recommended. It was our first time eating Jamaican food and im so thankful it was here, we HIGHLY recommend Taste of Jamaica.

Great food! We were Surprised to find a Jamaican restaurant nestled in a small Maine town but would eat there again. Jerk chicken and coconut curry rice meals were delicious, outdoor door seating area was lovely. Reasonable prices and great portions ( we left no crumbs)

The reviews do not lie. The food was EXCELLENT! Even the kids Mac n cheese was really good. The ribs did not disappoint nor did the chicken sandwich with pineapple aioli. The pulled pork was excellent as well. The owner is delightful. Don’t hesitate, you must check this out.