Absolutely delicious! The oxtail with rice and peas was tender and full of flavor. I’ve never had a complaint here—the food is consistently excellent. The owners are also very polite and welcoming.
Overview
If you’re craving authentic Jamaican flavors in the heart of Trenton, NJ, Jamaican Empire is the place to be. Located at 17 Spring St, Trenton, NJ 08618, this vibrant diner offers an unforgettable taste of the Caribbean with a variety of dishes that’ll make your taste buds dance. Whether you're new to Jamaican cuisine or a seasoned lover of jerk chicken and curried goat, this place delivers a memorable dining experience that’s both flavorful and welcoming.
One of the standout features of Jamaican Empire is its warm, laid-back atmosphere. As soon as you step inside, the aroma of slow-cooked meats, freshly baked bread, and spices greets you, setting the stage for a true culinary adventure. The restaurant’s interior has a cozy yet vibrant feel, with friendly staff eager to help you navigate the menu, ensuring you have the best experience possible.
The menu at Jamaican Empire is a celebration of authentic Jamaican dishes, each prepared with care and attention to detail. From the famous jerk chicken, marinated with a special blend of spices and grilled to perfection, to the tender and flavorful oxtail stew, there’s something for everyone. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the curried goat, a dish that’s rich in flavor and perfectly spiced. Another popular favorite is the ackee and saltfish, often considered Jamaica's national dish, which combines the unique texture of ackee fruit with salted cod for a savory and satisfying meal.
For sides, Jamaican Empire doesn’t disappoint either. You can enjoy classics like rice and peas, fried plantains, and festival (a type of fried dough) that complement the main dishes beautifully. Each bite brings you closer to the heart of Jamaican cooking, with layers of flavors that are as bold as they are comforting. The restaurant also offers daily specials, so there’s always something new to try, giving you a reason to come back time and again.
Service at Jamaican Empire is another reason why people keep coming back. The staff is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, making you feel like you’re part of the family. They take the time to explain the different dishes, especially if you're unfamiliar with some of the more traditional Jamaican foods. The casual, family-friendly vibe makes it the perfect spot for both a quick lunch or a leisurely dinner with friends and family.
In terms of reviews, Jamaican Empire has built a solid reputation among locals and visitors alike. Many people rave about the authentic flavors and generous portions. A quick search of online reviews will show that this restaurant is often praised for its consistency, quality of food, and friendly service. The value you get for the price is another highlight-large portions at reasonable prices make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to enjoy high-quality Jamaican food without breaking the bank.
As far as authenticity goes, Jamaican Empire truly shines. The ingredients are fresh, and the cooking techniques reflect the traditional Jamaican way of preparing meals. Whether you’re a first-timer or a regular, the restaurant consistently delivers on both flavor and authenticity, making it a must-visit spot for anyone in the area craving Jamaican food.
With a central location at 17 Spring St, Trenton, NJ, Jamaican Empire is easy to find, whether you’re just passing through or a local resident. Its welcoming environment and exceptional dishes make it a place where you can relax, enjoy delicious food, and experience a bit of Jamaica right in the heart of New Jersey. Whether you're looking to grab a quick bite or indulge in a full Jamaican feast, Jamaican Empire is the go-to spot that won’t disappoint.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Delivery ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningOfferings
✓ Comfort food ✓ Quick bite ✓ Small platesDining options
✓ Breakfast ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ DessertAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ TrendyCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ TouristsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ Kids' menuParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Free parking lot ✓ ParkingPets
✓ Dogs allowed outsidePhotos
1 / 4
Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 168 reviews
Escovich Snapper , Rice and peas, cabbage, mac, sorrel and Pine Moss! First time visit, Ill definitely be back ! Felt like your family made it !
Food was so FLAVORFUL had the right amount of spice & it was so CHEAP‼ I jad the jerk chicken rice& peas with cabbage. My platter looked more like a medium than a small. I couldn't finish it they put enough for 2 on there. I'll definitely be back
Last night we ordered a take-out from Jamaican Empire (located in East Trenton, between North Clinton and North Olden avenues) and we are happy to report that the food was good. The oxtail stew offered in medium and large sizes, and there is a wide variety of choices (two choices per order), from fried plantains and mac & cheese to white rice, rice and peas, or steamed vegetables). The most popular side usually served with oxtail, steamed cabbage, is served by Jamaican Empire as steamed veggies, with addition of corn and carrots. The prices are cheaper that at most of the competitors (large portion is sold for $20 through GrubHub vs $27 or $29 offered by other Jamaican restaurants in the area), the food was good, the proportion of meat and sides very decent.
The soup is good and the jerk chicken is amazing! Platters start at $10.
I Loveeeee Jamaican Food. Fast service and the food was goooooood Updated September 13 2024 Food was even better.. roughly 20.00-30.00 for 2 meals. Clean and small eating area available.. Updated picture is jerk chicken with beans and rice and macaroni and cheese.
This is hand downs my favorite Jamaican place in town. The portion sizes are excellent, many options across seafood, chicken, goat, beef, and veggie, always fully stocked. A favorite is curried shrimp, though this time I tried a small oxtail plate. Meaty portions and plenty to eat. I mostly take away, but one can easily sit down.amd enjoy your food.