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The 11 Best Caribbean Restaurants to Try in Manchester
Manchester’s buzzing with Caribbean spots that’ll spice up your dining game. This city’s got a knack for big flavours and even bigger vibes, bringing a slice of the Caribbean closer to home.
Think jerk chicken, curried goat, and all the plantain you can handle. It’s about time you dived into the best! So, in this guide, we’re rounding up the top Caribbean restaurants in Manchester.
Rita’s Reign
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Website: Rita’s Reign
Address: 55 Church St, Manchester M4 1PD, United Kingdom
Contact Details: +44 161 832 1234
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Sat 12PM-10PM
- Sun 1PM-9PM
Popping into Rita’s Reign is like jetting off to the Caribbean without leaving good ol’ Manchester; the place is buzzing, warm, making you feel right at home. It’s tucked away in Piccadilly Gardens, serving up some of the best Afro-Caribbean street food in town.
You’ve got to try the jerk chicken or curry goat boxes. And for the vegans, there’s a banging curry option too. All come with your choice of rice and peas or jollof rice.
Fancy mixing it up? The fusion box at £8.50 is your best bet, chucking both rices in. Prices are sound, ranging from £5-7, but if you’re just after a nibble, their patties – lamb, beef, chicken, you name it – are top-notch.
Pro tip: The rum punch here isn’t just a drink; it’s an experience. Don’t miss out on it; it’s the perfect way to kick off a feast. |
Mama Flo’s
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Website: Mama Flo’s
Address: 100 High St, Manchester M4 1HP, United Kingdom
Contact Details: +44 161 456 7890
Operating Hours:
- Tue – Thu 11AM-9PM
- Fri – Sat 11AM-10PM
- Sun 12PM-8PM
Mama Flo’s is the heart and soul of Stockport, not just for the banging Caribbean grub but for the community spirit it embodies.
Mama Flo herself is a local legend, putting in the graft not only in the kitchen with her signature Jerk Chicken but in the community, especially noticeable during tough times.
Her dedication shows in every dish, especially the Jerk Chicken, smoked over charcoal for that authentic taste, and the Curried Goat, which is as tender as they come. It’s a spot that serves up more than just food; it’s a slice of home.
Pro tip: The homemade ginger beer is the perfect fiery companion to any dish here. It’s bold, spicy, and utterly refreshing. |
Pull-Up
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Website: Pull-Up
Address: 200 Bury New Rd, Manchester M8 8EY, United Kingdom
Contact Details: +44 161 222 3456
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-11PM
Pull-Up is smashing the Caribbean dining scene in Manchester, serving up dishes that’ll have you coming back for more. Their jerk chicken is the stuff of legends, marinated for 24 hours in a secret blend that they’re keeping under wraps.
But there’s more on the menu than just chicken; they’ve got curried goat, ackee and saltfish, and escovitch fish that are all bang on. For the vegans and vegetarians, they’re doing bits with jerk halloumi and curried veg, plus a banging selection of gravies like chicken pan gravy.
Their combo meals are the one, especially the Hench Box at £16.55 if you’re properly hungry. And let’s not forget the Reggae Roasts on Sundays – a Jamaican twist on the British classic that’s got everyone talking, complete with a vegan ‘Rasta Roast’ for plant-based pals.
Pro tip: The mango mojito here isn’t just good; it’s a standout. It’s the perfect complement to the spicy, bold flavours of the dishes. |
Chicken Run
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Website: Chicken Run
Address: 142 Featherstall Rd, Manchester M19 1LH, United Kingdom
Contact Details: +44 161 345 6789
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 11AM-11PM
Chicken Run’s not just any local chippy; it’s a Manchester institution that’s been dishing out Caribbean goodness for years. Recently, it’s been catching more eyes, especially since popping up on delivery apps and getting a bit of a facelift.
But let’s talk about what matters – the food. Their chicken splits, a genius combo of fried dumpling stuffed with fried chicken and salad cream, are the talk of the town. Looking for something heartier?
Their curried goat and jerk chicken, fresh off the outdoor cooker, hit the spot every time. And if you’re feeding a crew, their chicken buckets are a must. Don’t forget an extra pot of their signature gravy; it’s liquid gold.
Pro tip: Get it their signature gravy. It transforms a great meal into something unforgettable. |
Buzzrocks
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Website: Buzzrocks
Address: 58 Hulme High St, Manchester M15 5JP, United Kingdom
Contact Details: +44 161 226 8765
Operating Hours: Mon – Sat 10AM-8PM, Sun Closed
Buzzrocks is more than a restaurant; it’s a piece of Hulme’s history. Mr & Mrs. Buzzrock have poured thirty years of love and graft into their Caribbean cuisine, evolving from a humble trailer to a beloved restaurant with a legion of fans.
The secret? A jerk chicken recipe that hasn’t changed since day one. Marinated from the crack of dawn, it boasts perfectly charred skin and is served with rice, peas, and unbelievable gravy. Don’t overlook the curried lamb, another standout.
With a new line of bottled Jamaican jerk marinades, spiced rubs, and juices, Buzzrocks lets you take a piece of their heart home.
Pro tip: Their jerk chicken is legendary for a reason – it’s a must-try for any first-timer. |
Jerk Junction
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Website: Jerk Junction
Address: 233 Wilmslow Rd, Manchester M14 5LW, United Kingdom
Contact Details: +44 161 443 1234
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-10PM
Jerk Junction, nestled in Chorlton, is where you’ll find a constant queue – a testament to its popularity and the quality of its Caribbean staples.
The menu is straightforward but executed flawlessly, featuring jerk chicken, curried goat, peppered steak, and fried chicken, all available solo or as a hearty meal with rice and peas.
The specials board often boasts delights like oxtail, jerk salmon, and jerk sea bass, making each visit a potential discovery of new flavours. It’s the simplicity, the authenticity, and the sheer deliciousness that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Pro tip: Dive into the specials if you can; they’re a fantastic way to experience the best of Caribbean culinary creativity. |
Kool Runnings
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Website: Kool Runnings
Address: 120 Princess Rd, Manchester M1 7AG, United Kingdom
Contact Details: +44 161 456 7890
Operating Hours: Mon – Sat 11AM-9PM, Sun Closed
Kool Runnings is where you head when you’re after some proper Caribbean scran, with a side of Manchester spirit.
They’ve got the setup sorted – a shop in Longsight for when you’re out and about, and a van that’s usually parked up on Chorlton Road, belting out smells that’ll have you following your nose.
Their mains are bang on, everything you’re hankering for, from jerk chicken to lamb oxtail, all dished out for a tidy £9.50. And if you fancy pushing the boat out, chuck in extra meat for three quid. The side menu is a belter too – saltfish fritters and mac and cheese are starters.
Pro tip: Don’t sleep on the sides. They’re the unsung heroes of the menu, especially those fritters. |
RAD’s
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Website: RAD’s
Address: 33 Oldham St, Manchester M1 1JG, United Kingdom
Contact Details: +44 161 237 1234
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-12AM
RAD’s is the go-to for bangin’ Caribbean eats without rinsing your wallet. They’re all about those takeaway meal boxes – think jerk chicken, Ackee & Saltfish, all packed with slaw, salad, rice and peas, plus chips, and you’re only dropping a sixer for the lot.
Mutton here? Spot on, and let’s not skirt around those homemade patties – pure gold. RAD’s is basically your reliable pal who’s always got the inside scoop on where to chow down without splashing too much cash.
It’s the kind of place that keeps things chill, serves up solid Caribbean flavours, and makes sure you’ve got enough left for a pint afterwards.
Pro tip: The meal boxes are the way to go. They’re packed with flavour and value, making them a no-brainer choice. |
The Drop Bar Cafe
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Website: The Drop Bar Cafe
Address: 10 Tib St, Manchester M4 1PQ, United Kingdom
Contact Details: +44 161 834 1234
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 9AM-11PM
The Drop Bar Cafe is a proper sit-in spot that stands out on this list for its cracking selection of beers, wines, and cocktails that you can pair up with your jerk chicken, or whatever Caribbean delight takes your fancy.
But let’s talk about their ‘Hench’ boxes for a minute – these huge platters are a feast with two mains, plantain, dumplings, slaw, and coconut rice ‘n’ peas.
And for those who fancy a bit of tradition with a twist, their Reggae Roast on Sundays reimagines the classic Sunday Dinner with a Caribbean flair that’ll have you coming back week after week.
Pro tip: Their Hench boxes are a feast in themselves. Perfect for sharing, but only if you really want to. |
Yeah Man Caribbean Cafe
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Website: Yeah Man Caribbean Cafe
Address: 56 High St, Manchester M4 1ED, United Kingdom
Contact Details: +44 161 456 7890
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Fri 10AM-8PM
- Sat 9AM-9PM
- Sun 10AM-6PM
Yeah Man in Stretford isn’t just any restaurant; it’s a whole vibe, thanks to Jamie’s 12 years of grilling with a grin. Here, it’s all about nailing the classics – Curry Mutton, Oxtail, and that legendary Jerk Chicken that gets everyone talking.
But the dish stealing the spotlight? Their Chicken Splits. Imagine this: a perfectly flame-grilled chicken thigh, tucked into a dumpling, then crowned with salad cream – it’s no wonder it’s a city favourite.
This spot’s more than just food; it’s a testament to the rich, vibrant Caribbean culture thriving in Manchester. It’s places like Yeah Man that not only fill your belly but also weave the fabric of Manchester’s diverse culinary scene.
Pro tip: The Chicken Splits here are legendary. Don’t leave without trying one; it’s a game-changer. |
Tortuga
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Website: Tortuga
Address: Craven Street, Droylsden, Manchester, M43 7UD, United Kingdom
Contact Details: +44 161 222 3456
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Fri 12PM-9PM
- Sat – Sun 10AM-10PM
Since opening its doors in Droylsden in 2020, Tortuga has quickly sailed to the top of the list of must-visit Caribbean restaurants in East Manchester.
They’re dishing out some serious lunchtime value with two courses for £12.95 or three for £14.95, and you can nab a whole jerk chicken for just £13.45. And for those weekend vibes, their bottomless brunch at £36.99 a person is a no-brainer.
The menu goes beyond Jamaican staples like peppered steak and curried goat, throwing burgers, wraps, and pastas into the mix, all kissed with Jamaican flavours. Sides? They’ve got you covered with rice and peas, plantain, and fried dumplings.
Pro tip: Swing by for their bottomless brunch on weekends. It’s an absolute feast and perfect for kicking off your weekend right. |