Taste of Jamaica

Faith Stewart’s Taste of Jamaica has anchored Cary’s Chatham Street since 2012, channeling home-cooked island hospitality into a humble 43-seat cafe. The family-owned kitchen keeps the atmosphere relaxed and welcoming, encouraging guests to linger while plates are cooked to order. Loyal regulars travel from across the Triangle for the warmth of the staff as much as the food.

Signature plates spotlight jerk chicken glazed with a sweet-heat sauce, fall-apart oxtails, curry goat, and escovitch whole snapper brightened with pickled vegetables. Sides of rice and peas, fried plantains, and cabbage round out hearty trays, while the house sorrel (hibiscus steeped with ginger and cane sugar) adds a refreshing finish. Patties, brown stew chicken, and rotating seafood specials keep return visits exciting.

Guests can settle into the casual dining room or take their orders to go, with catering inquiries welcomed through the restaurant. Weekday hours run from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., stretching to 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays to accommodate dinner crowds. Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch or settling in for a leisurely meal, the kitchen delivers a vibrant taste of the Caribbean without leaving Cary.