de Islands

- 8203 Flatlands Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11236

When New Yorkers are looking to escape the hustle and find a genuine taste of the tropics without leaving the borough, they often turn to the vibrant culinary scene of Brooklyn. Tucked away on Flatlands Avenue, De Islands restaurant stands out as a beloved local spot specializing in authentic Caribbean cuisine. Known for its rich, flavorful dishes and cozy atmosphere, this is the place where Brooklynites go to get their fix of slow-cooked meats, spicy jerk, and comforting sides that transport the diner straight to the islands.

As a staple Caribbean restaurant, De Islands is celebrated for providing a full spectrum of island flavor—from fiery Jamaican jerk to savory stews. Whether you’re a lifelong Brooklyn resident familiar with the best Caribbean spots or a new transplant looking for the real deal, De Islands offers a culinary experience that is both authentic and consistently delicious. Their menu, featuring powerhouse dishes like Oxtail and Curry Goat, alongside classic sides like Rice & Peas and Festival, is a testament to the rich, diverse flavors of the Caribbean. The restaurant’s popularity for lunch, dinner, and solo dining confirms its status as a reliable, high-quality choice for a satisfying meal any day of the week.

The cuisine at De Islands emphasizes traditional Caribbean cooking techniques and robust seasoning. Their commitment to offering a variety of comfort food, including options that cater to healthy and vegetarian preferences, ensures that every patron can find a dish to love. The atmosphere is generally described as casual and cozy, making it a perfect neighborhood haunt where the crowd is welcoming, comprised of a mix of locals, college students, and families. While patrons should be prepared for what is sometimes described as a wait—a sure sign of popular and freshly prepared food—the promise of a quality, home-style Caribbean meal makes it well worth the time.

Location and Accessibility

The Brooklyn location of De Islands is conveniently situated at 8203 Flatlands Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11236, USA. This placement in the Flatlands area makes it a key dining destination within the borough for authentic Caribbean food. The restaurant is particularly mindful of its patrons, offering essential amenities that enhance the dining experience. For those driving, the availability of a dedicated free parking lot is a significant convenience in a busy NYC neighborhood.

Accessibility is a clear priority at De Islands. The establishment features a wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring that all members of the New York community can comfortably visit and enjoy their meal. As a truly local establishment, the neighborhood vibe is evident, drawing in a strong crowd of locals and families. Whether you are stepping in for a quick bite during the day or sitting down for a full dinner, the location is designed to be welcoming and easily accessible to all. The availability of multiple service options, which we'll detail next, further solidifies its role as a flexible and dependable dining choice in Brooklyn.

Services Offered

De Islands understands the busy schedules of New Yorkers and offers a range of services to accommodate all dining needs, from a sit-down meal to a quick grab-and-go option. Their comprehensive service model ensures that you can enjoy their delicious Caribbean fare exactly how and when you need it.

• Dining options include Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, ensuring a full day of service.
• A variety of seating choices are available, including Counter service and traditional Table service.
• For those on the go, the restaurant provides convenient options such as Delivery, Takeout, and Curbside pickup.
• They offer Catering services, perfect for local events, office lunches, or family gatherings.
• The establishment is equipped to handle various payment methods, including Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, making transactions quick and easy.
• The facility includes amenities such as a Restroom and a Gender-neutral restroom.
• Wi-Fi is available for dine-in guests.
• Family-friendly features make it Good for kids.

Features / Highlights

What makes De Islands stand out in a city full of dining options are the unique features and authentic offerings it brings to the table. The restaurant successfully blends authentic island cuisine with a modern, friendly New York atmosphere.

• Authentic Caribbean Cuisine: The core highlight is the restaurant’s dedication to serving true Caribbean food, including dishes that are considered local specialties.
• Diverse Menu Offerings: The menu successfully caters to a wide range of tastes and dietary needs, featuring not just hearty Comfort food and Small plates, but also Healthy options, Organic dishes, and comprehensive Vegetarian options.
• Convenient Operating Hours: The restaurant offers Late-night food options and is Popular for lunch, dinner, and solo dining, fitting seamlessly into the busy New York lifestyle.
• Inviting Ambiance: The atmosphere is described as Casual, Cozy, and Trendy, providing a relaxing and enjoyable environment for guests.
• Community Hotspot: It is known to attract a diverse Crowd including College students, Families, Groups, Locals, and Tourists, fostering a vibrant, inclusive environment.
• Noteworthy Sides and Drinks: Patrons rave about unique menu items like the Cassava Fries and a wide selection of authentic Caribbean beverages such as Sorrel, Natural Juice, Mauby, and Ting.
• High-Demand Status: The note that there is Usually a wait underscores the high quality and popularity of the food, signaling to new visitors that the food is consistently in demand.

Contact Information

For New Yorkers looking to visit, order, or inquire about catering, here is the essential contact information for the De Islands location in Brooklyn:

Address: 8203 Flatlands Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11236, USA

Phone: (718) 241-3609

Mobile Phone: +1 718-241-3609

What is Worth Choosing

When navigating the extensive and tempting menu at De Islands, certain dishes stand out as local favorites that are absolutely worth choosing for both first-time visitors and regulars. The restaurant excels at the cornerstone dishes of Caribbean cuisine, executed with a level of flavor and authenticity that keeps customers coming back.

The Jerk Chicken is a must-try. Available in options like a Leg Quarter served with Seasoned Fries and a drink, or as part of a meal that includes Rice and Festival, the Jerk Chicken is consistently praised for its amazing texture and perfect blend of flavors with a satisfying kick of heat. It is a highly-ranked item for a reason, embodying the authentic taste of the islands.

Another top recommendation, and a true standout according to patrons, is the Curry Shrimp with Roti. This dish has been described as having a unique quality unmatched elsewhere, making it a signature item that captures the rich, savory depth of Caribbean curries. Similarly, the Curry Goat, available as a standalone dish or paired with Rice or Roti, is a favorite for those seeking tender, flavorful stewed meats. A smaller portion of Curry Goat with rice is available at a very reasonable price point, allowing for an affordable indulgence in one of the menu's most iconic flavors.

For those who appreciate classic Caribbean comfort, the Oxtail is non-negotiable. Whether you choose a simple serving with rice or the full platter with Roti, Oxtail at De Islands is a tender, slow-simmered perfection, embodying the essence of Caribbean Sunday dinner. Other excellent choices from the main menu include Curry or Stew Chicken and Jerk or Escovich Fish, catering to those who prefer poultry or seafood options prepared in authentic island styles.

Beyond the main courses, don't overlook the side items, which are essential to the full island experience. The Cassava Fries are noted as a delicious treat that adds a unique texture to the meal, offering a more exotic alternative to traditional fries. The Ripe Plaintain is another popular side for its sweet contrast to the savory main dishes. And to complete the experience, be sure to grab an authentic Caribbean beverage like Ting or Mauby to wash it all down. While the prices for some complete meals trend toward the higher end, the quality, generous portions, and authentic taste represent true value for the New York food scene, ensuring a memorable and satisfying experience that is well worth the investment.

de Islands

8203 Flatlands Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11236, USA