De Islands

- 138-58 Francis Lewis Blvd, Rosedale, NY 11422

De Islands is a renowned name among New Yorkers seeking authentic and vibrant Caribbean flavors, particularly focusing on the rich culinary traditions of Jamaica. Located in the heart of Rosedale, Queens, this restaurant has established itself as a must-visit destination for anyone craving real island cooking. Since its establishment in 2003 by its owner, Mr. Persaud, with the assistance of his cousin Harrinarine Jagnarine, De Islands has built a reputation for consistently providing high-quality meals and exceptional service. The founders’ initial vision was to create a dining spot for the Caribbean community, but this goal has expanded over the years, successfully welcoming customers from all ethnic groups who have embraced the delicious, spicy, and savory world of Caribbean cuisine, with a special emphasis on their popular Jerk dishes.

The core identity of De Islands revolves around serving traditional Caribbean fare, with a menu dominated by classic Jamaican staples. The restaurant’s atmosphere is designed and set up with a strong Caribbean theme and flavor, aiming to transport diners to the islands with every bite. The popularity of the restaurant, particularly for its famous Jerk Chicken, solidifies its position as a cultural and culinary hotspot in the Queens neighborhood. Whether you are a long-time enthusiast of Jamaican food or a New Yorker looking to explore the cuisine, De Islands in Rosedale offers a memorable taste of the tropics right here in the city. The comprehensive menu, which includes poultry, meat, and seafood dishes, ensures there is a flavorful option for every palate.

The restaurant's dedication to authentic preparation and using signature blends of spices is evident in the positive customer feedback, with many highlighting the quality and flavor consistency of the food. Diners frequently mention the generous portions and the comforting, home-style taste that makes the experience feel genuinely authentic. It is a local gem that continues to uphold the promise of "Island Food Sweet Nah Rhatid!"

The Queens location of De Islands is conveniently situated at 138-58 Francis Lewis Blvd in the Rosedale neighborhood of Queens, New York. Rosedale is known for its strong community ties and accessibility, making this spot a favorite for local residents and those commuting from surrounding areas like Laurelton, Springfield Gardens, and Cambria Heights. Being positioned on Francis Lewis Boulevard, a well-traveled thoroughfare, the restaurant is easily reachable by car and public transportation within Queens and nearby Long Island.

The restaurant’s operational hours are consistently welcoming, running daily from 11:00 am until late, often until 10:40 pm or 11:00 pm, which provides ample opportunity for patrons to enjoy a meal, whether it's a hearty lunch or a late dinner. The establishment’s prominence in the area, coupled with its consistent business hours, ensures reliable service for its dedicated customer base. The strategic location serves a vibrant community, allowing for quick pick-up orders or efficient delivery service across the region.

De Islands is dedicated to providing flexible and comprehensive service options to cater to the busy lives of New Yorkers. Their focus on accessibility ensures customers can enjoy their authentic Caribbean food in a way that best suits their needs. Key services include:

• Take Out/Pickup: Customers can place their orders in advance or directly at the counter for quick and convenient pickup.
• Delivery Services: The restaurant partners with major third-party delivery platforms, ensuring their delicious meals are delivered right to the customer’s door in the surrounding Queens and Valley Stream areas.
• Catering Service: De Islands offers a growing catering service menu, designed to provide high-quality Caribbean meals for events, parties, and gatherings, extending their reach to larger groups and occasions.
• In-Restaurant Ordering: While primarily known for its takeout and delivery volume, the Rosedale location is a direct point of purchase for customers who prefer to order and receive their food on-site.
• Specialty Combos: The menu is structured to offer value and variety through numerous combo meals that pair a main protein (like Jerk Chicken or Oxtail) with choice of rice, a side, and a drink.
• Daily Soup Specials: The kitchen offers a rotating "Soup of the Day," providing a comforting and traditional Caribbean offering that changes daily. Examples of their rotating soup specials include Green Peas with Chicken, Lentil Peas with Chicken, Callaloo with Chicken, and Red Peas with Cow Foot.

De Islands in Rosedale stands out in the competitive New York food scene due to its commitment to authenticity and the quality of its signature dishes. The restaurant’s features and highlights showcase its unique appeal:

• Authentic Caribbean Cuisine: The primary feature is its focus on genuine island cooking, which attracts a diverse clientele seeking traditional Jamaican flavors.
• The Famous Jerk Chicken: Recognized as a standout item, the jerk chicken is often described as succulent, grilled to perfection, and marinated with Caribbean spices, making it a crowd favorite and a must-try for first-time visitors.
• Signature Meats and Stews: Beyond jerk, the restaurant is celebrated for its perfectly seasoned and slow-cooked dishes like tender Oxtail, and richly flavored Curry Goat, which are highly popular among patrons.
• Extensive Seafood Options: The menu offers a wide variety of seafood, including Escovitch Fish (such as Red Snapper or Whiting), Jerk Fish, and Curry Shrimp, catering to those who prefer fish and shellfish preparations.
• Traditional Sides and Accompaniments: The authentic experience is completed with classic sides like Rice & Peas, Festival bread (a sweet, fried dumpling), Ripe Plantains, Cassava Fries, and Mac Pie (macaroni and cheese).
• Consistent High-Quality: The business model is built on providing consistently high-quality meals and service, a factor frequently praised in customer testimonials.
• Targeted for Caribbean Heritage: The restaurant was originally founded with a strong Caribbean theme to serve the Caribbean community, providing a true taste of home for many.
• Promotional Offers: The restaurant frequently offers deals and promotions, such as “Buy 1, Get 1 Free” on popular combo items like Jerk Chicken, providing excellent value to diners.

For patrons in the Rosedale and greater Queens area looking to connect with De Islands, the essential contact details are as follows:

• Address: 138-58 Francis Lewis Blvd, Rosedale, NY 11422, USA
• Phone: (718) 978-1542

For any New Yorker deciding what to order from De Islands, a look at the customer favorites and specialties is highly recommended. The restaurant excels at providing hearty, flavor-packed meals that define Caribbean comfort food.

The Oxtail is universally praised and is a standout choice. Customers describe the oxtail as "super tender and full of flavor," often highlighting how the rich, savory gravy perfectly complements the traditional rice and peas. If you are looking for a satisfying, fall-off-the-bone meat dish, the Oxtail combo is an absolute must-try.

Secondly, the Jerk Chicken is the undeniable star of the menu and a key reason for the restaurant’s popularity. It is the signature Jamaican dish, marinated and grilled to a spicy, flavorful climax. It's available in various portions and combos, making it suitable for a quick lunch or a full family meal. Paired with the classic Festival bread, it is a quintessential Caribbean experience.

The Escovitch Fish, particularly the red snapper or boneless whiting, is highly recommended for seafood lovers. It's often ordered for takeout, appreciated for its delicious, savory preparation topped with a flavorful onion and vegetable medley. Alongside this, the Curry Goat is another top-tier choice for those who enjoy the exotic flavor of goat meat slow-cooked in a spicy curry blend.

Finally, make sure to add a side of Cassava Fries or the classic Ripe Plantain to your order to complete the authentic island meal. De Islands consistently delivers on its promise of authentic taste and generous portions, providing a truly fulfilling culinary adventure right in Queens. Choosing De Islands means opting for flavorful, home-style Jamaican food that has earned the loyalty of the Rosedale community and beyond.

De Islands

138-58 Francis Lewis Blvd, Rosedale, NY 11422, USA