O Cookshop Introduce
O Cookshop is a vibrant and essential Caribbean restaurant located in the heart of East Orange, New Jersey. This establishment has quickly become a standout culinary destination by offering authentic, deeply flavorful Caribbean cuisine with a modern and inclusive approach. From signature proteins like JERK CHICKEN PON DI PAN
to satisfying sides and soups, O Cookshop embodies the spirit of island cooking—bold, fresh, and soulful.
More than just a place to eat, O Cookshop is a business rooted in community values, proudly identifying as both Black-owned
and women-owned.
This commitment to local entrepreneurship and community presence adds an extra layer of warmth and authenticity to the dining experience. The restaurant operates with a clear mission to provide high-quality Comfort food
that also includes options for health-conscious diners, featuring Organic dishes
alongside abundant Vegan options
and Vegetarian options.
The atmosphere is described as Casual
, inviting everyone—from solo diners to families—to relax and enjoy the rich flavors of the Caribbean.
Customer feedback often highlights the authenticity and quality of the food. One enthusiastic patron raved about the jerk chicken and rasta pasta,
Delicious with just the right amount of spice to leave a tingle in your mouth but not over powering.
This review, alongside a separate compliment to the exceptional customer service
provided by the staff, suggests a complete and positive experience where quality food meets genuine hospitality. While all taste buds are different, the overwhelming sentiment points to a truly authentic and enjoyable Caribbean feast waiting for New Jersey diners.
O Cookshop is situated at the address 8 Oak St, East Orange, NJ 07018. This location provides convenient access for residents throughout East Orange and the surrounding Essex County areas. Being easily locatable in a local neighborhood area, it serves as a central hub for Caribbean cuisine lovers.
Accessibility is thoughtfully managed to maximize customer convenience. The restaurant provides Free street parking
, which is a valuable amenity for those driving in the New Jersey area. For transactional convenience, O Cookshop readily accepts modern payment methods, including all major Credit cards
and Debit cards
. This modern approach to access and payment, combined with a variety of service options (detailed below), ensures that getting a taste of the Caribbean is as smooth and simple as possible, whether you are picking up an order or staying to dine.
O Cookshop offers a wide array of services designed to meet the dynamic needs of its New Jersey customer base, focusing on safety, speed, and comprehensive dining options:
- Flexible Service Options: Customers have their choice of
Dine-in
service in the casual atmosphere, traditionalTakeout
, or advanced delivery options includingDelivery
,No-contact delivery
, and highly convenientCurbside pickup
. - Dedicated Meal Times: The restaurant focuses on serving the most popular meal periods, with full menus available for both
Lunch
andDinner
. - Specialized Counter Service: Offers
Counter service
for quick ordering and efficiency, perfect for customers stopping in for aQuick bite
during their workday. - Catering for Events: Provides professional
Catering
services, allowing the authentic Caribbean flavors to be featured at large gatherings, parties, and corporate events across the region. - Solo and Family Dining: The atmosphere is recognized as being perfect for
Solo dining
as well as beingGood for kids
, making it a versatile spot for any occasion. - Customizable Meals: Features a unique
BUILD-A-BOWL LUNCH SPECIALS
option, allowing patrons to customize their meal with one protein, one rice or Rasta Pasta, and one veggie for just $15.00.
The unique attributes of O Cookshop make it a distinctive and highly recommended eatery in the East Orange dining landscape:
- Commitment to Healthy Options: A standout feature is the emphasis on health-conscious menu items, offering
Organic dishes
,Vegan options
, andVegetarian options
alongside classic comfort food staples. This ensures the restaurant is accessible to a wider New Jersey demographic with diverse dietary needs. - Signature Caribbean Staples: The menu features must-try, highly-praised items such as the
JERK CHICKEN PON DI PAN
, the creamyRASTA PASTA (V)
, and the decadentOXTAIL & BROAD BEANS
($22.00), which is slow-cooked and perfectly seasoned. - Unique Weekend Specialties: Enhancing its appeal, the restaurant offers special weekend menu items, including
SNAPPER FISH & DOCTOR
,LOBSTER MP (WHEN IN SEASON)
, and specialty soups likeRED PEAS SOUP
andSEAFOOD SOUP
. - Homemade Flavor Enhancers: Features a variety of house-made
SAUCES
such asJerk Sauce
,Red Sawse
, and the uniqueScotch Bonnet Aioli
($1.50 each), allowing diners to customize the level of spice and flavor in their meal. - Strong Ethical Identity: The public identification as
Black-owned
andwomen-owned
resonates strongly with patrons who prioritize supporting diverse, local businesses in the community. - Praise for Drinks and Service: One reviewer specifically highlighted the house-made beverage
Spill the Tea
as aperfection
of flavors, and customer service is noted as A+, warrantingmultiple additional visits.
- Affordable & Customizable Lunch: The $15.00
BUILD-A-BOWL LUNCH SPECIALS
is an excellent value proposition for quick, customized, and satisfying midday meals.
For all orders, reservations, or inquiries about catering services, New Jersey customers can use the following contact details for O Cookshop:
Address: 8 Oak St, East Orange, NJ 07018
Phone: (973) 310-1075
The restaurant’s clear phone line and easily accessible location make communication and order placement simple and direct.
O Cookshop in East Orange is a truly noteworthy choice for anyone in New Jersey seeking an authentic, high-quality Caribbean dining experience. What makes this restaurant stand out is not just the food, but the holistic dining experience driven by its owners and staff. Choosing O Cookshop means supporting a Black-owned
and women-owned
business that actively invests in the community and caters to a wide variety of dietary preferences, which is a rare and valuable combination.
The menu itself offers a compelling mix of beloved staples and health-conscious alternatives. Whether you are indulging in the highly-recommended Rasta Pasta
and Jerk Chicken
that delivers the right amount of spice,
or opting for a wholesome VEGETABLE SOUP
or RASTA PASTA (V)
—a vegan-friendly option—the quality remains paramount. The flexible service options, from Curbside pickup
to No-contact delivery
, are designed for the modern, busy New Jersey lifestyle, making it effortless to enjoy authentic cuisine at home or on the go. Furthermore, the dedication to customer satisfaction, as evidenced by one diner's praise for the front-of-house staff, creates a welcoming environment that transforms a single visit into a desire for multiple additional visits.
For a taste of the islands with ethical grounding and excellent service in a casual setting, O Cookshop is a superior local choice.
O Cookshop Menu
SOUPS
- CHICKEN SOUP $12.00
Ground Provisions
- VEGETABLE SOUP $10.00
ASK THE CHEF WHAT'S HOT TODAY!!
BUILD-A-BOWL LUNCH SPECIALS
- 1 Protein + 1 Rice Or Rasta Pasta + 1 Veggie $15.00
SIDES
- RICE & PEAS $5.00
Coconut Milk
- WHITE RICE $3.00
Fluffy & Perfectly steamed
- VEGGIE SLAW $2.50
Mama Suga Vin Mix
- ROASTED SEASONAL VEGGIES $5.00
Ask the Chef What they got today
- MAC & CHEESE $3.00
Chedda
PROTEINS
- LEMON GARLIC ROTISSERIE CHICKEN $12.00
$20 - with a choice of Rice and Veggie, Scotch Bonnet Aioli
- JERK CHICKEN PON DI PAN $15.00
OCookshop Jerk Marinade
- CARIBBEAN FRIED CHICKEN $15.00
Season To Di Bl*&dclatBone
- OXTAIL & BROAD BEANS $22.00
Slow Cooked & Perfectly Seasoned
- CURRY COCONUT SHRIMP $17.00
Coconut milk
- JERK SHRIMP $17.00
OCookshop Jerk Marinade
- RASTA PASTA (V) $5.00
Assorted Bell Peppas
SAUCES
- Jerk Sauce $1.50
- Red Sawse $1.50
- Scotch Bonnet Aioli $1.50
- Bbq Sauce $1.50
- Sour Orange Green Sawse $1.50
- Oil & Peppa Crunch $1.50
OUR WEEKEND OFFERINGS WILL INCLUDE
- SNAPPER FISH & DOCTOR- MP
Stuffed And Roasted
- LOBSTER MP (WHEN IN SEASON)
Grilled
- RED PEAS SOUP
- MANISH WATER SOUP
- SEAFOOD SOUP
O Cookshop Details
From the business
- Identifies as Black-owned
- Identifies as women-owned
Service options
- Curbside pickup
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Comfort food
- Organic dishes
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Counter service
Atmosphere
- Casual
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
Parking
- Free street parking
O Cookshop Photos










O Cookshop Location
O Cookshop Reviews
jamaican foodoxtailsjerksouprasta pastaseasonedrice and peasfried chickenpersonalityred snapper
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Food was not it Oxtail wasn’t tender. The jerk chicken was okay, and the mac & cheese was decent for a Jamaican spot—but overall? A 3 out of 10. I wouldn’t go back.That said, everyone’s taste buds are different. It might hit for you, it just didn’t for me. Try it and form your own opinion—but don’t say I didn’t warn you.
August 01 · Tameea EdwardsOmg... 🥰🥰🥰 Ordered the jerk chicken and rasta pasta... Delicious 😋. Just the right amount of spice to leave a tingle in your mouth but not over powering. Chicken cooked to perfection, my compliments to the chef. And the house made "Spill the Tea", I can't quite describe all the ingredients but the blend is perfection. I made the mistake of putting it in ice which diluted the flavor, no need for ice. 😭. Last but not least, my girl Tiffany up front, my new sister for life. Her customer service alone warrants multiple additional visits. Overall, A+ visit.
August 23 · A JonesProbably the best Jamaican food I’ve had in Jersey! The portions are huge compared to the prices and the food tastes so good too. I got the oxtail and jerk chicken delivered via Uber Eats. Can’t wait to visit in person!
October 07 · Madelaine J. AkinyemiThe food was very good and the owner was very nice. He made the Rasta pasta fresh for me and my friend. Also gave us the ice tea for free. It was good too. Excellent customer service. I will definitely go back.
June 10 · Ayoola MalcolmThe Mac and cheese was really good, oxtail tased regular, but it’s not the best I have had. I ordered via uber and food was well packed and still hot
September 15 · Subuola Ojerinola
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