Chill, counter-serve cafe dishing up fritay, jerk chicken & other Caribbean specialties.
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Pearl of the Island Caribbean – Margate – Order Online
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Reviews
You know how Caribbean spots can be a gamble—long waits, missing items, or vibes that feel… chaotic? Not here. Pearl of the Caribbean understood the assignment.
First of all, the place was super clean (already a win). The passion fruit juice? Absolutely elite—bright, fresh, and dangerously good. Food is made to order, so yes, there’s a wait—but trust me, it’s worth it.
I ordered the griot fritay with boulet (meatballs) and baby… the seasoning was on point, perfectly salted, crispy where it should be, tender where it matters. The accra? Marinated to perfection—every bite hit. I even spotted a platter of djon djon rice that was actually black—you can tell they’re using real djon djon, not that liquid shortcut nonsense. Respect.
To top it off, the front desk ladies were so kind and welcoming, which honestly seals the deal.
Stopped by Sunday, Dec 28 around 7pm and left already planning my next visit.
Pearl of the Caribbean is a gem—will absolutely be back. ️
The griot, which should be well-seasoned, flavorful fried pork, was surprisingly bland. The meat didn’t have that traditional spicy, garlicky, citrus kick you expect from Haitian cuisine. It tasted under-seasoned, almost like it hadn’t been marinated long enough, and the outside wasn’t as crispy as it should be. The accompanying sides didn’t stand out either and did nothing to make up for the lack of flavor in the main dish.
The salmon dinner wasn’t any better. The fish was cooked just okay, but again there was almost no seasoning. It tasted plain and uninspired, like something you could easily make at home without much effort. For a restaurant — especially one representing a cuisine known for bold spices and rich flavors — this was really underwhelming.
On top of that, I specifically ordered djon djon rice, but instead I received regular rice and beans. Not only was it not what I ordered, but the rice and beans themselves were very plain and greasy, with almost no flavor. It felt careless and rushed, like there was no attention paid to either accuracy or quality.
Overall, the food was subpar and didn’t reflect the quality or flavor I expect from Haitian cuisine. Between the bland griot, the unseasoned salmon, and the incorrect, greasy rice and beans, I left feeling unsatisfied and disappointed, and I wouldn’t go out of my way to order from here again.
Upon entering, I noticed the space was immaculately clean and vibrant. The cashier warmly welcomed me as I placed my order. Arriving during their lunch hours, I enjoyed the griot lunch special, complete with black rice, fried plantain, and a drink, all for under $12. My cousin told me their Mac and cheese was delicious, so I also placed a side order. The Mac and cheese were worth the wait. My overall meal left me full and happy! Glad to have found this place and will definitely keep it on my list of places to eat when visiting Florida.
I’m editing this on January 8, 2024 to say that this place is so consistent and truly my favorite they always honor my specification requests and are always so friendly when I walk in I truly love coming here for my lunch
Edit on 3-6-24 LOVE PEARL ❤️❤️❤️