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Wha Gwaan Jamaican Restaurant – Where Every Bite Feels Like Jamaica! Craving the best Caribbean food in Tampa? Step into Wha Gwaan—your ultimate destination for authentic Jamaican cuisine packed with flavor, tradition, and island soul. From fall-off-the-bone oxtail to fiery jerk chicken ,jerk pork, rich curried goat, and Ital stews that nourish the spirit, we serve the real Jamaican food staples! Whether you’re sippin’ on sorrel, diving into a steamy plate of ackee & saltfish, steamed snapper or breaking bread with golden fried dumplings, one bite will have you saying “mi deh yah!” Irie vibes. Bold flavors. Real culture. Located on West Hillsborough Avenue, Wha Gwaan is bringing the taste of Jamaica to Tampa/ Oldsmar/Clearwater
Address and Contact Information
Address: 13910 W Hillsborough Ave, Tampa, FL 33635
Phone: (813) 326-0349
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Wha Gwaan/Jamaica Jamaica Island Cuisine in FL: Home
Our mission is to provide an authentic culinary experience through traditional dishes with a modern twist while providing a Caribbean cultural experience to …
Hours & Location – Wha Gwaan/Jamaica Jamaica Island Cuisine in FL
Wha Gwaan Jamaica Jamaica located in Tampa, FL. Open Wednesday and Thursday 11am to 9pm, Friday and Saturday 11am to 10pm, and Sunday 11am to 8pm.
Wha Gwaan Menu
See the menus for Wha Gwaan Jamaica Jamaica in Tampa, FL. Offering oxtail, jerk chicken, jasmin rice, seafood and more for delivery, takeaway, and dine-in!
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Reviews
Kristin Murphy
Wha Gwaan is the best Jamaican place in the area!!!! The food is amazing. I have tried most of the menu and I love everything I’ve ordered. The atmosphere and vibes are next level. Wha Gwaan is a rarity in that it is the kind of bar/restaurant where strangers come alone and by the time they are leaving, they are getting hugs from others and saying they can’t wait to meet up again. It is also the kind of place where people still break out in dance or sing karaoke and fully enjoy life. But no pressure, if that is not your thing either. Just sit back, enjoy the cocktails, order some good food and enjoy the chill Jamaican demeanor. One love!
… moreVincent Covington II
I tried the Vegan Ox Tails. What a great spin on this well known dish. It was packed full of flavor. The Rasta pasta is truly good. I wish they had a half star rating. Your macaroni and cheese has great flavor and it should be heated, so the top cheese crust is oozing into the noodles. The piece of snapper w/ the escovitch was great. But just kind of small, great flavor on all the dishes. Great drink options especially your fresh juices.
… moreMilicent MJ
Omg this place is ammmazing!!!!! Order the Not Nice Drink ladies!!!! You won’t be disappointed. The food, drinks, service such a VIBE!!!!! My husband and I dropped in for Valentine’s Day… they didn’t disappoint!!!! We will be back soon
… moreCorey Peterson
I recently had a near-perfect experience at Wha Gwaan Jamaica Jamaica, and I can’t recommend it enough. It was a fantastic and welcoming introduction to authentic Jamaican food and culture, and the perfect way to spend a Saturday afternoon.
From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere is top-notch. The wood floors, central bar, and walls adorned with Jamaican flags and jerseys give the place a lively and authentic feel. The staff were just as amazing, greeting us with bright smiles and making us feel right at home.
The food was the true highlight, with every dish delivering on flavor. I started with a Curry Patty that was full of juicy, wonderfully spiced chicken. The Coco Bread on the side was soft and subtly sweet, a perfect pairing. But the star of the show was the Jerk Chicken. Its smokey, spicy, and sweet notes were so good they brought back nostalgic memories of my mom’s cooking. The seasoned rice and vegetables were a nice contrast, making every bite a delight.
I’m already looking forward to my next visit, and I hope they have the iced tea on hand!
… moreFrom the moment you walk in, the atmosphere is top-notch. The wood floors, central bar, and walls adorned with Jamaican flags and jerseys give the place a lively and authentic feel. The staff were just as amazing, greeting us with bright smiles and making us feel right at home.
The food was the true highlight, with every dish delivering on flavor. I started with a Curry Patty that was full of juicy, wonderfully spiced chicken. The Coco Bread on the side was soft and subtly sweet, a perfect pairing. But the star of the show was the Jerk Chicken. Its smokey, spicy, and sweet notes were so good they brought back nostalgic memories of my mom’s cooking. The seasoned rice and vegetables were a nice contrast, making every bite a delight.
I’m already looking forward to my next visit, and I hope they have the iced tea on hand!
Kristin McKinney
The food was GOOD!!! Everyone was super friendly and accommodating. We started with the conch fritters and meat (beef) pie. My fiance had the ox tail dinner, and I had the steamed red snapper. Our sides were the cabbage, vegetables, and rice and peas. They have Reggae music playing throughout the restaurant. We definitely went home with leftovers. We loved the place and will be back!
… moreTaraOwen Edwards
My husband and I recently had the absolute pleasure of dining at Wha Gwaan Jamaican Restaurant in Tampa — and when I say top-tier service, I truly mean it!
From the moment we walked in, we felt like family. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming (shout out to Donya ), the hospitality unmatched, and the cuisine? Absolutely delicious Every bite was full of authentic flavor and love.
This experience was nothing short of amazing and divine! We will most definitely be back — and we’ll continue referring our friends and family.
Wishing this beautiful family-owned business nothing but continued success and abundant blessings! ✨
… moreFrom the moment we walked in, we felt like family. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming (shout out to Donya ), the hospitality unmatched, and the cuisine? Absolutely delicious Every bite was full of authentic flavor and love.
This experience was nothing short of amazing and divine! We will most definitely be back — and we’ll continue referring our friends and family.
Wishing this beautiful family-owned business nothing but continued success and abundant blessings! ✨
Robert Francis
Salt fish cook up with Okra, ground provisions and white dumplings was excellent…just like in the islands. Clean, bright and inviting atmosphere. Plus, the service came with a smile. Well-deserved 5-stars.
… moreserena ciao
Y’all… We had to finish our trip with a bang, and we found this amazing spot that did not disappoint. when I say the food was I mean every single bite!!! The jerk wings and chicken were fall-off-the-bone delicious—perfectly seasoned with that smoky spice that hits just right. But the oxtail?? BEST I’ve ever had. Like seriously melt-in-your-mouth, rich, flavorful goodness
And not only was the food on point, but the service was amazing and the atmosphere was a whole vibe. Good food, good people, good energy. Definitely coming back!!
… moreAnd not only was the food on point, but the service was amazing and the atmosphere was a whole vibe. Good food, good people, good energy. Definitely coming back!!
Robert M
⭐️ 2-Star Review — Great Ambience, But Major Issues With Service & Food
The ambience at What Gwaan is genuinely nice — the décor and vibe set the stage for what could be a great Caribbean dining experience. Unfortunately, the service and food fell into the same pitfalls that too many Jamaican/Caribbean restaurants struggle with.
I stopped in today with my girlfriend for a casual dinner, and from the start, things were off. We were greeted by a tall waitress with glasses who struggled to communicate clearly, which led to multiple issues throughout the meal.
Here’s what stood out:
1. Several popular dishes were unavailable. Oxtails, snapper, and other staples were out — a common frustration at many Caribbean spots, but still disappointing.
2. Strong tobacco smoke drifted into the restaurant. There’s a smoke shop next door, and one of the kitchen staff was smoking directly in front of the shared doorway. Every time the door opened, the smell of tobacco came right into the dining area.
3. I received the wrong entrée. I ordered snapper and was served brown stew chicken instead. When I pointed it out, the waitress said she “didn’t hear me say fish,” which didn’t make the situation any better.
4. Communication issues weren’t isolated. The same waitress had a similar misunderstanding with the table next to us.
5. The environment shifted from calm to chaotic. A group of loud men came in, talking at the top of their lungs, and sat at the bar chatting with staff. It completely changed the vibe of the space.
The food itself was just okay. The cabbage was so greasy it reminded me of a Jheri curl — not exactly what you want on your plate.
Bottom line:
If you’re coming for drinks, music, and a lively atmosphere, this place might work for you. But if you’re looking for great food, consistent service, and a comfortable dining experience, this spot still has a lot of work to do.
⭐️ 2-Star Review — Great Ambience, But Major Issues With Service & Food
The ambience at What Gwaan is genuinely nice — the décor and vibe set the stage for what could be a great Caribbean dining experience. Unfortunately, the service and food fell into the same pitfalls that too many Jamaican/Caribbean restaurants struggle with.
I stopped in today with my girlfriend for a casual dinner, and from the start, things were off. We were greeted by a tall waitress with glasses who struggled to communicate clearly, which led to multiple issues throughout the meal.
Here’s what stood out:
1. Several popular dishes were unavailable. Oxtails, snapper, and other staples were out — a common frustration at many Caribbean spots, but still disappointing.
2. Strong tobacco smoke drifted into the restaurant. There’s a smoke shop next door, and one of the kitchen staff was smoking directly in front of the shared doorway. Every time the door opened, the smell of tobacco came right into the dining area.
3. I received the wrong entrée. I ordered snapper and was served brown stew chicken instead. When I pointed it out, the waitress said she “didn’t hear me say fish,” which didn’t make the situation any better.
4. Communication issues weren’t isolated. The same waitress had a similar misunderstanding with the table next to us.
5. The environment shifted from calm to chaotic. A group of loud men came in, talking at the top of their lungs, and sat at the bar chatting with staff. It completely changed the vibe of the space.
The food itself was just okay. The cabbage was so greasy it reminded me of a Jheri curl — not exactly what you want on your plate.
Bottom line:
If you’re coming for drinks, music, and a lively atmosphere, this place might work for you. But if you’re looking for great food, consistent service, and a comfortable dining experience, this spot still has a lot of work to do.
… moreThe ambience at What Gwaan is genuinely nice — the décor and vibe set the stage for what could be a great Caribbean dining experience. Unfortunately, the service and food fell into the same pitfalls that too many Jamaican/Caribbean restaurants struggle with.
I stopped in today with my girlfriend for a casual dinner, and from the start, things were off. We were greeted by a tall waitress with glasses who struggled to communicate clearly, which led to multiple issues throughout the meal.
Here’s what stood out:
1. Several popular dishes were unavailable. Oxtails, snapper, and other staples were out — a common frustration at many Caribbean spots, but still disappointing.
2. Strong tobacco smoke drifted into the restaurant. There’s a smoke shop next door, and one of the kitchen staff was smoking directly in front of the shared doorway. Every time the door opened, the smell of tobacco came right into the dining area.
3. I received the wrong entrée. I ordered snapper and was served brown stew chicken instead. When I pointed it out, the waitress said she “didn’t hear me say fish,” which didn’t make the situation any better.
4. Communication issues weren’t isolated. The same waitress had a similar misunderstanding with the table next to us.
5. The environment shifted from calm to chaotic. A group of loud men came in, talking at the top of their lungs, and sat at the bar chatting with staff. It completely changed the vibe of the space.
The food itself was just okay. The cabbage was so greasy it reminded me of a Jheri curl — not exactly what you want on your plate.
Bottom line:
If you’re coming for drinks, music, and a lively atmosphere, this place might work for you. But if you’re looking for great food, consistent service, and a comfortable dining experience, this spot still has a lot of work to do.
⭐️ 2-Star Review — Great Ambience, But Major Issues With Service & Food
The ambience at What Gwaan is genuinely nice — the décor and vibe set the stage for what could be a great Caribbean dining experience. Unfortunately, the service and food fell into the same pitfalls that too many Jamaican/Caribbean restaurants struggle with.
I stopped in today with my girlfriend for a casual dinner, and from the start, things were off. We were greeted by a tall waitress with glasses who struggled to communicate clearly, which led to multiple issues throughout the meal.
Here’s what stood out:
1. Several popular dishes were unavailable. Oxtails, snapper, and other staples were out — a common frustration at many Caribbean spots, but still disappointing.
2. Strong tobacco smoke drifted into the restaurant. There’s a smoke shop next door, and one of the kitchen staff was smoking directly in front of the shared doorway. Every time the door opened, the smell of tobacco came right into the dining area.
3. I received the wrong entrée. I ordered snapper and was served brown stew chicken instead. When I pointed it out, the waitress said she “didn’t hear me say fish,” which didn’t make the situation any better.
4. Communication issues weren’t isolated. The same waitress had a similar misunderstanding with the table next to us.
5. The environment shifted from calm to chaotic. A group of loud men came in, talking at the top of their lungs, and sat at the bar chatting with staff. It completely changed the vibe of the space.
The food itself was just okay. The cabbage was so greasy it reminded me of a Jheri curl — not exactly what you want on your plate.
Bottom line:
If you’re coming for drinks, music, and a lively atmosphere, this place might work for you. But if you’re looking for great food, consistent service, and a comfortable dining experience, this spot still has a lot of work to do.
Bella
Great place to get Jamaican food, extremely friendly staff. Good music.
I suggest to try the Jamaican platter ‘A taste of Jamaica’ and garlic shrimp. Their drinks are so good. Can’t wait to go back.
… moreI suggest to try the Jamaican platter ‘A taste of Jamaica’ and garlic shrimp. Their drinks are so good. Can’t wait to go back.