West Phoenix restaurant brings the flavors of the Caribbean to the desert
Desert Island Eatery got its start in Tucson before gaining popularity and moving to Phoenix.
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — A West Valley restaurant is bringing the islands to Arizona. Desert Island Eatery serves traditional Caribbean food packed with flavor.
The restaurant started in Tucson but moved up to Phoenix five years ago. Owner Jamillia Joseph said it was a simple decision to open because she’s “Just a fan of food.”
Along with the dishes, the new space has many of the same vibrant decorations it had in Tucson. You’ll see portraits of Bob Marley, Haile Selassie, and a bustling village in Africa. The goal since the beginning has been to welcome and feed anyone and everyone.
“The idea of the new space was to be able to invite people into more of what we would consider our home,” Joseph said.
Desert Island Eatery serves many classics like jerk chicken, seafood, and curry goat. One of the most popular dishes is oxtail.
Each entree comes with a choice of side such as rice and peas or yellow rice and cabbage. Creamy potato salad, sweet fried plantains, or mac and cheese are available for an extra charge.
Don’t forget to order some Johnny Cakes. The sweet fried bread is as good a bite on its own as it is dipped in any extra sauce left on your plate.
Aside from the meat and seafood, everything on the menu is vegan. It’s a decision Joseph says they made to be more inclusive.
You’re not missing out on any of the flavor with the vegan dishes. Plus, you might find something new.
“For our vegan side, we’ve kind of put a twist on some of the things,” Joseph said.
The top-selling vegan entree is the jerk barbecue tofu. Pair it with some mac and cheese, also vegan, and cabbage and you won’t go home hungry.
Many of the dishes are also gluten-free.
No matter what you order, you’ll feel that tropical flair through the array of spices. Joseph says her dishes are for those who love to taste.
“To be able to experience Caribbean food is like traveling on your plate, and so, to not ever have experienced it is never doing yourself any justice if you have a love for flavor,” Joseph said.
The restaurant offers a dozen drinks as well. Grab a glass of mango limeade, fruit punch, or the island mix which is a mixture of ginger pineapple juice and limeade.
Desert Island Eatery has limited seating inside, but there are outdoor tables. You’re also encouraged to order to-go.
Joseph has a lot of plans for the restaurant. She’s currently working on adding more community events with tons of Caribbean food and music. She also hopes to add cooking classes soon.
Desert Island Eatery
Location: 4227 W Bell Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85053
Hours:
- Wednesday - Friday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Saturday - Sunday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Monday - Tuesday: CloseD
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