Island Thyme Caribbean Grille

This place is amazing!!! We made the 1 hour 10 minute drive there after seeing a viral video featuring their oxtail fries. They did not disappoint. The fries were delicious as well as the jerk shrimp and grits, fried shrimp and collard greens. The portions are very generous and the prices are reasonable. The restaurant was clean and service was great. To top off our visit, we were greeted by the chef/owner and personally gave our compliments. Well worth the drive. I totally recommend them and will definitely come back.

I was absolutely blown away by this place! I’m not usually on that side of town, but my husband and I happened to be in the area and decided to check this place out. We came pretty early, so we were the only ones there. The girl taking our order was very welcoming and answered all of our questions. After ordering, our food came out in a timely manner. Everything was absolutely amazing and you could definitely tell the chef takes pride in his food. We had the jerk chicken and it was very flavorful and juicy. Enough spice to add flavor, but not to the point where it was overbearing. The sides we got with it were the collard greens and the rice and peas. The collards were nice and garlicky and the rice and peas were flavorful, but better with a bit of oxtail gravy on it. We also got the coconut shrimp meal. They had the best taste and came with a honey mustard sauce. My husband said they were the best he’s had. With those we got yuca fries and Mac n cheese. Both of those sides were great! The yuca fries were amazing, light and crispy, and came with an awesome garlic sauce. I enjoyed the larger pasta of the mac n cheese. The best part of all, was when Chef Thomas came out to check on how the meals were. Whaaaat?!! Who does that any more?… this guy, because he cares! I definitely let him hear my praises. Even though it is a bit of a drive, we will definitely be back to support this business!!

My boyfriend had gone before and always spoke so highly of the food so I had to try it for myself. I was completely blown away by how good it was!! The owner came out to check on us, the restaraunt was clean, and staff was friendly. It was sooo flavorful and well cooked. Best shrimp and grits, Mac and cheese and oxtail I’ve ever had. I’ll definitely be back again and again :)

I love this place. My boyfriend and I have been here 3 times and each experience was AMAZING! Staff very informative and gives great recommendations. Love the food. My boyfriend is from the Virgin Islands and he says it reminds him of home. We definitely be a regular, it is definitely worth driving to if you live further.

Drove 30mins from Downtown Orlando to this restaurant located in Avalon Park just to try the food and wasn't disappointed. This establishment is extremely clean and tidy which is a big plus for me. We went during the week, around noon and there was no line/wait at all which was surprising because the line should be out the door. We ordered Braised oxtail with rice & peas, and mac & cheese (not pictured). The young lady at the register was very polite and gave many recommendations on things to try since it was our first time. It didn't take long for the meals to come out and everything was hot! The oxtail taste was different compared to Jamaican style oxtail which is popular and more common...BUT IT WAS GREAT! The meat was very tender, falling off the bone, and the portion size was huge. Rice & peas were delicious also, not to dry but not soupy either. My only con would be the mac & cheese, which wasn't creamy at all and pretty dry maybe due to the big rigatoni pasta noodles used. I would not recommend it as a side (especially for $2.95 up-charge) but wouldn't mind giving the mac & cheese bowl a try next time. Lastly we ordered a side of jerk chicken just to try and it was amazing I mean hats off to the chef. Can't wait to return to try some different items on their extensive menu. S/n: The owner/chef did come out to introduce himself and asks how everything was tasting which I thought was very commendable. If in Orlando or plan to visit soon, please check this place out and bring your appetite!

We came in today and got two plates of the jerk chicken rice and beans one with plantains and corn and the other with corn with an eight piece jerk wing. I can honestly say when it comes to food I’m a bit hard to please but this place is great! The chicken is cooked to perfection like my granny and everything was cooked hot, and fresh with such good flavor. The girl at the register was getting on my last nerves but overall It was money well spent. Also I wanna make a recommendation please add a pineapple slushy they already have mango and another kind.

I have been waiting to try several different places before making the following statement but I can safely say that this is the best restaurant in the area, no doubt about it. I have not tasted better food at any other place near Avalon Park. Coming from a country near the Caribbean myself I can attest that this tastes just like home. Chef is really nice, he even came to my table to check on me and asked me about the food. He has several awards and recognitions on the walls and I can see why. Don’t be fooled if this place might not look like the fanciest restaurant you have ever been to, the food does all the talking, place has a nice atmosphere too. The front lady is very kind as well. I will be coming back as often as I can.