About
Welcome to Ocho Rios Parrilla, your go-to destination for an authentic taste of the Caribbean right in the heart of Philadelphia at 1710 E Passyunk Ave. This vibrant eatery showcases the rich culinary traditions of Jamaica and the surrounding islands, offering a menu that's both diverse and enticing. With a friendly staff and a lively atmosphere, Ocho Rios Parrilla promises a unique dining experience that tantalizes the taste buds.
As you step inside, you're greeted by the aroma of spiced marinades and fresh ingredients. The menu boasts an array of enticing dishes, from the comforting Jamaican Chicken Soup to the renowned Brown Stew Chicken simmered in a savory brown gravy. The Fried Jerk Chicken, available in either jerk or BBQ sauce, is a must-try—perfectly crispy and bursting with flavor. I'm particularly drawn to the Caribbean Grilled Tofu, which offers a delightful balance of spices, served with seasonal veggies.
The reviews from satisfied diners echo a common theme: flavor and warmth. Audrey Bloemer raves about the Caribbean patty and curry shrimp, while ag appreciates the fall-off-the-bone tenderness of the oxtail, complemented by well-seasoned rice and beans. These dishes exemplify the heart and soul embedded in Ocho Rios Parrilla's culinary philosophy. Nicole Young found joy in the vegetarian fritters and recommended pairing her meal with excellent plantains—a side dish that captures the essence of Caribbean cuisine.
One standout dish that seems to steal the spotlight is the Ocho Rum Punch, a refreshing drink that many patrons claim is the best they’ve tasted. The atmosphere is enhanced by lively music, and the option to BYOB allows for an extra layer of customization to your dining experience, as noted by numerous diners.
Overall, Ocho Rios Parrilla stands out not just for its food but also for its commitment to bringing a slice of the Caribbean to Philadelphia. The consistent praises regarding portion sizes and the rich flavors found throughout the menu resonate deeply with those who seek an authentic island experience. A recommendation, though: be prepared to wait a little longer for your meal, as freshness and quality are clearly top priorities here. After all, good food takes time.
So, if you are hunting for a place that offers mouthwatering Caribbean fare and a warm, inviting vibe, Ocho Rios Parrilla is a restaurant you shouldn’t miss. Here’s to culinary delights that transport you to the sun-soaked shores of Jamaica. Bon appétit!
“ Great option for a delicious and unique meal on the Ave. The staff is friendly, the rum punch is awesome and the food is delicious! Have been a few times and always pleased with the variety of options. Personally recommend the Caribbean patty, curry shrimp and Mac and cheese! ”
“ The ox tail was fall off the bone, tender. It came served on a flat plate with a few vegetables into the stew and the sauce from the stew was very rich, yet neither thick nor too thin. The rice and beans is very good and you can taste the coconut flavor. The only recommendation I would have there is that the rice and the beans we split, because the beans cause the rice to clump up and you wind up getting big bites of beans. The three greens on the side were absolutely delicious. Full of flavor You could taste the flavors of the coconut, the onion, and the cumin, and they were crispy, perfectly cooked. There was even a hint of spice to them that made them pop. Really cool, the server accidentally brought us plantains and actually left them for us to enjoy even after realizing we didn’t order them. ”
“ We enjoyed a great meal with friendly staff and fun music. The vegetarian fritters were amazing. The jerk and mango chicken were very flavorful! Would recommend the excellent plantains as a side. Right now it is byob and we enjoyed bringing some rum to enjoy with our dinner. ”
“ The restaurant has an amazing vibe and the food was even better. Stopped in for lunch while strolling through the neighborhood and had the summer special cocktail Ocho rum punch and it was the best rum punch I ever had. For entrees had the oxtail stew, curry goat, and rice and peas, Mac and cheese, and plaintain for sides. The food was portioned well and bursting with flavor. Highly recommend all of those dishes. The service by John was also great. Will definitely be returning. ”
“ I had the oxtails and they were delicious. Great roux, meat falls off the bone. The jerk chicken sauce was delicious little sweet with a nice kick. All the sides we had were great. Friendly service and nice set up. Outside seasonal seating. The food took a little long to come out, but was worth it coming out steaming hot. ”
“ Ocho Rios Parrilla is a great Jamaican restaurant on east Passyunk Avenue. The restaurant has indoor and outdoor dining and it was very clean at all. I ordered one of their signature dish Curry Goat. It was very tender and delicious. They marinated the meat very well. Main course came with two sides, and I chose mac&cheese and rice&beans. They were both really good, especially rice&beans was so tasty. They also have rich cocktail options. My waiter Dan was great. He was very nice and attentive. Every time when he served something, he had big smile on his face. The prices were very fair, and definitely the food is worth every penny. Highly recommend! ”
“ First time trying Jamaican food and Ochos Rios Parrilla did not disappoint!! Service was pleasant and food was absolutely phenomenal! My friends and I each ordered a different dish so we can try each a little bit of everything — it was well seasoned and all the protein was so soft and tender. I was a bit sad when I saw how small the Mac and cheese was BUT realized it was a perfect portion size as it’s really rich and creamy. I would definitely recommend! ”
“ Fabulous Authentic Caribbean Food with great portions always made fresh. Beautiful Tropical Drinks, good beer selection and beautiful atmosphere and vibe... The service is very personal and attentive.. if you haven't tried it out, now is the time... ”