Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
oChef » Paula’s Jamaican – Orlando
Paula's Jamaican - Orlando
Photo from Paula’s Jamaican
Paula's Jamaican at a glance
Orlando Lake Dot
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 18 of the guests
#28 out of 163 places to eat in Orlando
#6 Restaurant out of 32 in Orlando
Excellent
8.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
91
Reviews
85.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Great service
- Chill vibe
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent value
- Small portions
The restaurant Paula’s Jamaican, located in Orlando’s Lake Dot neighborhood, offers a casual and trendy spot for you to enjoy authentic flavors. At Paula’s Jamaican cuisine, you can look forward to a menu featuring small plates and quick bites, perfect for a satisfying meal or a light snack.
This inviting restaurant provides a welcoming atmosphere for all who visit.
Overview: Introducting Paula's Jamaican
Paula’s Jamaican offers a culinary experience where the food truly shines, often described as scrumptious and seasoned just right. Guests frequently praise the attentive staff, noting phenomenal customer service that makes them feel welcome.
This establishment clearly prioritizes a warm and flavorful dining journey. However, some diners have noted concerns regarding value, particularly when orders didn’t match what was advertised or when the portion size felt a bit small.
While the flavors are generally celebrated, these occasional discrepancies in expectations are worth considering.
Excellent
8.2
out of 10
91
Reviews
85.7%
Satisfaction
9
negative
4
neutral
78
positive
Overall, Paula’s Jamaican achieves a strong 8.2 out of 10, with customer satisfaction standing at a commendable 85.7%. This positive sentiment is built on 78 positive remarks against only 9 negative ones from 91 customer observations.
The culinary offerings are a clear highlight, with Food scoring an excellent (8.5), consistently praised for its authentic flavors and perfect seasoning. The dedication to guests is also evident, as Service receives an outstanding (9), reflecting a truly welcoming experience.
The dining atmosphere, or Ambience, is rated as good (7), contributing positively to the visit. However, the Value aspect registers as poor (3.6), indicating some customers feel the offering doesn’t always align with expectations, particularly concerning portion sizes or advertised items.
What people like
- Delicious, authentic food
- Exceptional customer service
- Relaxed, chill vibe
What people don't like
- Inconsistent value
- Small portion sizes
With a strong 8.5 recommendation score, Paula’s Jamaican is certainly worth considering for its flavorful and authentic cuisine, backed by truly welcoming service. If you prioritize delicious Jamaican dishes and a friendly interaction, this spot delivers a satisfying experience.
However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in value or portion sizes, especially when ordering through apps. While the food and service are consistently praised, managing expectations around what’s advertised versus received will ensure a more enjoyable visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Paula's Jamaican
Food (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines with an impressive 8.5 score and a strong 87.5% customer satisfaction! Many folks rave about the authentic Jamaican flavors, especially the delicious oxtails, perfectly seasoned jerk chicken and pork, and the amazing mac and cheese. With 63 positive remarks out of 72 total opinions, its clear the homemade taste and generous portions are a hit.
However, a few diners did note some areas for improvement. There were 5 negative comments mentioning concerns like small portion sizes, a bad smell associated with the rice, and tiny bone shards found in the gravy. While these are isolated incidents, theyre worth keeping in mind for a fully constructive view.
Food
72
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
5
negative
4
neutral
63
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Jamaican flavors
- Delicious oxtails
- Amazing mac and cheese
What people don't like
- Small portion size
- Bad rice smell
- Bone shards
Often praised
- foodthe food is scrumptious and seasoned to perfection
- jerk chickenThe jerk chicken was perfectly seasoned with a smoky, spicy kick.
- oxtailThe oxtail I had at this truck was delicious
- FoodI've been here a few times, and the food is truly amazing. As a very picky eater, I can attest that the Mac and cheese, the veggies, and the meats are just delicious.
- Jamaican foodgood Jamaican food she’s all I can think of
- Mac and cheesethe Mac and cheese... are just delicious
- curry chickenI've been sleeping on this food truck, having seen it from time to time on my drives and thought about checking it out. My sister ended up buying brown rice with the curry chicken, and I have to say, as of right now, this will be the only place I'll get Jamaican Food. Whoever the owner is, thank you for blessing our streets with your delicious food and spices.
- rice and peasEverything was great. I enjoyed the curry goat with rice and peas, and my companion had the jerk chicken with macaroni and cheese. I highly recommend giving it a try.
- veggiesthe veggies... are just delicious
- EverythingMy first experience at this restaurant during the Orlando Fusion Festival was fantastic and exceeded my expectations. Everything was great. I enjoyed the curry goat with rice and peas, and my companion had the jerk chicken with macaroni and cheese.
Frequently criticized
- bad smellthe rice had a bad smell
- bone shardsTiny bones shards all throughout the gravy
- menu itemI got a single menu item, a plate of curry chicken
- portion sizethe portion size was really small
- ricethe rice had a bad smell
If you're craving authentic Jamaican flavors and delicious comfort food like oxtails and mac and cheese, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that a few experiences mentioned small portions or minor issues with rice and gravy, so manage your expectations accordingly.
Service (9 out of 10)
mentioned by 35% of the guests
When it comes to service, this place truly shines! With an impressive score of 9, indicating an excellent performance, and a perfect 100% customer satisfaction, you can expect nothing less than top-tier treatment. Guests consistently rave about the incredibly polite service, with special shout-outs to mama, Mrs.
Paula, and the gentleman who took orders. The staff and owners are frequently praised for making everyone feel like family, based on all 11 positive remarks. What's truly remarkable is the complete absence of any negative feedback regarding the service.
Out of all 11 customer comments, not a single one pointed to any issues, which is a rare and impressive feat in the dining world. This suggests a consistently flawless and highly appreciated experience for every guest, leaving absolutely nothing to fault in this department.
Service
11
Reviews
100%
Satisfaction
0
negative
0
neutral
11
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Polite, friendly staff
- Attentive, family-like service
- World-class owners
What people don't like
Often praised
- servicethe gentleman that took my ordernwas nice and friendly
- Mrs. PaulaMrs. Paula did not disappoint, she did her BIG one!!
- ServiceService:5
- customer servicecustomer service was phenomenal!!! Mrs. Paula was very pleasant
- gentlemanthe gentleman that took my ordernwas nice and friendly
- lady servingThe lady serving was pleasant
- mamamama waited for me to give me my food
- ownersThe owners are truly world-class
- staffEach dish burst with authentic flavors, showcasing the rich culinary heritage of the island. The service was second to none; the staff treated us like family, ensuring every need was met with warmth and professionalism. The owners are truly world-class, pouring passion and dedication into every aspect of the dining experience.
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If excellent service is high on your priority list, you absolutely need to check this place out. The staff goes above and beyond, ensuring a phenomenal and welcoming experience that will make you feel right at home. You won't be disappointed by their hospitality!
Ambience (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 10% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot truly shines! Guests rave about the fantastic atmosphere and how incredibly chill the vibe is, making it a perfect place to unwind. With a solid score of 7 and an excellent 100% customer satisfaction, its clear theyve nailed the mood, especially with cool features like high tables for standing and eating.
All 3 opinions are glowing, focusing on the atmosphere, vibe, and those convenient high tables. Whats truly remarkable is the complete absence of any negative feedback on the ambience. With 0 negative opinions among the 3 total, it seems this restaurant has perfected its setting, leaving no room for complaints about the atmosphere or overall feel.
Its a rare feat to achieve such unanimous approval!
Ambience
3
Reviews
100%
Satisfaction
0
negative
0
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Chill vibe
- Great atmosphere
- High tables
What people don't like
Often praised
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- high tablesThey have high tables you can stand and eat
- vibeThe vibe is so chill
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If you're looking for a place with a fantastic atmosphere and a chill vibe, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. You can expect a great setting, possibly even with cool high tables, making it a solid choice for a pleasant experience.
Value (3.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 10% of the guests
When it comes to value, theres a single positive remark highlighting a "good price" for the food. However, this positive sentiment is quite isolated, and the overall experience suggests a challenging value proposition for most customers. With a 3.6 score, indicating a poor performance, and only 20% customer satisfaction, the value proposition appears to be poor.
Out of 5 customer remarks, 4 highlight significant issues, particularly concerning "app order" and "app description. " Customers felt they "didnt get what was advertised, leading to disappointment, especially after a long round trip" for pickup.
Value
5
Reviews
20%
Satisfaction
4
negative
0
neutral
1
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
What people don't like
- Didn't get advertised
- Misleading app description
- Not worth trip
Often praised
- priceGood price for the food as well
Frequently criticized
- advertisedI didn’t get what was advertised
- app descriptionTheir description on the app is phrased to give the impression that you at least receive more than one menu item
- app orderordered through the good to go app which you’re supposed to get a value of $25
- round tripI drove 1 hour round trip to pickup so it was definitely not worth it to me
If you're considering this place for value, proceed with caution. The current feedback suggests a high chance of disappointment, especially concerning app orders and advertised deals. It might be best to manage your expectations or look elsewhere for a more consistent value experience.
How are the prices at Paula's Jamaican?
On average, you’ll spend around 17 per person – from 18 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $11–$20 category. For a Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Interestingly, while the average sits here, we see prices spread out quite a bit, with many guests also spending in the 1-10 $ and 21-30 $ ranges. This suggests a good mix of options, from more budget-friendly to slightly more premium choices.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 18 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in Orlando.
Considering the variety of price points available, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Restaurant in Orlando. It offers flexibility for different budgets, which is always a plus!
Customer Reviews: what people think about Paula's Jamaican
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious First Taste of Jamaican Food!
I'm so glad I found this spot! This was my first time trying Jamaican food, and it will definitely not be the last time. The gentleman who took my order was nice and friendly.
I ordered the chicken curry, which came with rice and a cabbage salad. Everything tasted like homemade; it was delicious, and the portions were good too.
- chicken curry9
- homemade9
- portions8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Takeout
10
Best Jamaican Food Ever!
I've been sleeping on this food truck, having seen it from time to time on my drives and thought about checking it out. My sister ended up buying brown rice with the curry chicken, and I have to say, as of right now, this will be the only place I'll get Jamaican Food. Whoever the owner is, thank you for blessing our streets with your delicious food and spices.
- Jamaican Food10
- delicious food10
- spices10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Authentic Jamaican Gem in Orlando!
From the first bite, I was transported straight to the heart of Jamaica. The food was absolutely spectacular! Each dish burst with authentic flavors, showcasing the rich culinary heritage of the island.
The service was second to none; the staff treated us like family, ensuring every need was met with warmth and professionalism. The owners are truly world-class, pouring passion and dedication into every aspect of the dining experience. Paula’s Jamaican Black Cake is moist, rich, and infused with the perfect amount of rum, it's hands down the best I've tasted—from Orlando all the way to Kingston!
If you're seeking an authentic Jamaican dining experience that delights the palate and warms the soul, look no further. A true treasure in Orlando!
- food10
- authentic flavors10
- service10
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Truly Amazing Food!
I've been here a few times, and the food is truly amazing. As a very picky eater, I can attest that the Mac and cheese, the veggies, and the meats are just delicious. They also have a spicy sauce that is sooooooo good.
I love this place!
- Mac and cheese10
- veggies10
- meats10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Delicious Oxtail and Mac n Cheese!
My experience at this truck was centered around a single, outstanding meal. I had the oxtail, which was delicious, and the Mac n Cheese, which I found to be the best I've tasted so far across all the places I've reviewed. My 5-star rating is based solely on this one dish.
I haven't tried anything else on the menu. You can watch my dining experience on YouTube @EverydayLife4u.
- oxtail9
- Mac n Cheese10
What Paula's Jamaican offers
Crowd
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Catering
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What parking and accessibility options does Paula's Jamaican offer?
You’ll find convenient free street parking and a free parking lot, usually with plenty of spaces. The restaurant is also fully wheelchair accessible, including the entrance and parking lot, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
What dining and service options are available at Paula's Jamaican?
Paula’s Jamaican offers a variety of dining options including lunch, dinner, dessert, and catering. For your convenience, you can choose to dine-in, grab takeout, or have your meal delivered right to you.
How does Paula's Jamaican generally score with customers?
Paula’s Jamaican holds a strong overall score of 8.2, with customer satisfaction at 85.7%. Its Food (8.5) and Service (9) are excellent, Ambience (7) is good, though Value (3.6) is an area for improvement.
What kind of food can I expect at Paula's Jamaican?
You can expect delicious and authentically seasoned Jamaican food. Many customers highlight the scrumptious jerk chicken, oxtail, Mac and cheese, and curry dishes for their rich flavors.
Are there any common concerns about Paula's Jamaican?
Some customers have noted concerns regarding value, particularly with portion sizes feeling small or orders not always matching what was advertised, especially when using ordering apps.