Jamaica Jeff's Belmont

Jamaica Jeff's in Belmont opened last week in Belmont center, and I couldn't wait to try it. No website yet but you can find the menu on their FB page. They took over the place where a very mediocre Indian restaurant resided.

Belmont now has metered on-street parking. However, there is free parking in the back when you visit a business. There is also an entrance back there.

The interior is cool and a bit funky. There is a full-sized motorcycle behind me.

What to try? Jerk Chicken, of course. This is the 1/4 Lbs chicken ($5) with Rice and Peas ($4). I ordered all dark, and the waiter said it was all dark. It wasn't. I got a 1/4 breast on the bone and one on the bone thigh. Bonus for being on the bone. The chicken breast was cooked really well, tender and still juicy. For once I didn't mind the white meat. The jerk itself was very flavorful with a gentle lingering heat. You can order all dark. In fact, when I told Jeff about getting white meat, he immediately offered to get me another thigh, but I was fine.

I also tried the 1/4Lbs Jerk Pork ($6). My side order of rice and peas was split between the two plates. The rice was cooked really well and was not mushy. The pork was really tender and tasty. It turns out they use pork shoulder (yeah!). There is only one level of heat, but that might change in the future. Either of the plates would have been enough for lunch for me. Considering that they only have been open since last week, I was delighted with both the food and the service. They need better napkins, but I can live with that.

Here is Jeff himself entertaining a nearby table, and me, with stories. He was a "diplomat", well he was with the CIA in places where I wouldn't want to visit, even with a military escort. Get him to talk, and he's full of stories. Nice guy and I wish him well with this venture. I'll be back for sure. Another good thing is that they run you CC at the table.

Address: 61 Leonard St, Belmont, MA 02478 Phone: (617) 484-5333