Island Frydays has been bringing the jerk chicken, oxtail, and the island comfort food traditions of Jamaica to Cincinnati since it opened, earning a devoted Ohio following in a city with very little access to authentic Jamaican cooking. It appeared in Season 21, Episode 4 of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, “Worldwide Flavorfest,” which aired September 26, 2014. Guy Fieri found a Cincinnati kitchen doing Jamaican food from scratch with the authenticity and bold flavors that earns a restaurant its destination reputation in a market where the cuisine is genuinely rare. The operation has since moved to a food truck and College Hill Plaza format — check the website for current service locations.
Quick Facts
Restaurant: Island Frydays
City: Cincinnati, Ohio
Cuisine: Jamaican
DDD Season: 21
DDD Episode: 4
Episode Title: Worldwide Flavorfest
Original Air Date: September 26, 2014
Website: https://www.islandfrydays.com
Status: Open (food truck / current location varies)
What to Eat
The Jerk Chicken — marinated in the scotch bonnet, allspice, and thyme blend that defines authentic Jamaican jerk, grilled over wood — is the signature that earns Island Frydays its Cincinnati reputation. The Oxtail Stew slow-braised until fall-off-the-bone tender in a rich Jamaican gravy is the comfort food dish that earns its own devoted following. The Ackee and Saltfish — Jamaica’s national dish of salted cod sautéed with the ackee fruit — is the authentic Jamaican item most Cincinnati diners have never encountered before Island Frydays. Find a Cincinnati hotel on Trivago.
Plan Your Visit
Check the website for current service locations and hours — Island Frydays now operates as a food truck and at College Hill Plaza.
Website: https://www.islandfrydays.com
Status: Open
Triple D Essentials
Stream the Worldwide Flavorfest episode on Amazon.
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Island Frydays appeared in Season 21, Episode 4 of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, “Worldwide Flavorfest,” originally aired September 26, 2014.