Cocoa Cinnamon has swiftly become a cherished destination for those seeking an authentic blend of Caribbean flavors and warm hospitality. Nestled in a cozy setting, the restaurant offers a menu that reflects the rich culinary heritage of Jamaica, emphasizing fresh ingredients, bold spices, and traditional recipes passed down through generations.
Whether you’re craving a hearty breakfast, a savory lunch, or a comforting dinner, Cocoa Cinnamon’s menu caters to diverse tastes, combining vibrant tastes with wholesome nourishment. The ambiance complements the food, creating an inviting atmosphere that encourages guests to savor every bite while enjoying the cultural richness behind each dish.
Each item on the menu tells a story, from the fiery jerk chicken to the subtly sweet callaloo dishes, showcasing the island’s diverse culinary landscape. The commitment to quality ingredients and authentic preparation methods elevates every meal, ensuring a memorable dining experience.
Beyond the food, Cocoa Cinnamon also offers a selection of beverages inspired by the Caribbean’s tropical essence, making it a perfect spot to unwind and indulge. This fusion of tradition and innovation makes the Cocoa Cinnamon menu a celebration of Jamaican cuisine at its finest.
Signature Starters and Small Plates
Beginning the meal with the right starter sets the tone for the entire dining experience. Cocoa Cinnamon offers an array of small plates designed to stimulate the palate and introduce guests to the vibrant flavors of Jamaica.
These appetizers are carefully crafted to balance spice, sweetness, and texture, providing an exciting prelude to the main courses.
One of the standout offerings is the Jerk Chicken Wings, marinated in a spicy blend of Scotch bonnet peppers, allspice, and thyme, then grilled to perfection. The wings are served with a cooling mango chutney that complements the heat without overpowering it.
Another popular choice is the Festival Fritters, sweet fried dough balls traditionally enjoyed alongside savory dishes, but equally delightful on their own.
The starters menu also features vegetarian options such as the Callaloo Patties, flaky pastries filled with seasoned leafy greens and spices, providing a savory and satisfying bite. For those who appreciate a touch of seafood, the Saltfish Fritters showcase salted cod blended into a light batter and fried until crispy.
Popular Starters at a Glance
- Jerk Chicken Wings: Spicy, smoky, and tender with mango chutney
- Festival Fritters: Sweet and fluffy fried dough balls
- Callaloo Patties: Vegetarian, flaky, and flavorful
- Saltfish Fritters: Crisp exterior with savory fish filling
“A great meal begins with an appetizer that excites the senses. Cocoa Cinnamon’s starters do just that — blending tradition with innovation in every bite.”
Hearty Main Courses
The heart of the Cocoa Cinnamon menu lies in its main courses, where authentic Jamaican recipes come to life with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. These dishes are designed to satisfy both wanderlust and hunger, delivering bold flavors and generous portions.
Jerk Chicken is undoubtedly a signature dish here, featuring chicken marinated overnight in a complex spice mix including pimento, Scotch bonnet peppers, and garlic. Grilled over pimento wood, the result is smoky, tender, and intensely flavorful.
This dish is typically accompanied by traditional sides like rice and peas and steamed vegetables.
For seafood enthusiasts, the Escovitch Fish is a must-try. The fish is fried golden and topped with a tangy pickled vegetable medley, combining crunch and acidity that balances the richness of the fried fish.
Another popular choice is the Curry Goat, slow-cooked until the meat is tender and infused with curry powder, allspice, and ginger.
Vegetarian and vegan diners are not left out, with dishes like Ital Stew featuring a medley of fresh vegetables cooked in a spiced coconut milk broth, offering a nutritious and hearty option.
Main Course Highlights
Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor Profile |
Jerk Chicken | Chicken, Scotch bonnet, allspice, thyme | Spicy, smoky, aromatic |
Escovitch Fish | Fish, vinegar, peppers, onions, carrots | Tangy, crispy, savory |
Curry Goat | Goat meat, curry powder, allspice, ginger | Rich, spicy, tender |
Ital Stew | Vegetables, coconut milk, herbs | Mild, creamy, herbaceous |
“The soul of Jamaican cuisine is in its robust spices and slow-cooked meats — Cocoa Cinnamon brings these elements to the forefront with every main course.”
Delightful Breakfast Offerings
Starting the day with a nourishing breakfast is a specialty at Cocoa Cinnamon. The breakfast menu is inspired by traditional Jamaican morning meals, designed to energize and satisfy with hearty portions and authentic flavors.
The Ackee and Saltfish dish is a classic, combining the creamy texture of ackee fruit with the savory saltfish, sautéed with onions, tomatoes, and peppers. This dish is served with fried dumplings or hard dough bread, providing a balanced and filling start.
For those who prefer a lighter option, the Callaloo and Fried Plantains plate offers a nutritious mix of leafy greens and sweet, caramelized plantains. Additionally, the Festival and Cheese pairing offers a sweet and savory contrast, perfect for a quick yet flavorful breakfast.
Freshly brewed Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee and tropical fruit juices complement the dishes, enhancing the overall morning experience.
Breakfast Favorites
- Ackee and Saltfish: Jamaica’s national dish, rich and savory
- Callaloo and Fried Plantains: Nutrient-dense and naturally sweet
- Festival and Cheese: Sweet fried dough with creamy cheese
- Blue Mountain Coffee: Smooth, aromatic, and world-renowned
“Breakfast at Cocoa Cinnamon is more than a meal; it’s a cultural awakening, fueled by tradition and fresh ingredients.”
Vegetarian and Vegan Selections
Cocoa Cinnamon embraces dietary diversity by offering a thoughtfully curated selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes. These options celebrate the natural flavors of fresh produce and Caribbean spices, making them appealing to all palates, regardless of dietary preference.
The Ital Stew is a cornerstone of the vegan menu, crafted without any animal products and bursting with the flavors of squash, okra, pumpkin, and coconut milk. This dish exemplifies the Rastafarian approach to food — simple, natural, and nourishing.
Another crowd-pleaser is the Vegetable Rundown, where fresh vegetables are cooked slowly in a spiced coconut sauce until tender. The menu also features Sweet Potato Pudding, a dessert option that is both vegan and gluten-free, offering a sweet finish without compromise.
These dishes are often served with rice and peas or bammy, traditional Jamaican flatbread made from cassava, to complete the meal.
Plant-Based Highlights
Dish | Ingredients | Dietary Notes |
Ital Stew | Squash, okra, pumpkin, coconut milk | Vegan, gluten-free |
Vegetable Rundown | Mixed vegetables, coconut sauce | Vegan |
Sweet Potato Pudding | Sweet potato, spices, coconut milk | Vegan, gluten-free dessert |
“Vegetarian and vegan dishes at Cocoa Cinnamon prove that plant-based cuisine can be vibrant, satisfying, and deeply rooted in tradition.”
Decadent Desserts
Ending a meal at Cocoa Cinnamon is an indulgence in itself, with desserts that capture the sweetness and warmth of Caribbean flavors. The dessert menu offers a range of options, each thoughtfully prepared to complement the rich main courses.
The Rum Cake is a perennial favorite, moist and infused with dark rum and spices, often served with a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream. Another popular choice is the Pineapple Tarte Tatin, a caramelized upside-down tart that balances tartness with sweetness perfectly.
For those seeking a lighter option, the Mango Sorbet provides a refreshing, tropical finish to the meal. The use of fresh, seasonal fruits is a hallmark of the dessert offerings, ensuring every bite bursts with natural flavor.
Sweet Endings to Remember
- Rum Cake: Moist, spiced, and boozy
- Pineapple Tarte Tatin: Caramelized, tangy, and sweet
- Mango Sorbet: Light, refreshing, tropical
“Desserts at Cocoa Cinnamon are a celebration of Caribbean sweetness, crafted to leave a lasting impression.”
Beverage Selection
The beverage menu at Cocoa Cinnamon complements the food perfectly, featuring traditional Caribbean drinks alongside modern favorites. Whether you’re in the mood for something hot, cold, or spirited, the selection offers something for every guest.
Signature drinks include the classic Jamaican Sorrel, a vibrant hibiscus-based beverage spiced with cloves and ginger, served chilled. The Ginger Beer is another refreshing option, handmade and naturally fermented to deliver a spicy kick.
For those seeking alcoholic options, the menu features Jamaican rums and cocktails such as the Dark ‘n’ Stormy and Ti’ Punch, both showcasing the island’s renowned rum heritage. Non-alcoholic choices include tropical fruit juices and freshly brewed Blue Mountain Coffee.
Beverage Highlights
Drink | Description | Type |
Jamaican Sorrel | Hibiscus, cloves, ginger, served chilled | Non-alcoholic |
Ginger Beer | Spicy, naturally fermented | Non-alcoholic |
Dark ‘n’ Stormy | Rum, ginger beer, lime | Cocktail |
Blue Mountain Coffee | Rich, aromatic Jamaican coffee | Hot beverage |
“The drinks at Cocoa Cinnamon are crafted to enhance every meal, reflecting the vibrant and diverse spirit of Jamaica.”
Seasonal Specials and Limited-Time Offerings
To keep the menu exciting and aligned with seasonal availability, Cocoa Cinnamon regularly introduces specials that highlight fresh produce and festive occasions. These temporary dishes offer guests a chance to experience something new while still staying true to the restaurant’s culinary roots.
During holiday seasons, specials might include Christmas Bun and Cheese, a traditional Jamaican spiced fruit bun paired with sharp cheese, or special seafood dishes featuring freshly caught fish. In the summer months, lighter fare such as jerk shrimp salads or tropical fruit bowls may be showcased.
The specials also allow the chefs to experiment with fusion elements, blending traditional Jamaican ingredients with global culinary techniques. This innovation keeps the menu dynamic and encourages guests to return regularly.
Examples of Recent Specials
- Christmas Bun and Cheese: Spiced fruit bun with sharp cheese
- Jerk Shrimp Salad: Spicy shrimp, fresh greens, citrus dressing
- Tropical Fruit Bowl: Seasonal fruits with honey and lime
- Fusion Curry Roti: Classic roti with a modern twist of spices
“Seasonal specials at Cocoa Cinnamon are a testament to the kitchen’s creativity and commitment to fresh, local ingredients.”
Conclusion
The Cocoa Cinnamon menu embodies the heart and soul of Jamaican cuisine, offering an authentic and immersive culinary experience that celebrates tradition, flavor, and community. Every dish is thoughtfully prepared, combining time-honored recipes with fresh, high-quality ingredients to deliver bold tastes that delight the senses.
From the fiery jerk chicken to the comforting Ital stew, the menu caters to a diverse range of preferences, ensuring that every guest finds something to enjoy.
The restaurant’s commitment to inclusivity is evident in its varied offerings, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, all crafted with the same care and respect for Jamaican culinary heritage.
Complemented by a well-curated beverage list and decadent desserts, the dining experience at Cocoa Cinnamon is both satisfying and memorable.
Whether seeking a casual meal or a special occasion feast, the menu invites guests to explore the rich tapestry of Jamaican flavors in a welcoming atmosphere. Cocoa Cinnamon stands as a culinary ambassador, preserving and innovating upon the island’s food traditions to create a truly exceptional dining destination.