I went to investigate Florida’s amazing Caribbean-inspired culinary culture over the weekend. It should come as no surprise that Florida has some of the greatest Caribbean cuisine outside of the Caribbean, given the wide range of flavors found there. These two locations were particularly noteworthy for their distinctively Caribbean characteristics.

I first went to Jerk Machine in Fort Lauderdale, and I quickly saw why it’s such a popular destination. My mouth started to water as soon as I walked in because of the aroma of smoky jerk chicken. I had the traditional jerk chicken, and it was delicious. The flavorful jerk marinade gave the chicken a succulent texture and a burst of flavor. It was served with rice and peas that were creamy and delicious, with a hint of coconut flavor. The oxtail stew here is a must-try for those who want to get to the next level; it’s slow-cooked, incredibly soft, and full of strong, savory tastes.

I next went to Key West’s Caribbean Coffee House & Island Grill. An island lover’s paradise is this quaint, tropical location. My order of coconut-crusted shrimp with zesty mango salsa was the ideal combination of sweet and crunchy, with a hint of acidity from the salsa. They also had amazing grilled mahi-mahi tacos that were fresh, light, and full of citrus flavor. After a heavy lunch, their tropical iced drinks are a terrific way to cool off if you’re needing something refreshing.

These two restaurants are a must-visit if you’re in Florida because they exemplify the strong, vibrant flavors that make Caribbean food so unique!