TACKNMON
"When one door closes, many more doors open." - Bob Marley
Today, I'm visiting the Caribbean Restaurant Sunny Cafe, located about a 5-minute skip from Ebisu Station along Meiji Street. It opened on February 9, 2024, and welcomes individuals for everything from casual cafe use to authentic Jamaican cuisine. The name comes from the previous establishment in this location, Sunny Cafe.
Opening hours are from 11:30 AM to last order, and it's closed on Mondays. You can reach them at 03-6456-2217.
I visited during a warm weekday afternoon, a perfect sunny day that feels like spring! I’ve arrived at this newly opened restaurant, and it’s interesting to note that countries starting with JA are Japan and Jamaica. Both are dream islands, one floating in Asia and the other in the Caribbean.
The location requires a bit of a walk from the station, although it’s not far from Hiroo Station either. As it just opened, there are beautiful celebratory flowers around. I recognized the previous establishment, but I learned that it’s entirely different from before, even though they kept the name. Respect!
The interior has sunlight streaming in from above near the entrance, giving off a vibe reminiscent of seaside boat restaurants in Kingston. However, deeper inside, there’s a more subdued bar-like atmosphere. The decor lacks overt Jamaican flags or reggae items, giving it a pleasantly local feel. It feels like a Jamaican bistro.
I was told I could sit anywhere I wanted and chose a table. The staff was very polite and attentive, and the BGM was, of course, reggae music—perfect!
I placed my order using a QR code, but it wasn’t responsive, so I ordered verbally instead. They accept cashless payment options; while PayPay isn’t accepted, iD is available. The restroom is in the shared space of the building to the left once you exit.
Today, I ordered the Jerk Chicken for 980 yen. When I asked the staff to show me a picture from the menu, I found the presentation humorous, reminiscent of a "hostess club." I decided to go with this simple choice. Shortly after, it arrived, and the chef kindly included a Jamaican Ital Stew as a service. When I told the staff, "Ya man," a brother from the kitchen appeared for a fist bump greeting—what fun!
Let’s dig in! The plate looks scrumptious—one love! The salad consists of large-cut leaves that I chewed on wildly. The Ital Stew, which is a vegetarian Jamaican dish, tasted somewhat like a curry. Delicious! Thank you!
Now for the jerk chicken—it’s the real deal. I savored its flavor quietly. It’s not watery at all; it’s been grilled to a nice dryness. While I enjoy a watery seasoning sauce too, this one had a nice blend of spices. The chicken appears to be breast meat, which can be a bit dry, but I enjoyed it even when I spiced it up. The rice was mixed with peas, known as rice and peas. I finished every last bite!
I’m thrilled to have had Jamaican cuisine, which is healthy and reasonably priced. I highly recommend this place and will definitely return. See you again! Thank you for the meal! Taku-mon is passing by, take care!