Photo Credit: Nick RamaFood & Drink
Eat Local: Island Breeze Jamaican Restaurant in Spring
A new island-inspired restaurant was established in Spring, Texas, in July 2025, when Junior and Juanita Gil, along with their daughter, Aaliyah, opened Island Breeze Jamaican Restaurant. They chose to open in Spring after discovering that the area had no other Caribbean restaurants.
Juanita and Junior recognized the need for authentic Caribbean flavors in the community and decided it was the perfect place to bring their cuisine. The couple with their daughter now consider Spring, Texas their home. After moving here from Massachusetts, they decided to settle down and purchase a home in Spring. “We love the area, the community is welcoming, the people are so kind, and we couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. Our daughter enjoys it here as well, thriving in a place where she can grow and experience new things.”
When they arrived, they weren’t sure what they wanted to do and their initial plan was to semi-retire and work part-time. Juanita comes from the childcare industry and her husband Junior has a background in construction, but it was time to try something new. That’s the long and short of how they decided to enter the restaurant business, especially after realizing there was a need for a Caribbean restaurant in the area.
THE NAME
“We came up with the name [Island Breeze Jamaican Restaurant] because we wanted you to feel like you are in the Islands. It is Jamaican, but we do a few other dishes from other islands like Trinidad and the Dominican Republic.”
THE VIBE
The fast-casual order-at-the-counter eatery is open and welcoming. People come in and get their meals, and then they will sit and talk for hours according to Juanita, “a very happy Island vibes.” Usually, reggae music plays in the background. One knows this is the real deal when you hear the voices of Jamaican and Trinidadian people dining and enjoying a wonderful and traditional meal.
THE INSPIRATION
“Learning how to cook at home has been an incredible experience. Family time often includes my husband and me cooking for friends and loved ones during the holidays. Their reactions to our food helped us realize we had something special and that our dishes were truly enjoyable. We were also inspired by dining out, those experiences showed us what we could do better and how we could make our own creations. Taste is such a personal and unique experience. My husband loves food and together we discovered how we enjoy it, which allows us to create delicious meals for others. We are proud to be self-taught cooks.”
Shout-outs to the team: “I want to give a shout-out to my husband and me. I handle most of the meat and make sure the gravy and flavors are just right. Our team is amazing, and they help keep everything running smoothly, even those who have come and gone. Thank you.”
THE GOODS
Island Breeze Jamaican Restaurant serves a variety of great dishes, but their most popular is the oxtails served with butter beans. “Customers love it for its rich flavor and the way it truly touches the soul.”
One cannot have a Jamaican Restaurant without doing Jerk dishes well. “Our jerk seasoning is highly requested, offering an exclusive taste that stands out. Many people enjoy it for its bold spices and unforgettable flavor.”
Island Breeze also serves a variety of Jamaican patties – six in total. Each patty is a flaky pastry filled with meat or veggies, seasoned with authentic Jamaican flavors. Customers love the buttery, flaky crust and many islander transplants say it reminds them of the comforting taste of home. Just in case one is not familiar with Jerk seasoning, it tastes spicy, smoky, sweet, and savory, with a complex blend of warm spices like allspice, nutmeg, and cinnamon, aromatic herbs (thyme, scallions), and fiery heat from scotch bonnet peppers, all balanced with citrus and garlic notes for a vibrant, “island-y” flavor.
Roti is king here – it is a type of flatbread traditionally enjoyed with curried meat, chickpeas, and potatoes. Its popularity comes from its flavorful ingredients, you simply add the curry meat sauce, wrap it up, and enjoy every delicious bite.
“At Island Breeze, we serve breakfast on Saturdays, offering a full, hearty meal you simply can’t compare, including porridge, ackee and saltfish, fried dumplings, boiled dumplings, yams, and more.”
“This may come as a surprise, but we enjoy boiled bananas, boiled yams, and corned beef with Jamaican bread – a variety of unique combinations that are both delicious and satisfying.”
OWNERS + CHEF’S FAVORITE MEAL
Juanita: “If I had to pick my perfect meal, it would be oxtails with rice and peas and plantains – my oxtails are perfected just the way I like them. For an appetizer, I’d choose a beef and cheese patty, paired with a Kola Champagne or a tropical ginger and pineapple drink. For dessert, I’d enjoy a bun and cheese.”
WHAT THE LOCALS ARE ORDERING
Breakfast: Breakfast favorite is ackee and saltfish, served with fried dumplings. Ackee is a fruit that grows on a tree and is cooked with salted codfish. Fried dumplings are made from dough and fried until golden, making them the perfect complement to the dish.
Jamaican Patties: Spicy beef is a best-seller, loved by customers who enjoy bold, flavorful spice.
Soups: Chicken soup is a rich, hearty soup made with traditional ingredients, just like you would at home.
Made-to-order Meals: Curry shrimp served with a flavorful homemade curry sauce.
Caribbean Pastries: Bun and cheese is their hottest dessert. It’s spiced bread made with raisins and cinnamon, served with authentic Jamaican cheddar cheese.
Sides: Steamed vegetables – lightly steamed cabbage, bell peppers, and carrots, seasoned with a hint of spice.
COMMUNITY
“We are continually engaging with our community and building relationships that make a difference. We hire locally to give back, delivering meals at the end of each day to those less fortunate, while also ensuring that no food goes to waste.”
CATERING
Currently offering a limited catering menu, as they are not yet fully staffed. Once they have a team that is trained and ready, they will be able to accommodate events of any size, big or small.
WRAPPING IT ALL UP
Island Breeze Jamaican Restaurant strives to keep its menu as traditional as possible. While some Jamaican restaurants may experiment with fusion or non-traditional dishes, they focus on honoring and reflecting authentic Jamaican food. Each day, they offer something special other than the regular menu. On Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, they serve curry goat, and on Fridays and Saturdays, they serve chicken soup. Fresh fish and shrimp are also available made-to-order every day.
New lunch specials have been recently added; All small meals are $10 from 10:30am to 2:00pm.
Island Breeze is ready to wow new fans, with their warm, welcoming atmosphere. When you walk in, it brings the spirit of Jamaica to life, and their food is bursting with authentic herbs and spices.
For the new year, Juanita and Junior are planning to offer a full breakfast on more days during the week, add a few new dishes to the menu, and hope to introduce more lunch specials.
5 Words to describe Island Breeze Jamaican Restaurant:
“Welcoming, Friendly, Clean, Delicious, Vibrant.”
Location:
Island Breeze Jamaican Restaurant
18311 T C Jester Blvd, Spring, TX 77379
Website: https://www.islandbreezejr.com/our-story
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575196223462
Hours of operation:
- Monday – Thursday 10:30am to 8pm
- Friday 1030am TO 9pm
- Saturday 10am TO 9pm
- Sunday 11am TO 6pm
Nick Rama is a food writer, contributor to Hello Woodlands, and shares his restaurant experiences on Nick’s Local Eats at NicksLocalEats.com and on the TX BBQ, Burgers, and Brew Facebook page. Nick enjoys helping small business owners, supporting his community by fundraising for food banks, and plans tasting events with locally owned mom and pop restaurants.
