Turtle Bay – Caribbean – Review

What2
Turtle Bay; A West Indian Paradise in Ealing.With it’s colourful corrugated iron shacks and printed walls, Turtle Bay feels more like the West Indies than Ealing!

Nestled by Ealing Broadway Shopping Centre and the green spaces of the town, Turtle Bay is the Caribbean foodie hangout that’s got the city all a-buzz.

Upon entering you’re greeted by the sounds of some reggae here, some laughter there. The place is already buzzing and it’s only a Monday evening; testament to this newly-opened restaurants popularity.

The interior is reminiscent of the Jerk Shacks you find in the Caribbean; spacious, under the stars, colourful strung-up lights, and bright striped awnings. We especially loved the gigantic painted artwork on the walls featuring famous Caribbean brands and people.

Shown to our seat by a very bubbly server we’re notified that it’s Happy Hour (woohoo)! All cocktails are 2-for-1 from 7-10pm every day, so we opt for the under-£7 Strawberry Daquiri… two of them! Other cocktails include the exotically named ‘Marley Mojito’ and the ‘West Indies’.

Choosing something to eat can be somewhat of a real dilemma here at What2. We want to eat EVERYTHING! Alas, after some lengthy “oohing” and “ahhing” (and some major Instagramming of the surroundings) we opted for the ‘Jerk Ribs with Honey BBQ Glaze, Caribbean Slaw and Rice & Peas’ for a tiny £9.85.

Moment of silence please……….. Absolutely. Amazing.

Everything about the meal was superb; timing was great, and the portions left us stuffed. The flavours (especially of the coleslaw and the ribs) were rich and bright – just like in the Caribbean – they’ve really worked hard to create something authentic here, and it shows.

Other dishes include favourites from Jamaica and Trinidad. Try the ‘Shrimp & Mango Wrap’, ‘Jerk Pit Burger’ or the ‘Dipped Pork Steak’.

It’s also a great place to hang out. Our 2-4-1 cocktails lasted us the 3 hours we were there, and we even ordered another cheeky side: Cheesy Jerk Fries. Other sides costing £2.95 include Plantain and Dumplings. Perfect for sharing.

Why2:
For us, Turtle Bay is a real front-runner in Caribbean dining. Not only does it do well with the food and the authenticity of the flavours and cooking style, but the atmosphere and service is truly Caribbean at heart; vibrant, friendly, and colourful. The music adds to the chill party vibes. Be prepared to want to dance in the aisles to some Bob Marley!

Final thoughts:
With most dishes under £10, 2-4-1 deals and a stunning interior, Turtle Bay is a must-visit foodie destination for anyone wanting to get a real slice of the tropics.

Perfect for:
Dates, hangouts with friends, or celebrations.

££: Won’t break the bank. We spent just over £20 for 2 cocktails, a main and an extra side.

Info:
Turtle Bay, 101 The Broadway, Ealing, London WJ 5JY /

www.turtlebay.co.uk / @TurtleBayUK