Jamaya

On Colmore Row in Birmingham City Centre, Jamaya brings the island spirit to the city with an easy confidence. This award-winning Jamaican kitchen builds flavour from the ground up: a secret marination, smoke from pimento wood, and an original fried chicken seasoning that has locals talking. It is all delivered with nothing but good vibes.

Fire and fragrance lead the way. Jerk does the heavy lifting here, from juicy cuts kissed by smoke to skewers that carry that unmistakable pimento warmth. Crunch comes courtesy of jam fried chicken, while plantain and fresh salads brighten the plate. There is comfort, too, in familiar favourites, and a sweet send-off in the shape of rum cake, best chased with fresh juices or a well-made coffee.

Daytimes are made easy with good-value lunch offers — think wraps with fries and a soft drink, or a half jerk chicken with rice and peas — while evenings invite a linger, swapping stories over sharing plates and bold, sunlit flavours.

Warm, lively and laid-back, Jamaya feels like a little escape on a busy Birmingham street. Gather the crew, follow the smoke, and let the spice do the talking — your next island fix is closer than you think.