Sonia’s Homestyle opens daily from 7:30 am to 9:00 pm and is located on 17 Central Avenue in Kingston. Patrons arrive as soon as the restaurant opens to get their favourite Jamaican dishes. One only has to look at the parking lot to understand how serious Sonia’s Homestyle patrons are about the food. The restaurant boasts in-house dining, takeout, curbside pick-up and delivery. No stone left unturned.

Upon entry, one cannot escape the warmth of the staff who pride themselves in ensuring patrons experience an authentic Jamaican experience. You truly feel special! The restaurant owners also took the opportunity during the pandemic to refurbish the dining area, now equipped with several quaint dining spaces to facilitate diverse dining party sizes. The décor remains true to the restaurant’s ethos with the colours of the flag and other antique artifacts adorning the space throughout.

We were promptly ushered to our table where we perused the menu. Our server also gave us complimentary local fruits. On Saturdays, the breakfast menu consists of:

•Stewed Chicken

•Salt Mackerel & Callaloo

•Salt fish & Callaloo

•Liver & Callaloo

•Cabbage & Saltfish

•Salt fish & Vegetables

•Salt fish & Okra

Sides include:

•Fried Dumpling

•Salt fish fritters

•Banana

•Yam

•Sweet Potato

•Boiled Dumpling

•Breadfruit (roast, fried, boiled, once in season)

*Ackee and salt fish are available on Thursdays and Sundays.

We both decided on our favourite—callaloo and salt fish, served with yellow yam, boiled bananas, fried dumpling and salt fish fritters. I requested Scotch bonnet pepper which was pleasantly presented. The chef must have put an extra dollop of love in the callaloo although it is always consistently steamed to perfection and delicious even on its own. I also tried the otaheite apple juice for the first time and it was amazing.

Then came the best part, an introduction to Sonia Thomas and her daughter Tamara Gibbons. Such a delight! An astute businesswoman who has been in the industry for over 30 years, Thomas embodies authenticity and commitment to exceeding her clients’ expectations. Gibbons is stealthily following in her mother’s footsteps ensuring that Sonia’s continues to be at the top of its game.

Their patrons concur. Indeed, most are weekly repeat clientele for over 20 years. Additionally, there were those who reside overseas but have heard about the excellent fare.

Sonia Thomas is an undisputed doyenne of traditional and consistently delicious Jamaican dishes punctuated with exemplary service and affordable prices. A true Jamaican culinary gem.

What’s better than breakfast and lunch at Sonia’s? Dinner at Sonia’s! The restaurant recently opened for dinner on weekends and Kingston just got even hotter. Dinner is served between 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm from Fridays to Sundays. Make sure to check them out!