Ava's Island Café

I almost never do reviews but I have to on this one. This cafe is hands down the best I’ve ever been to. It’s small but quant. When you walk in there’s a few tables w/chairs and an L shaped bar stocked with baked goods and a mini fridge with drinks. They have a menu book and you order at the counter. The people working here, especially the female, are wonderful. Kind and warm. The restaurant gives relaxed vibes. The music is uplifting as well. Now for the food. Oh my gosh yall. The FOOD. I ordered the jerk chicken burrito and my son got fish & chips. The fish & chips are well seasoned. The fish has a good crunch and amazing flavor. It has a good spicy kick. Not too hot and not too lax. I was impressed. The BURRITO. The burrito was hot (temp) and fresh. Large burrito similar to that of chipotle. Has a good char on the tortilla from the grill. The burrito has a slight bbq flavor paired with the jerk. It has a good heat that’s not overwhelming but leaves your taste buds wide awake. We waited probably 10-15mins for our food but that’s to be expected when the food is fresh. Well worth the wait. I HIGHLY recommend this restaurant.

Everything was delicious! Got the oxtail and curry chicken (pictured) and they were phenomenal! Kids got the jerseys chicken burrito and jerk chicken wings amd they were wonderful too! Definitely a place to go if you want some flavor and spice! Will return!

If you’re in Leavenworth and haven’t eaten at Ava’s Island Cafe yet, you’re honestly missing out. It’s one of those places you don’t hear much about, but once you go, you wonder how it stayed under the radar for so long. The food is outstanding—fresh, flavorful, and clearly made with care. Every bite felt intentional, the kind of meal that makes you start planning what you’ll order next time before you’re even finished. But what really sets Ava’s apart is the service. The staff makes you feel genuinely welcome, like you’re not just another customer passing through. They’re friendly, attentive, and seem truly happy you’re there. That kind of warmth isn’t something you can fake, and it changes the whole experience. If you’re looking for a spot that leaves you feeling better than when you walked in, Ava’s is it. I’ll absolutely be back.

By chance I discovered this small amazing and cheap restaurant. I had a combo of chicken and oxtail with rice and cabbage. The rich flavours and tender meat hit my mouth in a perfect way. The chef and owner knows both cooking and service! If you are in Leavenworth, this place is a must to visit! Thank you!

7/16/25 The jerk chicken is my go-to order. The desserts are good as well. 2/21/25 Ordered recently under a different name. The large jerk chicken combo was good. 11/15/24 The food has not been the same lately. I ordered a large oxtail. Received oxtail soup, basically. Partial of it tasted very salty. Pic of the order uploaded. Past photo shows how the large oxtail order used to be. 02/04/2023, still in my opinion, is the best Jamaican restaurant in the area. I love their oxtails and jerk wings. It's not expensive with hearty portions. Good customer service with good quality food. Most recent visit Sept 10th 2022 ordered online picked up to go. Food is still the best Jamaican restaurant in town. 2021 First-time customer ordered through Doordash, I'm glad I did. The fish sandwich is a great size and tastes so good. Also purchased the chicken and oxtail combo absolutely delicious.

Amazing food! I loved the side of cabbage. I loved the curried shrimp as well, and the veggie combo was divine. You can't go wrong with ordering from here. Everything tasted so homemade and cooked with care.

The food at Ava's is fantastic and the authentic Caribbean flavors are unforgettable! It has a great atmosphere and friendly people. The chef easily accommodated my gluten allergy - lots of GF options. I highly recommend!