Caribbean Soul Kitchen

There’s a lot happening on that chaotic stretch of Wilshire between Fairfax and La Brea, but chances are you won’t miss Caribbean Soul Kitchen. The canary yellow storefront of this Panamanian restaurant grabs your attention, which you should take as a sign to pull in for a quick meal full of big, bold flavors. The menu focuses on bowls of fluffy rice and peas with sauteed cabbage and chewy, caramel-y plantains, with whatever Caribbean staples you want on top: oxtails in gravy, hearty sancocho stew, or their spicy, addictively tangy jerk chicken drumettes. And if you’re really into Caribbean Soul’s zesty jerk seasoning (as we are), you can also try it in less traditional ways, like their cheesy and indulgent jerk macaroni.