Monty's Caribbean Kitchen

I rarely give out 5 stars on my reviews, but this little taste of heaven deserves every star it gets. On entering the restaurant, you are met by not only a smell that captivates and takes you to another place, but by the smiling faces of the staff cooking and serving behind the counter. I took a seat and was quickly greeted by a very relaxed gent (who later turned out to be the great Monty himself) who let me know that someone would be with me shortly. A few minutes later, after dealing with a large group, Monty came back and took my order, that was alongside a brief chat to ask about my day and to make sure i was comfortable and needed nothing else. Sadly, they were all out of home made ginger beer (i hope he makes some more soon as i will be returning) but offered a home made carrot and ginger juice. I also ordered the Salt-fish and Ackee with Rice n Peas. A short while later the food arrived, delivered by one of the chefs, who also spent a few minutes with me talking, telling me about how he cooked the food and some of the variations he uses to keep customers happy. He even partook in some upselling by giving me a card for Monty's Trailer for weddings and parties. He offered up the house chilli sauce and i'm so glad i accepted. The meal of salt fish and ackee was very well balanced and tasted as though it was made specifically for a European palate, to which i then added a good lashing of the chilli sauce. This as a combination almost blew my mind. Not too hot, but the sauce, with its tangy sweetness, complimented the SF&A beautifully. The dish was hot (temp) with great crunch from the peppers and showed great skill in the kitchen. My only down point is that the rice and peas was a tad dry to my taste, but with the SF&A along with the little sides that joined the dish, it was definitely more than passable and I could be showing my ignorance in relation to regional variations on the same rice dish. With the meal came a little apple salsa on the side made with what tasted like lime juice and coriander. That was utterly ridiculous how great it tasted along with a little taste explosion when married with the SF&A. Also, was a little slaw, made with lime and coconut and certainly added a taste that flew me back onto those golden sands of the Caribbean, that especially with the relaxed vibe coming from the speakers as soft reggae played in the background and stopped any thoughts i had of rushing through my meal. Following the ample large meal, i sat and chatted with Monty whilst i let me food go down and whilst Monty was happily sweeping away under tables following the departure of happy customers. I am sad to report that Monty is upping and offing to the Carribean in the next year and may not return with the restaurant but settle with the trailer only. I believe this would be a major loss to this little town next to the sea and would urge anyone with a taste for the sunshine, to get your self into Barnstaple to eat in the restaurant, before its too late. All in all, the bill came to £13.50 which was incredible for the taste and ambiance and i have threatened (no promised) to make it my Thursday lunch spot each week until my work takes me elsewhere and have a gang of hungry hippo's (the chidlids) who will be joining me the week of easter to sample the goods and to join the relaxed eating experience that is Montys Caribbean Kitchen. On leaving, a quick fist bump between Monty and I (and the obligatory "respect") cemented in my mind that this is the place to be, for great food, for friends to enjoy and more so, to revel in the chilled vibes that had me leaving rejuvenated and counting the days to my return. Forgot to add on trip adviser - the menu at this jewel in the Devon crown, not only has veggie and vegan options but also the much misunderstood Ital versions. No additives, at all, unless you ask. WHAT A PLACE!!! Pictures include - Carrot and Ginger home made juice, homemade scotch bonnet chilli sauce, Salt fish n Ackee with Rice n Peas, coconut and lime slaw and apple salsa.

First time my husband and I have tried Montys. Fantastic meal, really fresh ingredients and rich flavour. Thoroughly enjoyed the food and the atmosphere was warm and friendly. Highly recommend this restaurant to anyone visiting Barnstaple. Wide menu caters for all tastes. Fast and efficient service and great value for money. We will definitely be going back.