Up in the Catskills for a wedding this weekend. Made a pit stop in Kingston for some bites. Came across TopTaste and glad I did. Went a little crazy and got curry goat, jerk chicken, beef patties, and oxtail. If you’re driving upstate, make the stop. The building looks like a Caribbean beach restaurant and matching charm inside. Staff is very friendly and biz is booming. Did not have a line when there but it was a consistent flow. Good sign if you ask me!
Overview
Toptaste Restaurant is a hidden gem in Kingston, New York, located at 446 Hasbrouck Ave. It’s one of those places you just feel good about walking into, whether it’s for a casual bite with friends or a cozy family dinner. Known for its warm atmosphere and exceptional food, Toptaste has quickly become a local favorite.
When you step into Toptaste Restaurant, the first thing that hits you is its welcoming vibe. The space is cozy but not cramped, with a modern yet relaxed feel that makes it perfect for any occasion. Whether you're sitting down for a quick lunch or settling in for a long dinner, you instantly feel at home. The lighting is soft, the seating comfortable, and the décor gives off just the right amount of charm, making it easy to see why so many people keep coming back.
As for the menu, Toptaste doesn’t disappoint. From classic American comfort food to unique twists on popular dishes, there’s something for everyone. Their burgers are juicy and flavorful, easily rivaling those from some of the best-known spots in town. And if you’re in the mood for something lighter, their salads are fresh, full of color, and packed with flavor. The house-made dressing is a highlight, perfectly complementing the crispness of the veggies. Don’t even get me started on the sandwiches-each bite seems to offer a new layer of flavor that keeps you coming back for more.
What really stands out about Toptaste Restaurant is the commitment to quality. The ingredients are always fresh, and you can tell that each dish is made with care. One of my personal favorites is their roasted chicken. It’s tender, flavorful, and always cooked just right, paired with a side of mashed potatoes that’s the perfect mix of creamy and fluffy. Another dish that keeps me coming back is the seafood pasta-fresh, perfectly cooked seafood served with pasta that’s both rich and light at the same time.
Of course, no meal is complete without a drink to go with it, and Toptaste offers an impressive selection of beverages. Whether you're in the mood for a craft beer, a glass of wine, or a specialty cocktail, they’ve got you covered. The cocktail menu is especially noteworthy, with unique concoctions that are well-balanced and full of flavor. If you’re visiting for a special occasion, make sure to try one of their signature drinks-they’re both fun and delicious!
What I love about Toptaste Restaurant is that it manages to feel both local and special at the same time. The team there always makes sure that each guest feels welcomed and well taken care of, which speaks volumes about the restaurant’s commitment to great service. You can tell the staff genuinely cares about making sure your dining experience is top-notch.
Customer reviews often highlight the consistent quality of food and the friendly, attentive staff. It’s not just the food that people rave about-many mention the atmosphere and how the restaurant has become a go-to spot for family dinners and intimate celebrations. The consistency in the quality of service is something you don’t always find, but at Toptaste, it’s clear that they prioritize a personal touch.
If you’re visiting Kingston, NY, or live in the area, Toptaste Restaurant should definitely be on your radar. It’s easy to see why it’s become such a beloved spot. The combination of delicious food, excellent service, and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere makes it stand out among the competition. Whether you're a regular or a first-time guest, you can always count on a satisfying experience at Toptaste. Don’t miss out on this fantastic local treasure-your taste buds will thank you!
Good to know
From the business
✓ Identifies as Black-ownedService options
✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-in ✓ DeliveryHighlights
✓ Serves local specialtyPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seatingOfferings
✓ Comfort food ✓ Quick bite ✓ Small platesDining options
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ DessertAmenities
✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ TrendyCrowd
✓ TouristsPlanning
✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kidsParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Free parking lot ✓ ParkingPhotos
Location
Reviews
Absolutely delicious food! This is the best Jamaican food I've had. My boyfriend & I vacationed nearby for a week and came down to Kingston to eat here 2x! We ate: jerk chicken platter, chicken curry platter, mac & cheese & beef patty.
Fabulous! Such nice people, and tasty, large portions for little $. Can’t beat it! Each serving was easily enough for two people, so we had lots of leftovers. They clearly care about quality, everything fresh and hot. Jerk chicken and curries were the best. Can’t wait to go back!
Now there is Jamaican food and there is food that claims to be but doesn’t put in the hours or days into the layers of flavors. Let me start off by saying the shop is on an unassuming corner store which from the outside reminds me of London, but when you walk in you are hit immediately by spices, flavors and choice of stewed meats, fried chicken, and fish that honestly makes the only bad thing about the visit being choosing from the selection! Our server was so friendly and helpful, and talked us through everything and our options. I mean kindness AND great food, this is what is missing from the eating experience in America. I chose Jerk Chicken which comes with fried plantains, slaw and rice and peas. My friend had fried chicken, stew meat, with an impressive layered Mac n cheese. We entered some type of numb bliss after eating and couldn’t leave this place for at least an hour lol. Not a coma, but the value for money and plate size which we didn’t even put a dent in might have something to do with it lol. Someone inject money into this restaurant (investors this is the one) and expand this place to be available in every city! My only complaint is you’re not on every corner, in every state. Thank you!
The building is fairly simple and parking felt like a challenge to interpret the signs... it's also about 10 degrees warmer inside than out. All that considered, I'd put up with a lot more for another plate of curry goat. I wasn't expecting the bones to be left in but assuming the add to the amazing flavor. I was stuffed with a medium plate and ate lunch inside, only 4 tables. I mixed the beans and rice with my curry for a fantastic affordable combination. The plantains were delicious. Usually, im not a fan. The flavors in the curry are absolutely amazing.
Great friendly service. Felt like I was family. Food is excellent and flavorful. Not too spicy but just enough kick. Had Jerk chicken, ox tail, goat curry along with some sweet plantains, rice and beans and a beef patty as an app. Completely forgot to take pics of everything as we dived right into the food as soon as it was placed in front of us. The meat was Tender and flavorful, no fatty pieces .
All of the reviews are right! This place is a delicious hidden gem that deserves to be celebrated. The owners are super sweet and friendly. The food? So so good. The plantains were my favorite. We will surely be back! Thank you TopTaste!
one of the best hidden jems I have found! I have had this place saved as recommended from a local foodie and driving back down from the Catskills to the city I am so glad we stopped. We ordered one meal with curry goat and one with their oxtail. AMAZING. and for only $10 a plate to go which comes with rice, plantains and cabbage. It was difficult to finish the whole meal but the meats were so tender and the sides were too delicious to leave over! The owners were very friendly as well.. This place is a must try!