Kingston Kitchen, located at 5305 E. Speedway Blvd., stands as a vibrant celebration of authentic Jamaican cuisine. Co-owner and general manager Damion Williams took over the restaurant space in 2021, transforming what was formerly CeeDee Jamaican Kitchen into something entirely new.
“We’re running it different now,” Williams said. “Everything is different — new recipes, new employees, everything.”
Though the location stayed the same, the food and philosophy behind Kingston Kitchen changed. Williams and his father Clovis brought their vision of hospitality, culture, and homemade Jamaican cooking to life.
From Florida to Tucson: A Culinary Journey
Williams, originally from Florida, moved to Tucson in 2021. Clovis joined him shortly after. Together, they built a new identity for the business, drawing from their shared heritage and passion for cooking.
The duo set out to introduce true Jamaican dishes to the Southwest. They focused on quality, freshness, and bold island flavor.
“Everything is fresh,” Williams said. “Everything is made the same day. We don’t heat nothing for tomorrow.”
Crowd Favorites and Classic Flavors
At Kingston Kitchen, the most popular dishes reflect the heart of Jamaican home cooking.
“Jerk chicken and oxtail,” Williams said. “They love it.”
Jerk chicken, in particular, stands out as the dish that resonates with both first-time guests and longtime fans. Oxtail, curry chicken, and brown stew chicken round out the menu, offering comfort and rich flavor in every bite.
Jamaican Drinks and a Taste of the Tropics
Kingston Kitchen features refreshing drinks including Jamaican sodas, tropical fruit juices like watermelon and papaya pineapple, and a housemade Jamaican rum punch.
“The rum punch don’t stay long on the shelf,” Williams said. “We have to keep making more.”
A Brunch with Island Vibes
Though Sunday brunch is currently on pause, Williams confirmed that plans are in motion to bring it back soon.
“We trying to do it right this time,” Williams said.
Brunch will include jerk wings, coconut shrimp, fried chicken, and festival — Jamaican fried bread — alongside popular menu staples like curry chicken and oxtail.
More Than Food: A Cultural Hub
Kingston Kitchen also serves as a cultural gathering place. Live music, DJs, karaoke, and open mic nights turn the restaurant into a community hotspot. During big events like the Super Bowl, guests enjoy live bands and a lively atmosphere.
Stay Connected
Kingston Kitchen is located at 5305 E. Speedway Blvd. Find updates on upcoming brunch events, new dishes, and live entertainment with Kingston Kitchen on Instagram.
Article written by:
Jackie Tran
More about JackieJackie Tran is a Tucson-based food writer, photographer, culinary educator, and owner-chef of the now-closed food truck Tran’s Fats. Although he is best known locally for his work for Tucson Foodie, his work has also appeared in publications such as Bon Appétit, National Geographic, and the New York Times.
An adventurous foodie, he enjoys culinary experiences ranging from seasonal omakase to sloppily devouring green chili patty melts in his car afterhours. His favorite foods include aguachile, garlic noodles, and leftover fried chicken illuminated by the fridge light. His favorite drinks include morning micheladas, fireside imperial stouts, candle-lit negroni, and grassy mezcales.
Outside of food, he also loves playing musical instruments, karaoke, Tetris, Super Smash Bros. Melee, and petting Addie’s dog Spaghetti.
If you’d like to stalk him, visit his Instagram @jackie_tran_ or jackietran.com.
