Twin Isle: A Taste of Trinidad & Tobago in East Austin
Tucked into East Austin at 1401 Rosewood Ave, Twin Isle is the newest home for Trinbagonian flavors in the city. The restaurant comes from Chef Janelle Romeo, the Trinidad-born chef behind Miss Shirley’s food truck. Now with a brick-and-mortar location just steps from her truck, Romeo has expanded her vision: a “fully scratch-made, customizable menu where you can build your own bowls or share family-style plates. Always fresh, always full of flavor.”
First Impressions
The interior is small, almost cozy, with just a few bar-style seats. But what it lacks in size, it makes up for in color and energy. Bright yellows, blues, and oranges paint the space, vivid as carnival, setting the stage for the bold flavors to come.
The Menu
The menu runs the gamut of Trinbagonian street food classics and hearty mains. Think:
Street food favorites like doubles, aloo pie, and roti wraps.
Comfort mains including macaroni pie, stew oxtail, and curry goat.
Sides ranging from fried plantain to pineapple chow.
Caribbean drinks like sorrel, cream solo, and specialty juices.
Pricing sits mid-range:
Starters: $4.50–$13
Mains: start at $14 and climb with upgrades or market price
Sides: $2–$7
Drinks: $3.50–$8
Saturday menu (9.20.25)
What We Ordered
I went with a build-your-own bowl, layering:
Base: creamy macaroni pie
Protein: curry chicken, tender and richly spiced
Side: sweet fried plantain
Toppings: pineapple chow, pepper sauce, and culantro sauce for a fresh, tangy kick
To drink, I had a cold cream solo, which balanced the spice perfectly.
For my husband, I ordered a goat roti wrap (medium spice) and a chilled sorrel to-go. Both hit the mark — the roti was generously stuffed and flavorful, the sorrel tart and refreshing.
Everything tasted authentic, like sitting in a family kitchen in Tobago. The only drawback was the wait: with a small staff and a packed space, food took longer than expected. But once the plates arrived, it was worth every minute.
The Verdict
I’ve tried just about every highly rated Caribbean food spot in Austin, and Twin Isle is the first that feels like it could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Canje when it comes to food quality. The portions lean small, but the flavors are big, bold, and deeply rooted in the islands.
With hours Tuesday–Sunday, 12–5 pm, and both lot and street parking available, Twin Isle is an easy lunch or early dinner stop. Whether you’re chasing doubles, craving roti, or curious about what Trinidad & Tobago has to offer, this spot is worth the trip.
Twin Isle isn’t just a restaurant, it’s a vibrant slice of Caribbean culture planted in East Austin. Go for the authentic flavors, stay for the carnival of color and warmth. And if you see a wait, take a deep breath. Good things, especially doubles, take time.
