Dhat Island

It feels like “island time” all the time at the Black-owned restaurant, Dhat Island in downtown Redlands, which brings the island ambiance to every diner who steps foot on-site. 

The restaurant is owned by Carlo and Angela Alcé, who pay tribute to the restaurant's Haitian, Cuban and deep Southern-inspired roots in a tropical setting.

“Dhat” is a variation of the word “that,” which comes from the urban slang used in Haiti -- and the pair aim to offer a memorable dining experience that feels like a Caribbean daycation. 

Diners can dive into traditional dishes like Oxtail Bullion -- Tender Oxtails stewed with carrots and potatoes – and Jerk Chicken -- tender marinated chicken quarter stewed in flavorful Jerk marinade. Seafood plates include choices like Creole Shrimp, Seafood Gumbo and more. 

No meal is complete without satisfying the sweet tooth with a dessert like Peach Cobbler, which is served warm with whipped topping, Caribbean Cake -- a moist, layered banana, coconut pineapple with cream cheese icing and toasted pecans or a hearty order of hot beignets (doused in enough powdered sugar to cook a whole new set of beignets).  

From the real white beach sand on the patio, to the expanded outdoor courtyard and intimate feeling indoor dining room space, dining here feels like a trip to the islands.