Yanni's Caribbean Chippenham: Still the Home of Irresistible Goat Curry and More

We first visited Yanni’s Caribbean Restaurant and Takeaway a years ago in search of authentic, home-style Caribbean cuisine and were completely blown away by their unforgettable Curry Goat. Since then, the flavours have lingered in memory and craving, so when we returned recently, expectations were high. We’re happy to report that Yanni’s has not only maintained its bold, soulful cooking but continues to serve it up with heart, warmth, and plenty of spice.

A True Taste of the Caribbean in the Heart of Chippenham

Caribbean restaurants are few and far between outside of big cities, which makes Yanni’s something of a local treasure. Located conveniently on Borough Parade in Chippenham—with easy access to parking and walking distance from the train station—this small, family-run restaurant punches well above its weight in flavour and authenticity. Whether you’re new to Caribbean food or a longtime lover of curried meats, jerk seasoning, or hearty rice and peas, Yanni’s offers a welcoming slice of island flavour right here in Wiltshire.

Atmosphere: Laid-Back, Welcoming and Full of Soul

Step into Yanni’s and you’ll feel like you’ve popped in to a family gathering. There’s a warm, home-style feel to the place. The air is fragrant with spice and slow-cooked meats, and the staff greet you like old friends.

The setup is simple, with long wooden benches and tables giving it a canteen-style vibe, perfect for casual dining or a quick bite. Admittedly, the seating isn’t the most comfortable. We even joked about bringing cushions. They are also a tad too tall for our liking. Being custom built they could have made it the right height by taking ideas from some of the commercially available benches.

But, when the food hits the table, all thoughts of décor and design vanish. It’s clear this place is all about the food, the people, and the community spirit. The decor is modern, with bright colours from the Jamaican flag and gets plenty of light from the big front windows. Speaking of the Jamaican colours, there is a mini Jamaican flags on each table further adding to that island vibe.

Friendly Faces, Family Vibes

The service at Yanni’s is one of its biggest strengths. Whether it’s Yanni himself, the cheerful host who chats like an old friend, or one of the many friendly staff members who serve with genuine care, everyone here makes you feel welcome. It’s the kind of place where they remember your order, ask how your day’s going, and always serve with a smile. When one of our dishes arrived not quite hot enough, the team apologised immediately and brought out a fresh plate within minutes, along with complimentary extras. It’s clear they take pride in what they do.

What We Ordered: Comfort Food Done Right

This time around, we went back to our original favourite, but also sampled some new dishes:

Curry Goat Meal (On the Bone) with Brown Rice and Coleslaw

Rich, hearty, and slow-cooked to perfection, this dish remains Yanni’s crown jewel. The goat was tender, flavourful, and deeply seasoned with spices. The meat melted off the bone, and the gravy was full of warmth and complexity. Paired with nutty brown rice and creamy coleslaw, it was comfort food at its best.

Yannis Lamb on the Bone Coleslaw and Rice

Jerk Chicken with Fries and Fresh Salad

Chargrilled with a punchy jerk seasoning, the chicken was juicy and well-marinated, with a nice level of heat even on the mild end. The skin had that crispy char we love in jerk, and the fries and salad offered a cooling, crunchy contrast.

Boneless Curry Chicken Meal with Spiced Vegetables and Brown Rice

This dish surprised us with how tender and flavourful the chicken was. The curry had just the right amount of spice and body, while the spiced vegetables were vibrant and perfectly cooked. Brown rice gave the meal an earthy balance, rounding out another deeply satisfying plate.

Yannis Curry Chicken with Spcied Veg and Rice

Value: Generous, Honest Portions at a Fair Price

Yanni’s offers hearty portions that satisfy without emptying your wallet. Meals typically include main, rice a choice of side typically coleslaw, spiced veg or fresh salad. You can switch your rice for fries. This makes it fantastic value, especially given the quality and depth of flavour. We found that one plate could easily be shared, though most of us won’t want to.

The Food: Bold, Authentic, and Packed with Flavour

The consistent theme across our visit—and the many glowing reviews from many others is that Yanni’s food tastes like it was made with love and tradition. Every dish is rich, seasoned with care, and cooked with the kind of patience you can’t fake. The meats are tender and full of spice, the gravies and sauces are deeply layered, and sides like rice and peas, coleslaw, and fried sides elevate every bite. If you’re looking for real Caribbean flavours done right, this is the place to be. The fried dumplings, stew beef, and oxtail are also frequently praised—next on our list for sure. As for drinks, there are some imported soft drinks from the region that are worth exploring, featured here is the BIGGA grape, perfect for the little ones.

What Could Be Better?

While the food and service are top-notch, a few practical touches could improve the experience. Seating comfort is an ongoing issue; the wooden benches, though rustic, aren’t ideal for longer meals. Busy evenings can sometimes lead to a wait for food or slower service, though always delivered with care. Menu availability can vary—arrive earlier in the day for the widest choice, as some popular dishes sell out fast. But let’s be honest—these small drawbacks don’t take away from the exceptional experience, and we’d still recommend Yanni’s in a heartbeat.

Final Thoughts: A Local Favourite That Deserves the Spotlight

Yanni’s Caribbean Restaurant and Takeaway is a true gem. Whether you’re just passing through or live in the area, it’s a place that draws you in with aromas of slow-cooked meats, holds you with kindness and generosity, and keeps you coming back with flavours that stay with you long after the meal is over. It’s casual, it’s cheerful, and most importantly—it’s delicious. If you haven’t yet experienced the magic of Yanni’s Goat Curry, we strongly suggest you correct that as soon as possible.