About This Spot

Stepping into Empire Jamaica Fusion Restaurant feels like entering a warmly kept secret tucked in the heart of Poughkeepsie’s Main Street. The rhythm inside is gentle yet lively—a welcoming blend of calm comfort and spirited celebration—that immediately sets the tone for a meal made to savor slowly and share. This is a space where the hum of conversation merges with the fragrant wafts of Caribbean spices, inviting both regulars and new guests to loosen up, breathe easy, and settle in.

The atmosphere here leans into the familiar warmth of a neighborhood spot run by people who genuinely enjoy gathering around food. Clean, thoughtfully arranged, and intimate, the restaurant invites you to not just eat but experience the many stories behind every ingredient and dish. It’s a place where mindful hospitality meets authentic flavor, reflecting a joyful commitment to community and craft.

Food at Empire Jamaica Fusion is an extension of this care—a subtle layering of tradition and freshness that feels both vibrant and nourishing. Whether it’s the sweetness of perfectly caramelized plantains or the gentle heat and depth of a well-seasoned stew, every plate offers a glimpse into Jamaican culinary heritage with a mindful twist that vegan diners and meat lovers alike appreciate. The menu suggests a variety of tastes from hearty, slow-cooked specialties to lighter, vegetable-forward creations, all served with an easygoing confidence that comes from lovingly prepared meals.

Drinks further complement this experience, offering authentic, nostalgic sips like velvety Jamaican cream soda or the bright tang of pineapple ginger soda, each bottle uncorking memories alongside refreshing flavors. Time seems to slow here, allowing flavors to unfold fully and moments to stretch comfortably.

More than a place to dine, Empire Jamaica Fusion feels like a crossroads of friendship and food, where guests are met with genuine smiles and thoughtful attentiveness. It’s clear that this space is shaped by the owners’ dedication—not only to the quality of what reaches your plate but to how each guest feels when they walk through the door. In every sense, this is a quietly joyful setting that invites discovery, whether you’re craving the comforting richness of traditional Caribbean fare or a fresh take on plant-based dishes.

What’s Available Here

  • IconIdentifies as Black-owned
  • IconIdentifies as women-owned
  • IconOutdoor seating
  • IconKerbside pickup
  • IconNo-contact delivery
  • IconDelivery
  • IconTakeaway
  • IconDine-in
  • IconServes local specialty
  • IconLunch
  • IconDinner
  • IconSolo dining
  • IconWheelchair-accessible car park
  • IconWheelchair-accessible entrance
  • IconWheelchair-accessible seating
  • IconWheelchair-accessible toilet
  • IconAssistive hearing loop
  • IconCoffee
  • IconComfort food
  • IconHalal food
  • IconHappy-hour food
  • IconHealthy options
  • IconOrganic dishes
  • IconPrivate dining room
  • IconQuick bite
  • IconSmall plates
  • IconVegan options
  • IconVegetarian options
  • IconLunch
  • IconDinner
  • IconCatering
  • IconCounter service
  • IconSeating
  • IconTable service
  • IconToilet
  • IconWi-Fi
  • IconWi-Fi
  • IconCasual
  • IconCosy
  • IconQuiet
  • IconTrendy
  • IconFamily friendly
  • IconGroups
  • IconLGBTQ+ friendly
  • IconLocals
  • IconTourists
  • IconTransgender safe space
  • IconUniversity students
  • IconAccepts reservations
  • IconCredit cards
  • IconDebit cards
  • IconNFC mobile payments
  • IconCredit cards
  • IconGood for kids
  • IconPaid multi-storey car park
  • IconPaid parking lot
  • IconPaid street parking
  • IconParking

Location & Hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday Closed
Thursday Closed
Friday Closed
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed

Guest Reviews

yardley keshinover 21 Dec 2025

Incredibly great food nestled away here in Poughkeepsie. I’ve had Jamaican food all over here and none of these spots can compete with Empire Fusion. If you are craving authentic great Jamaican food, you won’t regret coming here. The restaurant is spotless, the owner is very nice, and her food is out of this world. I got the Oxtails, peas and rice, sweet plantain, and steamed veggies. My Wife had the Jerk Chicken. Everything tasted amazing!! I will definitely be back as I’m dying to try her Mac and Cheese again (it was sold out). 5 Star

Regina Hichak 16 Dec 2025

Husband surprised me with a Valentine’s Day dinner here. From the moment you walk in you feel like family! Michelle and Marcus are so excited to take care of you! It was so nicely decorated and the food was incredible! I would highly recommend! This was a special menu for the night.

Courtney Allen 17 Nov 2025

I will def be back! I ate here two weeks ago, and the owner was so nice! She gave me a tour around the restaurant, plated my food, and she had the sweetest spirit! My food was fresh and cooked to order! The restaurant was so clean and spotless! I forgot to mention that my food was soooo good! Luckily I had leftovers, and when I reheated them, they tasted even better (IYKYK-If you know, you know! ). Like I said, I’ll be back, but this time I’m bringing some people with me, I can’t keep this spot to myself! lol BTW, I had the garlic shrimp with rice and peas.

Sarah Porter 14 Nov 2025

Let me tell yall something, Michele is the truth. She chooses the freshest ingredients and truly cares about her community. She cares about what she cooks with: how much salt, how much flavor, how much of evvvvverything because she wants everyone to be able to enjoy her food. I don’t have a picture to share this time because every time I go to this restaurant, I eat ALL of my food and can never get a picture. However, the jerk chicken, the oxtails, and the stew chicken are some of my favorites. Also, I want to note how clean her restaurant is. You can literally eat off the floor (don’t do that lol), but you could. I really hope that more people come to visit this restaurant. It is one of my favorites in the area, and by far one that I can’t stop going back to.

Jamo Benoit 02 Nov 2025

I got the real VIP treatment at this local restaurant. My mom and I had the curry chicken with roti. The food was so delicious I didn't bother to snap a picture. So I grabbed an oxtail dish to go. Excellent food and first class service!

TestiMonet 01 Nov 2025

Listennnnnnnn! Do not hesitate to walk into this restaurant! My friend mentioned this place to me and I was like let’s go! She’s vegan And I was blown away by the meatless options available knowing I follow a certain diet as well everything was fresh and seasoned to perfection. The presentation was immaculate! The service was top notch! People say if the Jamaicans are rude then you know the food is good— but no suh! The owner of this establishment shuts that statement down! Believe me when I say this place is a gem. You will not be disappointed in your dish! Enjoy

Victoria Guglielmo 16 Oct 2025

This restaurant is a hidden gem! We tried the jerk shrimp and brown stew chicken – both dishes were bursting with flavor. Despite being busy cooking several to-go orders, Michelle was very sweet and took the time to chat with us. She even brought over a mint cucumber water for us to try, and it was fantastic. The dining area is private and beautifully decorated. Being a fusion restaurant, the blend of flavors gives it an edge over your traditional Jamaican restaurants. A must-visit spot in Poughkeepsie!

angelic lopez 20 Sep 2025

The kindest woman Michelle! She opened her restaurant to us on New Year’s Day while they were closed and cooked us the best meal. My boyfriend and I are vegan and love trying vegan food in our area, so she was very accommodating! The food was delicious and her hospitality was very special and welcoming to us. Additionally, the restaurant was very clean and comfortable which is incredible. We will come back again because we know it’ll be worth it

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