Why Calabash?
Calabash is a fruit; once dried and hollowed out, it stores food. But it also serves other purposes — it is used as an inkpot, a cosmetic container, and a market woman's money box.
Its multi-disciplinary properties are why Calabash was chosen as the restaurant's name. A place that embodies this concept with its restaurant, marketplace, and bar offering.
Nigel Jones
Founder & Chef
From Kingston to Oakland
Nigel Jones was born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica amidst lush fruit trees and abundant community. It was there his grandmother taught him the foundations of traditional Jamaican cooking, which seamlessly blends West African, Indigenous Caribbean, and South Asian flavors and techniques.
With a successful career in fashion, Nigel had the opportunity to travel the world. Wherever he went, he connected with people whose lives mirrored his own humble Jamaican upbringing and ways of being together.
He transitioned his career to become a full-time chef and restaurateur in 2013, opening Kingston 11 in Uptown Oakland. Pairing his Jamaican roots with innovative California and global flavors, Kingston 11 quickly became a town favorite, hosting community events and garnering recommendations by Zagat and Michelin Guide.
From 2018 to 2019, Nigel co-owned and operated his second restaurant, Kaya, in San Francisco in partnership with Chef Daniel Patterson. In a short time, Nigel turned Kaya into a gathering place for Black folks and people of color who felt isolated and not reflected in San Francisco culture and cuisine.
Nigel is excited to expand his appreciation of global flavors and commitment to community uplift with Calabash. Opened in Uptown Oakland in December 2022, Calabash is an Afro-Caribbean & Jamaican restaurant, market, and bar reflecting Nigel's desire to innovate and collaborate with amazing local chefs and producers.
"A home for creative local chefs to bring the uniqueness of their culture."
Explore the Menu