About Us

About Melendez Imports

Melendez Imports is more than just a restaurant – it’s a cultural experience that brings together two distinct culinary traditions under one roof. Located at 8938 US Highway 31 in Berrien Springs, this family-owned business has established itself as a destination for authentic global cuisine in Michigan’s southwest region.

We believe in using only the freshest ingredients to create dishes that bring the essence of Mexico and the West Indies to your table.

Whether you’re visiting Melendez Imports for groceries or a casual meal, we strive to provide an exceptional experience every time.

Founded by Joe Melendez, this unique establishment combines a restaurant with a specialty grocery section, offering imported ingredients hard to find elsewhere in the area. This dual-purpose business model enables customers not only to enjoy prepared dishes but also to purchase authentic ingredients to recreate these flavors at home.

Nestled in the heart of Berrien Springs, Michigan, Melendez Imports offers a unique dining experience that combines the vibrant flavors of authentic Mexican cuisine with the exotic tastes of the West Indies. This culinary gem has become a favorite destination for food enthusiasts seeking global flavors in Southwest Michigan. Whether you’re craving spicy Mexican delights or the tropical essence of West Indies cooking, we deliver an unforgettable gastronomic adventure.


Experience Our Unique Flavors

Join us for lunch or dinner and discover authentic flavors from Mexico and the West Indies in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Authentic Mexican Delight

Signature Mexican Dishes

The Mexican menu showcases Mexico’s rich culinary heritage, featuring dishes prepared with traditional recipes and techniques. 


The Mexican menu at Melendez Imports showcases Mexico’s rich culinary heritage.


The restaurant takes pride in its selection of Mexican favorites, from sizzling fajitas to flavorful enchiladas. The chef’s attention to detail ensures that each dish delivers an authentic taste experience, transporting diners straight to Mexico.


Authentic Jamaican Delights

Each dish is crafted with care, offering you a taste of authentic Caribbean cuisine.

Chef Paul’s Jamaican Cuisine

What sets us apart from other restaurants in the area is our unique offering of Jamaican cuisine. These tropical flavors bring a refreshing diversity to the local dining scene, allowing customers to experience the culinary traditions of the Caribbean islands without traveling there.

We aim to make your visit memorable, combining delicious food with friendly service.

With a commitment to quality, we take pride in sourcing the best ingredients for our Jamaican dishes.

I had the oxtail stew and OH BOY was it good. Raj served us and was amazing!!Daysha FicklenFebruary 20, 2026
I got the ox tail stew it was so good!!!Darlene KeithSeptember 24, 2025
Has a great variety of international food Items. Mostly centered around caribbean and mexican food, but it has a lot of authentic ingredients that are hard to find. Thank youBrittany LSeptember 11, 2025
Food was good, just wished we had more to spend. Has good vegetarian options and very nice people.Chris AyersJune 29, 2025
Always looking forward to Thursday and Friday for the oxtail. Very generous serving size and wide selection of Oriental and tropical goods.Z BeeMay 22, 2025
The food here is super good. It’s really authentic. You do have to pay for chips and salsa, but it’s not a big deal to me. They have groceries and produce here, too. They also have lots of cool Mexican candy, popsicles and drinks. The dine-in area is not super big but there’s always plenty of seating.NatalieMay 16, 2025
My waitress was great!!Shayne LivvixApril 22, 2025
Nick AyumaMarch 22, 2025
Great service, delicious food!!! The Chimichanga is the bomb! Come check this place out for authentic Mexican cuisine.Darryk WilliamsonMarch 20, 2025
In all the years I have lived in the area, I finally tried the restaurant. It was on a Friday so they had their extended menu available. If you have never been, please check this place out. The food and the staff were great. You will not be disappointed. Being close to Andrew's University, they do have vegan options.Edward MaxwellFebruary 23, 2025
Jay StacyFebruary 13, 2025
Robert “Bob” Van ArsdaleNovember 3, 2024
Foods great and the have an awesome selection of hot sauceanthony bordenOctober 22, 2024
Kiah Swann EloiOctober 20, 2024
Nate MillerOctober 8, 2024
jammie padillaOctober 6, 2024
Alfredo OrdóñezOctober 3, 2024
Jon PayneSeptember 12, 2024
Eclectic Mexican grocery and restaurant serving Exceptional and Tasty Mexican and Jamaican/ West Indies cuisine. There are also many selections of fruits, vegetables as well as Hot sauces, canned goods candies and beverages. Great Staff and ServiceR SpenceAugust 30, 2024
I love this place, you are able to find anything you need to make your Spanish food recipes and their tacos specially the vegetarian ones are amazing.👍🏼Miriam DubreuzeAugust 29, 2024
Cory CollinsJuly 29, 2024
ammon fordJuly 19, 2024
Eileen TorresJuly 8, 2024
First time eating here and everything was fantastic. We will be back!Delores AndersonJuly 6, 2024
(Translated by Google) You'll find everything you need there 😉 (Original) Todo lo que necesites allí lo encontrarás 😉Luz CorreaApril 5, 2024
I had their oxtail soup which was EXCELLENT!! The rice was so perfectly fluffed. The oxtail was SUPER tender. The plantains were plain but still excellent! Their horchata is FRESH not premixed. Omg soooo good! My husband had the curry and jerk chicken. The chicken was FULL of flavor. I love how they have two different cultural foods in one restaurant. GREAT JOB MELENDEZ FAMILY!!!Loretta CisnerosMarch 22, 2024
Love itDave OminoFebruary 13, 2024
Bobie SApril 6, 2023
I always suggest to call ahead and place your order, especially on Fridays. They are really busy. Great authentic food. I love how you can get Caribbean food and Mexican food all at the same place.FA M.September 7, 2019

FAQ

What types of international foods do you offer?

We offer a wide selection of groceries, including produce, meat, seafood, canned and frozen foods, and ingredients from various Latin and Caribbean regions, as well as specialty items not commonly found in local stores.

Do you have a restaurant or prepared foods section?

Yes, we serve freshly prepared Mexican and Jamaican dishes inspired by Chef Paul—check our menu or visit in-store for daily specials.

Where are you located and what are your opening hours?

Our address and current opening hours are listed on our About Us page and at the bottom of the homepage.

How can I place an order or inquire about a product?

For our restaurant menu items, you can call us or visit our store.

Do you deliver?

No, sorry, we do not offer delivery service.

Is there free parking?

Yes, we have an off-street parking lot

Do you offer free WiFi?

We do have a guest WiFi. It is password-protected. Please ask for the login.

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