Jamaica Restaurant Guide
Daniel Mode
Daniel Mode
Laura Schulthies
Laura SchulthiesWelcome to the ultimate culinary journey through Jamaica! In this guide, we’ll embark on a delectable exploration of the island’s vibrant restaurant scene, where the flavors of the Caribbean come to life. Jamaica’s rich cultural tapestry and diverse influences have given rise to a unique and mouthwatering cuisine that reflects its history and natural bounty. From the fiery jerk chicken stalls sizzling by the roadside to elegant beachfront eateries serving fresh seafood with a view, we’ll traverse the island to uncover hidden gems and celebrated dining establishments. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, get ready to savor the authentic tastes of Jamaica restaurants.
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Where to Eat
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Kingston
The heart and soul of Jamaica, this bustling city is a hive of activity sure to keep anyone busy. You’ll find a range of unique dining experiences, from street food bazaars to high-end eateries during your time here.
Montego Bay
The fourth largest urban area in Jamaica, Montego Bay lends itself to everything from chill oceanside bars to jerk chicken shacks lined with customers. Enjoy the rhythm of the city and sink your teeth into traditional cuisine meant to feed the soul.
Negril
Known for its white sand beaches lined with bars, Negril is a thriving hot spot of nightlife and gorgeous outdoor activities. Many of the resorts in this area are attached to luxurious fine-dining restaurants, which are the perfect way to add a little class to your trip.
Port Antonio
Located on Jamaica’s northeast coast, Port Antonio is the perfect combination of jungle paradise and idyllic seaside luxury. This ocean city is home to some of the best authentic jerk chicken in the country – the unmissable culinary experience.
Ocho Rios
If you want some high-end luxury, Ocho Rios is the place to be! Once a humble fishing village, this city is now of the top ports of call for cruise liners and hosts many luxe spas and excellent hotels for tired tourists to relax. For those more into adventure, there are plenty of opportunities for skiing, tubing, and waterfall hiking to be had – just make sure to grab a drink afterward!
Budget Restaurants
Scotchies, Montego Bay
If you’re after a relaxed, no-frills restaurant, you can’t go past Scotchies! This franchise has five locations throughout Jamaica and is known for its authentic Jamaican jerk chicken and pork dishes. Along with deliciously flavorsome food and a great atmosphere, the prices are incredibly reasonable. So sink your teeth into the famous jerk chicken as the sun goes down and the reggae music starts.
Kool Vybes Jerk Centre, Negril
Opened in 2016, Kool Vybes Bar and Jerk Centre is the quintessential Jamaican jerk experience. Focusing on fresh, tasty Jamaican fare, this family-owned eatery has a warm and friendly atmosphere guaranteed to make any traveler feel at home. The extensive island menu pays homage to Kool Vybes’ Jamaican roots, with classics such as steamed fish and rice and peas which are guaranteed crowd-pleasers. Order the goat curry as you bask in the ambiance of this Negril institution – trust us, you’ll definitely come back for more!
Belinda’s, Port Antonio
For a true taste of Jamaican cuisine, Belinda’s is the only stop you’ll need! Located along the Rio Grande, the only thing more appealing than the wholesome atmosphere of Belinda’s riverside eatery is the incredible scent wafting out from her hundreds of Dutch ovens. The presentation is straightforward here, potentially not to detract from the deliciousness of signature dishes like the decadent Curried Crayfish Plate and rich Fried Chicken Plate.
Rasta Ade Refreshments, Negril
Jamaican food isn’t just about jerk chicken, and Rasta Ade Refreshments is here to prove it. This beachside hut serves incredible vegan Ital food alongside a world-class view. Take a walk along the beautiful Negril Beach, then order the Rasta Pasta as a pick-me-up during the afternoon. For those who want something more health-driven, the Jamaican garden salad makes a perfect light meal that will make your tastebuds dance.
Midrange Restaurants
Bush Bar, Port Antonio
Attached to the iconic Geejam Hotel, Bushbar is a Port Antonio institution with a healthy dose of spice. Executive Chef Ainsley pays homage to his roots with traditional Jamaican dishes designed to delight the tastebuds and soothe the soul. One bite of the warm bread pudding, and you’ll forget how life was before – spend the rest of the afternoon in the fantastic infinity pool and listen to carefully cultivated tunes spun by the in-house DJ.
Sweet Spice, Montego Bay
Walk into this colorful eatery, and you’ll soon see just why lines of locals often curl out the door! Sweet Spice doesn’t skimp on flavor, so expect their meals to pack a punch. While the menu features Jamaican classics like conch and crawfish, specialties like the oxtail are unlike anything else found in Montego Bay – definitely worth a try!
Tamarind Indian Cuisine, Kingston
While the name may confuse, Tamarind Indian Cuisine is more of an Asian-fusion restaurant than a specialized eatery. This modern Kingston restaurant boasts an extensive menu with anything hungry patrons could dream of eating. While the service is a little slower, the relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff more than make up for it. Try the curry shrimp with garlic naan, then wash it all down with a chilled mango lassi.
Miss T’s Kitchen, Ocho Rios
Miss T’s Kitchen is a festival of all things Jamaican, with music, culture, and cuisine coming together to create the ultimate dining experience! Outdoor-meets-indoor in this stilt-propped venue and diners have a myriad of choices to fill grumbling stomachs. Owner and chef Anna-Kay Tomlinson prides her menu on being genuine, down-to-earth Caribbean cooking – and she’s not wrong! So sit amongst the red fairy lights with a piping hot serve of Miss T’s Famous Oxtail Stew, then relax as the famous Jamaican breeze cools you down.
The HouseBoat, Montego Bay
Sitting in the beautiful Montego Bay, The HouseBoat offers diners a one-of-a-kind culinary experience found nowhere else on the island. Enjoy luxurious cuisine in the upper dining room, or a more casual experience down by the waterfront. Head Chef Rich Nurse maintains a consistently evolving menu that reflects the seasonal produce and daily catch of local fishermen. Eat some of the freshest seafood dishes like lemon pepper shrimp as you watch the fast-darting aquatic life native to the bay.
High-End Restaurants
Sugar Mill, Montego Bay
While the Half Moon Resort is known for class and luxury, its attached restaurant, the Sugar Mill brings a twist to fine dining. Meals at this Montego Bay eatery celebrate local flavor with a Western attitude, and the staff are as eager to discuss their favorites as you are to try them! Give the famous breadfruit gnocchi and oxtail ravioli a go, as you bask in the ambiance of the magnificent twilight palm trees surrounding the venue.
L’Escargot Restaurant, Runaway Bay
If you’d like to step away from Jamaican spices for a night, L’Escargot delivers the finest French-style dining in Jamaica. This elegant, picturesque little bistro will transport your tastebuds to the streets of Paris amongst twinkling lights and fine wines. While the menu focuses on traditional French offerings like onion soup, escargot, and coq au vin, some of the more modern options like grilled blue shell crab are sure to impress.
The Pelican Grill, Montego Bay
Located on the Hip-Strip of Montego Bay, The Pelican Grill is an authentic Jamaican institution dedicated to serving the freshest home-cooked meals to hungry patrons. Operating for over 50 years, the venue has mind-blowing views over the sea and the inner city, and often has a queue of locals out the door by mid-morning! Get in early for a serving of the classic curried shrimp and rice, or braised oxtail (pictured) then sip a cocktail as you survey the glittering ocean bay.
Toscanini At Music Mansion, Ocho Rios
Travelers looking for an unforgettable fine-dining experience cannot go past Toscanini. This gorgeous restaurant delivers Italian-style food with a spicy Caribbean twist, sure to keep customers coming back for more. Due to the popularity, it’s recommended to book in advance – once inside, you can choose from a lush traditional dining room or a breezy outdoor setting to enjoy some of Ocho Rios’ freshest seafood.
Rockhouse, Negril
Known as one of the premier fine-dining establishment in Jamaica, Rockhouse arguably offers the best view for diners in Negril. Situated in Pristine Cove, the restaurant was designed to blend seamlessly into the surrounding tropical environment and make patrons feel part of the surrounding jungle. So, while you will be paying a premium for succulent dishes of spicy coconut snapper, grilled lobster, and the ever-present jerk-rubbed chicken, the views are absolutely worth the cost!
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