Where To Find The Best Restaurants In Jamaica
Eating the traditional food of a country is one of the best parts of traveling. Fortunately, Jamaica offers visitors some truly fantastic flavors—along with some equally incredible places to try them.
The restaurants in Jamaica are a great example of what makes this travel destination so special. Bold flavors, big personality, and classic traditions are what Jamaica is all about. Top notch food tours are also quite common in Jamaica. Under the expert guidance of a local, you’re usually taken to all the best food spots and given the skinny on what the locals love to eat — a foodie’s dream.
If you’re taking a trip here, we suggest getting out a few times to taste the local fair. Here are the best restaurants in Jamaica for your culinary pleasure:
Montego Bay
Montego Bay is many things to Jamaica; it’s known as the “Friendly City”, it’s the tourist capital of the country, and the second largest city next to Kingston. It’s a must visit destination and the place to be in Jamaica to enjoy local action.
Gloucester Avenue is chock-full of shops, bars, clubs, great people watching spots, and authentic Jamaican restaurants.
Aside from the obvious local favorite, jerk chicken, other dishes worth trying are ackee and saltfish, a signature Jamaican dish. Expect fun crowds, loud music, plentiful rum cocktails, dancing, and an all-around great party. If you are in the mood to dance all night you can, as luxury vacation rentals in Montego Bay are all quite close by.
The Houseboat Grill
Address: Alice Eldemire Dr, Montego Bay, Jamaica
Phone: +1 876-979-8845
Price range: $$$
Website: https://thehouseboatgrill.com
Photo Credit: Houseboat Grill
Dinner is served at the Houseboat Grill on; you guessed it, a houseboat! The boat was built in 1960 and has since been anchored to a pier and converted into a charming restaurant in Jamaica.
Drinks can be enjoyed on the deck, while cuisine is served right inside the boat. This is a great place to go for flavors from all over the world, including Thailand and New Zealand. The menu offers a wide variety of seafood options like red snapper filets, delectable mussels and pepper shrimp. For those not into seafood, your choices are also immaculate and include dishes such as Jamaican spiced pork medallions, perfectly cooked steaks and fondue. Delight yourself in their daily happy hour from 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM where you can select two for one on local brands.
Visitors come for the food and stay for the drinks and company, so prepare for a fun evening!
The Pelican Grill
Address: Gloucester Ave Miranda Hill, Across the Street From the Old Hospital Park, Montego Bay Jamaica
Phone: +1 876-952-3171
Price range: $$
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ThePelicanGrillMobay/
Photo Credit: The Pelican Grill
This classic Montego Bay spot has been serving home-style cooked meals for clients for over 50 years.
With a breathtaking view overlooking the park and the sea, The Pelican Grill is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, making it the perfect spot to chow down any time of day.
The delicious menu features sandwiches, burgers, and classic Jamaican dishes. Some of the most popular items on the menu include their jerk chicken, oxtail, curried shrimp and a delicious variety of other seafood dishes. There’s even a meatless menu for our vegetarian friends, so everyone can find something they like. This is a great choice for families and anyone on a budget.
Sugar Mill Restaurant
Address: Spring Farm Dr., Rose Hall, Montego Bay, Jamaica
Phone: +1 876-953-2211
Price range: $$$$
Website: https://www.halfmoon.com/dining/sugar-mill
Photo Credit: Half Moon Jamaica
Based within the Half Moon Resort, Sugar Mill Restaurant features a fine dining scene with exceptional service that’s hard to recreate.
It’s located by an old sugar mill water wheel and surrounded by beautiful greenery for your viewing pleasure. The dinner menu offers a variety of bold dishes like jerk chicken, curried goat and fresh seafood creations. Guests have their choice of dining by the water wheel or indoors by romantic candlelight. Their Sunday brunch is also available and is a popular choice for guests as well as locals of Montego Bay.
Be sure to visit this place with your significant other during a romantic getaway!
Where to stay in Montego Bay
Montego Bay villas are an outstanding choice for anyone seeking all the beauty of the Caribbean Sea and all the spice of a Jamaican vacation without worrying about running out of things to do.
Part of the beauty of Montego Bay is that everything is very close by: restaurants, reggae music hotspots, chic boutiques, dynamic marketplaces, premier golf courses, and great diving, snorkeling, and water sports spots.
Silent Waters Villa is one of the most glamorous luxury rental villas in Jamaica. This award winning Jamaican holiday home is distinguished by world class architecture, design and decor, breathtaking location, and exquisite accommodations and service.
Fairway Manor is a stylish multi-faceted 10 000 square foot private home. Its rooms feature cool marble floors and overlook the famous Half Moon 18-hole Robert Trent Jones golf course and a dramatic panorama of the Caribbean Sea.
Endless Summer is a turreted, 7 bedroom mansion with breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea. Colorful Montego Bay and the “hip strip” are just 15-minutes away. Half Moon – with private beach, tennis, fitness center, water sports, food and beverage, and dolphin lagoon – is just five minutes downhill from the villa.
Click here to browse villa rentals in Montego Bay
Ocho Rios
Located on Jamaica’s north coast, Ocho Rios was once a sleepy fishing village and port but has blossomed in recent years to become a popular Jamaican vacation destination offering an incredible array of family-friendly activities and excursions.
Just off its gorgeous beaches, you’ll find vast areas of lush rainforest to explore, and a variety of guide companies offering everything from scuba diving to horseback riding, to zip-lining tours. It’s no wonder that luxury villa rentals in Ocho Rios have become as sought after as they are.
In spite of its popularity, Ocho Rios has retained its charming small-time tranquility. If your prime motive is to kick back and unwind, you’ve come to the right place. Ocho Rios also has a restaurant on almost every corner. You will find both delicious Jamaican cuisine, as well as a range of tantalizing international offerings.
Almond Tree Restaurant
Address: 83 Main St, Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Phone: +1 876-974-2813
Price range: $$
Website: https://www.hibiscusjamaica.com/eat-drink/almond-tree-restaurant/
Photo Credit: moonjamaica.com
The Almond Tree, located within The Hibiscus Lodge Hotel, is known for a gorgeous old tree that grows right through the roof and a two floored patio offering plenty of outdoor dining space. With incredible views, The Almond Tree is a great spot for a sunset dinner.
The menu is full of succulent island treats with a heavy focus on lobster and steaks, however there are a wide array of other dishes to try such as their crab cakes, traditional jerk chicken and deletable pasta. During lunchtime you may also choose from some more simple dishes such as burgers and sandwiches.
This is the place to visit in Ocho Rios for an impressive wine list, which offers many cellar vintages.
Margaritaville
Address: Turtle Beach Rd., Ocho Rios Jamaica
Phone: +1 876-675-8800
Price range: $$
Website: https://www.margaritavillecaribbean.com/ocho-rios/
Photo Credit: visitjamaica.com
Suggesting establishments in Ocho Rios wouldn’t be complete without Margaritaville. The restaurant seats up to 450 people, making it by far the largest restaurant on the north east coast. Margaritaville is of course inspired by the Jimmy Buffet song and way of life, so the place is decked out in kitschy tropical décor.
The property features a full-service restaurant and bar that serves classic American burgers, salads, and seafood. Not to mention, there is a playful swim-up bar serving tasty cocktails. Delicious margaritas are obviously served, along with plenty of other menu items.
At times the place comes alive with reggae music, dancing, and total vacation-inspired fun! This hotspot also offers a 60 ft water slide, water trampolines, live entertainment and exclusive access to the white sand and private beach. If you’re searching for a place that is exciting for the whole family, this is it!
Miss T’s Kitchen
Address: 65 Main St, Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Phone: +1 876-795-0099
Price range: $$
Website: https://www.misstskitchen.com/
Photo Credit: Miss T’s Kitchen
Open to the public since 2009, Anna-Kay Tomlinson, lovingly known as “Miss T,” fulfilled her desire to share truly authentic Jamaican food with patrons and locals alike.
The laid-back vibe at Miss T’s Kitchen helps you escape routine and experience the true culture of Jamaica. Featuring both authentic Jamaican cuisine and ambiance, the restaurant offers a meal that will be sure to make you feel at home.
From the classic Jamaican flavors of jerk chicken and curry goat, to the popular honey-fried chicken and lobster dinner, you can indulge in all your favorite Caribbean foods at Miss T’s Kitchen. They also have various other offerings including vegetarian dishes. No matter what you choose to order on the menu, you’ll know that the ingredients are fresh and served up with loving care. When the tropical heat gets to be too much, grab a fresh, cold juice and chill.
Where to stay in Ocho Rios
Our Ocho Rios villa rentals are close to all the action, yet tucked away in their own exclusive corners of the stunning landscape. Bonus: you don’t need to leave your Ocho Rios villa rentals to get your beach on. Many of our Ocho Rios villas feature private, secluded, stunning beaches of their own.
Rio Chico Private Estate is undoubtedly one of the finest, most picturesque estates in the world, and it’s no exaggeration to say that it’s heaven on earth. Experience a rarified tropical estate that combines true beachfront luxury with lavish gardens reminiscent of an Italian palazzo.
Malatai has undergone an amazing renovation in 2019, turning this family favourite villa into modern, contemporary villa with the most beautiful beachfront. The overall property consists of the spacious main villa, separate air-conditioned fitness cottage, hot tub, large lawn with shaded sitting areas, and teak party deck with barbecue for outdoor entertaining by the sea.
Reefside is one of the newest eight-bedroom beachfront luxury villas in Jamaica located in the Tower Isle, Ocho Rios area. This villa has its own private automatic gated entrance and is surrounded by lush tropical gardens and lawns and has a 150 ft. semi-enclosed sea pool. Reefside is only 10 minutes from the lively town of Ocho Rios and its renowned attractions, Dunn’s River Falls and Dolphin Cove.
Click here to browse villa rentals in Ocho Rios
Negril
Located in the western end of Jamaica, Negril is home to some of the most beautiful white sand beaches, calm crystal clear waters, dramatic landscapes and technicolor sunsets making it the perfect paradise for your next vacation.
When you’re not enjoying the beautiful beach, hanging out on the deck of a boat or lazing in a hammock, you can be assured that the time you spend in Negril will be a laid back and relaxing one. Food and drink is a central part of Jamaican culture, and Negril has an amazing variety. From street-side barbecue to fresh seafood straight from the ocean, your trip is incomplete without a taste.
Murphy’s West End
Address: West End Road, Negril Jamaica
Phone: +1 876-367-0475
Price range: $$
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/MurphysWestEndRestaurant/
Photo Credit: Murphys West End Restaurant
Nestled on the most westerly tip of Jamaica and flanked by the island’s most immaculate beaches, Murphy’s West End Restaurant lies in a relaxed and atmospheric setting.
Murphy’s West End Restaurant in Negril offers fresh, bold, and flavorful slow food from the garden and the ocean. They’re known for their jerk lobster, curry shrimp, fish, and “devil chicken” (BBQ).
The food is very reasonably priced for the portion sizes, which means most people can afford to eat here. Since the seating area is mostly outdoors and equipped with comfy lounge hammocks, it’s a great place to hang out when you’ve eaten what feels like solid gold or kick back and enjoy a cocktail while you wait for your food to be prepared.
Rockhouse Restaurant
Address: W End Rd, Negril, Jamaica
Phone: +1 876-957-4373
Price range: $$$
Website: https://www.rockhouse.com/eat/
Photo Credit: Rockhouse.com
Located within the Rockhouse Hotel, The Rockhouse Restaurant is a charming spot that combines the rustic with the tropical to create a spectacular dining atmosphere. Here you can enjoy the gorgeous view of the ocean while you taste Caribbean-inspired dishes in a picturesque setting.
Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the menu offers a wide range of choices, including seafood and traditional Jamaican dishes. The restaurant’s highlights include a blackened mahi mahi with mango chutney, snapper steamed in a banana leaf, and heavenly coconut shrimp.
Come early, grab a table on the deck, and enjoy some cocktails during sunset.
Fireman’s Lobster Pit
Address: Norman Manley Boulevard The Boardwalk Village, Negril Jamaica
Phone: +1 876-591-1864
Price range: $$-$$$
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Firelobsterpit/
Photo Credit: Fireman’s Lobster Pit
If you are looking to get your hands on some of the best seafood in Negril, The Fireman’s Lobster Pit is the place to go. Situated perfectly on a cliff and offering up some breathtaking views, dining here is exceptional during any time of day, however those looking to take in the beauty of the evening sky will want to arrive for dinner. The freshly-caught seafood is cooked with a fiery blend of herbs and spices in this laidback, tropical restaurant, creating one of the most unique dining experiences in the area.
Locals and tourists alike flock to this restaurant known for its succulent and fresh lobster, coconut shrimp, grilled snapper and crab. These incredible dishes are grilled to perfection right in front of you, which is wildly entertaining to watch but also even more fun to enjoy once it’s prepared.Take your meal from a delight to a delightfully fulfilling experience with a side of their garlic bread and rice.
The staff are exceptionally friendly and will make you feel welcome whether you stop by for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Where to stay in Negril
Escape to an authentic Jamaican experience, man, at Negril! The splendid beaches along with our spacious villas create a sumptuous vacation experience. Different from standard hotels, Negril’s private places to stay are welcoming, personal, and practically invite you to sit back, relax, and enjoy your vacation in all its glory.
Almond Villa is ideal for couples traveling together. The two-story oceanfront villa features four king bed bedrooms, each with a private veranda. Highlights include a living room, dining area, billiard room, and outdoor covered living area and private swimming pool.
Nasebeery Villa spans two floors and offers three-bedrooms, three-bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, living room, dining area, bar and powder room, as well as private verandas off of each bedroom. Outdoors, a dining patio and private Jacuzzi create inviting spots for relaxation.
Mango Estate is a two-story villa that has a living room, kitchenette and dining area, as well as two bedrooms, each with a king bed, and two bathrooms. The ground floor bedroom and bathroom is wheelchair accessible for your convenience.
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