Jamaica Restaurants

Probably the most famous Jamaican dish is jerk pork—the ultimate island barbecue. The pork (purists cook a whole pig) is covered with a paste of Scotch bonnet peppers, pimento berries (also known as allspice), and other herbs, and cooked slowly over a coal fire. Many aficionados believe the best jerk comes from Boston Beach, near Port Antonio. Jerk chicken and fish are also seen on many menus. The ever-so-traditional rice and peas is similar to the moros y cristianos of Spanish-speaking islands: white rice cooked with red kidney beans, coconut milk, scallions, and seasonings.

The island's most famous soup—the fiery pepperpot—is a spicy mixture of salt pork, salt beef, okra, and the island green known as callaloo. Patties (spicy meat pies) elevate street food to new heights. Although patties actually originated in Haiti, Jamaicans excel at making them. Curried goat is another island standout: the young goat cooked with spices is tenderer and has a gentler flavor than the lamb for which immigrants from India substituted it. Salted fish was once the best that islanders could do between catches. Out of necessity, a breakfast staple (and the national dish of Jamaica) was invented. It joins seasonings with saltfish and ackee, a red fruit that grows on trees throughout the island. When cooked in this dish, ackee reminds most people of scrambled eggs.

There are fine restaurants in all the resort areas, many in Kingston and in the resorts themselves. Many restaurants outside the hotels in Mo'Bay and Ocho Rios will provide complimentary transportation.

What to Wear: Dinner dress is usually casual chic (or just plain casual at many local hangouts, especially in Negril). There are a few exceptions in Kingston and at the top resorts; some require semiformal wear (no shorts; collared shirts for men) in the evening during high season. People tend to dress up for dinner; men might be more comfortable in nice slacks, women in a sundress.

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  • 1. Evita's Italian Restaurant

    $$

    Set in an 1860s gingerbread house fronted by an old convertible roadster, Evita's—an island institution and the self-proclaimed “Best Little Pasta House in Jamaica”—is a chic, charming restaurant. Its renowned pasta is a spicy mashup of the best of Italian and Jamaican cuisine. The friendly staff, and sometimes the proprietor herself (the effervescent Eva Myers, who still busily oversees everything to ensure perfection), will guide you through the many inventive meal choices.

    Eden Bower Rd., Ocho Rios, St. Ann, Jamaica
    876-974–2333

    Known For

    • Lasagna Rastafari
    • One Love Penne
    • View overlooking the town
  • 2. Lobster Dave Seafood Restaurant

    $$$

    Local celebrities, residents, and tourists frequent this beachside restaurant that serves some of the best seafood in Ocho Rios. The namesake signature dish can be prepared in a variety of ways: curried, jerked, barbecued, cracked, or grilled. Other seafood dishes, like fish, conch, and shrimp—along with chicken—are also popular, and the bar serves a  mix of cocktails and drinks. The restaurant is steps from Fisherman's Beach (near the port), where you can get a boat ride or relax and vibe to the music.

    Ocho Rios Shopping Village, Ocho Rios, St. Ann, Jamaica
    876-228--8929

    Known For

    • Lobster and other seafood dishes
    • Right by Fisherman's Beach and the port
    • Lively atmosphere
  • 3. Miss T's Kitchen

    $$$

    The colorful decor, authentic Jamaican food, and rustic, country ambience at Miss T's Kitchen will give you the feel of a true Jamaican culinary experience with a few vegan and vegetarian options thrown in. Anna-Kay Tomlinson, the charming "Miss T," turned her love and passion for Jamaican food into one of the town's most popular Jamaican eateries. Guests can dine in the main dining area or in the wine bar.

    65 Main St., Ocho Rios, St. Ann, Jamaica
    876-795–0099

    Known For

    • Miss T's Famous Oxtail (stew)
    • Curry goat (served with white rice or rice and peas)
    • Special Bob Marley cocktail
  • 4. Toscanini

    $$$ | International

    At Harmony Hall, this longtime favorite offers seating in the dining room and on the garden veranda. The menu features classic Italian dishes and Jamaican fusion cuisine, all made with fresh, local produce and fresh local fish. Look for marinated marlin, caught in local waters, and tuna, which customers come from Kingston to enjoy. Huge juicy South Coast prawns also draw customers. Desserts such as tiramisu, chocolate profiteroles, and a wicked affogato round off the meal beautifully. Call for a complimentary shuttle in Ocho Rios.

    Harmony Hall, North Coast Hwy., Ocho Rios, St. Ann, Jamaica
    876-975–4785
  • 5. Almond Tree Restaurant

    $$$

    Named for the massive almond tree growing through the roof, this Ocho Rios restaurant is one of the most romantic restaurants in the resort town. The menu is a mixture of Jamaican and international dishes including seafood, a variety of chicken and beef, and other traditional Jamaican meals. For many, the evening starts with a drink at the terrace bar overlooking the sea followed by dinner alfresco (or in the dining room).

    83–85 Main St., Ocho Rios, St. Ann, Jamaica
    876-974–2676

    Known For

    • Large variety of dishes
    • Stunning view
    • Curry goat
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  • 6. Island Grill

    $

    With nearly 20 locations across the island, the Ocho Rios branch of this eat-in or take-out restaurant about a block from the main tourist area serves a Jamaican version of fast food. Jerk chicken, sandwiches, soups, and Jamaican dinner combo meals (called yabbas, an African-Jamaican term for bowl) are among the specialties. Many meals are served with festivals (sweet, fried dumpling) and are spiced for the local palate.

    59 Main St., Ocho Rios, St. Ann, Jamaica
    876-974–3160

    Known For

    • Jerk chicken
    • Local fruit and vegetable juices
    • Yaad-style sandwich (lettuce, tomatoes, grilled chicken, and fried plantains)
  • 7. Mamma Marley's Jammin Bar

    $$ | Jamaican

    A wide array of appetizers include crab cake, jerk shrimp, and chicken wings, while main course selections include curry chicken, ackee and saltfish, and grilled lobster tail. Also soups, salads, burgers, and club sandwiches are offered for lighter fare.Signature cocktails such as the "Flaming Bob Marley" and "The Three Little Birds" are bar offerings. A third location has been added in Ocho Rios.

    Taj Mahal, Soni's Plazas and on Main Street, Main St., Ocho Rios, St. Ann, Jamaica
    876-974–0197

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
  • 8. Margaritaville Ocho Rios

    $$

    If you're looking for a cheeseburger in paradise and blended drinks, come to the familiar Margaritaville. Part of the popular chain (also in Montego Bay, Falmouth, and Negril), the restaurant features Caribbean dishes alongside American favorites, as well as its namesake drink, which comes in tropical flavors like mango, lime, and strawberry. There's a 100-foot waterslide and pool inside the restaurant and a hot tub on the second floor.

    Turtle Beach Rd., Ocho Rios, St. Ann, Jamaica
    876-675–8800

    Known For

    • Swim-up bar
    • Live music
    • Popularity with cruise-ship passengers
  • 9. Mystic Dining at 700 Feet

    $$ | Caribbean

    Perched high above Ocho Rios, this restaurant is part of the Mystic Mountain entertainment area. Serving contemporary Caribbean cuisine, Mystic Dining touts its jerk chicken and pork. The menu also has healthy items and selections for children. The spectacular view of Ocho Rios, the cruise harbor, and much of the North Coast is an added attraction. A wide selection of tropical blended drinks rounds out the menu.

    Balmoral Rd., Ocho Rios, St. Ann, Jamaica
    876-974–3990

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner
  • 10. Ocho Rios Jerk Centre

    $

    This canopied, open-air eatery is a great place for island fare like fiery jerk meals, wings, and burgers, or seafood such as fish and shrimp, which are perfectly complemented by frosty Red Stripe beers and signature cocktails. Milder barbecued meats are sold by weight (a quarter- or half-pound makes a good serving). It's busy at lunch, especially when passengers from cruise ships swamp the place.

    14 DaCosta Dr., Ocho Rios, St. Ann, Jamaica
    876-974–2549

    Known For

    • Jerk pork
    • Specialty cocktails
    • Curry goat served with rice and peas
  • 11. Roadster

    $ | Jamaican

    This simple, rustic eatery across from Jamaica Inn serves good Jamaican food at unbeatable prices. You can eat under a tree or inside the restaurant, which is run by German-turned-Jamaican-resident Marion Rose and her Jamaican husband. The menu has local favorites such as fried chicken and oxtail. Go early or call ahead with your order, because there's a limited amount of food prepared each day.

    Hibiscus Dr., Ocho Rios, St. Ann, Jamaica
    876-974–2910
  • 12. Scotchies Drax Hall

    $$

    The Ocho Rios branch of the longtime Montego Bay favorite has been lauded by international chefs for its excellent jerk. The plates of jerk chicken and pork and a variety of other dishes like sausage, fish, and ribs at this open-air restaurant are all accompanied by classic Jamaican side dishes such as festival and bammy. Be sure to step over to the kitchen to watch the preparation of the jerk over the pits.

    North Coast Hwy., Ocho Rios, St. Ann, Jamaica
    876-794–9457

    Known For

    • Jerk chicken
    • Fire-breathing hot sauce
    • Rum Ribs on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday
  • 13. Tandoor Kabab Zone

    $$

    As the name suggests, this restaurant is the premier dining destination in Ocho Rios for Asian cuisine, with an emphasis on kebabs. Paired with the signature Asian and Indian dishes and classic Jamaican meals are imported wines, local beers, and cocktails that are served at the wine bar. The restaurant boasts a modern and sleek style, decorated with red and white seating, low lights, and plants. Enjoy a relaxed experience inside; there is also a beautiful outdoor garden that serves as a dining area in the evenings.

    Ocho Rios, St. Ann, Jamaica
    876-974–8899

    Known For

    • Sikandari Raan (Indian lamb dish)
    • Speciality kebabs
    • Naan bread
  • 14. Ultimate Jerk Centre and Rest Stop

    $ | Jamaican

    A favorite with locals traveling the North Coast Highway, Ultimate Jerk Centre is an open-air eatery, across from the Green Grotto Caves. Jerk chicken and rice are on the menu as well as escoveitch and brown stew fish. A separate bar, housed in a colorful rondavel (a round hut with a thatch roof), serves drinks and sodas. A new offering on Friday and Saturday is jerk rabbit.

    North Coast Highway, Discovery Bay, Runaway Bay, St. Ann, Jamaica
    876-973–2054
  • 15. Coconuts on the Bay

    Jamaican
    Closed Permanently

    This casual eatery, opposite the cruise pier, offers slightly upscale versions of local specialties. Start with jerk chicken wings or conch and shrimp fritters before moving on to specialties like tamarind shrimp or lobster served grilled, curried, or creole style. Complimentary transportation from local hotels is available.

    Turtle Beach Rd., Ocho Rios, St. Ann, Jamaica
    876-795–0064
  • 16. Hard Rock Café

    Eclectic
    Closed Permanently

    Within walking distance of the cruise pier, this popular eatery is filled with music memorabilia, including Bob Marley's handwritten lyrics for "Jammin" and a guitar he used in the recording of "Kaya." The menu features the usual fare, including burgers, ribs, and fajitas.

    Taj Mahal Shopping Centre, 4 Main St., Ocho Rios, St. Ann, Jamaica
    876-974–3333
  • 17. R2

    $ | Eclectic
    Closed Permanently

    Perched high above Ocho Rios, R2 is part of the Mystic Mountain entertainment area. Serving contemporary Caribbean cuisine with an emphasis on healthy choices, the menu includes the Mystic Salad with locally sourced, seasonal vegetables, as well as more traditional Jamaican dishes such as jerk chicken or jerk pork. R2 also offers a separate kid's menu with different daily treats. The spectacular view of Ocho Rios and the cruise harbor is an added attraction.

    Balmoral Rd., Ocho Rios, St. Ann, Jamaica
    876-974–3990

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner.
  • 18. The Ruins at the Falls

    $$$$ | International
    Closed Permanently

    Just as the name suggests, this restaurant is perched beside a waterfall. Tables sit at the base of the 40-foot cascade, making this a romantic spot for lunch or dinner. The menu here is diverse, with Asian specialties joining Jamaican favorites. There are also a few vegetarian dishes. This place is popular for weddings and other big events, so call ahead.

    17 Da Costa Dr., Ocho Rios, St. Ann, Jamaica
    876-974–8888

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