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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, nea
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 af
Probably the most famous Jamaican dish is jerk pork—the ultimate island barbecue. The pork (purists cook a whole pig) is
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.
Along Montego Bay's Hip Strip, this colorful restaurant is a favorite spot for families thanks to its 110-foot waterslide into the sea, water trampolines and slides, and a sunset deck. When it's time to settle down for lunch, the menu offers some Caribbean-influenced items such as jerk burgers and seafood dishes, along with lots of all-American fare. At night, the slides are closed, and the restaurant takes on nightclub vibe with a dance floor and DJs.
Jimmy Cliff Blvd., Montego Bay, St. James, Jamaica
After tropical drinks at the deck bar, you'll be ready to dig into the traditional Jamaican fare and Jamaican-influenced seafood dishes at this open-air restaurant located on Montego Bay's Pier 1 waterfront. Occasional party cruises leave from the marina, and on weekends and holidays the restaurant is mobbed by partying locals.
off Howard Cooke Blvd., Montego Bay, St. James, Jamaica
Portland may be the birthplace of jerk cooking, but Scotchies is one of Jamaica’s premier jerk eateries. It serves genuine jerk—chicken, pork, fish, sausage, and more—with fiery sauce and delectable side dishes including festival (bread similar to a hush puppy) and rice and peas. This restaurant is a favorite with Montego Bay residents and tourists; you're likely to see a slap-the-table game of dominoes.
North Coast Hwy., Montego Bay, St. James, Jamaica
876-953–8041
Known For
Jerk chicken
Lively domino games
Local side dishes like festival, bammy (a flatbread made from cassava), and rice and peas
This romantic seaside restaurant specializes in creative takes on Caribbean seafood, including lobster, shrimp, and fish dishes. The sophisticated style of the menu matches the restaurant's decor, scenery, and overall vibe. Favorites include the Treasure Cay seafood and seared ahi tuna. As one of the most upscale restaurants in Montego Bay, it's the go-to spot for special occasions. Walk-in guests can often be accommodated, but reservations are recommended.
Jimmy Cliff Blvd., Montego Bay, St. James, Jamaica
This locals' favorite for more than 50 years on MoBay's Hip Strip offers a wide range of authentic, well-prepared Jamaican dishes, such as escovitch fish, stew peas, and oxtail. Like many restaurants on Jimmy Cliff Boulevard, it's right across from the ocean, but Pelican Grill also boasts a stunning waterfall in the back.
Jimmy Cliff Blvd., Montego Bay, St. James, Jamaica
Named for the seagrape trees that line the beach at the Half Moon resorts, this beachside restaurant is open to the public. At lunchtime, a superb buffet and à la carte menu are available, and at dinner there's a good selection of seafood, steaks, ribs, and delicious cocktails.
The former Running Gut Sugar Estate near the Half Moon Resort Golf Course is the setting for this spot helmed by a top Jamaican chef and serving Caribbean dishes with Asian twists. Dine alfresco on a terrace by a 17th-century watermill, enjoying the signature dishes—seafood, international, or vegetarian—made with island spices; a well-stocked wine cellar complete the experiences. Dress at this romantic is smart casual.
A no-frills eatery favored by locals, Pork Pit is an authentic, open-air Jamaican restaurant that serves the best of Jamaican jerk meats and seafood dishes. The restaurant is close to Doctor's Cave Beach and is surrounded by all the attractions of MoBay's Hip Strip. You can get food to go or eat at the picnic tables on the patio.
27 Jimmy Cliff Blvd., Montego Bay, St. James, Jamaica
This outpost of the Jamaican chain is the most modern in the country, while remaining true to the brand's casual dining and sports-bar ambience. Everything about the restaurant screams "Jamaican pride," from the Usain Bolt statue out front and the gift shop's exclusive Brand Bolt merchandise to the authentic Jamaican food, like jerk seafood, classic red peas soup, jerk chicken and pork, and delicious cocktails.
7 Jimmy Cliff Blvd., Montego Bay, St. James, Jamaica
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