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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, 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.
Located at the luxurious Geejam Hotel, Bushbar stays true to the property's reputation by offering a fine dining experience and stunning views of the surrounding jungle and Caribbean sea. The menu features savory Jamaican seafood and pasta dishes, with an international twist. When you're not eating, have some delicious cocktails, listen and dance to reggae tunes by the stage, relax by the stunning infinity pool, or shoot a game of pool.
With a reservation, nonguests can savor authentic Jamaican cuisine with a twist at this gorgeous boutique resort on Negril's West End. The price ($150 per person) covers a private, romantic, candlelit five-course dinner in a sea-front cave. When the hotel bar, the Sands, is open (Wednesday and Saturday, 4–7), you can join in cliff-jumping, a popular West End pastime, and enjoy colorful cocktails and fare from the smoky jerk grill. Once a month, they have a "Jamaican Night" with a full Jamaican buffet and live musical performances ($120 per person). Much of the produce comes from the hotel's organic farm in the parish of Trelawny.
A favorite with Kingstonians for its elegant Sunday brunch, Strawberry Hill has a stunning location; the open-air terrace has spectacular views of the city and countryside. The restaurant serves an à la carte menu that features dishes with a Jamaican flare and ingredients grown on the Island Outpost Farm. The bar area, a good place for cocktails or after-dinner drinks, features a piano and a fireplace that's usually ablaze in the cool evenings of the Blue Mountains.
Zimbali's isn't just a restaurant, it's a culinary experience as guests are taken on a tour of the restaurant's organic farm, before heading back for a delicious farm-to-table meal. The open-air dining space, nestled in the Negril hills, has stadium-style seating with the kitchen in the center, so guests can watch as the chefs prepare seafood and vegetarian meals. The adjoining common rooms are comfortable and spacious, and the drummers keep guests entertained.
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.
Enjoy European, Jamaican, and Caribbean cuisine while watching the sunset on a terrace surrounded by tropical vegetation. Dishes made with local ingredients change daily, but Meatless Mondays are a weekly feature and there's a special vegetarian menu.
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.
Along with offering stunning cliffside views, the service here is fast and the staff is extremely friendly and helpful. Breakfast features classic Jamaican dishes, while lunch and dinner are a range of seafood and island favorites. Don't forget to bring your swimwear so you can explore the amazing caves underneath the restaurant.
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