3 Best Restaurants in Ocho Rios, Jamaica

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.

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.

A favorite with locals traveling the North Coast Highway, Ultimate Jerk Centre is an open-air eatery, across from the Green Grotto Caves. Jerk meals are on the menu as well as fish, and the traditional Jamaican side dishes. A separate bar, housed in a colorful rondavel (a round hut with a thatch roof), serves drinks and sodas.