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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.
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.
A favorite with locals traveling the North Coast Highway, this open-air eatery across from the Green Grotto Caves serves a variety of jerk dishes well as fish and traditional Jamaican side dishes. A separate bar—housed in a colorful rondavel (a round hut with a thatch roof)—serves beverages.
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.
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.
This thatched-roof restaurant on Seven Mile Beach draws crowds with its water trampolines, waterbeds, swing chairs, beach chairs, and umbrellas, and there's always some form of entertainment—often it's a live band. But the food is terrific, too, from fresh seafood to traditional Jamaican classics. There's also a coffeehouse and a gift shop.
Positive vibes and burgers are featured at this roadside eatery. Charles "Woody" Cousins and wife Cherry serve up simple fare from a whitewashed shack whose walls bear Cherry's handwritten affirmations. Besides quintessential American fare like fries and hot dogs, you can order smoked meats as well as a traditional Jamaican dinner made to order. There's also a full range of blended drinks to choose from.
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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