Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion.
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.
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.
122 Skippers Blvd., Port Antonio, Portland, Jamaica
This restaurant's name perfectly describes its location: directly by the sea cliff, and with spectacular scenery and views. The menu features traditional Jamaican dinner dishes, as well as seafood dishes, soups, and salads. The open-air layout allows guests to enjoy the gentle breeze from the sea, and the dining room features rustic furniture. Guests are encouraged to call ahead with their order, as all meals are freshly prepared.
A sign on the wall of this friendly pizzeria reads: "You can't buy happiness but you can buy pizza, and that's kind of the same thing". Indeed, here you'll find the best pizza in the area, along with tasty pasta, seafood dishes, and burgers, and a good selection of wines. The chef tends to add a local twist to his daily Italian specials—look out for the ganja mahimahi or ganja lobster.
Actually a collection of about half a dozen open-air stands, this is a culinary landmark thanks to its popular jerk pits. Stroll up to the open pits, fired by pimento logs and topped with a piece of corrugated roofing metal, locally known as zinc, and order meat by the quarter-, half-, or full pound. You'll find all the traditional Jamaican meats sold here, along with side dishes, soups, and local beers.
Hwy. A4, Port Antonio, Portland, Jamaica
Known For
Local beers
Stands selling jerk meats
Delicious local side dishes like festival and rice and peas
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.
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.
Please try a broader search, or expore these popular suggestions:
There are no results for {{ strDestName}} Restaurants in the searched map area with the above filters. Please try a different area on the map, or broaden your search with these popular suggestions:
Enter a sight, restaurant, hotel, or other place to find restaurants nearby.
Neighborhoods Some neighborhood filters have sub-neighborhoods that can be selected individually in a dropdown by clicking on the icon to the right of the name.
I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails.
Thank you for your interest!
Look out for our newsletters with travel tips and special offers.
Sign up for Travel Tips & News
By signing up for the newsletter, I agree to the Privacy Policy. You must check the box to subscribe
Thank you for your interest!
Look out for our newsletters with travel tips and special offers.