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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.
This open-air restaurant right on the beach is Negril's go-to for delicious lobster that you select and the staff prepares anyway you like—grilled, curried, or roasted. You can also get delicious king crab here, along with fresh fish and shrimp. Dine on the restaurant's deck or on the beach.
One of the funkiest places to down a cold Red Stripe, this whimsical structure sits on stilts ½ mile (1 km) offshore between Treasure Beach and Black River, atop a small sandbar, and reachable only by boat. It has become a local legend and a mandatory stop for many visitors to the South Coast. The place serves platters of lobster and other fresh seafood for lunch and dinner. Floyde Forbes (who runs the bar) and local hotels can arrange boat transportation, but the short rides can be pricey.
As part of the restoration of Downtown, Kingston's most beloved seafood restaurant opened a location at the Victoria Pier; the original location is still in Port Royal. The restaurant, designed with windows and glass doors to take in the water views, serves up classic Jamaican seafood dishes with sides like rice and peas, bammy (thick flatbread made from cassava), and crackers. The open-air third floor has a lively bar and a terrace overlooking Kingston Harbour.
Local celebrities, residents, and tourists frequent this beachside restaurant that serves some of the best seafood in Ocho Rios. The namesake signature dish can be prepared in a variety of ways: curried, jerked, barbecued, cracked, or grilled. Other seafood dishes, like fish, conch, and shrimp—along with chicken—are also popular, and the bar serves a mix of cocktails and drinks. The restaurant is steps from Fisherman's Beach (near the port), where you can get a boat ride or relax and vibe to the music.
This family-operated restaurant is small and casual, but don't be fooled by its size, as the delicious seafood meals will have you wanting to return again and again. The food is made with fresh, local ingredients and is so beautifully presented, you'd think you were at a much more spendy restaurant. Eat in the brightly colored dining room or outside at a picnic table.
This hugely popular spot on a stunning stretch of beach in Salem buzzes with guests relaxing over drinks and sea views and listening to DJ tunes on weekend evenings. The menu features best hits of the seafood favorites—lobster, conch, crab, shrimp, and octopus. Various chicken dishes, salads, and wraps are also offered. Dine inside, or opt for a table outside, as long as you're okay with getting sand in between your toes.
As Port Royal's number-one restaurant, regulars come here for the food and atmosphere. The rustic restaurant is right by the ocean, with a view of the Blue Mountains in the back, and the fishermen's boats docked by the seaside are evidence of the fresh fish, shrimp, lobster, and conch that are caught and prepared here. Dishes are served with traditional Jamaican sides like rice and peas, plantains, festival (long fried dumplings), and bammy (a thick flatbread made from cassava). Newer locations are in downtown Kingston and Ocho Rios.
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.
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