Part of your luxury vacation in Jamaica has to be enjoying the delicious local foods and specialties. If you have a luxury villa in Jamaica, or have booked a Jamaica family getaway in one of the upscale beach houses, it can be tempting to enjoy all of your meals in the comfort of the property. However, that would be missing on some of the tastiest dishes available, so we suggest you consider the restaurants (listed below) during your Jamaica vacation. Some are in the more well-known areas such as Kingston, but some are also in lesser known spots.
Jack Sprat
Located just above Treasure Beach in Calabash Bay, this Creole-style restaurant is a riot of color and charm. The appealing rhythms of Jamaican music buzz through the air and colorful table settings set the stage for an unforgettable meal. The menu features local seafood prepared in true Jamaican style, but the owners have also made their own fusion food and offer a wildly popular Jamaican pizza too! Make sure you call ahead to find out what night they are doing their beach bonfire as this is an unforgettable touch.
The Houseboat Grill
As its name implies, this is a restaurant contained within a two-story houseboat that floats in the middle of a lagoon. It is not just the unique setting that makes this Montego Bay restaurant a must, though. It is also the amazing things they do with local seafood. The cuisine is a good blend of French and Jamaican foods, and it is also popular with many locals.
Hot Pot
This is the perfect breakfast place for those who want to eat like a real Jamaican. Set in Kingston, it serves such classic dishes as salt cod dishes like ackee and saltfish. It also makes great vegetarian meals and you can get an authentic ginger beer here to wash it all down.
Chelsea Jerk Center
A visit to Jamaica is incomplete without a real, authentic dish of jerk. Whether you prefer chicken, beef, or pork, this is the spot to get the real thing. It is unusual because it is arranged as a series of kiosks from which you collect your jerk, then your rice and beans, and then all the rest. It is perfect for kids who want to experience a fun and different way to eat out too. It is in the New Kingston Shopping Centre.
Pork Pit
If you want another chance at unstoppably good jerk, this Montego Bay spot is popular with locals. It features some of the best jerk on the island and comes with rice and peas, and most people top off the meal with a bottle of local beer.
NOTE: Nearby is another spot called the Pelican and it too serves delicious and authentic Jamaican fare and is known for offering the best rum bread pudding and lemon meringue pie in Jamaica.
Rick’s Café
A remarkable beach setting sitting 35 feet above the sea and framing the gorgeous sunsets each day, it is also a place that locals line up for the spiny lobster, jerk chicken and blackened tuna. Expect a crowd if you decide to catch that sunset, but it is well worth it. It is located in Negril.
The Almond Tree
This Ocho Rios eatery takes its name from the tree that grows up through the roof of the bar, and which supports several rope chairs from which to enjoy your drinks or meal. It is an authentic Jamaican restaurant that also boasts an amazing view from its cliff-top position. It is famous for its kingfish in coconut, pumpkin soup, and lobster thermidor.
There are many other spots to savor in Jamaica, including Evita’s in Ocho Rios, Ciao Jamaica in Negril, and Norma’s on the Terrace in Kingston. You won’t regret heading out from your luxury villa to savor this amazingly delicious cuisine.