Restaurants in Northern Jamaica
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Toscanini
One of the finest restaurants on the island, this roadside spot is run by two gracious Italians who mix local ingredients into recipes from the motherland. The daily menu ranges widely, encompassing such appetizers as prosciutto with papaya or marinated marlin and mains like lobster pasta, or shrimp sautéed with garlic and Appleton rum. Leave room for desserts such as strawberry tart or apple and plum strudel. Treat yourself!
reviewed
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Scotchie’s
This roadside offshoot of the superlative jerk center in Montego Bay lies adjacent to an Epping Gas station just west of Dunn’s River Falls, where its pork, chicken and sausage water the mouths of locals and visitors alike.
reviewed
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General Foods Supermarket
There’s a General Foods Supermarket and smaller grocery stores scattered along Main St. You can buy fresh produce at the produce market on the south side of DaCosta Dr near the clock tower.
reviewed
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Michelle’s Pizzeria
In addition to four styles of pizza (including a ‘Hawaiian’ with pineapple), this causal spot serves an array of pastas and hero sandwiches to be eaten on a small patio.
reviewed
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Mother’s
Mother’s, with several outlets, and Juici-Beef Patties are fast-food eateries serving patties and pastries (US$1).
reviewed
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Juici-Beef Patties
Mother’s, with several outlets, and Juici-Beef Patties are fast-food eateries serving patties and pastries (US$1).
reviewed
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Island Grill
Branch of the ubiquitous chain is good for take-out jerk dishes.
reviewed
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Dickie’s Best Kept Secret
Almost too well kept a secret for its own good, Dickie’s is an unsigned hut on the A4, less than 2km west of Port Antonio that offers enormous five-course meals in two small rooms perched over the sea. Dickie and his wife Joy promise to cook anything you want (provided they can get the ingredients). Invariably, the meal begins with a palate-cleansing fruit plate followed by soup and a callaloo omelette. Just when you think you can’t eat another bite, the main course – typically garlic lobster or fresh fish – arrives. Dickie’s has only a few tables, so reservations are essential. The owners serve no alcohol, but you may bring your own.
reviewed
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Country Style Bar
This brand-new place looks like it’s been around for eons. Owner/curator, Ansel Barrett, has filled every available nook and cranny with his delightful collection of bric-a-brac ranging from portraits of Robert Kennedy to preserved insects. The building itself is a casual masterpiece, extensively embellished with tile fragments and an offbeat assemblage of found objects. The main lounge is stylishly comfortable with a collection of vintage easy chairs and tables. A small beach looks out on an island to which you can kayak. The menu includes hearty breakfasts and a typical roster of Jamaican fare. You’ll find it just east of Coyaba Beach Resort.
reviewed
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Lion’s Den
West of town between Dolphin Cove and Dunn’s River Falls, this place looks like a tourist trap but it is worth a stop for the excellent, well-priced Jamaican fare and unique, artistic decor. The dining room resembles a Rastafarian chapel with hand-carved columns and wicker ‘tree limbs’ reaching to the ceiling. Outside on the patio, under a shady canopy of trees, you can spy on the goings-on at Dolphin Cove (bring binoculars). The menu boasts local specialties such as roast fish (US$6).
reviewed
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Mille Fleurs
Come for a rum punch at the bar whose balcony offers great views of Port Antonio across the bay, then go downstairs to this candlelit gourmet restaurant for one of the best meals on the island. Nouvelle-Jamaican specialties from a changing menu invariably including a homemade pasta dish. A three-course dinner, which has a vegetarian option, ends with a trolley of regional liqueurs. The special Mille Fleurs continental breakfast costs US$18.50. Reservations required.
reviewed
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Cool Runnings Beach Bar & Grill
This beach bar and restaurant is a good first stop; the proprietor represents local guest houses and can help you find accommodations. The food is well prepared and tasty – everything is made from scratch, including a wickedly rich mayonnaise. One of the signature dishes is a lovely coconut cream fish (US$8). On Saturday night there’s a beach party playing old roots reggae and R&B.
reviewed
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Evita’s
This charmer sits high above Ochi in a romantically decorated 1860s house. It is an airy setting with exquisite views. The Italian-Jamaican menu includes jerk spaghetti and the trademark ‘Lasagna Rastafari.’ Recommended are the smoked marlin carpaccio and wickedly good herb-crusted lamb chops. If you’re lucky the gregarious proprietor Eva will stop by your table and give your shoulder a squeeze.
reviewed
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Survival Beach Restaurant
In addition to the usual local fare, natural juices and the best jelly coconut in town, this choice shack serves a tasty dish made with coconut milk, pumpkin, Irish potato, garlic, scallion, thyme, okra, string beans and three kinds of peas, served with sides of cabbage and callaloo. Just ask for the vital I-tal stew (US$5). Tip from Oliver the owner: call in advance.
reviewed
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Coconuts
Whether you stop in for a ‘ménage à trios’ plate (coconut shrimp, conch and chicken samosas), have a jerk chicken quesadilla or dig into a steak, the terrace at Coconuts invariably keeps you here longer than you intended. And why not? The view of the bay is stellar, and the drink specials ease you into the evening, when Coconuts becomes a lively bar.
reviewed
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Anna Banana’s Restaurant & Sports Bar
Overlooking a small beach on the southern lip of the harbor, this breezy restaurant-bar specializes in hearty Jamaican breakfasts, jerk or barbecued chicken and pork and, for dinner, large plates of conch and lobster prepared the local way. The curried goat is particularly good. There are two pool tables, darts and friendly, accommodating service.
reviewed
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Passage to India
On the rooftop of a duty-free shopping center, Passage to India offers respite from the crowds below in addition to very good northern Indian fare. The naan is crisp, the curries sharp, and the menu divided into extensive chicken, mutton, seafood and vegetarian sections. Tandoori options are also on offer.
reviewed
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Blue Runnings
On the periphery of Island Village is this pleasant place with a shady, peaceful patio. Jamaican fare such as jerk pork or chicken, steamed fish and a wholesome vegetarian platter (US$6) is served by day; in the evening the darkened, candlelit tables make for a romantic place to imbibe the local poison.
reviewed
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Scotchies
Widely regarded as the best jerk shack in Jamaica (hence the world), this roadside yard with thatched-covered tables doles out impeccable portions of chicken, pork and fish accompanied by sides of yams, festival or breadfruit. Cool your tongue off with a Red Stripe…and then go back for more.
reviewed
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Woody’s Place
This pleasant spot – with an outdoor patio and an indoor counter that doubles as a local meeting place – prepares tremendous hotdogs and burgers, grilled cheese and Jamaican dinners to order. Vegetarians are catered for by a veggie burger heaped with stewed callaloo.
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Centre Spot
This unassuming hole-in-the-wall place whips up local favorites such as curried goat; specials include the ever-popular cow head (no explanation supplied). For breakfast, if you’re hungry consider the porridge – a cup of the cornmeal or peanut variety really sticks to your ribs.
reviewed
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Your Place
This roadside newcomer has a small indoor dining area and an outdoor patio, both of which are great for enjoying its chicken (barbecue or stewed) or fish dishes. Be sure to order a side of festival (a fried biscuit shaped like a sausage), which is particularly good here.
reviewed
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Norma’s at the Marina
Fronting a lovely white-sand beach, this quality restaurant can be a forlorn place – but some might find the solitude blissfully peaceful. Steaks, chops and fish prepared in the continental style are served at outdoor tables overlooking the Errol Flynn Marina.
reviewed
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World of Fish
Popular with locals, this casual and economical eatery serves fresh seafood, including lobster and shrimp. In keeping with the Jamaican capacity for making juice from just about anything that grows, sweet nectars of June plum, ginger and soursop are served.
reviewed
