Fathom Favorites : Jamaica Restaurants

1. Pelican Bar

Close to Jake's Hotel on the south coast, there's a sand bank about a quarter mile out to sea — way off shore — where Floyd built a bar out of bamboo. Yes, in the middle of the ocean. It was totally washed away in a hurricane a few years ago, but he rebuilt it, and continued to do so each time. You stop in and join a game of dominoes, have a drink, or eat fresh fish caught and fried on the spot. It's a quirky destination and the owner is a real character. It's a pretty boat ride and any of the fishermen in Black River can take you there.


, St. Elizabeth

2. Niah's Patties

In a tiny shack along the seven-mile beach, Niah and his sister dole out flakey hand-made chicken, beef, and ackee with salt fish patties (Jamaican pastries in a buttery golden yellow shell resembling an empanada). Each patty is made fresh to order and cooked over a wood-burning stove.

Negril Beach
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3. Murphy's

A local beach hut gem with delicious made-to-order jerk chicken and a claim to the coldest Red Stripes. Time should not be of the essence here, patience should. It's a special experience.

Lighthouse Rd.
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4. Rockhouse Restaurant

The hotel's more upscale option for composed plates (like grilled jerk chicken fajitas). For breakfast, the only choice you should consider is the country's heavenly national dish, ackee and salt fish served with callaloo (Jamaica's version of kale), fried dumplings, plantains, and sweet banana bread. Fresh juices includes the signature Rockhouse greens blended with callaloo grown in their organic garden. 

Rockhouse Hotel, W. End Rd.
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5. Pushcart Restaurant & Rum Bar

There's a proper selection of rums (big ups to local hotelier Chris Blackwell's version) and live nightly music (reggae, dance hall).

Rockhouse Hotel, W. End Rd.
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6. Guilt

Chef and owner Colin Hylton does an amazing job putting a bold spin on authentic Jamaican dishes. The desserts are also spectacular, proof that Hylton got his start as a pastry chef. Devon House is also beautiful: Guests can dine on the lovely terrace or in the vault.

Devon House, 26 Hope Rd.
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7. Lobster Trapp

A great family-run spot just outside Montego Bay, where the lobster is cooked to order for ultimate freshness.

Sawyer's Beach Rd.
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8. Miss T's Kitchen

Jamaican classics (jerk chicken, calaloo, plantains) in a rustic garden setting about 20 minutes down the road from GoldenEye.

65 Main St.
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9. Strawberry Patch Cafe and Grill

Really wonderful fried chicken, and that's all there is to it.

Robin's Bay
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10. Chris' Cook Shop

It is a typical roadside restaurant: The menu might change and there are only a few options, but it is always delicious and a great thing to do when hanging out in Oracabessa.

Main St. (across from Maxine's Hot Spot)
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11. EITS Cafe

A fun little spot tucked away in the Blue Mountains where the view is incredible and the food is delicious. Almost everything is grown locally. Email reservations are preferred.

17 Mile Post on Newcastle Rd.
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12. Scotchies

You can't go wrong with jerk chicken in Jamaica, but Scotchie's has a great vibe. It's local but tourist-friendly. They slow cook under corrugated tin over pimento wood. And the sauce they use has an incredible kick. Ther are also locations in Ocho Rios and Kingston.

Falmouth Rd. on N. Coast Hwy. (across from Holiday Inn SunSpree)
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13. Peanut Soup

On the road from GoldenEye Hotel to Kingston is an incredible peanut soup stand on the left side, midway on Junction Road. There is no website or even an address, but you know it when you see it. Soup is an important part of Jamaican food culture, but this one always hits the spot. A welcome break on a long drive.

Junction Rd.
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14. Stush in the Bush

All ital (a Rastafarian diet that adheres to similar rules as vegetarianism) with homegrown produce. Sauces are incredible, especially the blow fyah pepper sauce.

Free Hill, Aterial Rd.
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15. Hungry Lion

Dinner at the Rastafarian restaurant is wonderful -- order the soup, which is complex, filling, and good for us. (How is that possible?) Follow with a nightcap at the club in the same building and take advantage of the free shuttle service pick-up.

W. End Rd.
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