The Jamaican Food Experience
Food, glorious food! The very thought of it awakens the senses and teases the palate. Your stomach rumbles and growls and your mouth begins to water…especially when it comes to Jamaican cuisine, with its unique blend of flavours influenced by the island's African, European, and indigenous heritage. Master chefs prepare meals, and even if it's on the street corner, you will be guaranteed to be coming back for more. The parish of Kingston is home to many excellent restaurants that showcase the best Jamaican cuisine, so 'foodies', dig in! You don't want to miss this.
Gloria's Seafood
Let's journey to the home of the notorious pirates who plundered many unsuspecting ships at sea - Port Royal—a small town at the end of the Palisadoes, at the mouth of Kingston Harbor. There you will find Port Royal and Gloria's Seafood Restaurant. Gloria's serves succulent dishes, including fried fish, lobster, and shrimp. This popular location has been a favourite since 1972! The restaurant is known for preparing all dishes fresh and using natural seasonings. No bottled herbs or spices; Gloria's grew from humble beginnings.
The signature dish is the escovitch fish which is marinated in a spicy vinegar sauce and served with vegetables and bammy. Be warned! Prepare for the notorious scotch bonnet pepper, which will undoubtedly awaken your sleeping tongue! Not for the faint-hearted. Lobster dishes in many styles: garlic, curried grill, and get ready for this one - honey-jerked lobster. Portions are substantial as patrons have had to ask for containers to take remains home.
Patrons include Prime Ministers and Ambassadors. Movie stars have also visited, and the great Chaka Khan is one such celebrity to dine at Gloria's. Therefore, this is the place to head to, especially when you disembark the aeroplane on arrival in Jamaica.
Sweetwood Jerk Joint
Jamaica is well-known for its jerk cuisine. Which typically involves marinating meat in a blend of spices and then grilling it over pimento wood. Many secret recipes include cinnamon, brown sugar, cayenne, scotch bonnet peppers, allspice berries, thyme, garlic, ginger, onion, soy sauce, vinegar, and olive oil.
There are many places to enjoy this incredible type of cooking, but there is now Sweetwood Jerk Joint. Sweetwood Jerk Joint is a popular eatery in Kingston, specialising in Jamaican jerk cuisine. The restaurant is known for its authentic jerk chicken, pork, fish, and other Jamaican dishes such as rice and peas, festival, and fried plantains.
With its casual and laid-back atmosphere and availability for outdoor seating, customers can watch as their food is prepared on large charcoal grills, adding to the authentic experience. Furthermore, the restaurant also offers catering services for events and parties. Overall, Sweetwood Jerk Joint is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience Jamaica's rich and flavorful cuisine.
Redbones Blues Cafe
Redbones Blues Cafe has been a fixture on the Kingston music scene for over 20 years. It has hosted many well-known musicians for decades, including Jamaican reggae legend Jimmy Cliff and American blues musician Taj Mahal. It is also famous for hosting various local and international musicians of the jazz and blues genres. And this intimate and hip restaurant is known for its live music and creative fusion cuisine and is at 1 Argyle Road in the New Kingston area- a perfect setting to dine and relax.
The cafe has a warm and cosy atmosphere, furnished with dim lighting and intimate seating arrangements featuring a full bar and restaurant. The kitchen serves a range of Jamaican and international dishes.
Here are some examples of what you'll find on their tasty menu:
1. Jerk chicken, ackee & saltfish, the Jamaican national dish, and the ever-popular curried goat (try the curried goat empanadas or jerk pork tacos).
2. Fish tacos and grilled ribeye steak.
3. Wash all this down with a Red Stripe Beer or a Rum Punch.
And should you feel free of anything 'heavy', there are a variety of salads, sandwiches, appetisers, and a selection of desserts and cocktails. The cafe is a must-visit destination for music lovers visiting Kington and offers a unique and authentic experience of the city's vibrant music culture. Include this outstanding location on your bucket list!
The Sugar Mill Restaurant
The Sugar Mill restaurant is a highly acclaimed fine dining restaurant. You can visit the location in the Half Moon Resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica. The restaurant is on the site of an 18th-century sugar plantation, and its historic setting sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. Approximately an hour and a half if you take the new toll road from Kingston, you will be en route to relish exciting and mouth-watering meals. The menu at the Sugar Mill features a blend of traditional Jamaican and Caribbean cuisine and global flavours.
The menu features several standout dishes that we recommend: Grilled Lobster with Black Truffle Butter, Jerked Pork Tenderloin: A classic Jamaican dish made with pork tenderloin marinated in a blend of spices and slow-cooked over an open flame. Try the Pan-Seared Scallops: Fresh Scallops on top of a creamy risotto with a drizzle of basil oil. A Jamaican comfort food staple, made with tender oxtail slow-cooked in a rich and savoury gravy - Braised Oxtail. Include in your choice, when you get there, the grilled lobster with ginger beurre blanc and passion fruit sorbet. For all the sweet tooth fans, place your fork in the Chocolate Lava Cake…a decadent dessert made with rich, molten chocolate cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. There's also an extensive wine list that offers a variety of options.
When you sit in the beautiful open-air setting, surrounded by a lush tropical garden and historical ruins, it's best to pair your meal with wines from all over the world.
The exquisite cuisine, stunning surroundings, and attentive service make the Sugar Mill restaurant a must-visit destination for food lovers in Montego Bay.
Devon House I-Scream
Get ready to lick your lips and scream for more! Every visit to Kingston is complete with a stop at Devon House I-Scream, which serves some of the best ice creams on the island! Devon House I-Scream is a famous ice cream brand in Jamaica, based in Kingston.
The brand is after the 141 years old historic Devon House mansion in the heart of Kingston and is one of Jamaica's most popular tourist attractions. They offer a variety of delicious ice cream flavours, many of which are authentic Jamaican fruits and flavours—rum and Raisin: Rich rum flavour and plump raisins. If you like the taste of coconuts, then go for Coconut I-Scream, made with fresh coconut milk and shredded coconut flakes. Mango, Chocolate, and Guava are also available. Locations are across the island, and the newly opened Drax Hall store has a beautiful swing, making for fantastic photo opportunities. Your addiction to I-Scream is complete when you add treats such as milkshakes, sundaes, and ice cream cakes. We all scream for Devon House I-Scream!
Tastee Patties
If you think Haute cuisine is unique to classy restaurants, think again! Tastee Patties is a Jamaican establishment serving spicy meat pies bursting with flavour, known as 'patties.' The menu expands to include cheese as well as vegetables. The HOT meat is baked in a crisp, flaky crust/pastry, and the patty is sometimes paired with 'coco' bread. Founded in 1966, Tastee Patties is a staple, economical meal requested by Jamaicans and visitors.
The fast food chain menu features a variety of patties, including beef, chicken, and soy. However, other Jamaican dishes, such as jerk chicken and fried plantains, are now included on the growing menu. Jamaica has several locations, including Kingston, Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, and Mandeville. The restaurant's policy is quick service, affordable prices, and delicious food, and you must order a box before departing the island. Leave no crumbs behind!
Usain Bolt's Tracks and Records
Named after Jamaica's famous sprinter, Usain Bolt, the greatest sprinter of all time, this Kingston and Montego Bay sports bar offers a fun atmosphere and classic Jamaican dishes. The restaurant features Jamaican and international cuisine, including jerk chicken, curry goat, burgers, salads, and seafood. Some popular dishes among visitors to Usain Bolt's Tracks and Records include the "Bolt's Jerk Chicken", a spicy Jamaican jerk chicken dish served with rice and peas, festival (a cornmeal fried bread), and coleslaw. The "Oxtail" is another popular dish, made with tender oxtail meat slow-cooked in a savoury gravy and served with rice and peas.
For those looking for lighter fare, the "Fish Tacos" are a popular choice, featuring grilled fish topped with fresh salsa, lettuce, and cheese, all wrapped in a soft tortilla. The "Jerk Pork Sliders" is another favourite, featuring bite-sized sliders made with tender jerk pork and served with sweet potato fries. Overall, the menu at Usain Bolt's Tracks and Records has something for everyone. And visitors are sure to find a dish that suits their taste preferences.
The bar offers a variety of drinks for you to enjoy, which includes cocktails, beer, wine, and spirits. The decor of Usain Bolt's Tracks and Records is inspired by Bolt's achievements on the track, with memorabilia and photographs displayed throughout the restaurant. The walls are covered with Bolt's iconic "To Di World" pose, and the restaurant also features a small shop where visitors can purchase Bolt-themed merchandise.
Usain Bolt's Tracks and Records has become a well-liked spot for residents and visitors who appreciate delicious cuisine, drinks, and a lively atmosphere. The restaurant often hosts live music events and other entertainment, making it an excellent spot for a night out in Kingston. You conclude your meal after having the Bolt's Lightning, the restaurant's signature rum cocktail!
Hellshire Beach
If you want an authentic Jamaican seafood experience, head to Hellshire Beach! This famous public beach is located approximately 30 minutes from Kingston and is a favourite destination for locals and tourists alike. It can get quite busy on weekends and holidays. Lining the shoreline are lots of 'shacks', which give a rustic look and a laid-back vibe. Food vendors are proficient in selling delicious seafood, including escovitch fish, fried fish, and lobster. Bammy, a cake made from cassava, is fried to perfection, and should you want another side, then get 'festival': a 'type of' bread made from cornmeal, rolled into an oblong shape and fried in oil. Sodas, beers, and natural juices are part of the offerings.
Overall, Hellshire Beach is a great place to visit if you're looking for a relaxed place to eat with plenty of activities, vibes, and delicious food. Leave your shoes at home, wear shorts and a cool T-shirt, and come prepared to dine with your toes in the sand!
The finale to Great Eating Spots in Jamaica
Kingston has something to offer every 'foodie' from street to fine dining! Remember, too, that you can find great eating spots across the island. Jamaica has exciting places filled with vibes, history, and culture. So pack your appetite, leave the napkin if you choose to, and get ready to explore the flavours of this jewel in the Caribbean.
