Dining

It would be a waste to visit a place like Jamaica and not relish the local cuisines. Jamaicans have a cooking style of their own; and it is so unique that it has come to acquire a position in the world's cookbooks. The traditional food depends heavily on Caribbean herbs such as Allspice, pimento, and scotch bonnet. The purpose of using the herbs is not to only make the food taste good, but to also help preserve it from spoiling due to the Caribbean heat. However, like the weather, the food in Jamaica is very hot and often, people who are not accustomed to the cuisine find it hard to cope up with the spiced dishes. Thus, the Caribbean flavor of Jamaica cuisine has come to settle on a sweet and spicy taste, obtained by adding lemon juice, sugar and salt to the ingredients list.

The Jamaicans are also rather possessive of their recipes. Many local delicacies like Cow's Cod, Curried Goat and Manish Water are cooked all over the country, but no one can exactly tell you what goes in their making. They are served at restaurants too, but the classical taste through personal touch can only be tasted at a native food table. Since, the Jamaicans love inviting their visitors to dine, it would not be difficult for the tourists to get the taste of the traditional recipes.

A specific Jamaican specialty is the Jerk. The term which quite familiar refers to meat (goat, chicken or beef) marinated in a spice-mix and then grilled. Traditionally, the grilling is carried out in an underground pit heated with burning pimento wood. Jerk is available at roadside stall along with other Jamaican delicacies, where it is served with either rice or bread.

A. Top Restaurants

For Traditional Cooking:

Almond Tree

This is one of the best places in Jamaica to get local cuisine. It has some great in-house dishes and a bar where people can stretch out the hammocks while eating and drinking. This place though turns out to be a tad bit expensive.

Location: 83 Main St

Tel: 876 974 2813

The Native

This place serves international cuisines as well, but it's the local food that is its real attraction. Live music is played in the restaurant on weekends along with a buffet lunch. Reservations are compulsory.

Location: 29 Gloucester Avenue

Tel: 876-979-2769

Rick's Café

This is the place to head for when you want to enjoy the Jamaican sunset with your meal. There is also a cliff divers show to entertain people as they eat. It is a little expensive for casual dinning but is worth it.

Location: West End Road.

Tel: 876 957 0380

Ocho Rios Village Jerk Centre

This is one casual place where tourists can enjoy good food and wash it down with some local beer. However, this place tends to get very crowded.

Location: DaCosta Drive.

Tel: 876 974 2549

For A Romantic Dinner

Blue Mountain Inn

Think dark corners, English atmosphere and medieval antiques and you end up with an image of the Blue Mountain Inn. This is the place to head for if you are on a honeymoon or have come to the island with that special someone. Reservations are required to avail the services of the fine establishment.

Location: Gordon Road

Tel: 876 927 1700

For a Family Atmosphere

Evita's

This place serves an Italian fare that is cooked and served with Jamaican flare. Bright and noisy, this restaurant is ideal for big groups with children. Children under the age of twelve can eat here for half the price rates.

Location: Eden Bower Road.

Tel: 876 974 2333