Think you’ve experienced Montego Bay? Not unless you’ve sampled Jamaica’s fine dining and casual restaurants! Don’t leave this beautiful oceanfront city without visiting at least a few of our favourite seafood spots, romantic restaurants, and snack stands. You’ll taste for yourself why Jamaican cuisine is celebrated worldwide.
Best Restaurants in Montego Bay for Casual Dining
1. Pork Pit
The perfect spot for grabbing a bite of bona fide Jamaican jerk and a cold Red Stripe beer. The Pork Pit's friendly staff never fail to impress with their outstanding jerk chicken and pork, served with local favourites like roti, rice and peas, and fried plantain. There's a reason this Montego Bay staple stands out from the crowd.
Restaurant Type: Casual Jamaican BBQ
Must-Try Specialty: Jerk Pork
Location: Pork Pit is in the heart of Hip Strip on Gloucester Avenue, just across the street from Aqua Sol Theme Park.
Cost: $
2. Scotchies
Scotchie’s is a Jamaican staple for authentic jerk chicken, with locations in Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, and Kingston. This casual outdoor destination gives you the perfect chance to watch the time-tested process of barbequing between a wooden fire and corrugated metal sheets. This jerk chicken is the real deal.
Restaurant Type: Casual Dining
Must-Try Specialty: Jerk Chicken
Location: A beach-side restaurant, Scotchies is a few minutes' walk from Round Hill Hotel & Villas.
Cost: $
3. Houseboat Grill
Well known for fantastic casual eats off the grill and tasty happy hour specials, this relaxed restaurant's name isn't at all figurative. The Houseboat Grill is, in fact, a large floating houseboat accessed by a boardwalk, serving high-quality food and a warm atmosphere that's sure to be a highlight of your vacation.
Location: The Houseboat Grill is poised off of Southern Cross Boulevard, Freeport, just moments away from the Montego Freeport Shopping Centre.
Cost: $$
4. Pelican Grill
Since 1964, the Pelican Grill has been a popular choice for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Try one of their tasty treats made with an old-fashioned soda fountain, a fresh seafood dish like lobster thermidor and grilled salmon, or beloved Jamaican dishes like stew peas, bammy, and oxtail. Take their Calypso Platter for a spin to taste the classics.
Location: The Pelican Grill is conveniently found in Hip Strip, Gloucester Avenue.
Cost: $$
Best Restaurants in Montego Bay for Seafood
5. Peppa's Cool Spot
An unassuming establishment, Peppa's consistently wows locals and travellers alike with fabulous authentic Jamaican eats. The kitchen is uniquely built around a large mature tree, while the friendly staff deliver colourfully-presented fresh fish dishes, soups, pastas, and wraps with a Caribbean twist. Sip on a fun cocktail and enjoy warm island flavours with friends.
Restaurant Type: Casual Jamaican Dining
Must-Try Specialty: Salt Fish Fritters, Fried Escovitch, Shrimp Pasta
Location: Peppa's Cool Spot is found on Rampart's Close, a short walk from the famous Doctor's Cave Beach.
Cost: $
6. Marguerites
Enjoy a quiet sunset facing evening meal overlooking the pier. Marguerites is renowned for its award-winning wine selections, fresh seafood, and iconic Caesar salads. We recommend booking a reservation to avoid any wait times, although it's not required.
Restaurant Type: Fine Dining Seafood
Must-Try Specialty: Seared Ahi Tuna, Beef Tartare
Location: Marguerites is situated along Gloucester Avenue on a secluded deck overlooking the ocean.
Cost: $$
Best Restaurants in Montego Bay for Romantic Fine Dining
7. Sugar Mill
A romantic culinary experience, ideal for celebrating anniversaries and special moments, the Sugar Mill is the pride of the Half Moon Resort. You'll need to make a reservation ahead of time, and once you arrive, you can expect friendly and professional service, stunning presentation, and a unique interpretation of local fares like ackee and saltfish. This is a truly elevated dining event.
Restaurant Type: Fine Dining
Must-Try Specialty: Jamaican Fusion Tapas
Location: The Sugar Mill is located within Half Moon Resort.
Cost: $$$
8. Round Hill
Featuring locally sourced herbs and produce from the resort’s own garden, the Round Hill restaurant is a celebration of modern Jamaican cuisine. Award-winning executive chef, Martin Maginley, will treat you to an ever-changing menu of creations to be enjoyed in an exclusive and intimate setting. The restaurant is open to the public seasonally, from mid-December to March each year.
Location: Located in the Round Hill Hotel & Villas resort.
Cost: $$$
9. Day-O Plantation
Day-O Plantation Restaurant & Bar is a prominent destination for weddings and special events marked by excellent service and an inspired menu with must-trys like jerked snapper. Ask ahead about their cooking classes and try a fun day of dabbling in Caribbean cuisine.
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