Culinary Delights on Jamaica’s North Coast

Although I seldom visit because I’m too busy discovering gems closer to home, Jamaica’s north coast is lovely! Our north coast has breathtaking white sand beaches, beautiful waterfalls cascading through lush rainforests and also a vibrant culinary scene. With a rich blend of flavours influenced by indigenous ingredients, our African heritage, European legacy and Asian fusion cuisines, the North Coast offers a gastronomic journey like no other. In this article, I’ll take you on a culinary tour of four restaurants on Jamaica’s North Coast. Each of these establishments brings a unique perspective to the island’s culinary offerings, celebrating local ingredients and traditions while also introducing innovative twists. The atmosphere at these four restaurants is also a treat.

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1. Rocks Restaurant: Dining With A View

Situated atop a cliff overlooking the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, the Rocks Restaurant in Tower Isle, St. Mary offers an unparalleled dining experience where culinary artistry meets breathtaking natural beauty. The restaurant is located at Villa Viento, a small villa which offers a wraparound balcony, pool and lovely garden filled with tropical flowers. Dining at the Rocks is a sensory journey where the sound of waves crashing against the cliff provides a rhythmic backdrop to the exquisite flavours on your plate.

And what are these flavours you may ask? Well, Rocks has a four course English Sunday roast which consists of pumpkin soup, breaded sea bass, roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, and your choice of grilled salmon, roast lamb, beef or pork tenderloin. Dessert typically consists of either warm bread pudding or Eton’s mess, a traditional English dessert consisting of berries, meringue and whipped cream. Their usual menu also reflects the freshly caught seafood from its surrounding waters. I surprised my partner with dinner at the Rocks last year, and we weren’t disappointed. Their service, ambiance and taste of the food were exemplary.

Budget: About $8,000jmd ($52USD) PP

2. Plantation Smokehouse: A Carnivore’s Paradise

For those who appreciate the art of slow-cooked meats and smoky flavors, Plantation Smokehouse in Runaway Bay is a carnivore’s paradise. This rustic yet charming restaurant offers a laid-back atmosphere perfect for indulging in hearty, flavorful meals. Plantation Smokehouse specializes in jerk, a style of Jamaican cooking inherited from the Tainos, Jamaica’s first indigenous people. The term “jerk” refers to meat, most commonly chicken or pork, which is marinated in a mixture of spices and seasonings such as Jamaican scotch bonnet pepper, then slow cooked over a fire or grill.

In addition to jerk pork and chicken, Plantation Smokehouse also does the Jamaican favourites like curry goat and brown-stew oxtail well. Enjoy these delightful meats with sides like herb roasted potatoes, mashed potato, roast sweet potato, fries, grilled corn, rice and peas, cole slaw and festivals, a sweet Jamaican fried dough. In addition to their local menu, Plantation Smokehouse offers an international menu, vegetarian entrees and a delicious and extensive cocktail menu. Better yet, their entire menu is super affordable! I’m happy they now have a location in Kingston closer to home.

Budget: About $4,000jmd ($26USD) PP

3. Miss T’s Kitchen: Homestyle Haven

In the heart of Ocho Rios, Miss T’s Kitchen is a family-owned restaurant which offers a warm and inviting atmosphere reminiscent of dining at a friend’s home. This beloved restaurant is renowned for its dedication to preserving Jamaican culinary traditions, serving up soulful dishes that evoke a sense of nostalgia and comfort. The colorful and vibrant décor sets the stage for a dining experience that is as visually pleasing as it is delicious.

Miss T’s Kitchen prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients and traditional recipes handed down through generations. Diners can indulge in classics like Jerk Chicken, Curry Goat and Ox-tail– each dish bursting with authentic flavors that pay homage to Jamaica’s culinary heritage. Can’t choose between ox-tail and curry goat? Order the shet pan (pictured above) which serves both! A shet pan, also known as the shut pan, is a traditional cylindrical container made of tin in which Jamaican farmers and workers in the 1900s would take their lunch. Beyond the food, Miss T’s Kitchen also offers a wide selection of tropical cocktails such as the Bob Marley, dark & stormy and dirty banana, making it a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists alike.

Budget: About $8,000jmd ($52USD) PP

4. Summerhouse: A Fusion of Elegance and Flavour

Nestled in the picturesque town of Tower Isle, the Summerhouse Restaurant is a culinary gem that seamlessly blends exquisite flavours with an inviting ambiance. The restaurant’s charm lies in its historic setting – a meticulously restored 19th-century plantation house with sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea, known formerly as Harmony Hall. The interior exudes elegance, while the outdoor terrace offers an intimate dining experience and shade from the sultry Jamaican sun.

Summerhouse is renown for its Sunday brunch but is actually open from Wednesdays to Sundays. Their menu celebrates contemporary Caribbean cuisine, highlighting locally sourced ingredients such as fresh seafood. Diners can savour dishes like their signature summer cookout burgers, curry ackee wontons, lamb kofta and watermelon salad. Despite being the only restaurant on this list which I haven’t yet visited at the time of writing, I’ve heard nothing but rave reviews from friends about their experience. However, Summerhouse is the most expensive restaurant on this list so I’m saving my first visit for an occasion worth the splurge.

Budget: About $12,000jmd ($80USD) PP

Wrap Up

By now, I hope you’ve seen that Jamaica’s north coast is a treasure trove of culinary delights, each offering a unique perspective of the island’s culinary scene. From elegant fine dining to casual jerk, these establishments showcase the versatility and creativity of Jamaican cuisine. Have you dined at any of these restaurants before? Which would you be most excited to try? Talk to me in the comments below!

If you enjoyed this article, you’d also like:

• 10 Cuisines You Can Try in Kingston
• The Top 8 Brunch Spots in Kingston
• 5 Best Rooftop Restaurants in Kingston

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