The 10 Best Restaurants in Portland, Jamaica

Portland, Jamaica is one of the island’s most beautiful destinations. In addition to the lush mountains, majestic waterfalls, quiet beaches, and small coastal communities, the parish also offers some of the most authentic dining experiences in Jamaica. Unlike Kingston and Jamaica’s resort towns, restaurants in Portland often feel personal. Many are family-run, focused on fresh seafood, locally grown produce, and traditional Jamaican cooking. During my travels through Portland, I’ve discovered several restaurants that left a lasting impression and added several more to my never-ending Jamaican bucket list. Whether you’re visiting Port Antonio, Boston Bay, or the hills overlooking the coast, these are the best restaurants to eat in Portland, Jamaica.

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1. Cover’s Bar & Grill

One of my most memorable meals in Portland came when I least expected it: at the Cover’s Bar & Grill in Long Bay. I stumbled upon this unexpected gem in 2021 while staying at the Sea Cliff Resort & Spa and it’s still one of those places I find myself wanting to return to. The restaurant is simple and rustic, but the food is excellent. Seafood is cooked fresh to order and the prices are refreshingly reasonable — especially since they’re listed in Jamaican dollars. Their menu features dishes like escovitch fish, lobster when in season and the classic jerk chicken and jerk pork. The flavours are bold, the portions are generous, and the atmosphere feels authentically local. If you’re exploring near Long Bay, Portland and want to eat great food without resort prices, Cover’s Bar & Grill is a fantastic stop.

2. Soldier Camp Bar & Grill

Minutes inland from Port Antonio’s iconic coastline, Soldier Camp Bar & Grill offers one of those classic Jamaican dining experiences where great food meets rustic scenery. Owned by a retired Jamaican soldier, the restaurant is especially known for its seafood, which is typically caught fresh and prepared with traditional Jamaican seasonings. Visitors often order escovitch fish, festivals and bammy (Jamaican cassava cakes). The laid-back atmosphere makes it an ideal place to relax after a day of horseback riding and exploring the beaches of Portland.

3. Bushbar

Located at the famous Geejam Hotel, Bushbar offers a unique dining experience in Portland. The restaurant is surrounded by lush gardens and coastal views, and emphasizes fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The menu blends Jamaican flavours with international techniques, creating dishes that feel both creative and rooted in local cuisine. Bushbar is especially popular in the evenings when the soft lighting, tropical surroundings, and occasional live music create a magical atmosphere.

4. Belinda’s Restaurant

If you want to experience truly traditional Jamaican food, Belinda’s Restaurant is a must. This beloved riverside restaurant is only accessible by rafting on the Rio Grande, and Belinda serves hearty local dishes made with recipes passed down in her family through generations. Reservations are recommended and the top menu options include: curry goat, fried chicken and steam fish with bammy and breadfruit. The portions are generous and the flavours are exactly what you hope for when searching for authentic Jamaican cuisine in Portland. Belinda has welcomed many famous diners in the past, including American singer Beyonce, British actor Daniel Craig and World’s Fastest Man Alive Usain Bolt.

5. Cliff Hanger Restaurant

Few restaurants in Jamaica offer views quite like Cliff Hanger at the Sea Cliff Resort & Spa. As the name suggests, the restaurant sits dramatically on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea. The setting alone makes it worth the visit, but the food is equally as impressive. Expect a menu featuring fresh seafood, Jamaican curry goat, ox-tail and classic Jamaican sides like rice and peas, festival, and roasted breadfruit, alongside a few international favourites. It’s an especially beautiful place for lunch or a romantic sunset dinner, but prices are steep compared to other restaurants on this list.

6. Boston Jerk

No food guide to Portland would be complete without mentioning Boston Jerk Centre. The small community around Boston Bay is widely considered the birthplace of jerk cooking, one of Jamaica’s most famous culinary traditions. Jerk has deep cultural roots that trace back to the techniques used by the Maroons — descendants of escaped enslaved Africans — who combined African cooking methods with knowledge from the island’s indigenous Taino people. Today, Boston Bay is lined with jerk pits where pork and chicken are slow-cooked over pimento wood and seasoned with fiery scotch bonnet peppers, thyme, and allspice. Stopping here for jerk pork or jerk chicken is practically a rite of passage for anyone visiting Portland. Vendors may invite you to sample before committing to a purchase, “taste and buy” as we say in Jamaica.

7. The Veranda Restaurant at The Trident Hotel

For a more refined meal in Portland, The Veranda Restaurant at The Trident Hotel delivers an elegant Caribbean dining experience. The restaurant overlooks the sea and offers a sophisticated menu that blends international cuisine with Jamaican ingredients. Expect top-shelf liquor and beautifully plated dishes such as lobster tail, fresh-caught grilled fish, pasta, prime cuts of meat and gourmet desserts. The Veranda at Trident is an ideal choice for a romantic dinner or special occasion while visiting Port Antonio.

8. Roots 21 Bar & Kitchen

Roots 21 Bar & Kitchen is a popular hangout spot in the heart of Port Antonio. The menu mixes Jamaican favourites with international comfort food, making it a great option if you’re traveling with a group or want something familiar alongside local dishes. Popular menu items include their bestselling seafood boil, chicken wings, signature burger, seafood, jerk dishes, and cocktails. The relaxed atmosphere and central location make it a convenient place to eat while exploring the town.

9. Oshea’s 876 Kitchen

Oshea’s 876 Kitchen has been gaining attention on social media for its flavourful take on Jamaican cuisine, operated by a young local chef with loads of promise. Located in Norwich District, this rustic seaside restaurant focuses on fresh ingredients and bold flavours, serving dishes that celebrate local cooking traditions while adding a slightly modern twist. Reservations are recommended but well worth the effort for easily one of the best casual restaurants in Portland.

10. Blue Patio

Tucked away in the community of Spring Hill, Blue Patio is one of those lesser-known restaurants that feels like a local secret. The setting is peaceful and scenic, offering sweeping views of Portland’s lush countryside. I dined here some years ago after leaving the Fish Dunn Waterfall, and the curry goat was so satisfying. Blue Patio’s menu features Jamaican comfort food along with seafood, grilled dishes and an extensive wine, tea and Blue Mountain Coffee selection.

Wrap Up

Portland may not have the massive restaurant scene of Kingston or tourist towns, but what it offers is far more special: authentic food, fresh ingredients, and unforgettable settings. From jerk stands in Boston Bay to cliffside seafood restaurants and hidden hillside kitchens, dining in Portland feels like discovering Jamaica’s culinary soul. So, next time you’re staying in Portland, add these restaurants to your itinerary for a wholesome experience. Have you ever dined in Portland, or would you like to? Sound off in the comments section below! ‘Til next time.

If you enjoyed this post, you may also like:

• Where to Stay in Portland
• Cascade Falls in Portland
• Nanny Falls in Portland
• Rafting on the Rio Grande

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