Destination Spotlight | 12 Can’t-Miss Culinary Experiences in Jamaica

No other sun destination offers a unique culinary culture quite like Jamaica. Whether your clients are craving juicy jerk chicken or traditional vegetarian Ital cuisine, the Caribbean Island is home to a wide range of culinary experiences that are guaranteed to tantalize the tastebuds.

From authentic farm-to-table feasts to mountain-top coffee farms to interactive cooking classes, here are 12 of the top food and drink experiences to savour while travelling in Jamaica.

Blue Mountain Culinary Trail

Jamaica’s legendary Blue Mountain Culinary Trail comprises a series of gastronomic landmarks along a 19.5-kilometre route that ascends high into the foothills of the Blue and John Crow Mountains. Visitors can sample their way along the trail to experience fine dining, relaxed cafes, and locally inspired dishes while admiring majestic views of the lush terrain. Rustic mountaintop eatery EITS Café is a favourite stop where visitors will find a veggie-forward fusion menu of European and Jamaican cuisine prepared with fresh ingredients grown on-site and sourced from neighbouring farmers. For those who want to learn more about Jamaica’s prized Blue Mountain Coffee, a farm tour and a coffee-tasting session at Craighton Estate is a must.

Appleton Estate

A bucket-list stop for rum aficionados, Jamaica’s legendary Appleton Estate Rum Distillery is tucked away in the Nassau Valley – a rich, fertile land where long stalks of sugar cane move lazily in the breeze. As one of the world’s oldest distilleries, Appleton Estate has undergone extensive renovations in recent years and recently launched the Joy Spence Appleton Estate Rum Experience. The robust, multi-sensory rum tasting experience takes visitors on a spirited walking tour of the grounds to sample premium liqueurs while learning about the distillery’s signature ‘cane to cocktail’ process.

Ocho Rios Jerk Centre

Meat lovers won’t want to miss the traditional jerk cuisine on offer at the Ocho Rios Jerk Centre. Sizzling smoked meats create an enticing aroma that wafts through the air from this casual roadside eatery, beckoning visitors to step inside to sample a mouth-watering menu of authentic jerk chicken and spicy pork, barbecue ribs, seafood, fried rice, and daily specials like curried goat and brown stewed chicken. Visitors can wash down their fiery jerk meal with a tropical rum punch or a cold Red Stripe beer. 

Devon House

History, food, and culture come together at Devon House in Kingston. Designated as Jamaica’s first gastronomy centre in 2017, the grounds surrounding the urban landmark are home to an eclectic array of eateries serving typical Jamaican dishes and international fare. Tourists and locals congregate within the courtyard and the surrounding manicured lawns year-round to picnic on flaky gourmet beef patties from Devon House Bakery and frozen desserts from the world-famous Devon House I-Scream.

Stush in the Bush

Nestled in the heart of Jamaica’s Blue Mountains about 40 minutes from Ocho Rios, Stush in the Bush is an unforgettable farm-to-table destination renowned for its sustainable Ital cuisine. Owners Lisa and Christopher Binns take guests on a scenic tour of their 15-acre organic farm before preparing a prix-fixe vegetarian menu of impossibly fresh palate-pleasing fare. Dishes showcase reimagined Jamaican flavours, homegrown herbs, vegetables and seasonal fruits served in hand-carved wooden bowls.

Floyd’s Pelican Bar

The island’s most talked-about watering hole is a rustic driftwood bar situated one mile off the coast in the turquoise waters of Parottee Bay. Accessible only by boat, the not-so-secret Floyd’s Pelican Bar is a truly unique structure built on stilts with a thatch roof. In keeping with the casual surroundings, the no-frills menu features fresh-caught fish paired with ice-cold beer and rum punch.

Jakes Hotel

A bohemian-chic hotel with plenty of charm, Jakes is located on the island’s rugged South Coast in St. Elizabeth parish – an area known as the ‘breadbasket’ of Jamaica where 80-percent of the country’s domestic produce is grown. The boutique property is known for its one-of-a-kind cottages, private villas, and farm-to-table dining options. Beach bar Jack Sprat Restaurant attracts a laid-back local crowd who stop in to enjoy just-caught seafood and pizza while listening to soft reggae tunes. Guests who want to master the art of cooking like a local can sign up for an interactive culinary workshop with Jakes’ chefs. Hands-on lessons cover traditional Jamaican dishes like jerk chicken, ackee and saltfish, and run down – all made with fresh ingredients sourced from Jakes’ own garden and the surrounding local farms.

Food and Drink Festivals

Each year, in-the-know foodies flock to Jamaica’s cultural capital for the annual Food and Drink Festival. Typically held in November, the culinary showcase features a series of thematic events that take place in venues across Kingston. Mouth-watering gastronomic experiences are designed to suit every palate and range from food trucks to street vendors to gourmet dining experiences. Cocktail fans can sip and savour Jamaica’s homegrown spirits during the annual Jamaica Rum Festival in March. The multi-day event brings together the country’s top bartenders, chefs, and entertainers for rum tastings, cooking demonstrations, live music performances, educational seminars and more.

Boston Jerk Centre

Just west of Port Antonio, Boston is credited as the original birthplace of jerk cuisine in Jamaica and the area is still home to the island’s original jerk pits that date back to the 1940s. At the world-famous Boston Jerk Centre, foodies can sample an array of spicy jerk pork, chicken, steak, and even lobster prepared over hot coals in open fire pits. Spicy bottles of hot sauce or jerk seasoning are also available to take home.

Zimbali Retreat + Organic Farm

Located in the lush jungle outside of Negril, the family-owned Zimbali Retreat offers mouth-watering Jamaican cuisine paired with tropical mountain lodging. Zimbali’s signature Farm to Table Cooking Show gives visitors the chance to tour the seven-acre organic farm before taking part in a live cooking demonstration showcasing seasonal ingredients harvested on the property. Following the interactive experience, guests enjoy a multi-course lunch accompanied by uplifting beats from a live drum performance.

Gloria’s

Some of the island’s best seafood can be found at Gloria’s at the tip of Kingston Harbour. The casual menu of fresh coastal flavours coupled with scenic waterfront views make this local favourite the perfect spot to relax after a day of exploring the historic village of Port Royal, a storied seafaring area that was once home to swashbuckling pirates. 

Rick’s Café

No visit to Negril is complete without a stop at Rick’s Cafe. Situated on a rocky outcrop atop a 35-foot cliff, the local hotspot attracts visitors from across the globe who come for the lively atmosphere, exhilarating cliff jumping and scenic surroundings. It’s best for visitors to secure a seat at this popular haunt between 3 to 6 p.m. for prime people-watching and breathtaking sunset views.