Culture and Food of Jamaica

Those of you interested in the finer things in life, such as great holidays, luxury rentals and perfect dining, will be more than pleased to know that the island nation of Jamaica is one of the best places in the Caribbean to go looking for exquisite cuisine.

Jamaica is a vibrant country and a multi-layered culture, displaying several influences, from the local to the British. These influences can be heavily experienced in the language, the music, the visual arts of the natives and last but definitely not least, in the types of food you can enjoy during your stay on the island.

Food-wise, Jamaica will present Spanish, British, African, Indian and Chinese influences on the same platter, during the course of the same meal. Some of the most popular Jamaican dishes are curry goat, fried dumplings, ackee and cod, fried plantain, kidney beans and, of course, Jamaican patties, plus a variety of other breads. However, international cuisine is also readily available on the island, at these top restaurants listed below.

The Toscanini Restaurant in Ocho Rios

Located in an area that’s great for renting Jamaica villas (whose name literally means Eight Rivers in Spanish), the Toscanini is an Italian restaurant with great opportunities for outdoor dining and some of the best seafood you’ve ever tasted. Reviewers who are well versed in the preparation of fish and other marine creatures were impressed by the way their taste buds were tickled.

Additionally, the chef and owner takes all orders personally and sometimes visits with the clients to make sure they’re having an enjoyable experience. The price tags go no higher than $38, making this restaurant both accessible and exceptional, in terms of the quality of grilled fish served here.

Ivan’s Bar & Restaurant, Catcha Falling Star Hotel, Negril

Whether you’re staying at the actual hotel where this great eatery is situated, or have taken advantage of the luxury rentals available in the area, you will probably not eat anywhere else but at Ivan’s throughout the duration of your stay. Prices range between $6 and $40, and there is definitely something great to sample for any meal.

The chicken and cheese patties are recommended for breakfast, the Jerk Burger for lunch and the Jerk Chicken Penne Pasta for dinner—or the lobster thermidore for the more sophisticated diners. There’s a stand up comedy show after dinner and great cocktails to be enjoyed during the performance. The view is superb and the tables by the pool are great for a romantic outing.

Bushbar in Port Antonio

It may sound like your regular bar-cum-restaurant, but the Bushbar truly offers one of the best dining experiences on the entire island. Cooks at Jamaica villas will try to emulate the tastiness of some of the items on the menu, but this is no easy feat. It’s a great place for pastry (such as banana pancakes or mango, papaya and cinnamon pastries) in the morning.

The fish and chips they serve at lunch is superb, but the piece de resistence is the dinner menu, which includes lamb dishes, mungo stew and lots of local pak choi. There is always good music playing in the background and contributing to the relaxed atmosphere, while the view opens onto the tropical forest nearby, as well as of the ocean.