What are the best restaurants in Montego Bay, Jamaica? That’s always the question for the avid traveler coming here because Montego Bay has got plenty of restaurants to choose from. So to help you decide where to eat, check out our curated list of the best restaurants in Montego Bay which we break down by: upscale, local food and casual & good eats.
Best Restaurants in Montego Bay: Upscale
- Sugar Mill (pictured above, photo credit: Half Moon)
You will find Sugar Mill at one of the best resorts on the island, Half Moon. Here is where you will find a fusion of European and Jamaican cuisine. Dishes include Slow Cooked Jerk Beef Short Ribs, Coconut Poached Lobster, Sugar Mill Dusted Ahi Tuna, amongst others. So if you’re in the mood for an elegant evening amongst a beautiful ambiance, this is the spot for you. However, we do recommend making reservations ahead of time (in the courtyard if you can),
Sugar Mill, Half Moon, Rose Hall, Montego Bay, St. James, Jamaica WI
To sum it all up, seafood amongst stunning backdrop is what you will find here. The Houseboat Grill is a floating restaurant that is located in the Montego Bay Marine Park Fish Sanctuary. Choose to sit alfresco on the top floor of the restaurant for amazing views or in the dining room below for a more cozy dining experience and ambiance.
The menu is ever evolving and if you dine here from July to March for lobster season, you are in for a real treat.
And if you’re curious about the interesting history of this restaurant, ask one of the staff and they will be happy to share all of its interesting past lives.
South Cross Blvd, Montego Freeport, Montego Bay, Jamaica
Best Restaurants in Montego Bay: Local Food
3. Pier 1
Located on the waterfront on Monetgo Bay and open since 1986, Pier 1 is a staple and somewhere you can find all the Jamaican specialities. We particularly enjoy it more as a place to come down and dance and let your hair down, versus somewhere to come for the food. It has scenic views, as it’s located right by the water and a very vibrant staff. If you’re looking for a fun evening with a big group and drinks to boot, here is your spot.
Howard Cook Blvd, Montego Bay, Jamaica
4. Scotchies
Rustic, casual and good Jamaican food is what you’re going to get when you dine at Scotchies. There are a few located on the island. Their seafood is cooked on pimento tree wood, and seasoned with delicious spices. Here, you order by the pound (1/4 or 1/2), and get the food served to you in a tin foil. Eating with your hands is what you should plan to do, and just be sure to wash it all down with a Red Stripe.
The Pelican Grill is a family owned and operated restaurant that has been around for over fifty years. They are known for their home-style Jamaican cooking where you can find dishes fresh and home-style Jamaican food. Choose from dishes like
The Pelican serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner and is a great spot to dine for any occasion.
Jimmy Cliff Boulevard, Montego Bay, Jamaica
Best Restaurants in Montego Bay: Casual and good eats
Take a break from the jerk and step into Mystic Thai for a casual and mouth watering Thai meal. Once you step inside, you’ll feel as though you stepped into a bite of Thailand. Lanterns adorn the ceiling and soft Thai music plays in the background, which you can soak in as you dine on delicious curries and more. This restaurant is popular among locals and tourists and a must if you are looking for something different that the usual.
B-11 (2) Fairview Towne Centre, Montego Bay, Jamaica
7. Delmare
Step into Delmare at Half Moon for delicious seafood along the beautiful waters of Eclipse Beach at Half Moon. Choose to sit either indoors or outdoors (which we prefer) as you sip on good cocktails and indulge in delicious seafood. Menu options include a selection of crudo, pastas like Squid Ink “Spaghetti” with white wine, clams, mussels, shrimp, snapper and fresh tomatoes and fresh seafood, meats and more. Delmare has been the recipient of awards like the Norma Shirley Award for Restaurant of the Year (2021) and Solmon Gardner Award for Best Service, Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards (2021).
So there you have it! Our curated list on where to eat when you hit up Mo’ Bay. What’s your favorite Montego Bay restaurant? Share it in our comments!
If you’re planning to travel to the Caribbean, check out our guide to the 11 Best Restaurants in Turks and Caicos for some inspo.