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: local food, casual & good eats and upscale dining. (Restaurants are not listed in any particular order.)
Best Restaurants in Montego Bay: Local Food
1. Scotchies Jerk Center
Authentic Jamaican food is what you’re going to get when you dine at Scotchies. Their meats and seafood are 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. Plan to eat with your hands and wash it all down with a Red Stripe.
Main Street Rose Hall & other locations
2. Usain Bolt’s Tracks & Records
Usain Bolt’s Tracks & Records may be a tad touristy, but it’s your first time in Mo’ Bay, why not? Named after Jamaica’s own world-record holding sprinter, Usain Bolt, this chain restaurant offers laid-back vibes and flavorful Jamaican dishes. Some of our favorites include the jerk buffalo wings and oxtail mac n’ cheese. It’s a good spot to catch a game or fuel up before a night on the town.
Marketplace, Howard Cooke Blvd, Montego Bay, Jamaica
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. The Pelican Grill
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 oxtail, ackee and salt fish and so many more local dishes. (Insider tip: Be sure to top off your meal with a chocolate shake). The Pelican serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner and is a great spot to dine for any occasion.
Jimmy Cliff Boulevard, Montego Bay, Jamaica
5. Irie House Restaurant & Bar
Irie House Restaurant & Bar is open 24-hours, which is good to note if you have a late night and want to fill your belly before you hit your bed. The food is made fresh to order and includes classic dishes like stewed chicken, curried chicken, ackee and salt fish, goat curry, fish to order, and more. It’s a no frills kind of spot that caters to the hungry masses around the clock without skimping on flavor or quality.
Gloucester Ave, Montego Bay, Jamaica
Best Restaurants in Montego Bay: Open 24 hours
6. Sunset Bar & Restaurant
The name says it all! Sunset Bar & Restaurant is a great spot to catch the sun setting over the Caribbean Sea while noshing on great seafood and sipping cold Red Stripes. Don’t expect fancy digs here or payments by credit card. It’s cash only at this chill dive-style bar located on the Hip Strip. The menu consists of straightforward Jamaican favorites and bar bites like goat curry and chicken wings.
Jimmy Cliff Blvd, Montego Bay, Jamaica
Best Restaurants in Montego Bay: Casual and good eats
7. Delmare (image credit: Half Moon Bay, also in our featured image)
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).
8. Mystic Thai Jamaica
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
9. Uncorked West
Who doesn’t love a good wine bar? Here you can choose from a wide selection of international wines by the glass or bottle and create your own custom cheese plates from their plentiful selection of soft and hard cheeses. They also do larger main course meals for those who want something a bit more substantial. You can also check them out in our list of 15 Best Restaurants in Kingston, Jamaica.
Fairview Shopping Centre, Alice Eldemire Dr, Montego Bay, Jamaica
Best Restaurants in Montego Bay: Upscale
10. Sugar Mill
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
11. The Houseboat Grill
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
12. Lucca Italian Restaurant
Craving Italian eats? Head to Lucca Restaurant for delish pastas, pizzas and seafood in an inviting taverna-type setting. We love the pizza experience where you can choose your own toppings and then put your pizza in their oven, giving you the sense of being a true pizza chef. The fresh homemade pasta is another big draw.
Unit 17, The Annex Plaza Fairview, Montego Bay, Jamaica
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 head to Kingston while you’re in Jamaica, check out our list of the 15 Best Restaurants in Kingston, Jamaica.
