Jamaica boasts many flavors deriving from the rich, multicultural heritage of its people who are descendants of European, Asian, and African nations.

Depending on the city you decide to spend your vacation in, you'll experience a different taste of Jamaica and widen your knowledge of the island's history that has influenced popular culinary traditions to date. 

So, aside from jerk chicken and ackee and saltfish, here are 15 Jamaican family restaurants to season your palate with the flavors of this top island destination.

You've probably visited these already, but a second or third visit with the family doesn't hurt!

Jack Sprat, Treasure Beach 

A family dinner inside the Reggae-themed restaurant Jack Sprat is one to remember.

Located in Treasure Beach, Jack Sprat offers a tempting seafood menu of lobster, snapper, and lionfish meals served with rice and peas, or boiled ground provisions. The kids will enjoy the variety of pizzas on sale.

On Thursdays, this south coast eatery is transformed into an open-air movie theatre with the viewing of Jamaican movie classics. 


Pier One, Montego Bay

Another great seafood restaurant and bar to take the family to for dinner is Pier One in Montego Bay. The seaside dinner destination provides a panoramic view of the ocean and a menu that appeases even toddlers. 

On Sundays, enjoy a mukbang with friends as the restaurant serves up boiled, curried, and oyster-garlic crab dishes. 

Evita's Italian restaurant, Ocho Rios

Once you make it to Ocho Rios, Evita's Italian dining in the hills should be one of the first places you dine at.

The restaurant enjoys a longstanding tradition of fusing traditional Jamaican and Italian cuisine that is loved by guests. Notable menu items include the saltfish cakes and the suprema linguini. 

Tracks and Records, Montego Bay & Kingston

Celebrating a special milestone with the family? Take the festivities to Usain Bolt's Tracks and Records. The restaurant has two locations in Jamaica; Montego Bay and Kingston. 

In addition to some of the sprinting champion's favorite dishes served with boiled dumplings, yams, and other ground provisions, you can also sample meals from the vegetarian and international menus. 

Bolt himself often stops by for lunch and dinner so you might just get a selfie with the fastest man alive. 

Miss T's Kitchen, Ocho Rios

Voted by the Jamaica Observer's Food Awards for the "Best Curried Goat" dish on the island, Miss T's Kitchen is the ideal restaurant to taste traditional Jamaican cuisine rooted in the island's rich African culture.

You can choose from a menu of baked or fried chicken, escovitch fish, and stew pork with traditional Jamaican sides such as rice and peas and boiled foods. 


Strawberry Hill, Kingston

Nestled within the folds of the Blue Mountains, enjoy Sunday brunch with the family and an expansive view of the city below at this luxury eatery. 

Strawberry Hill also offers accommodations for guests who want to spend a couple of nights in the Blue Mountains. 

Houseboat Grill, Montego Bay

The unique dining experience on a charming houseboat floating in the sea and then enjoying cocktails on the roof bar will create those lasting vacation memories.

Hotel Mockingbird, Port Antonio

If you're staying on the picturesque eastern end of the island then check out Mille Fleurs, the gourmet restaurant at Hotel Mockingbird Hill that serves up handmade bread and fresh vegetables grown on their farm right on the property.

Stush in the Bush, Saint Ann's Bay

If you're traveling with a large family, this farm-to-table, all-day dining experience and farm tour should be on the itinerary.

The establishment is successfully run by the enterprising couple, Lisa and Chris Binns.

You can have up to 70 guests and may choose between a four or six-course vegetarian meal.

A tour of their farm is the prologue to dinner so guests can see how they cultivate exotic crops used to make the food.

M10 restaurant, Kingston

The restaurant located on Red Hills Road in Kingston is a welcomed food haven perfect for lunches and dinners with the family in between tours of the capital city.

M10 offers traditional Jamaican dishes such as curried goat, oxtail and beans, and cow foot stew, at a fraction of the cost you'll usually pay at other eateries.


Sharkies, Runaway Bay

This beachside restaurant is an ideal spot to take a family with small children as its casual, laid-back atmosphere provides comfort to parents with curious toddlers who like to roam about.

The menu caters to meat eaters, vegetarians, and vegans with its most popular menu item being the garlic lobster tail. 

Plantation Smokehouse, Priory 

If you're seeking a fine dining steakhouse experience, head to Plantation Smokehouse. It's a great evening option for families who love smoked meats.

Order from the enticing menu which includes lobster and fish tacos, barbecued ribs, and Korean-style fried chicken. 

For the adults, you can order a glass of wine to sip on while you indulge in your tasty meal. 

Scotchies, Montego Bay, Falmouth & Ocho Rios

Scotchies is a household name in Jamaica as it has a longstanding reputation for providing the best jerk dishes in Jamaica.

When you visit Scotchies with the kids, allow them to sample the jerk chicken, jerk pork, and jerk sausage complimented with sides of steamed bammy or festivals. 

Lobster Trapp, Hanover

Hanover is famous for its seafood restaurants and among its top-rated ones is Lobster Trapp.

It's a rustic and casual seafood restaurant perched on the water. It sells fresh, flavor-packed seafood that is sure to satisfy the entire family.

Juici Patties, Clarendon Park

While it isn't a fine dining restaurant, visitors to the island always enjoy lunch at Juici Patties.

Take the family to this famous patty shop and bakery to try flaky Jamaican patties with their choice of fillings. There are several Juici Patties locations islandwide but the largest one is in Clarendon Park. 

The food establishment has recently introduced combo patties, allowing its guests to add an extra serving of callaloo or cheese to their patties for a flavorful boost. 

A food fiesta for families 

Your family trip to Jamaica isn't complete until you've visited one of these 15 family restaurants.