The bad news is that dining in Jamaica is generally more expensive than in either the United States or Canada. Restaurant prices are more in tune with Europe, as virtually everything must be imported except the fish and Caribbean lobster. Service charges are automatically added to most restaurant tabs, usually 10% to 15%. Even so, if service has been good, it's customary to tip extra.
To save money, many visitors prefer the Modified American Plan (MAP), which includes room, breakfast, and one main meal per day, almost always dinner. You can then have lunch somewhere else, or if your hotel has a beach, order a light a la carte lunch at the hotel, the cost of which is added to your bill. On some MAP plans, you can arrange in advance to exchange lunches for dinners, so you can go out a few times. This is true for affiliated resorts such as Sandals, which has more than one hotel in the same resort, as it does in Montego Bay and Ocho Rios.
The American Plan (AP), on the other hand, includes all three meals each day. Drinks, including wine, are usually extra. On this plan, it's cheaper and you don't need to rent a car or taxi at night, but you'll miss out on different dining experiences around your resort.
Before booking a hotel, it's wise to have a clear understanding of what is included in the various meal plans offered.
If you plan to eat out, here are some tips:
In summer, only the most elegant establishments require men to wear jackets. Most top-rated places today ask only that a man wear a shirt with a collar.
Check to see if reservations are required. In the winter you may find all the tables gone at some of the more famous places. Savvy guests often ask the concierge of a hotel to make reservations. At all places, wear a cover-up if you're lunching; don't enter a restaurant attired in a bikini.
To save money, stick to regional food whenever possible. For a main dish, that usually means Caribbean lobster or fish.
Getting to a restaurant at night is difficult if you drive a rented car. The roads are badly marked, driving is on the left, and road conditions are poor. It's better to go by taxi. Some popular upscale restaurants will send a minivan to your hotel.
