Restaurants in Jamaica

Readers often complain of the high price of dining out at night in Jamaica. Of course, for a huge percentage of visitors, this is not a problem, as many vacationers stay at an all-inclusive resort.

Montego Bay has the best restaurants in Jamaica, but the upper-bracket ones in every tourist zone are very expensive. Add to that the cost of a taxi there and a taxi back, and your price of your dinner will rise dramatically.

If you’re not staying at an all-inclusive, and you want to dine around, here are some tips:

*  On island, look for daily specials posted, which are often cheaper than the regular fare on the a la carte menu.

*  The cost of imported liquor such as Scotch can cause your dining tab to rise rapidly. Many diners settle for a tropical rum punch instead. Also, you can order cocktails before happy hour ends (usually 7pm at most joints).

*  For a change of pace, go to a local dive such as the Pork Pit. The food is tasty and affordable.

*  Having a light lunch of sandwiches or a hamburger at one of the many beach bars and cafes during the day can save you money.

*  Note that many restaurants in Montego Bay add 10% to 15% to your tab to cover service. There is no need to leave something extra unless the service has been exceptionally good.