7 Places to Eat Local Food in Negril Jamaica
You may or may not have heard about Negril. Located in the parish of Westmoreland, it’s considered to be one of the most laid-back places in Jamaica. It easily became known as the “capital of casual”, a place where visitors of the island can go and feel right at home. Negril is famous for the 7 Mile Beach, which the name might have given it away- yes, it’s called 7 Mile Beach because this white sandy beach stretches for all of 7 miles!
Jamaica has an eclectic mix to choose from when it comes to food. From the spices we use to food grown on the island, we have a unique style of preparing our dishes. When you visit Jamaica, you should definitely try some of the best-tasting food on the island. And we’re talking about locally prepared food! So, if you’re heading to Negril whether just for a day or an extended stay, you should check out these food spots we’ve picked out for you.
1. Fireman’s Lobster Pit
Located at Boardwalk Village on Seven Mile Beach, Fireman’s Lobster Pit is an award- winning restaurant and is also a people’s favorite. It’s owned and operated by a local couple who serves some of the best seafood you can find on the beach in Negril. Fireman is always dressed in his signature straw hat, with the brightest smile on his face serving up some succulent lobster, crab, or shrimp. If you want fresh seafood, this spot on the beach will not disappoint you.
You can even choose your lobster from their live catch and prepare to kick back and relax while they cook for you. Everything is done to order, and with this, you can guarantee that what you’re about to taste will have your taste buds dancing. While you wait, you can have natural juices or a cold Red Stripe beer, listen to music and enjoy the beautiful scenery on the beach.
Prices are quoted in US dollars and their food is great value for your money. When you leave, you’ll be tempted to return or tell a friend.
2. Rasta Ade Refreshment
First, let us say if you’re looking for the best vegan/vegetarian option on Seven Mile Beach, look no further. This is a small restaurant with a rustic vibe and has a pop of bright colors that make it so inviting that even if you’re not vegan, you’re probably gonna want to stop and snap a few pictures. They serve “ital” Jamaican food which, traditionally in Jamaica is a Rastafarian’s term for healthy dishes without meat. You can enjoy a veggie platter with beans and plantains, ackee (the main part of our national dish), pasta, vegetables, soups, fresh fruit juices, and even natural desserts.
They are usually open throughout the day and it’s a pretty chill spot that’s perfect for breakfast and lunch. You can sit and enjoy the view of the ocean and depending on the day, you might find yourself having a chat with the owner- Mikey. Prices are quoted in Jamaican dollars and be sure to have cash with you!
3. Push Cart Restaurant
Perched on the cliffs at the Rockhouse Hotel, you will find this restaurant serving up some authentic Jamaican food. Their restaurant was created with the idea of a modern jerk Centre in mind and there’s such a wide variety of options, you can find almost every Jamaican food on their menu. From seafood fritters, pepper shrimp (which, traditionally is a Jamaican street food) as appetizers to fish, curried goat, our world-famous jerk chicken & pork, and mouth-watering oxtails.
They usually open around 3 PM and the kitchen closes around 9:30 – 10 PM.
You can sit and enjoy the views of the ocean, boats, birds passing by, and the golden sunset.
4. 3 Dives Jerk Centre
As the name suggests, we bet you guessed it! Yes, this restaurant is known for some of the tastiest jerk chicken on the island. Located at West End, just past Xtabi Resort, 3 Dives is one of Jamaica’s best-kept secrets. They have an open-air setting where you can sit and enjoy the breathtaking view of the ocean.
Their owner, Lloyd has taken pride in preserving the recipe that was passed down from his grandmother. He even named their signature jerk sauce – “granny sauce”. Though known for their jerk chicken, you can enjoy a variety of Jamaican food- from curry shrimp, lobster, curry goat to brown stewed chicken that will make you feel like you’re right at home.
After you’ve enjoyed your meal, if you’re in the mood, you are free to take a dip in the water.
P.S. You’ll be swimming at your own risk.
5. Best in the West
Started as the first jerk man along Norman Manley Boulevard, selling jerk chicken, Devon transformed his jerk pan into one of the top spots for foodies in Negril. Located across from Coco La Palm Seaside Resort, one thing we can say is, you will be happy with the variety of options on the menu. From jerk chicken and pork to lobster, shrimp, and even curried fish. If you’re a foodie, you won’t be disappointed with the amount of food you get. You’ll either leave full or have food to take home for the next day.
Not only is this just a restaurant, it’s a chill spot. There’s a bar and you can stop for drinks- from blended alcoholic drinks, margaritas to wine. They accept cards and you can pay in either Jamaican or US dollars.
6. Kool Vybes Bar & Jerk Centre
Kool Vybes is a jerk hut located at West End Road across from Tensing Pen, serving some of the most delicious jerk food on the island. Being locally owned and operated, they are a family restaurant to 3 Dives Jerk Centre. Their owner, Miguel, has made sure to extend the tradition of our Jamaican jerk and their family’s secret jerk sauce. You can enjoy well-seasoned jerk chicken and pork that’s so savory, it will set your taste buds on fire; grilled lobster prepared on a traditional jerk pan to pepper shrimp and fish.
Seafood is done to order and they always make sure to have plenty of jerk chicken for those who want to grab and go as well.
7. Kamara’s Restaurant & Jerk Hut
Located beside Rooms Hotel on the Seven Mile Beach, this restaurant is well known for their unique jerk sauce. They have a variety of jerk dishes you can choose from- from jerk chicken, jerk fish to even jerk pasta. Have you ever had jerk pasta? We recommend you give it a try. It’s pasta made with a special tasty sauce, which is almost like “alfredo with a twist”.
The atmosphere is quite laid back, with an amazing view of the ocean. You can get breakfast, lunch and dinner at Kamara’s. At night, the ambience becomes more magical with candlelight dinners, tiki torch, and relaxing music.
They accept all major foreign currencies, and all their prices include tax. It’s great value for your money. Be sure to take cash with you to pay for your food and tip from your heart!
And that’s a wrap
With Negril being a small laid back town, you can find most of their restaurants either on Seven Mile Beach, on the Boulevard, or at West End. There are so many good restaurants to choose from, and this is a select few of them that will guarantee some of the tastiest food on the island. If you’ve been to any of these restaurants, be sure to share your experience with us.
Until next time- live, laugh and explore!