Where to Eat in Kingston: The Best Restaurants and Bars

October 10, 2017 Lashaunda Abraham

Far from the north coast resort towns, Kingston is Jamaica at its most authentic, a sprawling city of contrasts spread between the east coast and the Blue Mountains. Kingston's diversity is reflected in its disparate neighborhoods, from the wealthy northern suburbs to the less affluent downtown. Travelers can discover the spirit of One Love at the Bob Marley Museum, or sample delicious ice cream at Devon House. Nearby, the former capital of Spanish Town offers insight into the area's history.
Things to do in Kingston

1. South Avenue Grill

20A South Avenue, Kingston, Jamaica (Formerly Gaucho's grill) Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar Caribbean, Jamaican, Bar, Vegetarian Friendly Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +1 876-754-1380
Excellent
44%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 154 reviews

South Avenue Grill

Reviewed By alextP8567UM

Simple grill restaurant in Kingston. Had the scotch bonnet grilled fish which was nice albeit a bit dry. Beer is ice cold and pleasant attentive service. Better places to go if you want authentic Jamaican food but nice enough for a meal.

2. Redbones Blues Cafe

1 Argyle Road | Kgn 10, Kingston, Jamaica Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi Caribbean, Bar, Jamaican, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night HK$8 +1 876-978-8262
Excellent
47%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 173 reviews

Redbones Blues Cafe

Jazz & Blues themed Caribbean Cuisine Restaurant, Bar & Cultural Venue located in Kingston, Jamaica.

Reviewed By Yellowfish147 - Washington D.C.

I wasn't expecting much food wise, but I underestimated this restaurant by far! The servers were nice and funny and the food was awesome, as were the specialty cocktails. I'm sure that when they've got music playing, it is even better. I'll definitely be going back again.

3. Island Grill

Kingston 6, Kingston, Jamaica Takeout, Seating, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible Caribbean, Fast Food, Jamaican, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night 19783535
Excellent
34%
Good
46%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
2%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 209 reviews

Island Grill

Reviewed By yycyycyyc - Calgary, AB

I ate at 2 locations during my stay in Jamaica, both good value and high quality food. I had the jerk chicken both times; once with rice and once with the "Supa Foods" option -- tasty and healthy. Good, healthy smoothie drinks too.

4. Gloria's Rendezvous

5 Queen St, Port Royal, Kingston, Jamaica Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Highchairs Available Caribbean, Seafood, Jamaican, Vegetarian Friendly Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night +1 876-967-8066
Excellent
37%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
4%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 394 reviews

Gloria's Rendezvous

Reviewed By Wanderer003 - Kingston, Jamaica

We have been going to this restaurant for many years. In the past several years, it has "upped its game" quite a bit, in terms of service (and decor - although it's still not very fancy, but a great improvement). The menu has also expanded somewhat, so you don't have to have fish. My favourite is escoveitch fish (that is, fried fish with vinegary pepper and onions on top). The other two menu items from time immemorial are brown stew fish and steam fish, which I find a bit soggy. Servings remain quite substantial. However, it's a reflection of the poor state of our fishing industry that, instead of getting one large fish on one's plate (yes, you do have the eyes staring at you!) you get two or three smaller ones. I was also disgusted recently to be served parrot fish (half-cooked) which are vital for the health of our coral reefs and white sand Beaches. Delicious as they are, for environmental reasons I would never eat one. And Gloria's should not catch them either. NB The restaurant gets quite crowded with locals on weekends - especially Sundays and Friday evenings.

5. Spanish Court Cafe

1 St. Lucia Avenue | Spanish Court Hotel, Kingston, Jamaica Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Reservations, Serves Alcohol Cafe, Jamaican, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Late Night HK$8 926-0000
Excellent
58%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 166 reviews

Spanish Court Cafe

Reviewed By SimiKingston_Jamaica - Kingston, Jamaica

I have been to the Spanish Court for varying occassions and always have a good experience. This occassion was no different.
I met up with a co-worker from overseas in Jamaica after work. We decided to have supper at the pool bar on the roof. The had 2 other dining areas.
The ambiance was great. There was a section reserved for a private function. The view of New Kingston was ok. Service was quick and our server courteous.
I had pumpkin soup, a club Sandwich and a blended fruit punch. Theyvwere all well prepared and quite delicious.
My co-worker had a burger. He enjoyed his meal also.

6. Scotchies Jerk Center

2 Chelsea Avenue | Kingston 5 Jamaica, Kingston, Jamaica Delivery, Reservations, Television, Free Wifi, Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa Caribbean, Barbecue, Jamaican, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night HK$47 - HK$78 +1 876-906-0602
Excellent
47%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 606 reviews

Scotchies Jerk Center

We specialize in authentic Jamaican Jerk specializing in pork,chicken,fish and specially prepared pork & chicken sausages. Sides consists of Jamaican specialties such as Festival, Bammy, yellow yam, sweet potato,rice & peas and fried plantain. We can seat up to 250 persons in a lush rustic tropical garden setting.

Reviewed By Yoyoforever - Miami, Florida

The locals frequent this place. I think it’s good, but not great. The food is well seasoned and they do a good job not to make jerk over power the meal; but if you want to take it up a notch they’ve got some fiery sauce for you. I enjoyed the chicken. However, I was very disappointed in the pork. The Seating area is relaxing, but the service took while.

7. JOJO's Jerk Pit and More

12 Waterloo Road, Kingston, Jamaica Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Television, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi Bar, Barbecue, Grill, Jamaican, Seafood Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +1 876-906-1509
Excellent
35%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
5%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 198 reviews

JOJO's Jerk Pit and More

Jo Jo's Jerk pit and more is a local restaurant and bar that has the feel of a local pub. We are the home away from home for locals and visitors alike. We have won many BBQ Competitions adding accreditation to our name. We are well known for our Jerk, Southern style BBQ and local dishes, but our menu boasts many other international cuisines. There's always something going on a Jo Jo's.....On Wednesday's we have Video mix and seafood night, Karaoke Thursdays, Feel Good Fridays, Live music Saturdays.

Reviewed By Shenelle M

Loved the jerk, loved the atmosphere, loved the karaoke! When visiting Kingston, you must visit! Thursday’s Karaoke session is a night filled with laughs, dancing and a great time!

8. Usain Bolt's Tracks & Records

67 Constant Spring Road #6, Kingston, Jamaica Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Television, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi American, Caribbean, Bar, Jamaican, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night, Drinks 906-3903
Excellent
32%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
17%
Poor
6%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 435 reviews

Usain Bolt's Tracks & Records

Reviewed By nakita j - Jamaica

we had a business meeting here and a few drinks it was very noisy I guess the manager or supervisor notice that we were uncomfortable he came over and apologized to us we had a few drinks and leave this is a really good place to eat and socialize but for a meeting no

9. Tamarind Indian Cuisine

28 Orchard Village Plaza | 18-22 Barbican Road, Kingston, Jamaica Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Reservations, Full Bar, Delivery, Television, Accepts Credit Cards Indian, Asian, Fusion, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Dinner, Lunch, Late Night HK$157 - HK$235 +1 876-977-0695
Excellent
57%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 132 reviews

Tamarind Indian Cuisine

Reviewed By Graham K - Port of Spain, Trinidad

We had Takeout from this restaurant. The Lamb Rogan Josh was EXCELLENT as was the Peshwari Naan. However, the Thai Green Curry Fish was not really up to scratch, with very soft, formless fish and the curry not being quite right. I would definitely recommend it and it is probably best to stick to the Indian menu rather than the fusion Asian elements.

10. Terra Nova Hotel Restaurant

17 Waterloo Road, Kingston, Jamaica Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Validated Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Private Dining, Free Wifi Caribbean, Jamaican, International, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night 9262211
Excellent
59%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 217 reviews

Terra Nova Hotel Restaurant

Reviewed By mpulid0 - Miami, Florida

The main restaurant at this hotel is superb. Served by the Frank (maitre) that has been there for more than 50 years, you will be delighted with exquisite service and unique appetizers and entries.I recommend the Lobster Rissotto as well as the lobster bisque

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