Restaurants on Port Antonio – Anna Bananas, 7 Folly Road, 715-653
East of Port Antonio, just before Folly Oval. The restaurant specialises in seafood, with lobster, conch, shrimp and fish cooked to order in a range of Jamaican style. In addition there I a nightly special such as curried goat or stewed peas which is ready as soon as you order. If you don’t like what you see on the menu, simply ask and the chef will try to accommodate you.
Dickies Best Kept Secret, East Coast Highway, Bryant’s Bay, 809-6276. Cash only, expect to pay US$20-40 per person
West of Port Antonio, after the Cool Oasis on the coast side of the road. Run by Dickie Butler in a quaint cottage which is built into the cliffs West of Port Antonio. Decorated by local artisans. Truly a ‘word-of-mouth’ location. The Restaurant offers five course meals which must be ordered well in advance. Five course lunches are also offered, as are Jamaican and European breakfasts. Calling ahead ensures that supplies can be purchased or caught. Dickie will do his best to fit you in if you show up without a reservation but it is best to call in advance.
San San Tropez, San San Bay, 993-7213
Italian food in Jamaica Sicilian born chef, Fabio Favalli has lived in Jamaica since 1993 and opened his restaurant shortly afterwards. The dishes are cooked using 100% authentic Italian recipes with ingredients imported from Italy.
Cliffhanger, East of Port Antonio, Long Bay. 18 km from Frenchman’s Cove. 876-860-1495/1395
Situated 80 feet above the sea at the edge of the cliff this is as close as you will get to seaside dining! During the day look out over the endless ocean and at night hear the crash of the waves as you enjoy local and Taiwanese food. Try the house specialty ‘Drunken Lion Fish cooked in white wine and Red Stripe. There are lots of options for vegans and vegetarians too. If you prefer to just sit by the bar enjoying a cocktail or relax in the lounge after a long day in the sun. Only an 18 minute drive away!
Trident Anchovy, Port Antonio. 876-663-7100
Part of the Geejam Collection, this luxury hotel offers ‘The Veranda’ with views of the infinity pool extending into the ocean while dining in a contemporary atmosphere. You can also choose to dine on Japanese/Jamaican fusion food at ‘Mike’s Supper Club’. Acting as a Cabaret Lounge, the atmosphere is reminiscent of the Calypso era with a splash of Harlem influence.
Woody’s, Hwy A4, Drapers. 876-436-5624
If you want a quick and relaxed lunch or dinner look no further than Woody’s. Woody and Pearl will treat you like a guest in their home. A great spot with an outdoor patio and indoor counter that is a local meeting place. Enjoy beef, veggie or plantain burgers with homemade ginger beer or hot dogs with an ice cold Red Stripe to finish off your day.
Boston Jerk Centre
If you are looking for a little history and a lot of food, look no further. The Jerk Centre is a natural mall focused around this national dish. Seven pits are constantly smoldering with the jerkmen claiming ancestry to the original Maroons. The Jerk method of seasoning and grilling meat has its origins with Maroons who lived in the Blue Mountains escaped from the British in 1700. Wild boar was caught and roasted in an earth pit of hot coals on pimento leaves. The Jerk seasoning includes escallion, thyme, onions, pimentos and the scorching hot Scotch Bonnet pepper. Stop by the Jerk Centre for the true flavour!
Milles Fleurs Restaurant, Mockingbird Hill, 993-7267
Hailed as Port Antonio’s Number 1 restaurant it is located at Mockingbird Hill Hotel. It is famed for its eco friendly sourcing of food using local producers within 100km of the restaurant. Creating a fusion of Caribbean cuisine with European flavours, Milles Fleurs was voted top restaurant by Trip advisor in 2014. Call ahead but be aware dinner is only between 7pm and 9pm.