Jamaica Restaurants

Jamaica’s tropical climate and fertile soil provide an abundant supply of organic fruits,vegetables and potent herbs.

The island is rife with opportunities to explore and sustain a plant based diet. Labels like vegan or vegetarian are concocted to define those embracing a meat-free lifestyle, but in Jamaica, everything is simply ital.

The Rastafarian movement has been a defining part of Jamaica’s cultural identity, and it has had an undeniable influence on local cuisine. Rastafarians are traditionally advocates of sustainable living and reaping the fruits of one’s labour. Ital is a word used in Rastafarian culture to describe natural foods prepared without salt;however, the term is loosely applied to all meatless dishes.

“There’s something special and spiritual about sitting in a Rasta man’s shop as he prepares his ital stew for you,” says Keisha McDonald, co-owner of Kushite’s Vegetable Cuisine. She and her business partner, Kush Tafari, are two of a growing number of entrepreneurs that are changing the face of local vegan food.

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St. Elizabeth is the island’s largest agricultural region. Located in the Pedro Plains area of the parish, Dool’s Organic Farm offers vegetable-based meals prepared with freshly harvested ingredients, as well as al fresco dining and monthly dinner events organised by Jakes Hotel.

Lisa and Chris Binns describe their Stush in the Bush dining experience as “sexy vegetarianism.” The couple-turned-business partners offer vegetarian lunches and dinners, as well as tours of their 15-acre Zionites Farm in St. Ann. Their passion for natural and GMO-free living flavours their Stush in the Bush line of veganfriendly sauces and preserves, as well as their gourmet dishes.

More than 175,000 registered farmers are scattered throughout Jamaica’s 14 parishes. Agriculture is the backbone of the nation, so it is no surprise that farm-to-table dining experiences are on the rise.

From the ginger and coffee beans to the bananas and peppers, home-grown produce is infused with a richness that is undeniably jamaican.

Jamaicans possess an entrepreneurial spirit and as such have capitalised on the rise in demand for organic products. Growth spurts in farmers markets and pop-up events have created a platform for vegan entreprenuers. From home-based meal delivery services to vegan pastries and natural juices, the ital movement has spread beyond its traditional circles rapidly.

Visitors to Jamaica have infinite opportunities to indulge in the natural bounties of the land.

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The Caves

DINING Looking for restaurants in Jamaica? This is wholesome home cooking at its very finest! A variety of sumptuous dishes prepared using fresh local produce are served up daily, from authentic Ja...

Caribbean

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Sugar Mill

Tiny twinkling lights softly illuminate the original stone terrace and entryway that welcomes guests to the enchanting Sugar Mill restaurant..

Continental

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Le Vendome

Old world charm prevails at Le Vendome Restaurant, the elegant yet casual atmosphere, tasteful decor, and five-star gourmet dining combine the natural goodness of Jamaica with a pinch of French flair,..

Seafood

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Day-O Plantation

Located in the lush tropical hills just three miles west of Montego Bay City, the Day-O Restaurant, surrounded by a colourful tropical garden, offers the finest in Jamaican and foreign cuisine in eleg...