Jamaica is known for its wonderful cuisine, which has traveled far beyond its shores to influence the world of international cuisine. Jamaican restaurants are a usual part of most major city dining options in the United States. As an island nation, Jamaican restaurants often specialize in seafood dishes of excellent quality. Because of its international popularity as a vacation destination, there are many fine dining establishments that serve excellent international dining favorites, in addition to creatively prepared dishes built upon local culinary traditions and produce.

Jamaican jerk cuisine is among the best known of Jamaican culinary accomplishments. Hot, spicy and flavorful beyond compare, the Ocho Rios Village Jerk Center showcases this Jamaican favorite. Reasonably priced, generous portions make this DaCosta Drive eatery a must try spot for those seeking the authentic jerk experience. Featuring jerk chicken, seafood and pork, this eatery tends to be crowded during the lunch rush, especially on the days that the cruise ships come in.

Also found in Ocho Rios is the Almond Tree, located at 83 Main Street. Serving both international and Jamaican cuisine at reasonable prices, this restaurant fills quickly. Reservations are strongly suggested.

The Native, found at 29 Gloucester Avenue in Montego Bay, offers outdoor dining in the shade, allowing for people watching on this active thoroughfare. The Native offers both international fare and traditional Jamaican dishes, many of which are truly outstanding. If you’re unable to decide which wonderful Jamaican dish to try, they serve a marvelous sampler platter. The seafood is, of course, fresh and excellent. There are buffet style meals served on Friday and Sunday, and weekend dinner guests are sure to enjoy the live music. Reservations, however, are a must for those hoping to get a table at this fine restaurant.  

At the Blue Mountain Inn, tucked away on Gordon Town Road in Gordon Town, you’ll have to dress up to enjoy this luxurious fine dining establishment. Serving continental cuisine at its very best, the atmosphere is just as rich and tasteful as is the food. Located on what was once a coffee plantation, there are numerous beautiful antiques that help to create a Colonial English type of setting. Reservations are required, and the establishment is closed on Sundays. 

In Negril, Kuyaba On The Beach, found on Norman Manley Blvd., should not be missed. They serve an international selection of dishes, including some fine curries, pasta dishes and, naturally, quality seafood. Easy to find with its thatched roof, its bar is a lively and social place, attracting both tourists and locals. Visitors are not rushed, and are welcome to enjoy the atmosphere and scenery, while sipping drinks on the beach in the comfortable chaise lounges.

Aside from all the other wonderful things about Jamaica, the food itself is worth the trip. A little planning and asking around, especially talking to locals, can help you to indulge in a culinary exploration that will not be soon forgotten. At the smaller places, the cooking staff will often be happy to pass on a few of their own special culinary tips and point you in the right direction to purchase spices to bring home. Eating out in Jamaica is truly a delicious experience.

Good food is an essential ingredient in the making of a truly great vacation, and with the broad array of quality eateries for you to choose from on New Providence Island in the Bahamas, you’ll be sure to make your vacation a memorable culinary experience.

The Bahamian Kitchen, in Nassau, right next to the Trinity Church on Trinity Place, offers authentic Bahamian cuisine. It is the place to go if you’re interested in experiencing ‘real’ Bahamian food. Specialties include such dishes as stewed fish, curried chicken, fried red snapper, okra soup, corned beef and grits, pea soup with dumplings, all served with the traditional johnnycake. Food is also available for take-out. The restaurant is open daily from 11am to 10pm.

For luxury dining at its Bahama best, Chez Willie is the place to be. At these coveted tables – and reservations are definitely required – fine French and Bahamian cuisine are served. The seafood is divine, prepared careful and delicately seasoned with fresh herbs. Other superb dishes include lobster thermidor, beef Wellington, and grouper in puff pastry with crabmeat, served with a coconut cream sauce. This establishment strives for and easily achieves elegance. It is suggested that gentlemen dress for the occasion, jackets are considered a must at this West Bay Street restaurant. One of the best dining places in Nassau, the hours are from 6:30pm to 10pm daily.

Excellent North Indian cuisine is available at Gaylord’s on Dowdeswell Street at Bay Street, in Nassau. Offering a full array of traditional Indian favorites, including Punjabi dishes, tandoori dishes, kormas, and – of course—curries, as well as fine vegetarian options, this restaurant will satisfy Indian food lovers and convert the uninitiated. Open Monday through Friday, from 12pm to 3pm and every day from 6:30pm to 11pm.

The Double Dragon Restaurant, located on Mackey Street in Nassau, presents Cantonese and Szechwan cuisines at reasonable prices. The best dishes are those of seafood, and the orange flavored shrimp are a local favorite. The hours are 12pm to 10pm on Monday through Friday. On Saturdays, the hours are from 4pm to 11pm and on Sundays, the hours are from 5pm to 10pm.

The Europe, located in the Ocean Spray Hotel on South Bay Street in Nassau, serves surprisingly good German food, and also has a variety of international selections. A host of traditional German foods, of excellent quality and reasonable price, are made available. Among these are pepper steak cognac, bratwurst, sauerbraten, and Wiener schnitzel. And, of course, the dessert menu includes a fabulous, classic German chocolate cake. Open Monday through Friday, from 8:30am to 11pm, this is definitely a culinary experience to try.

Capriccio offers fine Italian and international cuisine, at West bay Street, in Nassau. They serve an excellent pesto sauce, fragrant and rich, over perfect pasta. Other entrees include a delicious chicken breast creation, served with a sage and wine sauce and an array of fresh seafood. Reservations are strongly suggested, the eatery is open Monday through Saturday from 11am to 10pm and Sundays from 5pm to 10pm.

New Providence Island is a place where you can experience the cuisines of the world under a big Bahamian sky. Dining on this island is a true culinary adventure.