6 Best Restaurants in South Coast, Jamaica

One of the funkiest places to down a cold Red Stripe, this whimsical structure sits on stilts ½ mile (1 km) offshore between Treasure Beach and Black River, atop a small sandbar, and reachable only by boat. It has become a local legend and a mandatory stop for many visitors to the South Coast. The place serves platters of lobster and other fresh seafood for lunch and dinner. Floyde Forbes (who runs the bar) and local hotels can arrange boat transportation, but the short rides can be pricey.

It's no surprise that this restaurant shares its home resort's bohemian style (it's the beachside dining spot at Jakes). The menu features jerk dishes, pizzas, and seafood, served with traditional Jamaican sides, and ice cream or pie for dessert. From the casual outdoor tables to the late-night dance-hall rhythm, it's a place to come and chill out. Tables are either shaded by trees or in the open-sided dining porch.

The location of this casual restaurant makes it popular for those journeying along the south coast—luckily, the food is good, too. As the name suggests, they serve plenty of fish and jerk dishes with a variety of sides at this open-air spot. On weekends and holidays, it can get crowded, but the music and scenery provide a great vibe. There's also a great bar and a dessert shop offering famous Devon House ice cream.

This quaint bistro in Mandeville, run by chef Lilee, feels a million miles away from the bustle of the city. Locals favor this spot for breakfast and lunch, where classic burgers, wraps, and delicious pastries highlight the menu. Pasta, steak, and shrimp dishes are served for dinner.

This casual beachside eatery, a favorite with locals and travelers, is known for genuine Jamaican dishes focused on seafood, most of it supplied by fishermen just yards away. For those staying in Treasure Beach, a popular way to reach Little Ochie is by boat. Each year in the second week of July, the place comes alive with the Little Ochie Seafood Fest, a veritable paradise for seafood lovers featuring several stalls serving fresh seafood with all the trimmings, plus music and all-day entertainment. There's also another Little Ochie restaurant in Mandeville.

This poolside restaurant has an à la carte menu that serves Jamaican favorites as well as international dishes. The Sunday breakfast is a Mandeville tradition; a lavish buffet includes all the local favorites. This is the perfect spot for intimate meals.