We have been fortunate that there are decent restaurants in town for us to go out to. I realize this may not always be the case at future posts in the Foreign Service, so I appreciate that I can find a decent variety (sadly the Korean barbecue restaurant closed last year before we had a chance to try it). In case this blog ever gets visited by prospective visitors to Kingston or FS folks, I've included some details about the restaurants. Most don't have websites, but many have Facebook pages, which helps. I'll try and take more photos the next time I stop over at these places.
JAMAICAN RESTAURANTS
Gloria's
This restaurant is located in Port Royal, not too far from the airport. When we have gone, we have eaten on the second floor. It is outdoor, open seating but they have ceiling fans and a cross breeze (plus nice views). Service is quite slow, but the quantity and quality of the food is pretty good. It isn't cheap, but it isn't unreasonable. Overall, this is a nice place to go if you are wanting Jamaican seafood.
Scotchies
They are well known for their jerk chicken, which they grill over pimento wood and sweetwood, giving it a nice flavor that we can't achieve at home (though Adam is wanting to get a smoker box for our barbecue grill, in which case....maybe!). Scotchies is located behind the Kia car dealership and there is ample parking when you pull in. I have heard many people say that they can never find it because they are trying to get to Scotchies from Halfway Tree. We go from Trafalgar onto Holburn, which seems to be the easiest way. The ambiance is casual with outdoor seating- the outdoor seating adds to the ambiance since they have various shaded sections with a table or two beneath, which gives you some privacy if you dine there. You line up and order at the window (follow signs that say cashier), and then bring your ticket over to the grill area where they will prepare your food and put it on a tray for you to take to your table. When I went with a larger group, we were actually able to order from and pay at our table. I've had their jerk chicken, jerk pork, fried plantains, festival, and rice and peas. These are all served in foil or styrofoam containers. The chicken and pork were quite good (Olivia liked the chicken, the pork would have been too spicy for her).
Parking lot and gate to enter Scotchies
Smokers with pimento wood and meat on them
Pork, plantains, and chicken
Olivia wants some!
Our private shaded table (kept us dry from the rain that day)
Walkway to the cashier
Menu (sorry if it is fuzzy!)- essentially 1/4 chicken is $450 JMD and 1/4 lb of pork is $475 JMD, rice and peas are $170 for small and each festival is $70 JMD
View of another seating area with a few tables
Sweetwood Jerk Joint
This restaurant is located right across the street from Emancipation Park. There is free street parking in front of the restaurant and over by Emancipation Park (if you are worried about secure parking, you can always park over at the Pegasus Hotel or the Liguanea Club and walk over). 1/4 chicken is $400 JMD, rice and peas are $110 JMD, and festival is around $60 JMD each. They also have pork, sausage, lamb, and fish. If you are over at the park and decide you are hungry, this isn't a bad place to grab a bite to eat. I just found out that they are now hosting a Sweetwood Market every Friday and Saturday from 6am-5pm where they are bringing in Coronation Market vendors (the Coronation Market is the downtown Farmer's Market, so a lot of people don't go due to safety reasons). We plan to check it out this weekend. Ambiance is nicer at Scotchies unless you were planning to picnic at the park.
Betty at Emancipation Park with her chicken dinner in foil
Strawberry Hill
We haven't been for their popular Sunday brunch, but we did go up on a Saturday for lunch. The views are lovely and worth the curvy drive. It is recommended that you make a reservation for dining at the restaurant. We showed up at the entrance of Strawberry Hill without a reservation, so we paid an entrance fee that was applied to the bill of our food. Parking is a little tight here (I prefer ample parking and wide spaces and not having to back into a spot!). We ordered the jerk pork and jerk chicken. Service was good and presentation was lovely, but I would call the food just average (and the prices are a bit steep for what you get, but I guess you are paying for the view. A cup of coffee is $6!). This has been the only place so far where I have seen Doctor Bird hummingbirds!
Outdoor seating (sorry, no photos of the food apparently)
Wraparound porch with restaurant seating throughout
I have only tried patties from Tastee and from the bakery at Devon House. Again, I don't get out much! The bakery at Devon House has fancier patties (and a bit pricier). There are several Tastee locations in town. Adam prefers the chicken patties (more of a curry flavor) than the beef and they run about $150 JMD each. When Betty tried them, she thought the beef ones tasted like those frozen pot pies you can get in the grocery store in the US, haha. This is a fast food restaurant, so they have other items (chicken, sandwiches, etc.) and combo meals too.
The salad was homemade- I don't think they sell salad at Tastees.
CHINESE RESTAURANTS
Jade Garden
Jade Garden is a Cantonese style restaurant that serves dim sum on weekend mornings. It is located inside the Sovereign Centre (the local "mall") on the second floor and has nice views of the mountains. The parking is very easy in the large lot. We've also ordered their takeout lunch special during the week. In terms of the dim sum, overall it is quite good and the food is fresh (and no MSG). We don't go very often because it can be pricey (don't compare it to OC or LA dim sum prices). We've had their charsiu bao (steamed for $380 JMD, baked for $530 JMD), har gao (4 pieces for $680 JMD), shiu mai (4 pieces for $680 JMD), sticky rice in lotus leaf (2 pieces for $530 JMD), egg tarts (3 pieces for $530 JMD), pan fried dumplings (3 pieces for $530 JMD), turnip cakes (3 pieces for $560 JMD), sesame balls (3 pieces for $530 JMD), cheong fun (beef, pork, chicken or shrimp are each $680 JMD), chinese broccoli ($750 JMD), and beef hor fun ($750 JMD). All are excellent, but again...a bit pricey if you add up the cost.
For their lunch special, it is offered Monday-Friday from 12-3pm for takeout and cash only. It is $500 JMD for one dish with rice. We've only tried it once and we ordered sweet and sour pork and black bean chicken. The order comes in a takeout container filled to the brim with white rice and a small (but sufficient) amount of the dish. I did not like the sweet and sour pork, but the black bean chicken was good.
Royale Palace
We came here on a recommendation from a friend for their dim sum. This restaurant is located on Old Hope Road, very close to the US Embassy. It is in a yellow building with concrete dragons out front, with decent parking in the back. The staff was very friendly and they have a lot of the typical options for dim sum (similar to Jade Garden), with each dish being about $100 JMD or so less in comparison. The dim sum was a little bit oilier than Jade Garden and if I were to pick between the two, I would go with Jade Garden for the flavor, even though it is more expensive.
China Max
This is located in the Orchid Plaza across the street from the Burger King on Barbican Road, just around the corner from the Sovereign Center (and the same plaza as Tamarind). I don't like this plaza much because parking can be a bit tight and is quite crowded during lunch. We came over lunch and I ordered the mapo tofu. I thought it was ok, but when Adam ate the leftovers, he said it was gross and to never order it again. Haha. It seems quite popular, so perhaps some of the other dishes would be better. My total for an order of mapo tofu and an appetizer of chinese style fried chicken wings was about $20 USD after tax and tip. There are so many Chinese restaurants in Kingston that I am not sure if I will be back to this one.
JAPANESE RESTAURANTS
East Japanese
My favorite of the three Japanese restaurants that I have tried in Kingston, it is located in the Marketplace where there are several other restaurants (including Beirut, Saffron, Usain Bolt's Tracks and Records). From 12-6pm every day (including weekends), they have lunch specials, so we have gone for lunch as well as for early dinner (which works great with Olivia). Their lunch specials are pretty sizeable- I have ordered the sushi lunch special, which is 5 pieces of nigiri (I usually request 3 salmon and 2 tuna and they have obliged) and 8 piece CA roll with miso soup and salad. It used to be $1150 JMD which I felt was decent, but when I went in November, the price had gone up to $1680 JMD. I'm not sure if it is a temporary increase or not. They have sushi, curries, teriyaki, and udon noodles. According to their menu, most of their ingredients are imported from Miami, and they advertise themselves as New York style Japanese. The staff are friendly and it's a nice restaurant (though music is sometimes a little loud).
Majestic
This restaurant is located up Old Stony Hill Road on the left hand side, about 5-10 minutes outside of town. They have billboards all the way up that hill, so just follow the signs. They have a parking lot that is small and needs to be repaved, but we have never had a problem parking there. Adam prefers Majestic over East Japanese (in part because it is a bit easier for us to get to in the evening with less traffic going this direction from our house). They are the sister restaurant to East Japanese, but their menu is slightly different. They also have lunch specials from 12-6pm daily and an extensive menu that includes sushi, rolls, ramen, grilled items, and some fusion options. The last time we went was last week and the lunch special that came with teriyaki chicken and rice, chicken gyoza, shrimp tempura, miso soup, and salad was $1000 JMD. The restaurant is very nicely decorated and the service is always excellent and friendly.
Not a super impressive parking lot, but nice inside
I think this was my first week in Jamaica- Olivia was sleeping in the carseat
Spicy tuna roll (with Olivia waving her spoon in the photo)
A to-go order of salmon philly roll and a spicy tuna roll
Roe
Located in Sovereign North Plaza, it is next door to the Devon House iScream shop. I like this shopping plaza because there always seems to be plenty of parking and the spots aren't too narrow or hard to get into. Roe is quite a small restaurant, and every time I have been, I've been seated in the back. They offer a teriyaki chicken bento box that comes with rice, salad, miso soup, and some fruit for about $980 JMD. I have had their slim rolls (too tiny for me!) as well. Adam ordered their Japanese fried chicken and it was too oily. It's conveniently located near us and easy to get to, which is why I would come here over East Japanese or Majestic.
INDIAN RESTAURANTS
The Indian restaurants in town kind of blend together for me, in part because usually when we get Indian food, we have it delivered to the house and it comes in non-descript containers, so it's all the same to me. The typical items we order are chicken vindaloo, chicken tikka masala, chana masala, samosas, and plain/regular naan.
Tamarind
This is located fairly close to the Embassy in the Orchid Plaza (same as China Max) on the second level. I've only dined in once and the staff was very friendly. The serving size is decent, and in addition to Indian food, they also serve an asian fusion menu (mostly Chinese and Thai), which I have yet to try (but if you are wanting Thai food, I think this might be the only option). Menu with pricing is on their website.
Saffron
Tamarind's sister restaurant, this is located in the Marketplace. I think the ambiance and setting is nicer at Saffron than Tamarind. They offer a similar menu to Tamarind, and again, it's the only place where I have seen Pad Thai and other Thai food offered. Menu with pricing is on their website.
Pushpa
Adam likes Pushpa's for ordering in, I think because they deliver the food with basmati rice without extra charge. I have never dined in, but it is located in the Northside Plaza across the street from the US Embassy. I find their curries are spicier than Tamarind or Saffron. I also like their samosas better. Chana masala is $895 JMD, chicken tikka masala is $1295 JMD, and garlic naan is $225.
Tandoor
This is Pushpa's sister restaurant. We have dined in here- it is a little off the beaten path on a side street. The setting of the restaurant is not as nice as Tamarind or Saffron, so this may not be the place to go if you are looking for a nice dinner out. Chicken tikka masala runs at $1295 JMD, 2 pieces of veggie samosas is $300 JMD, and an order of plain naan is $210 JMD.
MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANTS
Beirut
This Lebanese restaurant is also in the Marketplace. They have both inside and outside seating, and we have done both. The service is excellent and very friendly. The food is freshly made and quite good. We have ordered the shawarma, falafel, hummus, and kabob plates. All have been good. We ordered the garlic potatoes once and they were disappointing (not lick the bowl delicious like the ones at Open Sesame in Long Beach!). Hummus is $750 JMD (a fairly large portion served with pita bread), falafel appetizer is $1200 JMD, and a shawarma beef platter with salad is about $1500 JMD.
Y Not Pita
This is more of a fast food restaurant and is located in the CPJ Market plaza on Lady Musgrave Rd just past TGI Fridays. They have salads, pizzas, and pita sandwiches. I have only been there once and when you order the pita sandwich, it is kind of like Subway style in that you tell them what kinds of toppings you want on it (lettuce, tomato, cucumber, pickles, cheese, hummus, tzatziki, etc.). I had the "Mexicana" pita, which is seasoned chicken and I added a ton of things to it and it was pretty good. It was about $840 JMD for my sandwich (I purchased drink and chips at the CPJ Market next door since there were more options than soda).
MEXICAN RESTAURANTS
Chilitos
They advertise as Jamexican food and they offer burritos, tacos, flautas, nachos, etc. They are located on Hope Road, between the Bob Marley Museum and the Sovereign Center. They have a small parking lot out front and they have outdoor and indoor seating. I've only eaten Chilitos twice (once during our first week in Jamaica and we ate outside, and the second time a friend picked up a burrito for me). I've only had their Jamaican Jerk Chicken Burrito that costs about $800 JMD. They run specials, and I have heard that burritos are $500 JMD on Fridays and they also have Taco Tuesday specials. I think the reason why we don't eat here much is because Adam is a San Diego burrito kind of guy and this just doesn't do it for him.
CAFES/COFFEESHOPS
Cannonball Cafe
There are several Cannonball Cafes in the area, but I have only been to the ones in the Loshusan Center and Manor Park. The one in Manor Park is a little on the smaller side, so seating is snug. There is also one located in Sovereign North. All 3 are situated in fairly decent sized parking lots, so parking isn't an issue. You order at the counter and typically you pay at the end (but you can also pay upfront) and they bring your drinks/food to you. The prices for coffee and pastries can be a little on the pricier side, but they do run a breakfast special that is very reasonable. It is an egg and bacon "bagel" sandwich with a cup of coffee (not 100% Blue Mountain) or tea at $390 JMD. A french press of Blue Mountain coffee is $390 on it's own.
Cafe Blue
This is located in the Sovereign Center lot. You order and pay at the counter and they will bring your coffee/food to you. There are quite a number of items on the menu, and when I was there, they were very busy with cake orders and people ordering coffee to go. I think the coffee they offer here is much better in taste than at Cannonball and if I went out for coffee more often, I would probably come here. It looks like they also have a frequent buyer card. I can't remember the pricing, but for a breakfast of pancakes, eggs, and a ridiculous amount of bacon plus a medium coffee was around $900 JMD.
After a morning at Emancipation Park, I headed over to grab a quick bite to eat at the 24 Seven Cafe located in the Pegasus Hotel (just off the lobby). You can park for free in the hotel parking lot, which is nice since it is secure and there are plenty of spots. I have only tried their chicken pesto panini for $875 JMD, but it was decent and freshly made. There is seating and you order at the counter. I have heard that their coffee and pastries are good as well.
OTHER RESTAURANTS/EATERIES
South Avenue Grill
This restaurant is located on South Avenue (hence the name) and there is a small parking lot out front. The seating is all outdoors, so you want to time when you go just right (dusk might not be such a good idea if you don't want to get eaten alive by mosquitos). I've been for lunch, dinner, and we also called in and picked up an order once. This is where Adam and I go if we want a good burger. Sometimes it takes a while for the food to come out. I have heard people rave about their pastas (portion sizes are huge!), but have yet to try them. I've only had their hamburgers and their filet mignon with mushroom sauce. The filet mignon (thin sliced) with mushroom sauce is $1850 JMD and a barbecue bacon cheeseburger runs $1445 JMD.
Uncorked
Located in the Sovereign North Plaza, this is another gourmet wine and cheese shop that also has a small food menu. I haven't purchased any wine or cheese there, so I am not sure what the pricing is, but I've grabbed a bit to eat there and they are always quite busy. They offer salads, paninis, flatbreads, and appetizers. I have had their honey ham with mustard and brie panini from their lunch menu and it was quite good. The price for a panini is around $750 JMD before tax.
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(Uncorked is on the far right, to the left is Roe and the Devon House iScream shop, as well as Dominoes and a Cannonball Cafe. I have yet to try the Chinese restaurant on the 2nd floor)
Fromage Gourmet Market
This wine and cheese shop/bistro is located a little ways down Hillcrest off of Hope Rd. and is on the bottom floor of a building that houses a few other restaurants, including Tea Tree Creperie. The parking lot is a bit tight, especially when it is crowded. Their menu includes soups, salads, paninis, flatbreads, pastas, wine and cheeses. I have only been once and had their Black Forest Panini (ham, berry chutney, and brie) for $750 JMD. They have a lot of other appetizing things on their menu, and I wouldn't be opposed to going there again, though I do think that Uncorked (a very similar style wine/cheese/sandwich shop that apparently used to be in this location until it moved to Sovereign North a few years ago) is a bit tastier.
Devon House iScream
There are several places that serve Devon House ice cream around the island. In Kingston, I've had it at Devon House itself, but lately we have been going to the new shop that opened in Sovereign North. The location at Devon House always seems to have a long line and there is usually nowhere to sit on the patio (I've sat on the sidewalk and on the grass before). At the Sovereign North shop, it's never been crowded when we have gone, and you can sit inside in the air conditioning or on a cooler day, they have tables outside. I always get coffee or pecan praline ice cream. Adam has been disappointed by the fruit flavored ones (he feels like they mostly taste like vanilla with a tiny hint of the fruit).
Our first trip when Olivia was about 7 weeks old
Now she's able to help pick out flavors and even taste test a few!
American Fast Food Available in Kingston
KFC
Wendy's
Burger King
Pizza Hut
Dominoes
Tutti Frutti
There's really not much to say about these fast food places. Adam thinks KFC tastes better/fresher here. Wendy's has a shorter menu, but they still have frosties, which I will sometimes get on a hot day. I have only been to the Burger King at the airport, and we have ordered Pizza Hut and Dominoes delivery. The prices are generally a bit higher here than in the US. Sorry, no McDonald's. I put Tutti Frutti on the list as well, since it started in SoCal. Unlike most self-serve froyo places in the US, the employees here have to serve you the sample (I guess so you don't eat a ton of samples and not buy any).
There are tons of other restaurants in town that are very popular that I have yet to go to. Adam and I are creatures of habit, and usually once we have found a few places that we like, we end up rotating through them.
1 comment:
This was a cool post!
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