4 Best Restaurants in Runaway Bay, Jamaica

L'Escargot

$$$ Fodor's choice

This hidden gem of a French restaurant is a rarity on the north coast—a chance to enjoy excellent service and deftly prepared dishes like grilled calamari and salmon fillet. This rarely crowded spot has all-white decor, soft background music, and colorful artwork, and there's an extensive wine list.

Sharkies Seafood Restaurant

$$$ Fodor's choice

This hugely popular spot on a stunning stretch of beach in Salem buzzes with guests relaxing over drinks and sea views and listening to DJ tunes on weekend evenings. The menu features best hits of the seafood favorites—lobster, conch, crab, shrimp, and octopus. Various chicken dishes, salads, and wraps are also offered.  Dine inside, or opt for a table outside, as long as you're okay with getting sand in between your toes.

Plantation Smokehouse

$$$

Although open only since 2020, this rustic, casual eatery in quiet Richmond has quickly become one of the most popular restaurants on Jamaica's north coast. The menu is divided into Jamaican, American, Asian, and vegetarian sections, and portions are hearty. Most nights a DJ entertains the crowds, and on Friday there's a live band.

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Ultimate Jerk Center and Rest Stop

$$

A favorite with locals traveling the North Coast Highway, this open-air eatery across from the Green Grotto Caves serves a variety of jerk dishes well as fish and traditional Jamaican side dishes. A separate bar—housed in a colorful rondavel (a round hut with a thatch roof)—serves beverages.