Top Restaurants in Runaway Bay
Runaway Bay Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Runaway Bay
Just ten miles west of Ocho Rios, Runaway Bay's stunning beaches see far fewer footprints than its neighbors. It's also removed from the cruise ship herds and pushy vendors. Perfect for those happy not to wander far from their resort, there are a few nearby attractions nonetheless. Bob Marley's childhood home and mausoleum is in nearby Nine Mile. Jamaican history is on view at Seville Great House and at Columbus Park Museum. To explore, rent a reliable vehicle and remember to drive on the left.
Things to do in Runaway Bay
1. The British Bulldog
Overall Ratings
4 based on 67 reviews
Reviewed By vivhuski65 - Cardiff, United Kingdom
Was staying all inclusive at a nearby resort. Ventured outside to meet the locals and get the feel of Jamaican culture, so glad I did as going to the bulldog was a welcome relief from the luxury. Met Smoking Joe a ganja farmer who's prices and quality out weighed the the staff at the hotel. Also Dave a friendly street hawker who sells necklaces, bracelets and fridge magnets from his two carrier bags. Great wise guy, who I visited daily. If you do meet him, buy him a beer from me. The Bulldog sells ice cold beer at cheaper prices than you get back home. Inside may be dark but is nice and cool away from the burning heat. I loved sitting by the door way watching the world go by and chatting to the locals. I urge you to pay a visit.
2. Jerky's
Overall Ratings
4 based on 55 reviews
Reviewed By CyndyandByron - Bridgeton, New Jersey
This used to always be the break stop on a drive from Ocho Rios to Montego Bay. It was not just a random stop. We always knew there would be a few great daily specials that we would enjoy. Today it was red pea soup with yam. It was a delicious bargain. They have multiple other specials highlighting traditional Jamaican foods. The dining area is not too great and bathrooms were not working today, but food was right on the mark.
3. Flavours Beach Bar and Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 227 reviews
Reviewed By Geoffrey D - Uxbridge, Canada
We stayed in Runaway Bay 22-30 December and we were walking distance to the public beach and Flavours. The locals eat, swim, and play here and we had a great time. We were a family reunion of 13 from teenagers to seniors and we played on the beach and ate in the restaurant every day! The curry goat was my favourite and it was delicious and addictive. The seafood also got great reviews from our party. A couple of days they ran out of certain menu items so ordering early is a good tip.
The beach here is lovely. There are lots of families with young children and we felt perfectly safe. There are a small number of vendors around but we did not get bothered. The music in the restaurant can be heard a distance down the beach and it was great. You can also walk farther down in either direction if you just want to hear the surf. There are also toilets here and a few places to sit.
We will be back.
4. Sharkies Seafood Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 451 reviews
Reviewed By Tony B - London, United Kingdom
Our friends who took us to this restaurant were regulars, so warned us that you do have to wait some time for the main courses.
Bearing that in mind we sat backed, sipped our ice cold Red Stripes, talked and listened to the reggae, growling out of the huge bass speaker. It was fun and very laid back.
The waitresses were a touch inattentive, but the beers came quickly, as did the cassava Bammies.
When the jerk fish arrived they were huge, slightly over-cooked but very tasty. Good rice and peas and a great okra dish alongside.
There was so much food we took a whole fish home for the next day.
It was a pretty good meal and if you're happy to chill and wait, it's worth the wait. I'd certainly go again for the food, the view and the music.
5. JamDung Bar and Grill
Overall Ratings
5 based on 8 reviews
Great little spot, for tourist and locals, free wifi offered, bar and grill type of place, karaoke Monday nights, music others, sports bar big screen, kitchen serving Jamaican food, opens in the afternoon. Clean, and safe vibe when I went.
Reviewed By Lori S - South Carolina
I had the opportunity to visit JamDung twice while staying at Jewel Runaway Bay. Lovely experiences. Keisha was attentive and enjoyable to speak with. Try the chicken foot soup! Music on Friday night was retro and was played in a manner that appealed to everyone present.
6. Devon House I-Scream
Overall Ratings
5 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By SweetJamaicaJules - Ocho Rios, Jamaica
You cannot beat Devon House I-Scream for a creamy treat whilst in Jamaica. The main ice-cream parlour is in Kingston, but there are satellite stores all over the island. They have 27 lip smacking, creamy, natural flavours, so you are sure to find something for everyone. Simply delicious! Try one of the tropical flavours, such as coconut, mango, or Devon Stout. Yum!
7. Bayside Pastries
Overall Ratings
4 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By SweetJamaicaJules - Ocho Rios, Jamaica
This inconspicuous pastry shop has a double life serving traditional Jamaican food which is cheap and tasty. If you don't want a big meal you can fill up on patties and a small selection of cakes, sweet breads (such as Banana Bread) and pastries. There is a Seating area inside the restaurant, which is no-frills, but it is always popular with the locals. If you prefer you can buy a take away and eat on the go.
8. HighSeas Seafood Raft
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
Reviewed By MyIndyGurl - Indianapolis
I’ve been to Jamaica many times and this was a dining experience to remember. Such a shift from the resort buffet and restaurant options. Fresh grilled lobster, onions and pineapple grilled on an open fire on a small raft in the Caribbean ocean. Simply incredible! We chose to eat on the beach rather than the raft. It was delivered fresh & hot from a courier right off the fire. It’s pricey by Jamaica standards but very reasonable for fresh lobster delivered to you without having to dress up for fine dining. Definitely not to be missed.
9. Jade Samurai Restaurant
Overall Ratings
5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By tartnjohn - Olney, United Kingdom
Situated within the Jewel resort, this restaurant brings true Japanese dining out of the Orient and into the Caribbean.
All the guests are seated around a large cooking pedestal with chef cooking the meal in front of your eyes. Very much a communal experience, this was a highlight of our visit to the resort.
The food (which is tailored to each guests requirements) is fabulous and the fact it is done in front of you only adds to the enjoyment. Certainly not to be missed if you are staying at the Jewel
10. Moonstone by Vincenzo
Overall Ratings
4 based on 70 reviews
Reviewed By roncZ1136ZD
There is a pizza hangout in this resort which is average, but far better than the disappointment this restaurant provided. Dinner served between 6 and 9. We arrived at 7:30 and our first 2 dinner choices were not available. Option 3 was to try the pasta bar. Ended up with spaghetti and meatballs with a red sauce but no peppers were available. not even crushed red pepper .....and the meatballs were terrible.
