The Best of Jamaica Awards have always placed strong emphasis on celebrating Jamaicans at home — recognising the individuals, businesses and experiences that define Jamaica’s cultural, culinary and hospitality landscape.
Selected through public nominations, these on-island honourees reflect real experiences — meals enjoyed, stays remembered, and moments that left lasting impressions on Jamaicans and visitors alike. That collective voice gives the awards particular weight, grounding them in lived experience and community trust.
At a time when Jamaica is still navigating recovery following Hurricane Melissa, this year’s awardees represent the island’s resilience, consistency and the everyday excellence that sustains local communities, supports tourism, and keeps Jamaican culture rooted and thriving.
From family-run restaurants and iconic patty shops to standout hotels, villas and visitor experiences, these awardees showcase the very best of Jamaica — created, built and sustained on the island.
Best Jamaican Restaurant Awardees
Jamaican cuisine remains one of the island’s strongest cultural exports, and this year’s awardees highlight both tradition and innovation.
3 Dives Jerk Centre – Negril, Westmoreland
Perched on the iconic West End cliffs of Negril, 3 Dives Restaurant has become a must-visit destination for authentic Jamaican cuisine and laid-back coastal dining. Known for its flavour-packed jerk chicken and fresh seafood, including Caribbean lobster, the restaurant offers a quintessential Jamaican food experience with uninterrupted views of the Caribbean Sea.
Miss T’s Kitchen – Ocho Rios, St. Ann
Known for its vibrant décor and bold, flavour-forward menu, Miss T’s Kitchen delivers an immersive Jamaican dining experience that blends food, culture and personality. From its famed oxtail stew to expertly prepared curry goat, fish and meats cooked steamed, escoveitch, brown stew or rundown, the menu celebrates rustic Jamaican country cooking at its best.
The Pelican Grill – Montego Bay
A Montego Bay institution, The Pelican Grill has been serving authentic Jamaican, home-style cooking for generations. Family-owned and operated since the 1960s, the restaurant is known for its consistently fresh dishes, welcoming atmosphere and central location along the Hip Strip overlooking the sea. With favourites like jerk chicken, oxtail, curried shrimp and fresh seafood, The Pelican Grill continues to be a trusted dining choice for both locals and visitors, valued for its tradition, warmth and enduring quality.
Sonia’s Homestyle Cooking & Natural Juices – Kingston
From humble beginnings with a small cart on Camperdown Road, the multi award-winning Sonia’s Homestyle Cooking & Natural Juices has grown into a Kingston staple celebrated for authentic Jamaican soul food. Founded by Sonia Thomas in the mid-1980s, the restaurant is known for its rich, home-style flavours and unwavering commitment to quality. With favourites such as oxtail, curried goat and stewed peas, Sonia’s continues to earn its reputation as a trusted lunch and dining spot rooted in tradition, consistency and heartfelt service.
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Soldier Camp Bar & Grill – Port Antonio
Tucked just outside Port Antonio, Soldier Camp Bar & Grill is a rustic, relaxed dining spot known for fresh, thoughtfully prepared Jamaican cuisine. Founded by retired US Army serviceman Everold Daley, the restaurant focuses on natural ingredients and deep, authentic flavours, with seafood playing a starring role alongside well-loved chicken and pork dishes. With favourites like crayfish and curried shrimp, a solid cocktail offering and a distinctive open-air setting, Soldier Camp has become a trusted local favourite and a must-visit for visitors seeking a memorable Port Antonio dining experience.
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Best Jamaican Hotels & Villas
Jamaica’s tourism product continues to evolve, driven by operators who prioritise service, authenticity and local connection.
The Blue House Boutique Bed & Breakfast
Renowned for its personalised service and exceptional guest experience, The Blue House Boutique Bed & Breakfast offers an intimate, Jamaican-owned hospitality experience rooted in care, consistency and pride. This family-run Ocho Rios retreat has long been a favourite among travellers seeking a relaxed, upscale stay that feels authentically Jamaican. Led by third-generation iChinese Jamaican innkeepers, guests are welcomed like family and treated to thoughtfully prepared local and international cuisine, creating a stay defined by warmth, connection and lasting memories.
Sandals Ochi: Ocho Rios Beach Resort
As one of Jamaica’s flagship resorts, Sandals Ochi Beach Resort was recognised for delivering large-scale hospitality while maintaining service excellence and a strong connection to Jamaican culture. Located in Ocho Rios, the resort offers a diverse guest experience, from a lively beach club atmosphere to tranquil Butler Villas set within expansive gardens. With an extensive range of dining options, bars and included activities, Sandals Ochi continues to stand out as a destination that captures the full spectrum of Jamaica’s energy, relaxation and hospitality.
Hotel Riu – Negril
Set along the white sands of Bloody Bay, Hotel Riu Negril is recognised for delivering a full-service resort experience that blends comfort, variety and lively entertainment. With a wide range of dining options, multiple pools, beachside activities and all-inclusive amenities, the resort caters to couples, families and groups alike. Its energetic atmosphere, consistent service and beachfront location have made it a popular choice for visitors seeking a vibrant Negril getaway.
S Hotel – Montego Bay
Stylish and design-forward, S Hotel Montego Bay has become a standout in the city’s hospitality scene, blending modern comfort with authentic Jamaican flair. Known for its attentive service, vibrant atmosphere and use of locally sourced ingredients, the hotel delivers a stay that feels both upscale and deeply connected to the island. With its prime location and relaxed yet energetic vibe, S Hotel continues to attract travellers seeking a refined Montego Bay experience.
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GeeJam Hotel – Port Antonio
Set between the rainforest and the sea in Port Antonio, GeeJam Hotel offers a secluded, design-led retreat that blends natural beauty with creative energy. Long known as a haven for artists, musicians and cultural tastemakers, the property pairs stylish accommodation with a deeply relaxed, off-the-grid atmosphere. With its intimate scale, distinctive music heritage and effortless sense of place, GeeJam continues to stand out as one of Jamaica’s most unique hospitality experiences.
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Ocean Coral Spring – Trelawny
Located along the seafront in Trelawny, Ocean Coral Spring is a modern, five-star all-inclusive resort recognised for its expansive facilities and family-friendly appeal. With contemporary rooms, multiple pools, a lazy river and a wide range of dining options, the resort offers a full-service vacation experience. Its beachfront setting, wellness spa and varied entertainment programme continue to make it a popular choice for travellers seeking comfort, variety and relaxation.
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Best Beach in Jamaica
From cascading waterfalls to crystal-clear shores, Jamaica’s beaches are not just beautiful but are a vital part of our story, our memories and our magic.
Dunn’s River Falls and Park – Ocho Rios
One of Jamaica’s most iconic natural attractions, Dunn’s River Falls Beach remains a must-visit destination for locals and visitors alike. Famous for its cascading travertine waterfalls that flow directly into the Caribbean Sea, the site offers a rare blend of adventure and relaxation. From climbing the falls to enjoying the beach and natural pools below, Dunn’s River Falls continues to embody the beauty, history and enduring appeal of Jamaica’s landscape.
Best Patty and Jerk Spot Jamaica
No Jamaican food conversation is complete without patties and jerk — pork, chicken or fish. These two dishes are central to who we are and how Jamaican cuisine is known worldwide, and everyone has their personal favourite. These awardees rose to the top as the ultimate fan favourites, recognised by the public for consistently delivering the patties and jerk that people return to again and again.
Juici patties – Best Patty Shop Jamaica
A true Jamaican institution, Juici Patties has played a defining role in putting the iconic Jamaican patty on the culinary map. With its flaky pastry, well-seasoned fillings and consistent flavour that generations have come to love, Juici Patties has become a staple for locals and visitors alike. Its enduring popularity and nationwide reputation reflect the deep affection Jamaicans have for this beloved national favourite.
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Border Jerk – Best Jerk Spot Jamaica
Located along the Hanover–Westmoreland border, Border Jerk is a legendary roadside stop celebrated for serving some of the island’s most beloved jerk. Known for its smoky, pimento-wood flavour and perfectly seasoned jerk chicken and pork, the spot has earned a loyal following among locals and visitors alike. With its no-frills setting, bold flavours and unmistakably authentic taste, Border Jerk continues to set the standard for true Jamaican jerk done right.
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Best Attraction and Event Jamaica
Jamaica’s story is told not only through food and hospitality, but through the places we gather and the events that bring us together. From world-famous attractions to signature cultural celebrations, these awardees reflect the experiences that continue to define Jamaica’s identity.
Bob Marley Museum (Kingston) – Best Attraction Jamaica
Located in the former home of reggae icon Bob Marley, the Bob Marley Museum stands as one of Jamaica’s most important cultural heritage sites. Preserved to reflect Marley’s life and legacy, the museum offers guided tours through the main house, exhibition spaces and theatre, showcasing personal artefacts, awards and music history. With its immersive experience and deep cultural significance, the museum continues to honour the life, message and global impact of Jamaica’s most celebrated musician.
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Reggae Sumfest – Best Event Jamaica
Widely regarded as the crown jewel of Jamaican music festivals, Reggae Sumfest is a global celebration of reggae and dancehall culture held annually in Montego Bay. Showcasing legendary icons alongside emerging stars, the festival brings together pulsating performances, vibrant energy and a deep sense of cultural pride. Beyond the music, Sumfest offers an immersive experience of Jamaican cuisine, arts and community, drawing fans from around the world for an unforgettable expression of Jamaica’s musical legacy.
Chosen by the People, Rooted in Experience
These People’s Choice winners represent the very best of Jamaica on the island, as chosen by the people who have experienced them firsthand. From meals shared and stays remembered to attractions visited time and again, these businesses and experiences have earned their place through consistency, quality and genuine connection with their communities. Their recognition reflects trust, loyalty and the real moments that shape how Jamaica is lived, enjoyed and remembered.
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