Okay, two truths about this place called The Native in Montego Bay – first its the least “native” Jamaican place I’ve eaten and second this is the least “local” thing I’ve done in Jamaica. But I wanted to post about it anyways in case you’re feeling extravagant one night and want to spend $50 USD on dinner.
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***2017 UPDATE – The Native Restaurant is no longer. It has been replaced by a new restaurant, which I have not yet tried***
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To be honest, this restaurant was recommended to me by a Jamaican in the street in Mobay and I ate there with a friend in 2006. However, she paid the bill and I didn’t even look at it so had NO idea what she paid. All I knew was the coconut crusted fish I ate for lunch that day was TO DIE FOR!!!! One of the tastiest things I’ve eaten anywhere, not just Jamaica.
Well it’s funny how recommendations turn into more recommendations because two years later when I was in Mobay for Sumfest 2008, I recommended to my travel partner that we eat dinner at The Native because they have this awesome coconut fish. The restaurant is right on the strip in Mobay so it was easy to walk to from HOTEL GLORIANA. We went for dinner instead of lunch this time and I was hoping they still had the same menu 2 years later.
The ambiance of this place is totally great! The restaurant is open to the outside but covered, the tables are nicely set and the staff is fabulous…..friendly and willing to stand around and talk long after you want them to leave LOL! Love the atmosphere here though. We were there around 8:00 in the evening and this is the night shot I took from our table. Its looking out onto the main strip in Mobay.
Guess what? They still had the coconut fish. And guess what else? The prices on the menu where WAAAY more than this “local” traveler wants to spend on anything! But I also have some pride and swallowed it to avoid the embarrassment of leaving. All in all we spent over $50 USD for two people. I had the coconut crusted fish and my friend found coconut crusted chicken on the menu. It was equally as scrumptious as the fish and the mashed potatoes she had looked pretty LOL (in the bowl on the left). I think I had a side of fries too.
Would I recommend this place to eat? Most definitely!! Would I recommend it if you’re on a budget? NOT! But the food is consistently fabulous and really pretty as you can see!
Comments
13 responses to “The Native Restaurant – Montego Bay”
The pancakes at this place are wicked for breakfast!
LOL @ pancakes. That’s probably the LAST thing I wanna eat for breakfast in Jamaica. I get plenty pancakes back home.
We waited over two hours to get served, over an hour to place a drink order. The wait people were completely oblivious to us and never came over to tell us anything about the delay. Our meal took a total of 3 1/2 hours. When it came time to pay the bill, it took them over 1/2 hour to figure out what we owed – and then presented us with a bill that included a 20% tip. The food was good but I would never patronize or recommend this place to anyone.
Hmmmm sorry to hear that. I’ve been there twice and never had such bad service. I guess you win some and lose some.
HAHAHA @ pretty mashed potatoes. They are quite lovely. I’ll have to check this place out when I travel to the West coast and want a change of pace. Thanks!
Yes! I love this place. The manager Boris Reed is a wonderful host.
The pancakes are awesome.
I love the Native… i stayed in Mobay twice last year, and will be going back feb. 2011. The Native is a must for us.. Yes, the prices are high, but the food and drinks are worth it… My best friends even had their wedding reception dinner there and we have never had to wait like the eariler post, even with a dinner party of 12. If your looking for a cheaper place to eat with great food and drinks, and nice locals to interact with try the Boston Jerk Center on top road…. The food at Boston Jerk will blow your mind, the local cuisine is to die for…
I’ve eaten at Boston jerk center before. It was really great!
the guys at the boston jerk center are racists.
I highly doubt that Jeffrey. But everyone’s entitled to their own opinions.
NOW! that is funny i have footage and a pic of when i went last year and i sat at that EXACT table with the same view
Is this place still open? Please let me know because the last time I was there I believe they closed it down.
I’m pretty sure it’s not there anymore. This post is pretty old so thanks for the reminder that I should update my info. It’s hard to keep a big blog current lol.