If you enjoy food, like I do, you can sort of plan your vacation on what and where to eat. If you like the beach, the sun, and stress-free relaxation, try Sandals Negril, where gourmet indulgence meets powdery white sand and the occasional champagne toast at noon. You can snorkel, sunbathe, or nap like a seasoned professional, but let’s be honest, we’re also here to eat. Someday, I’ll need to write an article on how to eat all you want on a cruise or at an all-inclusive resort and not gain a pound, but I think that might involve something like these fitness classes and gym, and I’m just not ready for that commitment right now!
Here’s how I would guide you through five days of eating at Sandals Negril, fork in hand:
Day 1: Beachfront Beginnings and Latin Fusion Dreams
Breakfast at Barefoot by the Sea for Your Morning Kickoff
Planted on Negril’s iconic Seven Mile Beach, right in the middle of Jamaica’s “Capital of Casual,” Barefoot by the Sea turns breakfast into a barefoot-friendly, seaside event. Forget fancy dress codes here. The only thing required is a decent appetite. And maybe sunscreen.
Enjoy some fresh Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee (some of my favorite,) and pretend you’re in a prescription drug commercial. (People are always happy and doing fun things in those commercials!) With the Caribbean ocean just a few steps away and a salty breeze doing your hair better than any stylist, it’s the kind of breakfast spot where time slows down—and you’re totally okay with it. Back to the coffee. Here’s what Sandals has to say about coffee, and all of their drinks in general from their website: “To complement our dining options, we offer an equally top-rate beverage program, featuring only top-shelf spirits, Jamaica Blue Mountain Blend coffee, and Appleton® Estate Jamaica Rum, all with endless pours. Bottoms up!” So there you go. All included. You can find the information here.
The breakfast menu at Barefoot by the Sea is comforting and tropical with a twist. Expect dishes like ackee and saltfish (Jamaica’s national dish), the smoothie bowl (with natural yogurt, papaya, granola, kiwi, pineapple, roasted pecans, toasted almonds, and shredded coconut) or a shrimp omelet that looks straight out of an Instagram post. Not to mention warm pastries and eggs made just how you like them—sunny-side-up, like the view. You can see the menu for Barefoot by the Sea restaurant here if you would like.
Lunch at Bayside Restaurant In Negril is Simply Beachy
Lunch at Bayside is a midday affair worth writing home (or at least blogging) about. Maybe you’ve been kayaking all morning, or possibly sunbathing? Well, you’ll feel right at home at this sun-drenched and sea-breezy open-air restaurant. They serve up an international buffet that changes daily, like a well-traveled socialite with a passport full of stamps and a suitcase full of spices. (Note: If you want to bring saltwater shells back to the U.S., instead of spices, you will need to declare them with customs and make sure they are super clean of all sand and dirt. Customs will decide if they get in the country or not. Just to let you know. All of this is available on the usda website if you want to check it out.)
Back to lunch. Each day the Bayside lunch buffet transforms with a different globe-trotting theme, offering something for every craving. Here’s how it breaks down:
Sunday – Caribbean
Monday – Jamaican
Tuesday – Italian
Wednesday – International
Thursday – American
Friday – Pan-Caribbean
Saturday – Latin
Don’t skip dessert. Seriously. It’s your first day! Indulge. And maybe have some bright, sweet juice, or a crisp island cocktail? Might I suggest a Mojito or Jamaican Smile, a drink I would have named the “JAMAICA Me Smile,” with Rum Cream, Grenadine, Coconut Cream, Coconut Rum and a Banana.) Sandals.com, you can contact me for more drink names if you want. I’m the Travel Rooster, fyi. And if anyone needs help booking this culinary tour, or check on my upcoming foodie tours, please contact me here.
Theatrical Dinner at Kimonos in Jamaica
Twilight deepens. Lanterns glow. Kimonos comes alive with a burst of energy and anticipation. At the center of it all, the Teppanyaki chefs, the masters of both heat and humor, transform your table into a stage. Watch as they ignite the famed sizzle station, then toss crackling shrimp tails into their chef’s hat or flip delicious shrimp across the grill to your open mouth, with a smack of spatulas and a punchline. The sizzle of butter-poached shrimp and steak gets your attention, and before you know it, the laughter and applause has turned your neighboring guests into lifelong friends. You know how that goes. Sitting with people you just met, having drinks. Good times.
Once the show has built up your appetite, dive into the menu standouts. Start with the Gyoza, which is Asian dumplings filled with shrimp or vegetables, and a ponzu dipping sauce (like a citrus vinaigrette), then move on to the jumbo shrimp or steak straight off the grill. You get all of the other items you enjoy, too, like fried rice and vegetables. It’s a fun place and they know how to treat you right. Have a drink, some dessert, and a good time. Try the Emperor’s Chocolate Cake. It’s made with stewed pineapple and mango jelly Here’s the dinner menu for you in case you want to take a peek ahead. And, you need to make a reservation for Kimonos, so don’t forget to do this when you arrive at the resort. I can help you with all of this, too.
Day 2: Caribbean Flavors and Teppanyaki Theater
Indulgant Breakfast at Crema. Who wants coffee?
Crema isn’t your typical morning stop, it’s a bold re-imagining of breakfast itself. Inspired by the misty peaks of Jamaica’s Blue Mountains, this coffee and ice cream bar celebrates the island’s most iconic flavors in an unexpected way. They serve locally-grown, harvested, and roasted Jamaican coffee beans (yes, delicious), some of the finest in the world, alongside small-batch ice creams made with local ingredients. So, either stop in for a quick coffee then relax on the beach for a bit, then head back to the Barefoot by the Sea, or, a better idea, just try an affogato—a fusion of hot, velvety espresso poured over cool, creamy ice cream. The coconut one the, Tobago, is delish. Affogato is an Italian-Jamaican hybrid, whose name means “drowned,” and is the perfect answer to breakfast fatigue, a part pick-me-up, part indulgence, all pleasure. Actually, Crema is good any time of day. They are open from 6am until 10pm. For a late night snack, try the affogato with Frangelico or Kahlua as a creamy cocktail. You can decide on which coffee drink you want to try, here.
Seaside Lunch at Perla, Sandals Negril
Welcome to Perla, where island soul meets seaside cool. This vibrant lunch spot by the beach brings the bold, breezy flavors of Jamaica and the Caribbean straight to your plate. With the sea breeze in your hair and reggae in the air, Perla is your go-to for a midday escape full of rhythm, spice, and sunshine. It might not look like the iconic Jerk Shack in Sandals Ochi, but the food delivers, just as delicious! Feast on the Jerk Platter of marinated chicken thigh, pork, and jerk sausage. Or cool things down with a Caribbean Chicken Salad made with cabbage, sweet peppers, jerk chicken, leafy greens, and guava dressing. You know you want to try them both!
Thirsty? Sip on a Perla Sunset, a Paloma, or El Diablo. Look them up on the menu here. Non-drinkers, don’t worry, Sandals offers a wide variety of non-alcoholic drinks as part of their all-inclusive package, including tropical mocktails, coconut water, and other non-alcoholic options that will have you feelin’ irie all the time
You can enjoy the lunchy snacks, cocktails and Jamaican churros from 11p.m until 5:30pm.
Dinner at Brava in Jamaica with Tapas, Sangría & Sea Breezes
If you’re looking for a dinner that’s romantic Spanish cuisine night, it’s time for Brava. This open-air Spanish tapas restaurant sits right on Negril’s iconic 7-mile beach—just steps from the Caribbean Sea and far, far away from anything remotely stressful. This place is all about flavorful moments and plates made for passing, but I won’t judge if you keep the Croquetas de Pollo (a chicken and béchamel fritter) all to yourself. I would think about it, but my wife would probably nudge me.
The menu is like a love letter to tapas bars in Spain, but with a Caribbean flair and just enough heat to keep things interesting. I would lean toward the Patatas Bravas smothered in alioli and spicy tomato sauce, the Gambas al Ajillo sizzling in garlic and brandy (which I just say is garlic shrimp with attitude, because they use a scotch bonnet pepper in the sauce), or the Carne a la Parilla that makes grilled steak feel like an art form. It’s a flank steak that Bob Ross would probably call a little happy steak, or something positive like that!
To drink? Obviously, sangría—red or white, cold, fruity, and dangerously easy to finish. Or go bold with a Tinto de Verano, Spain’s answer to a spritz, but with a bit more soul (and orange soda).
End things on a sweet note with a perfectly jiggly Flan, a warm Ensaimada Mallorquina layered with Jamaican chocolate, or, for the true overachiever, the Basque-style Papaya Cheesecake—technically meant for two, realistically eaten by one!
Come for the sunset, stay for the sangría, and let the tapas keep coming. Here is the menu.
Day 3: Sleep In, Pizza Perfection and Caribbean Elegance
Breakfast in Bed, Anyone?
Today you might want to just lounge in bed for breakfast. Order some room-service coffee, tea, or a Bloody Mary. I don’t care. You can get whatever you like. Don’t forget to call ahead, as it takes a while to prepare everything for you. I like to order the night before. Here’s some info:
- Club Level room service is available from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
- Butler Level rooms offer 24-hour room service, meaning you can order food and drinks anytime.
- Luxury Level does not include room service, so just wander over to Barefoot by the Sea for some tasty food.
Here’s a sample of things you might be able to order. Remember, these menus change frequently, so you can call ahead and have them send you one, or contact me and I’ll get you one:
Hot Items: Breakfast burritos, chorizo bowls, French toast, breakfast sandwiches, oatmeal, and omelets (though some report omelets might not stay as warm during delivery). Sides: Fruit plates (very popular), bacon, sausage, potato wedges/hash browns, assorted pastries (croissants, muffins, danishes), bagels, and sometimes lox.
Lunch at Bella Napoli Pizzeria
When the sun’s high and so is your appetite, head straight to Bella Napoli. This charming little pizzeria turns out wood-fired masterpieces with irresistibly blistered edges and toppings that flirt between classic Margherita and Giamaicana (the Jamaican pizza with Jerk chicken, sweet peppers, mozzarella, and tomato sauce.) If you need a dessert, you can sample the Cioccolato or Mele pizza. The menu is here, and they are open from 11am until 5:30pm.
Seafood Dinner at Sundowner
When the sun begins to soften and your appetite hardens, follow the scent of spice and sea breeze to the Sundowner, a beachside haven where Caribbean cuisine gets the star treatment it deserves. The setting is dreamy, for sure. It has views that melt into the horizon, and sunsets that flirt with perfection. But the food steals the show.
Here’s a suggestion. Start with the Smoked Marlin Carpaccio, delicately dressed in citrus vinaigrette. AND opt for the Pan-Seared Crab Cake, crisp and golden beside a zesty island slaw that bites back a little. AND get the Coconut-Infused Pumpkin Bisque which arrives like edible velvet in a bowl, softly spiced and crowned with herb croutons. Why get all three? They are delish, but a little small on the portion size. Just letting you know.
Main dishes are no less theatrical. The Escoveitch Snapper, bright with pickled vegetables and paired with cassava bammy is the signature dish. Bammy is a steamed flatbread made from grated casssava (also called yuca or manioc), soaked in milk, and fried to golden brown). Then you have my favorite, the Grilled Mahi Mahi, or order the Chargrilled Beef Tenderloin which comes with peppercorn sauce and garlic mashed potatoes. For those craving the deep, slow-cooked soul of the islands, the Curried Mutton with dumplings and mango chutney feels like something your Jamaican grandmother might’ve made, but probably a bit more refined. But I never met your grandmother, so it might be just like hers.
When you think you are full, and can’t order anything else, have some dessert. Try the Sweet Potato Pudding with rum crème anglaise, the Coconut Truffle Cake oozing white chocolate ganache, or the classic Pineapple Upside-Down Cake, caramelized to sun-kissed perfection. The Sundowner has it all for you. Check this one off your bucket list. Don’t forget to make a reservation when you first arrive at the resort.
Day 4: Enjoy Sunrise Sips and Sunset Suppers
Beachy Breakfast at Bayside Restaurant
Mornings at Bayside Restaurant are a gentle nudge into the day, where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the salty sea air. As the sun rises over Seven Mile Beach, find yourself drawn to the open-air charm of this seaside eatery. I’m always ready for the Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee, but did I mention the buffet? The breakfast buffet is a journey through international flavors and local favorites. They have everything you would expect on a breakfast buffet, plus an excellent tropical fruit selection with papaya, mango, and pineapple slices.
As you sip on a mimosa or perhaps a glass of pineapple juice, the gentle hum of the waves provides the perfect soundtrack. One woman also said that the Dirty Banana is a great breakfast drink, too. Why not? It’s not just breakfast, it’s a memory. If you look at the vacation pictures on my phone, you’ll see a majority of them are food shots. Memories. I can help you make some if you contact me!
Experience a Negril Lunch at Sundowner
Dinner at Sundowner was great, so let’s go back for lunch! They offer the quintessential Negril experience with breathtaking sunsets paired with Jamaica’s finest lunch cuisine. Kick things off with the Traditional Jerk Chicken, because really, what’s a lunch without a little spice and some serious island vibes? This dish arrives with its trusty sidekicks, rice & peas. Or try the Burger 2.0. This isn’t just a burger; it’s a beefy masterpiece, charred to perfection and loaded with enough caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, and crispy bacon to make your heart sing (and your diet temporarily irrelevant). The pepper jack cheese and truffle aioli is pure genius. If you’re feeling a bit more “plant-powered superhero,” the Plant-Based Burger is here. It’s equally delicious, decked out, and comes with a side of fries because, well, fries.
Finish with a sweet, sticky kiss. You must try the Pineapple Upside-Down Cake. It’s a classic for a reason, a golden crown of sugary pineapple perfection. And, you’re in Jamaica. So enjoy the pineapple!
Your Romantic Dinner at Barefoot by the Sea
Step into Barefoot by the Sea, again. Yes, you’ve been here, but not for dinner! For your last Island dinner on this trip, start with the exquisite Seafood Rillettes, a delicate smoked seafood spread with crisp garlic crostini. Or just go for the coconut shrimp, because, why not? It comes with garlic chili dip and papaya slaw. Delicious.
For your main course, go for the Surf & Surf. Not surf and turf, but surf and surf! It’s a perfectly-seared snapper fillet alongside a broiled garlic herb prawn brochette, with sautéed vegetables and creamy mashed potatoes on the side. It’s just a fantastic blend of the ocean’s best. Cap off this magnificent dinner with the Ackee & White Chocolate Cheesecake. It’s a unique, decadent twist that promises a sweet, memorable finish to your long-awaited romantic evening under the stars. What is Ackee, you ask? It’s a West African fruit, the Jamaican national fruit. It has a custard-like texture and kind of a mild, nutty flavor when cooked. You have to try it!
Barefoot by the Sea will serve you well for dinner, and they don’t require reservations. You can check out their menu if you want.
Day 5: Farewell Feasts and Sweet Goodbyes at Sandals Negril
Breakfast at Bayside: A Sunrise Indulgence
On your last vacation day (on this trip, I’m sure you will go on more trips!), Bayside Restaurant offers a farewell that feels like a warm hug. It’s the breakfast buffet, so it’s easy and delicious. And the atmosphere is awesome. Just another memory in the making, served with espresso. Take a picture, post it instagram, and tag me! Yep, Travel Rooster. ( @thetravelrooster or #thetravelrooster ).
Lunch at Bella Napoli Pizzeria: A Slice of Comfort
For your final island lunch, a return to Bella Napoli Pizzeria offers a comforting way to carb up before the inevitable goodbyes. Savor one last delicious slice from their diverse menu. Perhaps you’ll go for the uniquely Jamaican flair of the Giamaicana pizza again, loaded with jerk chicken and sweet pepper, or indulge in the rich, cheesy goodness of the Quattro Formaggi. If you’re a seafood lover, the Aglio e Gamberetti, Bella Napoli’s signature pizza with baby shrimp and garlic, is an absolute last0minute must-try. Each bite is a reminder of the relaxed, flavorful moments you’ve created. But, you can always book another trip right away. Maybe look at Sandals Ochi for your next trip?
Back to the Jamaican Airport
With your appetite satisfied and your heart full of beautiful memories, it’s time to gather your belongings and head for the airport, carrying the sweet taste of Negril with you. Here’s a little tip for you… you might go ahead and book the Club Mobay option at the Sangster International Airport. Here’s what you get for $35 a person Departure VIP Lounge Service:
• Fast Track Access through security
• Complimentary snacks, tapas, sandwiches, pastries, and fruit
• Non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages from a full-service bar
• Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi
• Cultural exhibits showcasing Jamaica’s rich heritage
• Shower facilities for a refreshing pre-flight experience
• Free international calls to the USA, Canada, and UK landlines
• Access to our private departure lounges
• Restrooms and changing facilities designed with privacy and comfort in mind
Tell them the Travel Rooster sent you.
Paradise, Plated at Sandals Negril
Sandals Negril isn’t just a luxury resort—it’s an island of indulgent flavors, barefoot elegance, and just enough spice to keep you talking about the jerk chicken for years. Did I mention I love the jerk chicken? Every meal feels like a celebration, crafted with care and served with a view.
Pack your bathing suit, your sense of humor, and your appetite. If you see someone walking around with a slice of Giamaicana pizza in one hand and an affogato from Crema in the other, that’s probably me. I’m still the Travel Rooster.
FYI, check the sandals website to make sure the menu hasn’t changed before your trip.
Bon appétit, travel well, and save me a seat. Big up. (That’s “cheers” in Jamaican Patois.)
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