A 5-Day “Foodie” Itinerary at Sandals Ochi, Jamaica

I enjoy food. Am I a foodie? I’m not sure. Do my travel experiences involve food? Yes. Sometimes elegant dining, sometimes street vendors, sometimes buffets, hot-dogs on a stick or newspaper fish and chips. What I’m saying is, I like to eat different things. So, when I can wake up to the gentle lull of Caribbean waves, have the sun come in through the drapes, and I have the enjoyment of five days of food joy at Sandals Ochi, I take it! When you combine barefoot luxury with world-class cuisine, you’re in the right place. Here’s what I suggest, from seaside grills to over-water fine dining, from fiery jerk joints to romantic candlelit beaches. You get to experience all of the other fun stuff in-between the dining adventure, too. Here’s a sampling of what I would probably do if I had five days at Sandals Ochi.

Day 1: Cliff-Top Beginnings & Over-Water Vibes

Grand Introduction Breakfast at Vista Sky in Jamaica

Perched on a clifftop terrace with 180° ocean panoramas, Vista Sky is your morning breakfast place. It’s where you want to wake up and take in the view. Enjoy an easy buffet, with made-to-order omelets, tropical fruits, fresh pastries, and other great offerings, from 7:30am until 11:00am. What I also like is the Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee while I’m checking out the scenery.

Seaside Lunch at The Mariner, Sandals Ochi

When hunger strikes around noon, stroll over to The Mariner Seaside Bar & Grill, an open-air place that says refined beach club. It’s right on the beach. You can just pop in after swimming or after relaxing on the beach and you’ll be welcome. I’m up for the Fish Burger, which is really a grilled fish fillet on a toasted bun and not a burger, or the Jerk chicken quesadillas for some Jamaican flair. Here is the menu. Grab a Red Stripe for an unbeatable combo. They have plant-based burgers, too, which my son appreciates. It’s open from 11am until 6pm.

Sunset Dinner at Kelly’s Dockside

Let’s get fancy. Kelly’s Dockside sits on stilts above the water, making you feel like royalty on a floating palace. You need to make reservations here, I can help you with this. It’s resort casual dress code, so that’s easy. I would start with the Sampler as an appetizer. It has the smoked fish dip and wine-poached shrimp with cocktail sauce and garlic crostini (fancy bread). If that sounds too much, enjoy the chef salad with the works. Or, get both if you are like me. For dinner, try the Seafood Alfredo or the Snapper. You are in Jamaica, for goodness sake. Have the seafood! If that doesn’t work for you, grab the delicious charred Filet Mignon. A solid choice. Here’s the menu if you want to take a look. Definitely get the caramelized honey pineapple lemon tart and chocolate cheese cake combo for dessert.

Nightcap at The Rabbit Hole, the Sandals Ochi Speakeasy! What’s the Password?

Before bed, slip through the unassuming entrance of The Rabbit Hole, Sandals Ochi’s hidden speakeasy. You’ll know it when you see it. The outside looks like a Hobbit hole to me, but it’s really an “Alice in Wonderland” themed place, with a round wooden entrance surrounded by greenery. Say the password to get in. What’s the password? I don’t know, they change it all the time. It’s a secret. You may need to ask around to find out!

Once you’re in, it’s a jazzy 1920s type-of-place with craft cocktails and très chic vibes. Don’t ask about the hedgehogs or flamingos, just ask for a Frozen Bob Marley, a coral-hued daiquiri that practically demands a slow-motion sip as smooth as Bob’s bass lines. (See what I did there?) Or order one of their other signature cocktails. The drink menu changes here and there, so ask for something fun. You can get their drinks as mocktails, too if you want. Whatever way you want them, you’ve got to check out the Rabbit Hole. It’s just fun. Tell them the Travel Rooster sent you. That’s me. They love that. And is it a speakeasy if it’s on google? Hmmm.

Day 2: A Taste of True Island Soul

Breakfast at The Southern Table in Jamaica

The Southern Table offers a distinctive breakfast experience that diverges from traditional diner fare. This place infuses classic Southern comfort dishes with vibrant Jamaican culinary influences. Which I like. For breakfast, they have traditional buffet items like omelets, pancakes, bacon, french toast, and other homey, comfort food. You can get yogurt, pastries and the other things you like for breakfast. Get some good coffee and enjoy from 7:30am until 10:30 am.

Jerk Masterclass at The Jerk Shack, Sandals Ochi

When I say Jerk, I mean Jerk food, which I describe as slow-cooked, grilled or smoked meats with a special marinade and batch of seasonings like allspice, thyme, Scotch Bonnet peppers (or habaneros), nutmeg, cinnamon, and sometimes black pepper. It’s a unique flavor of Jamaica and the Caribbean. The meats are traditionally charcoal-grilled over pimento wood, a crucial element that helps give the characteristic smoky flavor associated with true jerk.

So, for lunch I would go for The Jerk Shack which specializes in authentic Jamaican jerk cuisine, renowned for its specific jerk preparation methods. (It’s kind of fun to say jerk a lot when you can!) Their signature dish is meat, with a side of meat. You can get pork, chicken, sausage or fish. The other sides are good, too, with roasted sweet potatoes, fried dumplings and crusty bread. Get some extra scotch bonnet sauce for some intense heat. This establishment is recognized by the TravelRooster (me), for its high-quality jerk offerings. It’s open 11am – 6pm, and here’s the current menu.

Early Evening Sips at The Swim-Up Bar at Ochi

As the early evening approaches, guests can visit the swim-up bar, conveniently located within the pool area. A popular drink choice is the Dirty Banana, a cocktail crafted from a blend of local dark rum, fresh bananas, milk and dark cacao. Big Up! (Big Up is kind of like Cheers! in Jamaica.)

Pan-Caribbean Elegance at The Reef Terrace

Let’s move on to dinner. The Reef Terrace provides an elegant al fresco dining experience, with lovely ambient lighting. Very romantic. And the menu features a refined approach to Pan-Caribbean cuisine. You might start with the elegant pumpkin salad, but I think I’ll have the codfish cake. I always like these fried fish cakes with tartar sauce and zingy slaw. (They are served a lot in Puerto Rico, too, and they call them Bacalaitos, but they are practically the same thing and delicious. I can help you with a trip to Puerto Rico, too, if you want.) For the main course, their coffee-rubbed pork loin is a signature item, typically accompanied by a sweet plantain purée and a side of sautéed callaloo. Callaloo is fun to say, and it’s a salad green like collard greens or sautéed spinach, but with a unique flavor. This dish exemplifies the restaurant’s fusion of global culinary techniques with island ingredients and flavors. But you can also try the lamb, chicken, steak, or even the Vegan Jerk Chicken! Try the Island Sampler dessert. You can check it out on the menu, here.

Day 3: Interactive Indulgence at Sandals Ochi, Jamaica

Light & Bright Breakfast at Vista Sky

Back to the Vista Sky for a light and invigorating breakfast. Why go again? The view, the coffee, the easy breakfast. VOILÀ.

Wood-Fired Wonders at Bella Napoli Pizzeria

Here we go. Alert! Puns ahead. After enjoying the morning on the beach, for lunch try Bella Napoli Pizzeria. It gives you a unique take on classic Italian fare. I like the Prosciutto e Funghi pizza with ham and mushrooms because I am a fun guy. Maybe you would like to try a different wood-fired pizza, like a smokey Hawaiian pizza. Don’t worry, they will put it on aloha temperature so it’s cooked properly. If you want to check out the current menu, you can find it here. Don’t skip the dessert pizza, the Dolce.

Teppanyaki Theater at Kimonos Restaurant, Sandals Ochi

Dinner at Kimonos Oriental Cuisine is presented as a theatrical dining experience that’s characteristic of teppanyaki-style restaurants. Chefs perform live cooking “shows” at the hibachi grills, incorporating entertaining skills such as flambéing everything, engaging in playful banter, and executing techniques like tossing shrimp and vegetables. Maybe even flipping a shrimp tail into their own pocket or a grilled shrimp into your mouth? Who knows?

I do like the mahi-mahi fish fillet. And the duck salad. I’m not even kidding you. Beyond the visual spectacle, the menu features dishes with steak, shrimp, and chicken, commonly paired with fried rice that is fragrant with sesame and ginger. Here’s the menu for you.

Midnight Munchies at Tapas on the Riviera at Sandals Ochi

Tapas on the Riviera caters to late-night diners, like you, not me, operating until dawn. Yes, it’s open from 10:30pm until 5am! This place lets you choose small plates designed for a late-evening culinary experience. I would really love this, but I might be in bed by then. I’ve heard that their best items for late night are everything. From potato skins to buffalo chicken drumsticks to jerk chicken and plant-based burgers. If you want some good non-traditional tapas with international flair, this place will heal your munchies. Wait until 3am, walk in, and tell them the TravelRooster sent you. They love that.

Day 4: Continental Romance & Rustic Comfort

French Flair at Le Gourmand

Le Gourmand offers a breakfast experience designed to evoke the essence of a Parisian café within a Jamaican setting. The menu features classic French breakfast items. I love it. You can get a bagel with Lox and the works, or try an island-style Egg and Ham sandwich, with jerk ham and a fried egg on an English muffin. Or maybe coconut french toast? The signature dish is the Ackee & Saltfish plate, fried dumplings and callaloo. I’m usually not a fish for breakfast person, but at 10:45am, I’ll go for it. Ackee is a fruit, and Saltfish is cod, by the way. Anyway, I’m for sure getting some espresso! The restaurant is open from 7:30am until 11am, just in case you were up late at the Tapas restaurant! Just check out the menu. It’s white-glove delilsh. And I can help you book this trip. Just contact me.

Laid-Back Lunch at The Great House Café

For a relaxed midday bite without sacrificing flavor, The Great House Café offers a casual lunch scene with plenty of island charm. It’s nestled in the resort’s Great House area (where a wealthy Jamaican guy built his great house on the bluff), and serves up comfort food perfect for your poolside break or a quick refuel between snorkeling or golf, or whatever. I like the crispy fish sandwich (they still call it a burger), or the island-spiced Jamaican beef stew in a pastry. It’s a great place to take a break and relax. Maybe have a cocktail, some juice, or a Red Stripe? Sure. You’re on vacation!

Rustic Italian at Valentino’s at Sandals Ochi

Valentino’s specializes in traditional Southern Italian cuisine, emphasizing rich flavors and hearty dishes. It’s a white-tablecloth place, but you can wear resort evening wear (which is dress pants or even jeans for men, long or short-sleeve dress shirts (with or without collar) and dress shoes or closed-toed sandals. No shorts, t-shirts, sleeveless shirts, sneakers, flip flops or slides/slippers. And, of course, no hats.) I will probably start with the Frittura Mista, to share of course, which is an assortment of fried calamari, fish, shrimp, onion rings and other delicious food because I’m a health nut. I will also order the Insalata di Pere e Gorgonzola, the pear and Gorgonzola salad. to go with it. As an entree I rarely refuse a good chicken parmigiana, and Valentino’s can make this perfectly for. you. Or, go with the Gnocchi Frutti di Mare, the seafood gnocchi their fabulous signature dish.

Valentino’s has great choices, and this always gets excellent reviews. Don’t forget desert. Tiramisu for me, please. The combination of these dishes aims to deliver an authentic and comforting Italian culinary experience. Here’s the menu so you can plan ahead. Don’t forget to book your reservation in advance, as this restaurant can fill up quickly. Yes, I can help you will all of this if you would like.

Still hungry after all of this? Well, there’s more for you:

Evening Indulgence at Soy Sushi Bar in Jamaica

Okay, get some final delish samples at Soy Sushi Bar. It has a refined, yet relaxed atmosphere for guests seeking a pre-dinner nibble or a late-night savory fix. I find it interesting that it is named “Soy” after soy sauce. Open in the evenings, this sleek, wood-accented venue specializes in freshly-rolled sushi and Asian-inspired bites. Okay, I do try to love sushi, but I’m not a super-fan of the style. Give me enough Wasabi and I can eat practically anything. My wife and son LOVE sushi, so I’m familiar with the traditional fare, like California, spicy tuna, or Philly rolls. Does Soy have them? Yes, plus a lot more choices that you will need to experience! The Dragon Eel roll has an interesting flavor combination, with shrimp tempura, BBQ eel, sushi sauce, and roasted sesame seeds. You might go for The Salmon Lover, with crab, asparagus, salmon, avocado, and champagne sauce. They also offer Miso soup and Tofu salad, too, fyi. Yes, you can check out the menu on your own and choose your favorites to try, or, do as my son always does, and try one of each!

Day 5: Caribbean Finale & Fond Farewell

Fab French Redux at Le Gourmand Restaurnt

I’m headed back to Le Gourmand for breakfast It’s still open 7:30am to 11am, Here’s the menu. It has all the French food you can shake Le Stick at. I can help you book this trip. Or a trip to Paris if you are so inspired now. Just contact me.

Probably time to think about heading to the airport, right?

Conclusion: Digesting Paradise

Five days at Sandals Ochi will leave you with a lot more than a tan. If you’re like me, you’ll have a rolodex (I don’t have a rolodex any more, it’s just an expression) of unforgettable flavors and stories. From clifftop desserts to over-water surf & turf, from fiery jerk chicken to silkily refined French toast, every bite is an invitation to savor life’s finest pleasures. And there are more incredible places to enjoy that I didn’t have time to get in here.

Just pack your bags, your appetite and your sense of adventure, because Sandals Ochi isn’t just another resort, it’s a destination where food becomes legend, and every meal is a celebration of island magic. Bon voyage… and bon appétit! I might see you there. Just ask around for the Travel Rooster. Big up.