You Asked: Where should I eat in Jamaica if I want to leave the resort for a meal? C.M., New York

We asked a foodie friend from Jamaica, who now lives in Miami but returns often, for her favorite restaurants on the island. She did point out that many of the best meals are served in the dining rooms of the top resorts, such as the Ritz-Carlton and Round Hill; however, here is where she would steer those who are looking for a more authentic island excursion.

MONTEGO BAY

Marguerite’s Seafood by the Sea (Gloucester Avenue (across from the Coral Cliff Hotel); 876-952-4777) Located on Gloucester Avenue—otherwise known as Montego Bay’s “Hip Strip”, as it’s lined with bustling cafes and bars blaring reggae music—Marguerite’s Seafood by the Sea is a dinner-only seafood/Italian restaurant, whose chef specializes in flambé cooking. The outdoor terrace overlooks the Caribbean Sea, and there’s a nearby patio (dubbed the “Secret Garden”) for those seeking romance/privacy. Bear in mind though that the adjacent Margueritaville Sports Bar & Grill is a much more casual party-place with loud music (usually Jimmy Buffet songs), trampolines and a 110-foot rooftop water slide.

The Native Restaurant (Gloucester Avenue; 876-979-2769) Another Hip Strip joint, the Native Restaurant is beloved by locals and serves authentic Jamaican dishes like jerk reggae chicken and smoked marlin.

The Houseboat Grill (Freeport; 876-979-8845; thehouseboatgrill.com) Literally set inside a boat (that’s anchored at a pier by Montego Bay Marine Park), this casual fusion restaurant features both local and international cuisine—many dishes are Thai-influenced—and is popular with well-heeled visitors. The upstairs deck does double-duty as a bar that usually stays open much later than the restaurant.

OCHO RIOS

Evita’s Italian Restaurant (Main Street; www.evitasjamaica.com) Owner Eva Myers, who formerly ran a string of famous bars in Montego Bay, is an Italian food fanatic and her restaurant features almost every variety of pasta (from both Northern and Southern Italy). It’s located in a gingerbread Jamaican house just south of Ocho Rios’ central district.

The Ruins at the Falls (17 DaCosta Drive; 876-974-8888; www.ruinsjamaica.com) The Ruins at the Falls are not actual historic ruins but rather a replica of an old Jamaican plantation, that’s located beside a 40-foot waterfall, amidst acres of tropical gardens. At the restaurant, Hong Kong-born chef Sam Shum serves both Jamaican and Chinese cuisine.

NEGRIL

Rockhouse Restaurant (Rockhouse Hotel, West End Rd.; 876-957-4373) The Rockhouse Hotel’s hip restaurant serves contemporary Jamaican/fusion fare and the location—a bridge-like balcony above a rocky West End inlet—heightens the cool factor.

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