Top Dining Spots for Your Upcoming Caribbean Cruise

Culinary delights are a crucial part of our cruising experience. With a plethora of dining options available, cruise ships offer a feast of flavors, from juicy cheeseburgers to Thai barbecue, and our all-time favorite, Mexican street tacos, just to name a few.

However, with so many options onboard, it’s easy to overlook the unique dining experiences that each port has to offer. We think that eating out in port is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the local culture when exploring a new destination.

Given the limited time you have at each port, planning your culinary journey ahead of disembarking is essential for a successful adventure. While finding the best restaurant is key, knowing how to reach it from the port, the duration of the trip, and the associated costs is equally important. Challenges may arise unexpectedly—like your taxi getting a flat tire—but just go with the flow and savor the journey; sometimes, it’s the hurdles that create the most memorable moments.

If you're heading to the western Caribbean, Beth and I have your dining needs sorted. We’ve done all the planning; now all you need to do is arrive. Here are our top four restaurant picks in Jamaica, Honduras, Mexico, and Belize.

Pork Pit – Montego Bay, Jamaica

Jerk chicken is a beloved dish in Jamaica, much like cheeseburgers in the United States. Montego Bay is filled with roadside barbecue joints, but only a select few are true local gems, and the Pork Pit is definitely one of them. After our ATV adventure, a group of us had some free time, so we decided to take a taxi to a nearby beach. On the way, someone mentioned jerk chicken, and our driver immediately knew the perfect spot. Affordable and authentic, this well-known jerk stand serves generous portions of pork, chicken, and ribs, along with tasty sides like sweet potatoes, plantains, and corn.

How to get there

Grab a taxi at the cruise terminal. If possible, share the ride with others to cut down on costs. We were with two other couples, and the fare was $15 per couple. I suggest stopping at the Pork Pit on your way to another destination, like the Hip Strip. Be mindful that traffic can be quite heavy between the terminal and the restaurant, so allow at least an hour for the round trip.

Beacher’s Bar and Grill – West Bay Beach, Roatan, Honduras

By the time we arrived at West End Beach, our stomachs were growling. Without a plan for where to eat, I quickly searched online, but didn’t find much help. Fortunately, there are several beachside eateries. We wandered along the shore to explore the options. A few minutes later, we found ourselves at Beacher’s Bar and Grill, sipping beers while soaking in the ocean view. What caught our attention? Its diverse menu featuring nachos, sushi, seafood, burgers, and plantain fries. To our delight, everything we ordered was delicious and complemented perfectly by our cold beers and the tropical breeze of Roatan.

How to get there

Beacher’s Bar and Grill is situated right in the center of West End Beach. We booked a hop-on, hop-off bus for about $22 round trip per person, allowing us to explore both West End Beach and West Bay. The tour company is connected with Dinogo, enabling us to use our sail and sign cards for ticket purchases. The bus stand is easy to find—it’s located in the middle of the walkway after passing through the duty-free shop.

Rainbow Bar and Grill – Caye Caulker, Belize

Rain began to fall in Belize City, but by the time we arrived at Caye Caulker, it had turned into a heavy downpour. We took shelter beneath palm trees, dodging puddles along the dirt road until we stumbled upon the vibrant Rainbow Bar and Grill. A beloved spot among locals, the Rainbow offers a lunch menu that caters to all tastes: burgers, sandwiches, vegetarian options, and tasty quesadillas and burritos. We settled onto the covered deck, ordered drinks and food, and watched as the rain danced on the turquoise waters before us. Our visit to the Rainbow Bar and Grill was the perfect way to embrace the laid-back vibe of Caye Caulker.

How to get there

Two ferry services operate daily from Belize City to Caye Caulker. The ferry docks are conveniently located within a 10-minute walk from the ship. We opted for San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxis as their schedule suited us better. A round-trip ticket is approximately $25, and the journey takes about 45 minutes each way.

Wet Wendy’s Margarita House and Restaurant – Cozumel, Mexico

Discovering Wet Wendy’s Margarita House and Restaurant felt like winning big at the horse races. Our culinary adventure showcased everything we love: massive margaritas, delicious tacos, and exploring the charming Mexican town of San Miguel. When we disembarked from the Dinogo Glory in Cozumel, we had intended to head to San Miguel, planning to stop for a refreshing swim in the stunning jewel-toned waters lining the coast. Before we left the port, we visited the tourist information desk and learned about Wet Wendy’s. From that moment, we were determined to try their famous margaritas. Spoiler: they’re enormous and absolutely scrumptious. Wet Wendy’s is a cozy open-air spot, ideal for those sunny days in Cozumel. Don’t let its small size deceive you; the menu is extensive, and the food served is authentically Mexican.

How to get there

Taking a taxi is the fastest way to reach Wet Wendy’s. A one-way cab ride covering three miles from the port to San Miguel has a fixed fare of $18 for up to four passengers. Fixed taxi rates are one of the initiatives Mexico is implementing to facilitate travel for tourists in Cozumel. Of course, walking is always an option. Sidewalks extend all the way from the port to San Miguel, making it a safe choice for those who prefer to stroll.

Savoring local cuisine while in port is an excellent way to elevate your Caribbean cruise experience. Beth and I believe it’s one of the best and simplest ways to immerse yourself in a new culture, and we wholeheartedly recommend it. Think of it as an adventure with every bite, plus sometimes the journey to the restaurant can be just as enjoyable as the meal itself.

Do you have a favorite restaurant you visit while in port? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!