Ocho Rios Jerk Center

Overpriced tourist friendly spot. We went on New Year’s Day 2026. Food was just ok, not spectacular. We ordered a simple “Mi hungry” Jerk chicken plate with festival and it took about an hour to be presented to us for take-out. We figured we’d wait at the bar and drink Red Stripe flavored beers (my favorite.) Other guests probably went there for the vibes and the name alone. The restaurant venue itself was nice. It looks like a place to wind down or turn up with your people. Music was chair-danceable. I can imagine this place being the spot for parties every night when a DJ is present. While at the bar, we ordered some of the Nutrish Lemon Grass natural drink and it was absolutely divine.

Let’s talk about the horrendous service my friends and I experienced yesterday, February 21, 2026. When we first arrived, we took our seats as usual. No one came to take our order. A lady eventually came over to clean the table and then took our soup order. After being seated for quite some time, we realized that no one was coming to take our full order, so we had to go to the cashier to place it ourselves. That made no sense at all, but we were hungry, so we did. It was also noticeable that they did not have many servers on staff. However, the few they had were very unpleasant. Everyone looked angry and annoyed, which made the atmosphere uncomfortable from the start. I’m not a meat lover, so by default, I usually choose fish or shrimp. The fish was priced at $6,000 and $8,000, but those prices were not listed on the menu. When we asked about the size of the fish, the staff seemed clueless. I decided to order the shrimp pasta instead. I was then asked if I wanted to add cheese for an additional $250. I was puzzled because cheese is typically an ingredient in pasta unless stated otherwise. The menu simply said “garlic pasta” and did not list the ingredients. I declined the $250 cheese addition because it made no sense to me. When I received my order, it had no cheese. Fine. However, the pasta was terrible. It had an unpleasant smell, and it was packed with carrots and cabbage. I did not order chow mein. When I spoke to the supervisor, who also displayed poor customer service, she gave an explanation related to allergies. Regardless, the menu should clearly state these details. I believe upper management needs to properly train their staff. While I was speaking with the supervisor, another employee was whispering in her ear, and they both started laughing while my friend and I were standing there. That was incredibly distasteful. I will never return to this establishment. I will also be sharing my experience on social media so others know what to expect before dining there.

Average food at a tourist trap with high prices. The food was very hit-and-miss. I had the "Mi Hungry" plate with jerk chicken and pork. It was very dry and although it wasn't poorly seasoned, it was definitely very safe on seasoning. My party also had the perks pasta, which they enjoyed. Perhaps the more tourist-friendly meals are better here. There are definitely MUCH better jerk places in Ocho Rios, and if your guide brings you here ask for somewhere else. Most importantly. If you do eat here, ask them to charge your card in JMD$. We got upcharged about 15$ more than our meal ($35 USD at JMD exchange on 2/2026) should be charged at. Jamaicans avoid this place, and that should be all you need to know. If you get stuck here though, I may suck it up and just get the pasta - but I wouldn't tip whoever brought you here.

My partner and I had lunch at Ocho Rios Jerk Centre on Sunday, October 5, 2025, and I can honestly say it was one of the most disappointing meals I’ve ever had in Ocho Rios. The place itself looked nice — clean space, good music, and friendly staff — so I really thought we were in for a great experience. But as soon as the food came, everything went downhill. I ordered jerk pork with bammy, and it was dry, trashy, and had a strange tuna-like taste that completely turned me off. It didn’t taste like jerk pork at all. My partner’s shrimp pasta had no sauce, no flavor, and looked like something rushed together without care. We only ordered one Carib Splash and a water, yet the total came up to around $8,000. My meal was $2,100 and his was $4,000, and there’s absolutely no way that meal was worth that kind of money. The portions were small, the food was bland, and the overall quality was just awful. I left feeling upset and cheated, especially because this place has such a good reputation. If you’re thinking about going — don’t waste your money or your appetite. There are so many better spots in Ocho Rios where you can actually get fresh, flavorful food and value for your money.

Very accessible spot to grab a quick bite whilst in Ocho Rios. Service is efficient when it’s not too crowded. The food is average but is very fresh and consistent. The prices are also good for the portions. I tend to stop here on my trips.

Food slaps! Always deli icios and reasonablish on price. Atmosphere is nice enough. Main issue is time it takes to get served. Staff are friendly, helpful and nice, good for ground if want to chillax and talk

Jerk Center? More like scam center! Cashier gave us the wrong receipt for the wrong order, and when we got our food our drinks were missing. When we told them they messed up our order they didn't even try to resolve the issue. Don't bother asking for the manager, she's just as useless in resolving the issue. Food isn't even that good for what they charge. Go to a better place where you get more food and better food for your money. How do you mess up someone's order and don't even try to fix it after you give them the wrong receipt. Terrible place. Cold limp fries, nasty attitudes, worst place in Jamaica to eat.

Nice little spot in a central area. Venue a good size with plenty of seating and of course a bar. Food quality was good and they offer a good range on their menu. Prices are also very reasonable. Wkll definitely be one of our regulars when in the area.