Last month, I was afforded the exclusive opportunity to visit Ocho Rios, Jamaica on behalf of Sandals. Unfortunately, I was not able to make the trip, so I did the next best thing; I asked fellow#FamilyTravelCA member Sheri McDonald to experience the resort on my behalf. Today, she’s pleased to share the multitude of gourmet dining options at the resort!
If there’s one thing that always comes to mind when I think “all-inclusive”, it’s the food. It’s an opportunity to try types of cuisine that are new to me, and to step outside of my comfort zone. Ordering several dishes to share with everyone at the table is a fantastic way to try as much as possible, too!
Sandals Ochi doesn’t disappoint when it comes to their dining options. With 16 restaurants and bars on the property, there is something to please everyone.
Of course, if there’s one thing that comes to mind when you think “all-inclusive”, it’s buffet dining. Visit Vista Gourmet and the Sky Terrace, where you enjoy your meal while gazing at the ocean. Here, you’ll find nothing fussy or overworked; just simple dishes that let the natural flavors of fish and seafood shine through. It is the perfect spot for a quick and satisfying meal.
Feeling the steady Ocho Rios breeze is inevitable while lounging at Sky Terrace, Vista Gourmet’s outdoor dining area that sits high up on a rocky cliff. Bliss!
For a traditional Jamaican meal, stop into the Jerk Shack. Partner delicious breads and spicy jerk chicken with a red stripe for the perfect late night meal. Another quick meal or snack to store away in your room is pizza from Bella Napoli Pizzeria. It is cooked in a stone pizza oven while you wait, and it’s the ultimate comfort food.
Tapas on the Riviera also overlooks the ocean and offers mouth-watering dishes that you can eat alone or share. They take a Cobb Salad to a whole new level, and the fish tacos are to die for. Everything is freshly made and bursting with flavour.
If you think you can’t find Italian food in the Caribbean, think again! Valentino’s Cucina Italiana carries a variety of authentic Italian dishes that you’ll come back to enjoy again and again. The quiet and romantic atmosphere is perfect for couples.
French cuisine is also available at Le Gourmand Classic French Cuisine. Reservations are required, and trust me, you want to make one. I treated myself to an Eggs Benedict breakfast which was divine. But if you’re in the mood for something a bit more homey, the Southern Table offers good old fashioned comfort food. And while the fried chicken was tempting, I opted for melt-in-the-mouth steak from the Southern Table instead.
With so many restaurants to choose from, I wasn’t able to visit them all at Sandals Ochi. On my list for the next visit is Kimono’s Oriental Cuisine. I have always wanted to be entertained by a chef preparing my dinner on a hot plate right in front of me! Soy Sushi Bar is another option for enjoying Asian cuisine, and Manor Caribbean Cuisine has a menu that sounds like it has the Jamaican kick that I enjoy!
If drinks are what you’re after, be sure to stop at the various bars throughout Sandals Ochi. Each bartender has his or her own specialty drink that they are happy to create for you, but don’t ask them what is in it. That is top secret!
To see the full list of Sandals Ochi restaurants, and view the menus online, visit their website.
Wow! The food looks amazing! Very impressive indeed :)
The food looks amazing! Making me hungry just looking at the pictures!
Wow,this food looks delicious and its making me hungry just looking
If you ever need someone to take a trip on your behalf, I’d be happy to volunteer :)
Wow, Sheri is one lucky gal to take this trip on your behalf! I’ve always wanted to try one of the Sandals resorts!
The food looks great but I think it would be too hot for me
Looks like a place to visit just for the food. Sheri is one lucky gal to get to experience this.
I have seen some of her pictures and this place looks fabulous
The food looks amazing. I have to try the jerk chicken
A vacation on the beach with cuisine from around the world – seems like a good idea!
Looks great. Never stayed at a Sandals before. Food looks awesome.
oh, jerk chicken is a family favorite~ now i am hungry! haha
The food looks beyond good
The food looks good. We enjoy food and that is my problem :)
Mmm, I’d not be able to stop eating long enough to enjoy the scenery!
wow, looks scrumptious!!!
The food alone looks so good, Great place to visit!!
YUMM!! The pizza looks the best!
looks amazing
That steak looks delicious!! Yum!!
Wow, what a trip to miss! Jamaica would be hard to pass up…she did a great job though :)
Wow the food looks INCREDIBLE!
Everything looks delish! She took some amazing food photos! Can’t go wrong with sun and sand!
food looks amazing!
omg can i please go there now?? the food looks absolutely delicious and i love the walk path over the water
Only dissapointment is that I might not be able to enjoy EVERYTHING in one visit!
I had a chance to visit the resort on a cruise several years ago and vowed I would make it back one day.
Wow the food here looks delicious!
Delicious!
A Sandals vacation is also on my bucket list! It certainly sounds like you wouldn’t go hungry on vacation at this resort!
As someone who considers himself a foodie, those photos are making my mouth water.
OMG I WANT THAT STEAK NOW!. ahem I mean it looks quite nice.
Fun in the sun and delicious food!
The food looks so good ! I would love the dessert menu I bet !
I am all about the food when I go places. That Southern menu sounds lovely.
I would love to go to a Sandals resort in Jamaica. My daughter goes there and absolutely loves it as well!
really need to convince my hubby to go on a vacation now that we have a empty nest
wow beauty, mouth is watering from the food :D looks like nice place to relax
You are making me so hungry!! I am ready for a vacation away to relax!
I would love to go there! Looks beautiful.
We always make reservations at the steakhouse if the resort we are staying in has one. We also enjoy the Italian and I enjoy the seafood restaurants
That’s an impressive range of food!
The food looks amazing! I can’t believe there are 16 restos and bars to choose from!
wow the food looks incredible! You are so lucky
The food is always fantastic in Jamaica, isnt it? I remember being served a banana soaked in booze on fire at midnight lulled by the sound of the ocean waves breaking. Oh, how much fun it was. Travel while you are young, your children are young.
Sheri McDonald is a very lucky woman to have been able to enjoy this treat.
I really want a winter vacation, this looks great!
SO Drooling over these delicious foods!
I also miss being on a beach. In the Philippines, we cook the catch from the sea so, the freshness comes out in the simple way of cooking. It must have been thrilling to go on a trip with food galore to tantalize the senses. Thank you for sharing your trip to this resort!
I’ve never stayed at a Sandals Resort – but will put them on my list! The food looks amazing!
Oooooo look at all the food options. I’m drooling.
The food looks amazing !
The food looks absolutely delicious! Very beautiful resort.
Drooling, always wanted to go to Jamica
Starving now, would love to go to Jamaica.
Wow..looks amazing…I’ve never tried fish tacos..I think the time has come. lol
The food looks amazing and so does the location! Dreaming :)
I’ve yet to do an All inclusive south trip. Wasn’t of interest to my husband and I when we were kidless and on the go. Now the boys are around, a week of everything taken care of sounds dreamy and great food makes it sound more rewarding. Love to take boys too. Hope it’s in the cards soon!
I would love to be there right now!! Looks beautiful!
beautiful place and delicious looking food!
Hungry just thinking about it…
well … thanks now the baked potato I have for lunch looks terrible lol
Food looks delicious!! lots of different variety!
I have been surprised by how good some of the food is at AI the past few years. Yours looked great too.
Yummy! The food looks sooo good
Wow, that food looks to die for, the food alone makes me wanna visit :) thanks for sharing
Lots of casual and more upscale options. Something for every taste. I found it was the same at their Beaches location -great food and plenty of options.
Oh Sandals always kills it! Awesome pics!
From a fellow foodie–YUM!!! Forget the beach. Room service please! LOL
all that food is making me hungry , that pizza looks so delish , what a gorgeous place , would love to go there one day , i can dream i guess :)
everything looks so yummy! I’m sure it tasted as good as it looked.
all of those dishes look so great! Yumm
Ohh all that food is so nice!! I love the blue glasses on the tables with the napkins. So pretty!
Wow! 16 restaurants and bars – not surprising that you didn’t get to try them all! There’s nothing like enjoying a meal with a wonderful Caribbean breeze surrounding you!
Wow the food looks delicious. I have been wanting to visit Jamaica
Have never been to Jamaica. Would love to go one day. Your food photos have me drooling just a little. Wow.
looks like great food! i can see myself eating it and having a fantastic vacation there ;-)
food & location looks like heaven!
The Sky Terrace would be fabulous, such a nice view! I would also like to go to Southern Table since I’m a comfort food kind of gal.
The food looks amazing! That’s what I look for when travailing and staying at resort, good food.
Wouldn’t be spending much time on the beach after all that great looking food.
All that food is making me hungry.oh that pizza
Looks great! Food is such an important part of a vacation for me and this looks like it would be a great place to get to!
That looks like a little piece of paradise!
The food looks really great. I’d be at the Sushi Bar for sure!
Wow great photos. Everything looks so good.
Ive been to Jamaica and it is gorgeous! Sorry to hear you werent able to go. The food was amazing and the people were so sweet
I haven’t been to Jamaica, but looks great and delicious.
What a wonderful way to gain a few pounds on vacation!
I always hear great things about Sandals! Looks divine!
I have never been to Jamaica before this resort sounds right up my ally, foodie lover that I am. Hubby and would challenge ourselves to eat at as many places as possible.
That food looks amazing and been a food lover this would be right up my alley for somewhere to stay!
I checked out the menus, it would be worth going just for the food.
i love the Caribbean
looks like such a beautiful place and the food looks delicious!
Looks amazing, the view and the foods…. I would love to go someday
Impressive foods and you’re making me hungry with your photos.
The food and the view! Tapas on the Riviera looks AMAZING!
I stopped and paused at the steak for a while. Then I read the article. lol
The food is totally mouthwatering,especially the pasta!
Yum! That food looks so delicious!
Delicious looking food. I sure want to try them.
The food looks really good!
Wow this place looks amazing and the food looks really delicious. What I wouldn’t give to be able to travel to places like this
The food all looks delicious,the shots are amazing,capturing the best of each dish!