There's no denying that the stars of Jamaican cuisine are meat dishes. But while the island's culinary reputation might be built on fish, jerk, and meat stews, a vibrant plant-based tradition has always thrived alongside. 

So many iconic national dishes like ackee, callaloo, and "food" — boiled dumplings, green bananas, and ground provisions — have helped shape a vibrant and well-established vegan food culture on the island. A new generation of chefs, inspired by both tradition and global trends, is pushing the boundaries even further and redefining what it means to eat plant-based in Jamaica.

From reinterpreting classics with a vegan twist to innovative dishes that showcase the diversity of Jamaican ingredients, these 7 food spots are proving that Caribbean plant-based cuisine is anything but lacking in flavor.

Stush in the Bush

"Bush" can either derisively or affectionately refer to the countryside areas of Jamaica. "Stush" refers to someone who's prim and proper and often has a negative connotation, but Stush in the Bush turns it on its head.

Nestled in the hills of Jamaica's "Garden Parish," St. Ann, this restaurant offers a farm-to-table experience like no other. Guests enjoy a farm tour before dining in a cozy, open hall with a communal vibe. 

The fully plant-based menu reimagines classic dishes using seasonal ingredients grown on-site. While a little pricey, the unmatched atmosphere and innovative cuisine make it well worth the splurge.

Rasta Ade Refreshments

Rastafari, a lifestyle and religion with its roots in Jamaica, features plant-based "ital" cuisine, which inspires many of the vegan eateries across the island. One such example is Rasta Ade Refreshments. 

Right on Negril's famous Seven Mile Beach, Rasta Ade Refreshments offers a taste of authentic Jamaican flavors without tourist-inflated prices. The menu features ackee and hummus sandwiches, veggie platters, and classic Jamaican sides like fritters and roasted breadfruit.

Pretty Close

Located "pretty close" to the bustling capital of Kingston, this idyllic riverside eatery offers some of Jamaica's best vegan eats. The seasonal menu focuses on simple classics like ackee, callaloo, and rice & peas. Ingredients are sourced from the chef's farm and from local market vendors. 

What sets Pretty Close apart is its traditional cooking method; meals are prepared outdoors on wood and coal fires. The taste will definitely inspire nostalgia, even if you've never had food prepared this way before.

Mi Hungry Now

For a twist on vegan cuisine, Mi Hungry Now specialises in raw vegan dishes. You might assume this would limit their offerings, but their menu is wonderfully diverse. 

The star attraction is the "pleaza." This raw take on pizza features nut cheese and veggie toppings on a seed and grain base. Other options include vegan burgers, sushi, and a variety of drinks and shakes. If yuh hungry now for innovative raw vegan fare, this Kingston spot is a must-visit.

The Cheffing Don

The Cheffing Don sits among the hustle and bustle on one of Kingston's busiest streets. The restaurant is unassuming, but it's one of the island's top vegan eateries!

This lunch break favorite serves hearty, healthy ital meals that have both vegans and non-vegans buzzing. The menu features comforting dishes like stews, curries, fried rice, and pasta, all prepared with a plant-based twist. Visit for yourself to experience the taste that keeps locals coming back for more.

Kamila's Kitchen

It's not our fault Kingston has all the best vegan restaurants. It's home to almost half the population, and it's the cultural center of the island! Kamila's Kitchen has two locations: one on Skyline Drive, overlooking the city, and another in the bustling Marketplace. 

Kamila's Kitchen serves a variety of dishes, from vegan pizzas and loaded nachos to classic Jamaican meals, including porridges and stews. They also have a section in the restaurant that offers vegan health and beauty products sourced from local businesses.

A Vegan's Utopia

In Montego Bay, Jamaica's "second city" and tourist capital, A Vegan's Utopia stands out with its fully plant-based menu and unpretentious attitude. The restaurant exudes the vibe of a Jamaican grandmother's house in the best way possible.

Menu highlights include cauliflower wings, vegan mac n' cheese, and vegan cheesecake. With its warm atmosphere and irresistible menu, A Vegan's Utopia lives up to its name. It's a serious contender for the top vegan restaurant in Jamaica.