Hellshire Beach in Portmore, about 25 km west of Kingston across the Harbour View causeway, is the beach that Kingstonians go to — a long, busy stretch of coast backed by a dense row of fish fry shacks where the cooking is exceptional. The water is not as clear as the north coast beaches, but the atmosphere on weekends is genuinely exhilarating: sound systems, fresh fish, cold beer, and the full demographic range of the Kingston metropolitan area.
The fish is cooked on open wood fires in heavy pans — most of it snapper, but also shrimp, lobster in season, and conch. The standard preparation is escovitch (vinegar-marinated with onions and scotch bonnets) or steamed, and the festival and bammy sides are non-negotiable. Eating here is one of the most authentically Jamaican food experiences available from Kingston, and the 30-minute drive from New Kingston makes it entirely accessible for an afternoon excursion.