Bettino’s al Mare Jamaica: Our Honest Review of This Seaside Restaurant Near Ocho Rios

As great as the food is at Mais Oui Villa, we always want to be sure that we are providing our guests with dining options.

We decided to check out the restaurant Bettino’s al Mare — Bettino’s for short — in Drax Hall, St. Ann.

Photo area at Bettino’s restaurant near Ocho Rios in Jamaica

It took us about 35 to 40 minutes from the Villa to get there.

The reviews on Google and Facebook as of April 2025 are mixed, with opinions at both ends of the spectrum. It does appear that the reviews have improved since they moved to the new location.

Here is our experience at Bettino’s al Mare in April 2025.

Dining terrace at Bettino’s al Mare restaurant in Jamaica near Ocho Rios

First Impressions of Bettino’s al Mare

The structure of the restaurant was impressive. It’s a beautifully designed, open, white building with large, dramatic windows framed in black. It definitely has a high-end look and feel.

Online reviews mention that there is no air-conditioning inside the building. We sat on the outdoor patio, so that wasn’t relevant to us.

From our table, we could hear the sea, but it was dark, so we weren’t able to see it. I can only imagine how beautiful it must be during the daytime — perhaps perfect for a leisurely lunch.

The tables were adorned with white tablecloths, and most featured a small orchid, adding to the elegant atmosphere.

QR code to scan the menu at Bettino’s Italian restaurant in Drax Hall Jamaica

Dining at Bettino’s Restaurant near Discovery Bay Jamaica: Menu and Service

The menu was available at our table via a QR code that we scanned.

Service was very prompt and efficient.

Bettino’s is definitely not your traditional Italian restaurant. The website describes the food as “Jam-Italian.” I’m not quite sure what that really means, but the menu had a mix of Jamaican and Italian dishes. It didn’t feel like fusion cuisine, and it’s definitely not strictly authentic Italian. 

(See the menu for Bettino’s here.)

Calamari appetizer at Bettino’s restaurant between Ocho Rios and Discovery Bay

Our Meal at Bettino’s Restaurant

For our appetizer, we had the fried calamari with a sweet and sour sauce. It was perhaps the most delicious calamari we’ve had in a very long time. You could actually taste the calamari, as opposed to it being hidden under a heavy batter.

Darrian thought the sweet-and-sour sauce was a little too sweet, but Darrell and I loved it. (In general, Darrian isn’t a big fan of sauces, so others might not agree with his take.) The presentation was also very nice.

For the main course:

  • Darrell had the Chicken Alfredo.
  • Darrian had the Filetto di Salmon — a fillet of salmon pan-seared with mixed vegetables and a champagne sauce.
  • I had the Escoveitch Lobster.

Service continued to be very prompt. We were seated quickly, our orders were taken shortly thereafter, and the food arrived at the right temperature and without much wait. They even chilled our glasses for our sparkling cider — a very nice touch.

lobster for birthday dinner at Bettino’s Al Mare restaurant near Discovery Bay Jamaica

What We Thought About Bettino’s al Mare Restaurant

Our verdict:

  • Darrell: Enjoyable. High marks.
  • Darrian: Excellent.
  • Me: Excellent. I had never had lobster prepared escoveitch-style before, and it was quite delightful. The lobster was tender and not overdone, which was a welcome treat. It was authentic Jamaican spiny lobster, served with mashed potatoes and sautéed seasonal vegetables to round out the dish.

For the quality of the food served, the price was quite reasonable. 

The lobster was surprisingly inexpensive at US $36. (Just the night before, we had tried the restaurant at Falmouth Mystic—a much more casual establishment—and the lobster there was US $50.)

A sweet touch: The server overheard me telling Darrell to order whatever he wanted because his birthday was coming up, and he surprised him with a slice of cake.

Birthday cake at Bettino’s Italian restaurant in Jamaica

Good to Know Before You Visit Bettino’s Restaurant

  • Bettino’s opens at noon every day except Mondays. They are closed on Mondays.
  • There is plenty of parking.
  • The restaurant is quite spacious. In addition to indoor seating, there is a covered terrace as well as outdoor seating areas.
  • It is located right near the sea. Although we couldn’t see it well because it was dark, we could definitely hear it, which was lovely.
  • Casual attire is fine, but flip-flops are not allowed.
  • Reservations are not required but are accepted and recommended, especially during the peak tourist season and holidays.
  • With Jamaica’s beautiful weather, the only reason we’d consider eating indoors would be if it were raining. If you’re reserving around sunset, request a table on the terrace for a beautiful ocean view.
  • Surprisingly, there was very little noise for a Jamaican restaurant. The loudest sound was the sea! (Okay, maybe a slight exaggeration—they did play “Happy Birthday” once — but overall, the music was soft and peaceful. Conversation was easy.)
View of the sea from the outdoor terrace at Bettino’s restaurant near Discovery Bay Jamaica

FAQs About Bettino’s al Mare Restaurant

Is Bettino’s open every day?

No. Bettino’s is closed on Mondays.

How can I find Bettino’s al Mare’s menu?

What do Bettino’s al Mare’s Google reviews say?

Where is Bettino’s Restaurant located?

Bettino’s is located next to Marina Villas in Drax Hall Estates, St. Ann.

How far is Bettino’s Restaurant from Ocho Rios?

Travel time varies with traffic, but Ocho Rios is about 20 minutes east.

How far is Bettino’s Restaurant from Discovery Bay?

Discovery Bay is about 30 to 40 minutes west of Bettino’s.

pool at Mais Oui Villa in Discovery Bay Jamaica

Where to Stay in Jamaica

So, if you’re traveling as a group, consider staying at a villa like Mais Oui Villa in Discovery Bay for a private, exclusive, and personalized experience.

What Makes Mais Oui Villa a Unique Place to Stay in Jamaica

As you try to decide where to stay in Jamaica, consider Mais Oui Villa in Discovery Bay.

Here’s why Mais Oui stands out:

  • A One-of-a-Kind Experience
    Unlike most villas that are simply vacation rentals, Mais Oui offers a curated luxury experience with on-site amenities that rival a boutique resort.
  • Exclusive Amenities
    Private pool, rooftop ocean-view terrace, spa treatments, tennis and pickleball courts, and a game room.
  • Ideal for Groups
    The villa accommodates up to 16 guests in 8 bedrooms, perfect for families, weddings, and retreats.
  • Fully Staffed Luxury
    From a gourmet chef to a personal butler, guests enjoy five-star service throughout their stay.
  • A Home with Heart
    Mais Oui isn’t just a rental — it’s a place designed to create lasting memories with a personalized touch.

Support Locally Owned Small Businesses

Mais Oui Villa is a locally owned and operated luxury villa in Discovery Bay, Jamaica. Whether you’re planning a vacation, retreat, wedding, or special event, choosing a locally owned venue makes a difference. Your booking directly supports local workers, vendors, and the community — helping sustain jobs, empower artisans, and preserve Jamaican culture — all while ensuring a more personalized and memorable experience.

As an owner-operated property, we take pride in offering a level of care, attention, and service that larger resorts simply can’t match. Our exclusive concierge service and thoughtfully included amenities set us apart, providing an elevated experience without the hidden costs often found elsewhere.

Book Direct & Save: Love our villa? Book directly through our website for the best rates and personalized service: MakeItJamaica.com

Prefer to book through an online agency? If you feel more comfortable booking through a third-party platform, you can find us here (note that they charge additional fees):

However you choose to book, we look forward to welcoming you to Mais Oui Villa for an unforgettable stay in Jamaica!

‘Til next time.

Think and dream Jamaica!

Sherry, Darrell, and Darrian

Visit our website: https://MakeItJamaica.com

Give us a call: 833.624.7684 (toll-free) or 914.709.0457

Like us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/MakeItJamaica

Follow us on Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/makeitjamaica

Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/MaisOuiVilla

Follow us on Instagram: @MakeItJamaica

Sign up for our newsletter and immediately get our Free Discovery Bay Insider Guide to discover what you won’t find in the guidebooks.

Support Locally Owned Wedding Venues

Thank you for visiting our blog! We hope you’ll consider a locally owned wedding venue for your big day and show some love to other independent venues around the world.

Hidden Springs Venue Blog, Swan Lake Overlook Blog, Circle of Seven Ranch Blog, Riverbend Estate Venue Blog, The Mill District Blog, The Stables at Cypress Creek Blog, Pine Lake Ranch Blog,  The Barn at Cedar Grove

Related Posts

About the Author Sherry

Sherry & Darrell, owners of Mais Oui Tennis & Spa Villa in Discovery Bay, Jamaica, consider themselves unofficial ambassadors for Jamaica. They look forward to using their insider knowledge to help guests create priceless vacation memories. Feel free to say hi!

Related Posts

About the Author Sherry

Sherry & Darrell, owners of Mais Oui Tennis & Spa Villa in Discovery Bay, Jamaica, consider themselves unofficial ambassadors for Jamaica. They look forward to using their insider knowledge to help guests create priceless vacation memories. Feel free to say hi!