Review of Stush in the Bush: A Plant-Based Dining Experience in Jamaica
I eat mostly seafood and favor natural, plant-based options; but, when I’m in Jamaica, I’m not going to pass up jerk pork, oxtail, or curry goat.
So, when I first heard about a plant-based restaurant making waves, I was both skeptical and curious.
I couldn’t imagine that thousands of people could be wrong. After all, Stush in the Bush has won the prestigious Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards multiple times and has been featured in both local and international media.
Darrell and I decided to see for ourselves, so we drove about an hour east of the villa, off the beaten path and into the hills, to Free Hill — the home of Stush in the Bush. This was far from an ordinary dining experience.
A Fusion of “Stush” and “Bush”
The name perfectly captures the vibe.
In Jamaican culture, stush means sophisticated, elegant, and perhaps carrying a little attitude, while bush is a straightforward nod to rural simplicity. Combining those two might seem like an oxymoron, but it works. Stush in the Bush offers a refined farm-to-table dining experience in a rustic, natural setting.
The restaurant is the brainchild of a husband-and-wife team. She is a stylish Bajan who lived in New York, and he’s a down-to-earth Jamaican who once lived in Canada. Together, they’ve created a holistic farm-to-table experience that feels as much about telling their story and connection to the Earth as it does about food. When you meet them, you can see right way, that she’s the stush, and he’s the bush.
Making Reservations
Stush in the Bush is not your typical restaurant. It’s open only twice per week — Fridays and Sundays — with a single seating at 1:00 PM.
Reservations are required, and you’ll need to plan for a 4-5 hour experience, including a tour of the farm.
Here is one thing that’s unusual for a restaurant – a 25% deposit is required to confirm your reservation. They use Paypal for credit cards.
Getting to Stush in the Bush
The adventure begins before you even arrive.
The location is actually the Binns’ private home, so exact directions are only provided once your reservation is confirmed.
To give you an idea of distance:
- 40-45 minutes from Ocho Rios
- Under an hour from Discovery Bay
- 1 hour 10 minutes from Falmouth
- 1.5 hours from Montego Bay
The final stretch is not for the faint of heart. The road is rugged, and unless you have a solid 4-wheel-drive vehicle, you’ll park at a designated spot. Chris, the husband, shuttles guests down to the property in his pickup truck. Riding in the back of a pickup brought back childhood memories for me; it was surprisingly fun!
A quick tip: Plan to arrive on time. The shuttle service starts promptly at 1:00 PM, and arriving late may cause you to miss some of the experience.
If you’re not a fan of dogs, you should know there are a few large ones roaming the grounds. That said, they keep to themselves.
The Decor: Rustic Elegance
The decor is a celebration of nature, artistry, and simplicity. As someone who loves all things natural, I was captivated. The space is open and airy, with large windows that frame stunning views of the surrounding hills and the lush farm below. The shutters, doors, and windows seemed hand-carved, each piece telling its own story. Dinnerware, crafted by local artisans, added a beautiful touch.
It was refreshingly unpretentious. No glitz, no glam — just thoughtful design that makes you feel at home.
The Dining Experience at Stush in the Bush
Seating is assigned, and we were lucky to share our table with a delightful couple from Kingston. As it turns out, the wife works with a dear friend of ours — small world!
The meal itself is an 8-course plant-based feast inspired by the season’s bounty. So don’t bother asking about the Stush in the Bush menu beforehand. The menu is revealed only when you arrive, as it’s based on whatever is freshly harvested from their farm.
Between courses, we were treated to a tour of the farm. Though rain cut ours short, it didn’t dampen the experience. Each dish was beautifully plated, bursting with vibrant colors and unexpected flavors. I found myself eagerly anticipating each course.
One standout was the vegan bacon — toasted dried coconut seasoned to perfection. It was so convincing that even the most devoted carnivore might be fooled. We enjoyed it so much that we bought some to take home!
By the end of the evening, I realized something surprising: I didn’t miss meat at all.
Stush in the Bush cost
At $227.50 per person, this is undoubtedly a splurge.
But here’s the thing: Stush in the Bush is not just a meal. It’s an experience — one that includes world-class food, a tour of a stunning organic farm, and time to connect with nature and like-minded people.
Gratuity would be additional.
It goes without saying that prices are subject to change.
What to Wear
- Dress nicely, as you would for an upscale restaurant.
- Men: Collared shirts are encouraged, and flip-flops or slides are not permitted.
- Ladies: You’ll want something comfortable yet chic.
- Footwear: Keep in mind that the farm tour is part of the experience, so wear sturdy shoes or sandals, not heels.
- Evenings can get chilly, so consider bringing a light sweater.
- Sunscreen and mosquito repellent might come in handy, too.
Stush in the Bush Reviews
Their reviews are excellent. On TripAdvisor, as of January 2025, of the 78 reviews, 71 were excellent and four were very good. On Google, they have a 4.9 score based on 197 reviews.
Stush in the Bush is more than just a meal; it’s an exploration of food and nature.
If you’re looking for a truly unique dining experience in Jamaica, this is it.
It’s perfect for adventurous food lovers and those open to discovering just how satisfying and delicious plant-based cuisine can be.
For reservations, visit stushinthebush.com. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did.
If you’re staying at Mais Oui Villa, Stush in the Bush is an easy half day trip and one you won’t soon forget.
Whether you’re a lifelong vegan or a curious skeptic like me, it’s a dining experience worth the journey.
Where to Stay in Jamaica
If you are traveling as a group, consider a stay at a villa, such as Mais Oui Villa in Discovery Bay for a much more private, exclusive, and personalized experience.
If you love our house (Mais Oui Villa) and want to stay with us, here is the link to our own website to book directly with us: https://MakeItJamaica.com
If for whatever reason you wish to book through an online agency, here are the links to our listings. They will charge you a fee, but if you don’t mind, and it makes you feel better, even safer, then, by all means, go ahead and book through them. We prefer for you to book through them than to not book at all.
‘Til next time.
Think and dream Jamaica!
Sherry, Darrell, and Darrian
Considering a visit to Jamaica with a group? Contact us today for more information about, Mais Oui Tennis & Spa Villa, our boutique 8-BR ocean view Jamaica villa rental experience in beautiful Discovery Bay, Jamaica.
Perfect for multi-generational families and groups, retreats, and intimate destination weddings and vow renewals.
Visit our website: https://MakeItJamaica.com
Give us a call: 833.624.7684 (toll-free) or 914.709.0457
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