Sharkies Seafood Restaurant sits right on the beach in Salem, Runaway Bay, and it wears its reputation proudly. Consistently ranked as the top restaurant in Runaway Bay on major travel platforms, Sharkies is the kind of place that locals recommend without hesitation, and tourists list as a trip highlight.
The setting does a lot of the work — you’re dining steps from the Caribbean Sea, with the ocean breeze drifting through and the sound of waves setting the pace. It’s casual and unpretentious, which is exactly what great seafood dining should feel like.
The menu centres on the catch of the day, with fish, conch, shrimp, and lobster all prepared in a variety of ways. Garlic lobster, steamed fish with okra and bammy, and curried conch have all earned glowing praise. The portions are generous, the seafood is visibly fresh, and the cooking carries the kind of depth that only comes from real pride in the kitchen. On Saturday evenings, live music adds another layer to an already enjoyable experience.
Service is warm and attentive, with staff who feel like hosts rather than servers. Locals and visitors mix comfortably here, which is always a good sign.
If you’re spending time on Jamaica’s north coast and want a genuinely authentic seafood experience, Sharkies is one of the best stops you can make.