The HouseBoat Grill

🏝️ The Houseboat Grill: A legendary floating restaurant with a Hollywood past and world-class cuisine!

✨ Vibe Check: Intimate, romantic, and completely unique.

If you’re looking for a dining experience in Montego Bay that is literally "off-shore," The Houseboat Grill should be on your list of places to visit. Moored in the calm waters of the Bogue Lagoon Fish Sanctuary, this iconic vessel offers an upscale-yet-casual atmosphere where you can dine under the stars on the upper "Moon Deck" or below deck in a cozy, intimate setting. With a rich history involving Hollywood legends and rockstars, The Houseboat Grill provides a one-of-a-kind international dining experience where the menu is as captivating as the view. — it’s an immersive dining adventure that blends scenic views, history, and delicious food all in one place.

🛶 A Floating History

The story of The Houseboat Grill goes back to the late 1970s, when the vessel was originally built by Winston Reynolds in White House, St. James. It first operated as a bar and night club before being towed into the Bogue Lagoons in the mid-1980s due to rough weather.

Over the years, the houseboat has played host to a number of notable moments. At one time, famed actor Steve McQueen stayed onboard during the filming of the movie Papillon, and the vessel served as a green room and lounge for artists performing at the Jamaica World Music Festival — including some legendary acts from bands like The B-52’s and The Beach Boys.

In 2001, restaurateurs Scott Stanley and Richard Nurse took over and transformed the houseboat into the elegant and highly regarded restaurant it is today. After extensive renovations, The Houseboat Grill officially opened on October 5, 2001, with an evolving international menu created by Chef Rich Nurse.

🍽 A Scenic Culinary Destination

What truly sets The Houseboat Grill apart is its setting and ambiance. The restaurant is permanently anchored in the peaceful waters of the marine park, offering stunning views of the Bogue Lagoon and a relaxed, romantic vibe that appeals to both locals and visitors alike.

Guests typically arrive by a small ferry that transports them across the water from land to the houseboat — a short but fun start to an unforgettable evening. Once onboard, you can choose to dine:

• Downstairs in the cozy indoor dining room
• Upstairs on the Moon Deck under the stars
• At waterside tables along the lagoon Each seating option offers a slightly different vibe, all with gorgeous views and a relaxed atmosphere.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Who Should Come?

• Couples: It is widely considered one of the most romantic dinner spots in Jamaica.
• History & Movie Buffs: The boat has hosted legendary guests and has a storied connection to cinema.
• Seafood Lovers: Known for their fresh, seasonal international menu (and live lobster when in season!).

🔍 What's There/Things To Do At The Houseboat Grill:

• Al Fresco Dining: Enjoy your meal on the top deck with a 360-degree view of the Montego Bay coastline and the twinkling lights of the Freeport area.
• History in Every Plank: The boat was built in the late 70s and has a fascinating past. Steve McQueen stayed here during the filming of Papillon, and it served as a green room for legends like Aretha Franklin, The Beach Boys, and Sting during the 1982 Jamaica World Music Festival.
• A James Bond Connection: At one point, the boat was operated as a fondue restaurant by Tim Moxon, who played the character "006" in the first Bond movie, Dr. No.
• Gourmet International Menu: Since 2001, proprietors Scott Stanley and Chef Rich Nurse have curated a constantly evolving menu featuring global flavors with local twists.
• The "Ferry" Entrance: To get to the boat, you take a very short, charming ferry ride across the water from the pier—a perfect way to start your evening.

📍 Visit Details

• Hours:

  • Lunch: 12:00 – 3:00 pm
  • Dinner: 3:00 – 11:00 pm
  • Bar: 12:00 – 11:00 pm

• Cuisine: International fusion with seasonal menus

• Reservations: Recommended, especially for dinner and weekend evenings

💡 Insider Tip: Live lobster is available from July through March, so plan your visit accordingly if that's your favorite dish! The restaurant is open daily for lunch (12:00 pm – 3:00 pm) and dinner (3:00 pm – 11:00 pm). Because it is a popular spot for special occasions, making a reservation is highly recommended, especially if you want a table on the Moon Deck.