Resort Food: What You Really Get at All-Inclusive Resorts

When you book an resort food, the meals and drinks provided as part of an all-inclusive package at a Caribbean vacation resort. Also known as resort cuisine, it’s often the main reason people choose these packages over traditional hotels. It’s not just about having food available—it’s about what kind of food, how often it’s served, and whether it actually tastes like anything worth remembering.

Most resorts serve buffet-style dining, large, self-serve meal stations offering a mix of international and local dishes. Also known as open buffet, it’s the backbone of resort food. You’ll find pasta, fried chicken, rice and beans, grilled fish, and maybe a small section with jerk seasoning or plantains if the resort wants to pretend it’s authentic. But here’s the truth: the same five dishes get reused every night, just rearranged. The seafood? Often frozen. The salads? Washed but limp. The desserts? Sugary and mass-produced. And while the drinks flow freely, the quality of the rum or beer rarely matches the price tag.

Some resorts do better than others. The ones that work with local farmers or fishermen—like those in Jamaica or Barbados—tend to serve fresher, more flavorful meals. You’ll taste real coconut, fresh mango, and properly spiced stews. But these are the exceptions. Most resorts prioritize volume over quality, speed over flavor. That’s why you’ll see people lining up for the same fried chicken every night—it’s the only thing that hasn’t gone soggy yet.

Don’t expect fine dining. Don’t expect variety. But do expect this: if you’re hungry, you won’t go without. The real trick is knowing how to make the most of it. Skip the buffet line during peak hours. Go for the grill station instead of the fried food counter. Ask for extra lime or hot sauce—those are your secret weapons. And if you want something real, slip out for dinner at a local shack. A $10 plate of grilled fish with plantains will outshine any resort buffet.

What you’ll find in the posts below are real stories from travelers who’ve eaten their way through dozens of resorts. You’ll learn which ones actually serve decent food, which ones cut corners, and how to avoid the worst of the worst. There’s advice on tipping for better service, what to order (and what to skip), and even how to sneak local flavors into your all-inclusive experience. Whether you’re packing your appetite or your skepticism, these guides will help you eat smarter—without paying extra.