On the famed Hip Strip in Montego Bay — where energy, culture and idiosyncrasies collide — Frida Kafe has quietly carved out a flavourful lane of its own. The Mexican-inspired eatery, which opened its doors in January 2025, is now celebrating its first anniversary, marking a year that has been as eventful as it has been rewarding.

The highlight of Frida Kafe is a menu that nods respectfully to Mexican cuisine while remaining accessible to local and international palates. The bold flavours and satisfying texture of tacos, chorizo burrito, and chilaquiles, are among the menu options with standouts like the gobernador and enchiladas rounding out the menu, giving diners plenty of reasons to explore beyond their usual order.

“Our first year has been a roller coaster as we had Hurricane Melissa, some operations that we had to figure out and we’ve been exploring what works best. It has been good overall as we have regulars and people who are willing to explore love trying out new items from our menu,” said Karina Ruelas, coordinator, Frida Kafe.

“Our offerings include breakfast and lunch options. We try to keep the spiciness not included in the dish but can be added and that allows for everyone to be able to enjoy. Our choices are not something that’s readily available in Montego Bay and people willing to explore just keep coming back. Options include waffles, divorciados, birria, shrimp ceviche tostada, gorditas as well as other favourites,” Ruelas added.

Complementing the savoury offerings are smoothies, juices, teas and coffee varieties. The eatery is also an offshoot of the Taco Spot, also located in Montego Bay; however, it delivers its own vibe of cosy café for daytime relaxation.

The welcoming, laid-back vibe with the appeal of Mexican cuisine is a definite must-try for foodies.

Frida Kafe Bistro

11 Jimmy Cliff Blvd

Montego Bay, St James

Opening hours

Wednesday – Friday

8:00 am – 4:00 pm

Saturday – Sunday

8:00 am – 5:00 pm

876-498-4133

Photos & text: Aceion Cunningham

Tacos gobernador, cheesy shrimp tacos served with chipotle mayo, topped with red onions and cilantro. (Photo: Aceion Cunningham)

Ernesto Gotopo (left), sous-chef, and Roger Suarez, head chef, prep orders in the kitchen. (Photo: Aceion Cunningham)

Hot chocolate with 70 per cent dark chocolate (Photo: Aceion Cunningham)

Raheem Henry, server, delivers freshly brewed coffee. (Photo: Aceion Cunningham)

Churros drizzled with chocolate, pastry dough dusted in cinnamon sugar. (Photo: Aceion Cunningham)

Burrito with chicken option (Photo: Aceion Cunningham)

Customer service representatives Rushell Edwards (left) and Latricia Spencer ready to tuck into a burrito and shrimp taco. (Photo: Aceion Cunningham)

Enchiladas verdes, chicken rolled tacos simmered in green salsa and topped with grated mozzarella cheese. (Photo: Aceion Cunningham)

Chorizo burrito, seasoned pork mince wrapped in flour tortilla. Chicken or beef options also available. (Photo: Aceion Cunningham)

Peppers and sauces available for sale (Photo: Aceion Cunningham)

From left: Amanda Zúñiga; (barista/drink specialist; Shemar Gaynor, server; and Karina Ruelas, (Taco Spot/Frida Kafe coordinator (Photo: Aceion Cunningham)

Chia punch, strawberry smoothie with chia and banana. (Photo: Aceion Cunningham)