I have not found a wide variety of elevated dining experiences in Portland over the years, and sometimes I want a change from the local Jamaican fare, seafood places and jerk joints. I decided last Saturday while I was in Drapers, Portland, for the day, to head off the beaten path, just a short trip into the hills above the Drapers main road to Nostra Bella Forest Restaurant to enjoy some Italian cuisine for lunch.

Italian for “Our Beautiful Forest” — Nostra Bella is a new signature restaurant at the LF Jungle Retreat Boutique Hotel, offering a dining experience shaped by its lush surroundings in the hills of Portland, Jamaica. Set within a tropical canopy, the restaurant reflects the natural rhythm and richness of the forest, both in atmosphere and in flavour.

Under the direction of Italian Chef Pietro Persichino, the kitchen blends Caribbean ingredients with Mediterranean traditions to create honest, flavourful dishes that celebrate both season and setting. From grilled seafood and handmade pastas to vibrant herbs and spices, each plate is thoughtfully prepared and served in an open-air environment where nature is always part of the experience.

For lunch I ordered a few classic Italian favourites: Caesar salad, bruschetta and lasagne. I love a good caesar salad and this one was delicious, the dressing authentic with a distinct anchovy flavour. The bruschetta was atop perfectly toasted fresh hard dough bread which I thought was a great way to add a local twist. I am convinced they grew the tomatoes, with such a fresh lightly sweet flavour topped with a reduced balsamic drizzle. The main lasagne dish was a housemade tomato sauce from scratch layered with perfectly crafted pasta. The flavour was light, fresh and delicious with a traditional béchamel sauce and a great balance of cheese and a hint of what tasted like Scotch bonnet pepper.

Some of the other dishes coming out of the kitchen caught my eye, like the shrimp linguine and chicken piccata, which I hope to try on my next visit. At the bar, the mixologists crafted both classic and creative cocktails ranging from local rum punch to the quintessential espresso martini.

Above the main dining area is The Bird’s Nest, an elevated observation deck nestled above the treetops, offering views over the forest canopy, the Caribbean Sea, and glimpses of the Blue Mountains. It’s the perfect setting for a sunset apéritif or a quiet, starlit after-dinner conversation.

The initial greeting was very welcoming and overall the customer service was good. The prices were reasonable for hotel-style dining, ranging from US$12 starters all the way up to US$32 main courses. My bill landed at a US$64 total for all three dishes and a beverage including service charge. General Manager Simone Campbell expressed the Nostra Bella Foresta philosophy as being “grounded in nature, refined in execution, and welcoming in spirit”, and I felt that way for the short time I visited.

Open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

For reservations call

876-826-1208

Nostra Bella General Manager Simone Campbell and Chef Pietro Persichino (Photo: Mala Morrison)