Food Awards judge Selena Mohammed-Wilson reviews Chez Maria

Sipping a Blue Lagoon and enjoying the breeze coming off the Blue Mountains, Chez Maria is the perfect spot for a late Saturday afternoon aperitif. A Lebanese and Italian restaurant nestled in the heart of Liguanea, it is located on the rooftop of Progressive Plaza, a spot that is rife with activity.

I kicked things off with the Blue Lagoon, a refreshing mix of vodka, blue curaçao, triple sec, lime juice and simple syrup, finished with Sprite for a beautiful ombré effect. The drink opened my appetite for something hearty, prompting me to order a variety of dishes for sampling.

A fan of Middle Eastern fare, I started with a Lebanese platter which consists of hummus, fatoush and chicken skewers. The fatoush, a beloved Levantine dish, was the perfect appetiser as the salad had a zesty crunch and the hummus was smooth and tangy.

The ambiance of Chez Maria is twofold, inside dining for a more climate-controlled, polished casual setting versus outside rooftop for al fresco dining. By 6:00 pm, a DJ had set up his equipment and was dropping hits, as is customary on a Friday and Saturday evening. The atmosphere was now electric, diners bopping to the beat while chowing down on pizzas, pastas, shawarma, kibbeh and baba ghanoush.

For my entrée, I ordered a pepperoni and ham pizza and the shrimp alfredo pasta. The pizza crust was soft and pillowy, the toppings a perfectly savoury, meaty bite with a good blend of flavours. The shrimp alfredo pasta was rich, creamy and wonderfully satisfying.

As one of the few Middle Eastern offerings within not just Kingston and St Andrew but wider Jamaica, Chez Maria is an absolute treat for anyone craving authentic Lebanese flavours alongside classic Italian fare. Despite the crowd and busy atmosphere, the service was steady and I was impressed by my server who constantly checked in to ensure I was okay and that I had everything I needed.

If you ever find yourself in Liguanea with a serious craving but can’t decide what you want, make Chez Maria your pit stop. Whether you are in the mood for a comforting, cheesy slice of pizza, a rich plate of pasta or you want to explore some rare authentic Lebanese flavours, this gem has you covered. Drop in, enjoy the efficient service and treat yourself to some fantastic food.

Photos courtesy of Selena Mohammed-Wilson

Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards guest judge Selena Mohammed-Wilson relishes a Blue Lagoon.

Food Awards guest judge Selena Mohammed-Wilson describes the Shrimp Alfredo as “rich, creamy and wonderfully satisfying”.

Lebanese platter: Hummus, fatoush and chicken skewers. 

Pepperoni and ham pizza .

Rooftop dining area.

The Blue Lagoon, a mix of vodka, blue curaçao, triple sec, lime juice and simple syrup, topped off with Sprite.