Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards judge Matthew Hogarth reviews The New Cellar 8.

For years, Cellar 8 was a familiar name in Kingston’s dining scene. It was one of the city’s early wine bar destinations and a place many associated with casual dining, conversation and a relaxed neighbourhood feel.

After being closed for nearly a year, it has returned as The New Cellar 8 under new ownership, with refreshed décor, a new team and an obvious effort to bring renewed energy to the Upper Manor Park location.

One of the more interesting additions to its weekly calendar is Taco Tuesday.

The concept is straightforward. Choose three tacos from a range of options, pair them with a margarita, a glass of wine or whatever else suits the evening, and settle into a lively midweek atmosphere. Tacos can be ordered in soft shells, with crispier options also available, and the menu gives enough variety for a table to mix, match and share.

On the night I visited, I chose the Pork Belly, Ribeye and Salmon tacos. The tacos themselves were good. The Pork Belly delivered the richness one expects, the Ribeye added a more substantial, savoury note, and the Salmon offered a lighter, fresher counterpoint.

What stood out most was the freshness of the ingredients. With tacos, that matters. The shell and protein may carry the dish, but the condiments often define the eating experience. Here, the garnishes, salsas and brighter accents, including notes such as pineapple where used, helped lift the tacos rather than overwhelm them.

The result was food that felt relaxed, flavourful and well suited to the sort of casual, social evening the restaurant is trying to create.

The drinks were also part of the evening. I had some wine while there and enjoyed what I tasted, although the stronger feature of the night seemed to be the overall energy of the place rather than any deep wine programme. The margarita offering, built around Milagro Tequila, includes Classic, Cinnamon and Scotch Bonnet options, with advertised group value of three margaritas for $3,500 or three tacos and three margaritas for $5,500.

The room had real buzz. The restaurant was full, the crowd was engaged, and the evening had the feel of a place finding a strong midweek rhythm. I understand Taco Tuesday is among its busiest nights, and that was easy to believe. There was a DJ inside and another outside by the courtyard, helping to create movement between the dining space and the outdoor social area.

That is where The New Cellar 8 may have something. It is not simply relying on nostalgia for the old Cellar 8. It is trying to build a more social, energetic version of itself, one that gives people a reason to come out on a Tuesday, stay a little longer, talk a little more and enjoy a midweek evening with some atmosphere.

The tacos are fresh and enjoyable, the drinks fit the concept, and the room has life. Taco Tuesday feels like a promising addition to Kingston’s midweek dining options.

The New Cellar 8 Wine Bar Bistro

Address: Shop 10, Upper Manor Park Plaza, Kingston 8

Opening Hours: Tuesdays to Thursdays: 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm

Fridays to Saturdays: 5:00 pm to 12:00 am

On offer from the Cellar 8 selection: The Samuel Robert Winery 2024 Pinot Noir (left) and the Joel Gott Cabernet Sauvignon.(Photo: Matthew Hogarth)

The evening’s taco selection featured pork belly, ribeye, and salmon.(Photo: Matthew Hogarth)

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Sun: Brunch from 10:00 am; Dinner until 10:00 pm

Instagram: @thenewcellar8

WhatsApp or Tel: (876) 570 4504 / (876) 671 4541

Photos: Matthew Hogarth

Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards judge Matthew Hogarth enjoyed a glass of red wine while reviewing The New Cellar 8. (Photo: Matthew Hogarth)