A Weekend of Gastronomy in Negril: Kenny’s Italian Café and XTABI Restaurant
XTABI Restaurant, Negril, Jamaica
The next day, I wanted a daytime dining experience and I went in search of my lunch location, which brought me to XTABI Restaurant, Negril, Jamaica.
The Location
The location was spectacular. All the magical things about Negril, all rolled into a perfect package. XTABI was precariously perched atop a cliff side, almost dangling above water of the most perfect blue. I had the audacity to rate God’s work a 10 out of 10.
The Welcome
I was seated with no excessive fanfare. I felt as if the server did as she was told to do, no rudeness, the right words spoken, warmth absent. I wondered if I may have come a little early. The welcome and experience setting gets a 5 out of 10.
The Décor
The architecture of the building was impactful and very memorable. The space was octagonal in shape around a centre pole populated by the central feature, the bar. There where several dedicated dining spaces with the most intriguing and enchanting being the sunken limestone caves which had to be accessed by a man-made concrete staircase. Cave-dining, I was told by a fellow diner, had to be arranged and was an unmatched experience. I chose to sit in the verandah area, overlooking the cliff and breathtaking water views. The décor gets a 6 out of 10.
The Meal
Main Meal
From the menu I received, which primarily featured American classics and some popular Jamaican fare, I chose to eat an unhealthy combination of the traditional hamburger and fries. The presentation was commendable. The fries were crisp and hot. The burger was well seasoned and tasty. I quite enjoyed the juicy, well-seasoned meat. The meals get an 8 out of 10.
Dessert
The vanilla ice cream was as standard as ice cream goes, no special plating, no extra smooth taste. The ice cream gets a 7 out of 10.
This bill was a little over $7,500.00. After doing some research on the establishment, it is clear that the team lets the space do the talking. It is absolutely spectacular and a must-see. It, however, appeared that I arrived early as the staff were abuzz in preparation mode for the expected evening arrival of guests. The restaurant is linked to the boutique hotel across the street. XTABI seems to be on the ‘if you know, you know’ list as I met a fellow diner who was there to do promotions for the Jamaica Tourist Board in Canada. I will most certainly be back to see the space at night-time and hope to encounter the Jamaican warmth that needs to be present.
Kenny’s Italian Café
With the Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards just around the proverbial corner, I dedicated a large chunk of my weekend to the wonder and magic of Jamaican gastronomy. Interestingly, I headed to the western tip of the island as a start with no predetermined plan. Four slow-paced hours and a flooded roadway later, I was driving through Negril. It was dark but I craved Negril fare and all queries pointed me to Kenny’s Italian Café .
The Location
Kenny’s Italian Café is smack in the buzz of the Negril Hip Strip. It parades as Italian but it clearly has a Jamaican passport. The location is married to an ice cream shop named Dolce Vita.
The Welcome
My welcome to Kenny’s was very warm. My server Chivannia greeted me and together we decided on my seating. I am not sure if I fit in the category of an Insta girlie but she was quick to highlight the special spots in the space where if I wished she could take my picture, so there it is, dining in 2025! My welcome from the charming Chivannia gets a 9 out of 10.
The Décor
There is a ton of effort manifested in the décor. The manifestation of intention is the interplay between the building and the natural environment. After entry, a straight walk takes you over a light display sign which reads Kenny’s Italian Café. A further walk takes you by a well-stocked bar and to an open space that established the inside-outside concept. This space prominently featured what appeared to be a mango tree. Patrons were obviously enjoying the sponsored bar in the space, under the starlit sky. The garden area was enclosed by built-in cabanas which all displayed 70s-inspired psychedelic art and décor items. The décor must be rewarded with a 9.5 out of 10.
The Meal
Appetiser
I started my meal with a coconut shrimp appetiser. I wished the appearance on the shrimp was more defined and less greasy. Larger shrimp would definitely allow the coconut coating to envelope its exterior more. The taste though could not be denied. The flavour of the coconut was captivating and boldly fresh. The texture of the shrimp was perfect with juices intact. A rating of 7.5 out of 10.
Main Course
I wanted to see what Kenny’s Italian Café would do with an Italian classic: The thin crust pizza. I requested ham as the topping with extra parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. The pizza was very authentic and traditional in the flavours I experienced. There were obvious basil and garlic flavours and what seemed like San Marzano tomato sauce that I thoroughly enjoyed. For its flavour and authenticity, the pizza gets a 9 out of 10.
Desert
A New York-styled cheesecake was my choice and the plate was beautifully decorated. The cheesecake was tasty and I wondered if it was an in-house product. It gets a 6 out of 10.
Overall, I award the Kenny’s Italian Café experience 9 out of 10. I left happy. There is obviously training done for the well-dressed team of servers/experience guiders, primary among them, my server, Chivannia. I paid my $12, 172.00 bill and felt pleased.
Kenny’s Italian Café
Norman Manley Boulevard, Negril
Opening Hours: Mondays to Sundays 2:00 pm – 12:00 am
(876) 912-3719
XTABI Restaurant
Lighthouse Road, West End, Negril Jamaica
Opening Hours: Mondays to Sundays 8:00 am
– 10:00 pm
(876) 957-0121
