What started as a liquor warehouse became the foundation on which Jamaica Liquor Warehouse Bistro and Bar was built in 2016. The liquor warehouse café concept was spearheaded by proprietor Nesha Smith Hoo Kim, who boasts eight years of experience in the wines and spirits industry which catapulted her dream of owning a restaurant. I’m still dreaming about the dinner I had last Friday night at the cosy, newly renovated family- friendly foodie hideaway. The new layout of the restaurant features a separate dining room with adjoining restroom available for reservation for small private dinners.

The food menu features a vast selection of culinary fusions, baked pastas, burgers and salads. I started my dinner with the prawn and corn chowder, opting out of the bacon bits garnish as I wanted to have a strictly seafood dinner. It was very refreshing to find a restaurant that could facilitate my food allergy requests and the server Alecia catered to my every request without complaint. The chowder was warm and decadent with bits of corn and served with garlic bread. I decided to also try the fried ackee wontons which were crispy and flavourful inside and served with a warm salt fish dip. The drink menu featured a premium selection of wines and cocktails from blush to sparkling wines and lychee martinis to shirley temples. Though I love a good lychee martini and the mixologist Franz makes the meanest in town, I chose a crisp cold glass of one of their high-quality white wines — Dr L Riesling — to pair with my main course — sautéed shrimp in coconut cilantro sauce served with sautéed vegetables and jasmine rice. The portion was perfect and the freshness of the ingredients and unique flavours were unforgettable for just under $11,000 including tax.

The Jamaica Liquor Warehouse Bistro and Bar is gearing up with some new menu items for this summer. Whether you are searching for the perfect lunch, brunch or dinner spot, don’t miss out on trying some of their customer favourites — crispy Asian barbecue ribs and Greek salad. I also highly recommend the pan seared salmon in lemon sauce — it’s a must for anyone looking for something creative and satisfying.

Food Awards Logo.