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2
Tue, 19/03
20:00

Ratings and reviews

Travellers' Choice2023
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere

Details

PRICE RANGE
₹6,632 - ₹8,705
CUISINES
Caribbean, Healthy, Jamaican, International
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
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meals, features, about
Sponsored by: Zimbali's Mountain Cooking Studio

Top 3 Reasons to Eat Here

1. Fresh from our Organic farm!
1. Fresh from our Organic farm!
"I highly recommend this magical place."
KKW1706
See reviews that mention Fresh from our Organic farm!
2. Cooked right in front of you!
2. Cooked right in front of you!
"The dinner itself was prepared right in front of us "
Benny
See reviews that mention Cooked right in front of you!
3. African Drumming on Wed Night!
3. African Drumming on Wed Night!
" back to the studio we were able to chill and watch the drummers."
Molly
See reviews that mention African Drumming on Wed Night!
Reviews (743)
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5
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Traveller rating
638
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15
13
5
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All reviews black beans pumpkin soup cake chicken mango jerk shrimp plantains snapper farm tour farm to table organic farm cooking show sugar cane fields zimbali retreat rasta tour health benefits culinary experience
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Reviewed 1 week ago

As I ascended the narrow, winding road that led to this hidden culinary oasis nestled in Jamaica's majestic mountains, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation building with every bump and curve. Arriving at last, I was greeted not by opulent décor or...extravagant embellishments, but by the simple beauty of the natural surroundings—a rustic open kitchen and dining area overlooking a breathtaking panorama. Stepping into this unassuming yet inviting space, I immediately sensed that this would be no ordinary dining experience. The atmosphere was alive with the sounds of laughter, conversation, and the rhythmic beat of African drummers, whose music seemed to pulse in harmony with the vibrant energy of the kitchen. Settling into my seat, I eagerly awaited the journey that awaited me—a five-course meal that promised not only to tantalize my taste buds but also to educate me on the cultural and health significance of Jamaican cuisine. Each dish, crafted with care and precision, showcased the vibrant colors and bold flavors of locally sourced ingredients, while also imparting the wisdom of generations past. But what truly struck me was the emphasis on clean eating and the reasons why Jamaicans have long embraced these foods for their health-giving properties. From the fiery kick of jerk spices to the creamy richness of coconut-infused dishes, each bite seemed to nourish not only my body but also my soul. And as I dined, surrounded by the rugged beauty of the mountains and the warm camaraderie of my fellow guests, I felt a profound sense of connection—to the land, to the culture, and to the shared human experience. Here, amidst the simplicity of the environment and the authenticity of the food, strangers became friends, bound together by a love of good company and great food. In the end, my visit to this mountain retreat was more than just a meal—it was an experience that left an indelible mark on my heart and mind. So if you find yourself journeying up that narrow, bumpy road, I urge you to step inside and discover the magic of Jamaica's mountains for yourself. You won't be disappointed.More

Date of visit: March 2024
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Restaurant's Favourite
Reviewed 2 April 2022 via mobile

The evening in short was beyond awesome! There is no other venue where you can be amongst a group of strangers and yet by end of the night become comfortable to share a culinary experience that is guaranteed to be the highlight of your visit...to Negril. Mark and Alecia excelled at welcoming everyone to their “home” so while we relaxed with a beverage of choice or took the tour of the farm, Alecia was busy in open kitchen preparing the evenings meals (s) for 13 people with a choice of fresh prawns, snapper, chicken or vegan, including spicy or no spice. Incredible! With the kitchen in front of us, Alecia (and her 2 great sous chefs) set to explain each dish and its nutritional importance as we watched each step being prepared in front of us. This included the fresh green mixed salad with orange/honey balsamic vinaigrette, “umpkin” soup w/fresh green onion and drizzle of red wine/coconut, grilled zucchini/yam and plantain topped w/roasted bell pepper, roasted snapper wrapped in banana leaf, or escovitch, or roasted chicken wrap over lobster or famous Jamaican curried prawns. Dessert was a spectacular fruit flambé. “ I wonder what is being served tomorrow?” This will be one evening that you will cherish when you leave Negril.More

Date of visit: April 2022
Helpful?3  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Zimbaliretreats, Owner at Zimbali's Mountain Cooking Studio, responded to this reviewResponded 2 May 2022

Thank you for this lovely review :) Your first line about coming as strangers adn through the sharing of food and experience everyone leaves as new friends is very profound for us...THAT IS IT! THAT IS THE POINT! Thank you and sending Love and Blessings...More

Reviewed 1 week ago

As others have said, perhaps our expectations were too high based on the reviews. This is a unique experience different than anything else in Negril. The food was good, very fresh, and healthy which was a nice change from what we'd had other places. Almost...everything needed salt, but there are salt and pepper shakers at your disposal. The "cooking" show is more watching the chef/cook (I overheard them say they were self taught so I'm not sure about the validity of the chef title) assemble dishes, not exactly cook them. And that's ok as it was still interactive. Do not show up very hungry because it will be hours before you eat your main course. The appetizer/salad was the highlight for us. The description says you get a bottle of wine, which you do not, but they will happily keep pouring you glasses of wine upon request. The wait staff was great and kept our waters filled. The curried shrimp was surprisingly super salty which was due to too much soy sauce. And my chicken dish was mostly gristle and bone which was inedible. The farm tour left much to be desired as the guide spoke very quietly and was hard to understand. Plus it was just sort of walking two places and pointing out trees. Maybe this was because of the time of year we were there? Overall, not worth $105 + $20 pp for dinner and a taxi.More

Date of visit: February 2024
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 3 weeks ago

This was my first time in Jamaica and dinner at Zimbali was certainly the highlight of my trip. The property was gorgeous, which is how the experience started with an optional farm tour. It was a wonderful beginning to see what would be going into...our meal. Everyone that greeted us was so welcoming and the vibe was on point. I was part of a group of 7 friends with varying dietary preferences and to say we were all blown away by the predominately plant based menu is an understatement. I have been vegan for 15 years and traveled a decent amount. A great and truly plant based gourmet meal is hard to find. Chef Alecia is brilliant and her menu healed my over processed food filled body and soul. Shout out to her team as well, I left so inspired to replicate that salad. We had such an amazing night at Zimbali. We ate, drank, danced and truly felt like part of the wonderful family that provided this memorable experience. Absolutely recommend visiting here on your next trip to Negril!More

Date of visit: February 2024
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Zimbaliretreats, Owner at Zimbali's Mountain Cooking Studio, responded to this reviewResponded 2 weeks ago

Thank you so much for the review, but most of all we give thanks to have shared a meal with you :) Hoping to see you again :) Blessings- Alecia

Reviewed 3 weeks ago

I just wanted to give some feedback about my visit to Zimbali! I will start by saying that everything was AMAZING! What a wonderful experience! The drummers were cool! It was nice to have some easy yet vibrant music in the background. Your Wife, Chef...Alecia! I can’t even find the words to describe her beautiful vibe and her delicious food! Your kids are adorable! The 4 legged kids/ pups made me feel like I was home. I have a little guy who looks similar to the light one. I don’t remember their names but your daughter definitely told me!! LOL The bugs absolutley destroyed me but that is an issue I will discuss with Mother Nature! Thank you again to you and your family for a magical evening! 💚🖤💛More

Date of visit: January 2024
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 3 weeks ago

A once in a lifetime experience! I went to the Zimbali dinner a few years ago during Covid, and had such an amazing experience, I knew I had to come back with our group of 7 ladies when we returned. It was even better this...time. I emailed back and forth with Mark ahead of time because we were a large group. We originally wanted to go on a Wednesday or Friday to experience the drummers, but there wasn’t availability, so Mark arranged for the drummers to come on Saturday when we were there! That was so thoughtful, and truly above and beyond my expectations. But things got even better from there. The food: AMAZING! I enjoyed learning about various health benefits of farm fresh food that I am not as conscious of in my over-processed American diet. I also appreciated the connection to Rasta culture of whole, fresh food with their many healing benefits. I’ve been inspired to make different choices as a result. Every course was fresh and delicious, but the mashed banana with tomato salsa and jerk shrimp were my favorites. The farm tour: Great. It was amazing to see how much love was poured into the food we were about to eat. And we got to meet Jack the donkey. Ambiance: Breathtaking. You’re surrounded by wildlife and the restaurant and bar are decorated so beautifully and there’s lots of nooks to sit and have a drink in, and a dance floor, which we made full use of! The staff: MY MOST FAVORITE PART! If you are someone who loves a badass boss woman head chef, look no further than Chef Alecia. She ran the entire experience for everyone and has such an eye for detail to make sure everyone was having the best experience, whether that was more wine, a customized dish, or a specific song request. She is a knowledgeable, powerful Rasta woman. Respect. The other staff were all also so incredible teaching us how to julienne the tomatoes, making sure we were hydrated and bringing all the joy in the world. Respect. Not only will I be back, but this would be my top recommendation of things to do in Jamaica.More

Date of visit: February 2024
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mark swainbank, Owner at Zimbali's Mountain Cooking Studio, responded to this reviewResponded 3 weeks ago

Thank you Alisha- Overwhelmed by the lovely review and so great to see you again. Next time :) Blessings- Alecia

Reviewed 8 February 2024

Stayed at Zimbali for two nights and this place is perfect for the real Jamaica experience. Tours were excellent and the food is definitely the best you’ll taste in Jamaica! Would definitely come back

Date of visit: February 2024
Helpful?1  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mark swainbank, Owner at Zimbali's Mountain Cooking Studio, responded to this reviewResponded 9 February 2024

Hi James, Thanks so much for coming and for the kind words. You taught me a new word "Belter"...now I just have to work it into conversation :) Blessings & Thanks again - Mark

Reviewed 8 February 2024

Fabulous food, service and overall experience. Visited the local farm where all the food is sourced and learnt so much about all their benefits!

Date of visit: February 2024
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mark swainbank, Owner at Zimbali's Mountain Cooking Studio, responded to this reviewResponded 9 February 2024

Thank you so much for the very kind words- pleasure to share a meal with you and hoping to see you again :) Blessings- Mark

Reviewed 6 February 2024 via mobile

The meals were made to perfection. They were delicious and well planned out. The chefs at Zimbali Culinary Retreat are top notch at their craft of cooking and displaying their art well. You won't go wrong dining at this establishment. We enjoyed every meal prepared....Thank Zimbali Retreats for making my special day so very special and memorable.More

Date of visit: January 2024
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mark swainbank, Owner at Zimbali's Mountain Cooking Studio, responded to this reviewResponded 7 February 2024

Hi Latrisia, Thanks so much for sharing your love of food with us and your genuine spirit. It was lovely to share time with you and hope to seer you again soon :) Blessings- mark

Reviewed 30 January 2024

We travel to Jamaica every year and this dinner experience is the highlight of our trip each time. The food is prepared with such thoughtfulness, love and passion, truly magical!

Date of visit: January 2024
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mark swainbank, Owner at Zimbali's Mountain Cooking Studio, responded to this reviewResponded 31 January 2024

Thank you Go Places for making us one of your places to Go! See you next time and truly appreci-love you taking the time to visit and to write :) Blessings- Alecia

Reviewed 18 January 2024

Pure niceness. This is a special place. Food was prepared by chef Alicia and her competent staff. Cooking is ITal style, like Rasta’s eat, but with fine dining preparations and presentations. Mostly plant based with fish, shrimp and chicken, but never beef or pork, as...your choice of protein. Food was delicious. Service was friendly and prompt. For me, the traditional nyabinghi drummers set the perfect tone. Try to go on a night they are playing. Farm tour was also fun but be aware, steep steps and no handrails, so mobility challenged folks may want to stay in the main area and enjoy a drink. Bring your patience for the ride, last three miles are real rough roads and the taxi drivers know how to navigate, but it is slow and bumpy. If you think you might enjoy Rasta hospitality and food, give Zimbali’s a try. We will go back next year! It’s like eating One Love food.More

Date of visit: January 2024
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mark swainbank, Owner at Zimbali's Mountain Cooking Studio, responded to this reviewResponded 20 January 2024

Hi Vacationer :) Thanks for spending a few hours of your vacation with us :) Drumming is on Wed & Fridays and we do serve Fish, Chicken, Shrimp or Vegan/vegetarian. The ride here is really like going back in time- sit back and breath deeply...More

Reviewed 15 January 2024

Fabulous evening! I had been there before and had such an unforgettable experience, I had to go back with two friends! We thoroughly enjoyed the five course meal and I had the best jerk shrimp I ever had in my life! The food, the ambience,...the chef, the company, the staff, the mountain vibe - you've gotta try it once and you'll be going back for more! TEN STARS!!!More

Date of visit: January 2024
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mark swainbank, Owner at Zimbali's Mountain Cooking Studio, responded to this reviewResponded 16 January 2024

When we have returning guests it makes our night as there is no greater compoliment. Thank you so Mich and now that we have started a trend- lets do it again :) Blessings- Mark

Reviewed 15 January 2024

We went for the Chef's Tasting menu. It was brilliant. The farm tour was lovely. Pre dinner drinks and live music to start. Dinner itself was absolutely delicious. Very thoughtful and plated elegantly. Chef's discussion of the food and where it comes from and how...it benefits our bodies was so insightful. I would recommend this event to anyone who comes to Jamaica!More

Date of visit: January 2024
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mark swainbank, Owner at Zimbali's Mountain Cooking Studio, responded to this reviewResponded 16 January 2024

Thank you so much for coming to share a meal with us- Hoping to see you again :) Blessings- Mark

Reviewed 14 January 2024

My two friends and I drove hours to get here… and it was DEFINITELY worth the trip.. Amazing experience… delicious food from their farm and the wholistic environment was fun, yet peaceful and very welcoming. We stayed overnight and hated to leave the next day....A truly five star experience!More

Date of visit: January 2024
Helpful?1  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mark swainbank, Owner at Zimbali's Mountain Cooking Studio, responded to this reviewResponded 16 January 2024

BIG THANKS for the efforts made to come and share a night and break bread with us- what an adventure! Knowing we will see you again soon :) Blessings- Alecia

Reviewed 11 January 2024 via mobile

If you love amazing tasty good food this is the spot you need to have on your list when visiting Jamaica. The farm to table is an amazing experience, you will get 5 delicious dishes cooked with best organic ingredients. And I was lucky enough...to get extra slices of fruit cake…🤤🤤🤤More

Date of visit: January 2024
Helpful?1  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mark swainbank, Owner at Zimbali's Mountain Cooking Studio, responded to this reviewResponded 13 January 2024

An extra slice of fruit cake!!?? That's worth coming for alone :) Hope to see you again and THANK YOU! Blessings- Mark

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Questions & Answers
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SherylandTheCity
19 October 2020|
Answer
Response from Zimbaliretreats | Property representative |
Hi Sheryl, Thanks for your question :) Negril is known worldwide as the capital of casual and ZImbali fits in perfectly. We invite you, when coming to the mountains, to please feel free to dress casual w/ comfortable... More
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mikinziest
5 December 2019|
AnswerShow all 3 answers
Response from MarkS12427 | Property representative |
Hello Mikinzies, I am not really sure what your question is refering to exactly. We do offer our Farm to Table Cooking Show for either lunch or dinner and there is lots of info @ Tripadvisor/restaurants/negril. Blessings... More
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ZIMBALI'S MOUNTAIN COOKING STUDIO, Negril - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about Zimbali's Mountain Cooking Studio

Yes, Zimbali's Mountain Cooking Studio is taking precautions against COVID-19. A full list is available within the "safety precautions" section of this page.

Zimbali's Mountain Cooking Studio is rated accordingly in the following categories by Tripadvisor travellers:
  • Food: 5
  • Service: 5
  • Value: 4.5
  • Atmosphere: 5