Zimbali Mountain Cooking Studio

Love Zimbali

Very friendly staff and the food was great. This is very nice getaway from the resort. We really enjoyed the small intimate setting.

UNMATCHED!

My mother and I traveled to Zimbali Retretat for the Cooking Studio & Fam Tour - all I can say is this experience was AMAZING ! Don't think twice just book it!

Amazing experience I never thought I would need

Great experience. The farm tour was a lot of fun, amazing views. The retreat itself was beautiful and I am encouraged to comeback and stay there. The chef was amazing, she’s very talented and educated on the benefits of the ingredients she was cooking with. I will be recommending this experience.

Yes, I would recommend!

I just spent a week at Zimbali. The family, the staff, and the cooking experience were all wonderful. This is a small operation in beautiful surroundings. The accommodations are similar to a cabin in the woods, but luxurious for the rural location. There's a small bar, a beautiful dining room and a cooking studio where the cooking show takes place. Trips to and from Negril and Montego Bay were arranged for us and we were fortunate to have the same fine driver each time.

A meal out , delicious but nothing learnt

Zimbali was a lovely place to visit and if you want a really gorgeous 5 course fresh meal the place to go . My husband and I have had cooking eperiences around the world and we hoped to really learn something about jamaican cooking . We ate ! food to fork not so much... the "tour" led by the gardener i believe was really a walk as he pointed out views and the odd plant ( mainly bamboo) but nothing obvious that would go into cooking , his discussion was very hard to understand and when i asked questions i was brushed off. we're bee keepers and on spotting hives i asked about their keeping...the reply " Yes they're bees in there " ?? We were unaware that the lady sending off on the walk was Alicia the chef , no introductions at all. On the return we were seated at the back of two rows and couldnt even see past the heads in front of us. She talked for the salad prep and that was it, the rest was just her plating food where we couldnt see it and serving it up, I learnt more from her colleague serving wine to us . A beautiful meal but so much wasted opportunities to share what she does, i even asked to buy some of her black honey as she said earlier she sells it and it led nowhere just to a very business woman end to evening asking us to settle our taxi bill so they could get going, she even checked in guests while we were still eating. Go for the meal but unless you're front row don't expect to see anything . Shame as I'm a trained chef and learnt nothing .

AMAZING DOOD EXPERIENCE

Knowing how organic and natural the food was made the whole experience even that more satisfying The preparation was energetic The taste of all the dishes and presentation were amazing and delightful

An amazing place with amazing energy

The drive to Zimbali takes you through glorious smelling sugar canes and lush trees and foliage. Upon arrival you are welcomed with a refreshing drink and a description of what was to come. After listening to the bongo band with a chilled glass of wine, we toured the farm, smelling the lemongrass, viewing the produce growing in the trees. We returned and took our seats for the cooking demonstration and fabulous 5 course dinner. Chef Alicia’s (aka Rumplestiltskin) presentation of plant based nutrition from the farm, and her knowledge of the body and what it needs to stay healthy was so interesting and her cooking was absolutely first class. Each mouth watering course, delicately presented with love and care was delicious and we left feeling that we have given our tastebuds and our bodies a real treat. The beautiful decoration and ambience of the venue, the sounds from the talented and delightful bongo band, the interesting tour of the farm and the friendly and welcoming staff all made our visit to Zimbali a trip of a lifetime. Mike and Ali (UK)

A different sort of adventure

The place was beautiful, loved the ambiance, the entertainment was superb. Employees super friendly and helpful. The 5 course meal was all mostly prepared ahead of time and kept warm in bowls near or on the stove, except she did cook the shrimp, left it to simmer and was very dry. If you weren’t a fan of plantains and bananas it wasn’t for you or me. I ordered the shrimp and it was overdone and dry because it had been cooked too long. I’d go again for the experience but not the food. It was quite an adventure to get there and we really enjoyed getting out in the country.

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!?!

I made a post a while ago on Instagram about my wonderful experience here that the folks at Zimbali seen and replied to so I know you know already how much I loved my time with you! I just thought I would leave a review on trip advisor so more people can be encouraged to go visit!! I’ll keep it as short and sweet as I can. Worth. Every. Last. Penny. Do it. Just bloody do it!!! You will not regret it trust me just go and book it right now!! The food and the company is just spectacular. Chef Alecia and Fiyah and the rest of the crew at zimbali were so welcoming, friendly, and informative. I’m a massive lover of nature so I really enjoyed the guided tour and learning about the Jamaican ecosystem and how every plant and animal is working together to create the beauty and the flavours we see and taste around us. The cooking show was spectacular and the food tasted out of this world! I’m Irish so our food can be boring at home so it was so refreshing to taste so many foods that are completely new to me with so much flavour. Move over Italian food! I think it’s safe to say Jamaican food is my new favourite cuisine! I was so enthralled by chef, the only photos I managed to take were of the Zimbali sign and a bowl of soup hahahaha!! I’m coming back to Jamaica in March 2024 and you better believe I will be back to visit Zimbali, I can’t wait to see you all again and see what’s on the menu next time! <3

clown show

title says it all..it is a clown show....can not add much to that....fellow who owns...made a nice home place out of the the 5-acres or so he bought...built a interesting place. to live ..he did a nice job scrounging stuff.to display..in his place....and it is cool...think his wife is the "chef"...silly ......but this dinner business,,,and "ground experience" . as advertised .....I am just going to say...it is a clown show.......and is very expensive....and the trip .from wherever you are..Negril area....to this this fellows 5-8 acres ground spot he bought...actually may be the most interesting part.......sort of...anyway...just the truth.

Second time as good as first

Second time there, both were wonderful. Food is excellent and farm tour was informative. Nice drink selection, and great gift shop.

A spectacular experience!

From the travel with a pleasant driver through the lush green mountains and fields, we arrived with great anticipation of an unique experience...and we were not disappointed! The meal was amazing and Alecia's preparation of each course was informative and impeccably prepared! We enjoyed the fellowship, drumming, and the entire atmosphere. It was spectacular! We will definitely recommend this experience to others! Thank you, Mark, Alecia, Mr Fireman, children, and staff for welcoming us into your home! Blessings! Daryl and Vanessa Ward

Different

It was ok. Definitely more for foodies. I wish there was a menu attached with the different selections then I would have known this wasn’t for us. I absolutely hate coconut but it was in everything! The chef and others were cool but the food was a no for us.

Very disappointing

Very disappointing visit, had a phone call from mark three days before our visit which we had booked for my wife’s birthday to cancel due to the lack of numbers and asked if we could come a day earlier, after rearranging our travel plans we said yes. We arrive had a welcome drink and then did the tour around which was very interesting, then we went in to the restaurant/viewing area where we were told to sit at the back we could not see any of the preparations and the chefs show as she was working away from the mirror and all the people in the front row!!!! The chef only seemed to want to talk to 6 people who were sat in the front where she was working. The food itself was very nice but as this was booked over a year before and my wife’s birthday along with cancelling our first reservation I would have hope we would have been made much more welcome and better viewing experience. They also are more interested in letting you know if you want anything else it’s going to cost you which is not a problem but there are ways of saying it.

Memorable experience but could be better

Zimbali was an unforgettable experience in our recent trip to Jamaica. The food was delicious and most of the people were very friendly. However, our tour of the gardens (the trees) was awful. Our guide was extremely hard to understand as he either mumbled, looked down or talked with his back to us. And again, there were no gardens of fresh fruits and vegetables only trees. It would have been nice to have a menu of what we were eating (all delicious). We wanted to tell friends about it, but couldn't remember all of the ingredients. The description of the tour mentioned being served a bottle of wine and we were only offered a glass. All in all, a fun evening.

Organic experience

The comrodery was awesome i met great people. the ambiance of the place was authentic and beautiful my chef was on point spiritual beautiful lady. Now let talk about the good 10 out of 10 soo delicious and fresh. I'm going back next year.

Beautiful place and good food.

Beautiful place in the mountains. Good food and nice staff. We had a five course meal cooked by Alicia and co.

Amazing experience!

Our visit to Zimbali Mountain was our favorite part of our trip to Negril! It’s a wonderful, very interesting experience and the dishes are incredibly delicious. You can really feel the love that goes into everything here, from the farming to the cooking and beyond. I’d definitely recommend it!

It was a lovely space &...

It was a lovely space & nice employees, the food was good but not enough protein for the price. The experience ran late by an hour, it took forever to get the food & it was not a nice wait because the seats were very uncomfortable. We were sat in the back so we couldn’t even see the cooking (which is what we were excited for). They must have over booked the experience because it was more people than 20. Then unfortunately we were charged twice & told we would get our money back the next morning but after several reminders & no refund we had to contact our bank. This experience was not worth the price. :(

Unbelievable!!

Food was excellent! Large portions! Chefs were very knowledgeable about the food, nutrition and health benefits. Wish we could have seen more of the resort and the grounds where the vegetables were grown. Wish we could have met the owner.

Very fun,...

Very fun, interesting/educating, the land and the hosts were wonderful! Will do again when we come back next year:)

Wonderful experience

Excellent food. Very detailed as far as food preparation. Chef Alicia is a talented artist. Would definitely attend again. The drive to the location was definitely an experience.

Consider Changing to Cooking CLASS

Wonderful! But please consider changing it to a CLASS instead of a show and allow guests to prepare the meal. Hands-on experience would be IDEAL.

enjoy real Jamaica

Great food, and fun interaction with the Chef and people. Thank you to Mark and Alicia for keeping this going.

Foodie’s Dream

A foodie’s dream come true. A farm tour, cooking demonstration, 5-course meal, knowledgeable farmers and chefs, and more. The health and flavor of each dish was outstanding and complimented by a stunning presentation. Many thanks to the crew!

Must Try !

I love everything about this place! I love what they are doing here, and the food was great. The farm tour was short and sweet. I love how the chef made sure to talk to us about the different ingredients and their benefits. The ride up the mountain was a little bumpy but overall, I highly recommend you will not be disappointed.

The food was amazing! ...

The food was amazing! Fresh and delicious. The property was stunning with many carvings and great views.

Amazing experience

Zimbali is beautiful. Mark responded to each question very quickly, and made arrangements for our transportation, the ride there is long and slow but well worth it. The moment I walked into Zimbali I was in love. This place is beautiful, you are right in jungle. I would certainly try staying here on my next trip back as the energy is so chill and welcoming. Alecia, your food is fresh, farm to table, beautiful and delicious. You really are an artist! I would come back just to eat your cooking everyday! Don’t hesitate on the cooking experience. Book it. You won’t regret it. Thank you for everything! One Love.

Love it!

Food was amazing! Experience was amazing! I ate things I would normally never ! Def want to come again!

Book this experience!!

What an incredible experience! The drive, the farm tour, the food and the entire crew, A+++. We will do this everytime we come back for vacation. This was an absolute treat and I can't wait to be back.

A one of a kind culinary experience in the lush Jamaican mountains

An amazing experience! Do not miss. The best food we ate on our trip hands down. Chef Alicia is a true magician sharing the bounty of Jamaica. The scenery was spectacular and i enjoyed the walk through the farm and the many different fruit trees we got to see. Their hospitality and passion for their craft will never be forgotten.

Communicative and accomodating

Mark, the host, is very communicative and accommodating. I'd recommend taking the shuttle rather than driving or taxiing, as the trip can be difficult.

Fantastic experience

Absolutely fantastic food experience. The freshest food and highly informative. Food for the mind and body. The drive up there was an experience in itself.

Unique experience

This was a great experience! We paid the extra $20 to be picked up right from our hotel. The drive itself was something, especially the last three miles or so which was not paved. Upon arrival, you are greeted with a cold drink. The essence of family is in the air with the staff. There is a bar where you can grab a drink before the farm tour. The food experience itself was spectacular. The mix of flavors explodes in your mouth while you enjoy a bottle of wine with the five course meal.

Beautifully amazing.

Amazing, quaint little restaurant. The chefs are great and very knowledgeable about the ingredients and it’s benefits used in each course. Straight from their farm. Loved every moment.

Did not feel welcome but more of a bother

Upon arrival we were yelled at to just go to the bar because the chef was mad at another individual so she didn’t want to deal with anyone . We didn’t even say a word to her . Not a good vibe from the start. My husband was basically called stupid because he didn’t know the exact name of a tree . Very degrading to guests . Didn’t get a farm tour because it started pouring . Demanded we go back into sitting area . And wait … we got to watch the cooking show from the chefs back side . She did not speak to us . Very rude to the staff. My husband did not care for the pumpkin soup and was given attitude for not eating it . When dinner was over we were all instructed to come pay our bill . Chef argued with me that we didn’t pay . When I showed her my receipt I paid online and my credit card statement. She literally made us feel like we weren’t worthy of her time and we’re trying to rip her off . I would not recommend this to anyone .

An Experience

Food was fantastic. Farm was a.azing but a trek, lots of hills and steps. Just be aware that there are children and nearly everyone is smoking pot.

Captivating Culinary Experience

Zimbali mountain cooking studio is an captivating culinary experience that everyone must try when you visit Jamaica. From the hospitable welcome on arrival, the beautiful home, edible and fragrant farm walking tour, and the delicious dining experience executed by Chef Alicia, this was an unforgettable moment. We will definitely be back!

Fantastic Dining Experience!

Every dish was perfection! I highly recommend this dining experience! Alecia and Mark are the great hosts! You don’t want to miss this farm to table experience!

Amazing !!!

Zimbali Retreats and Cooking Studio are not to be missed if visiting Jamaica!!Located on the Canaan Mountain you will be witness to the beauty of rural Jamaica and the bounty of the jungle!!Zimbali is a truly one of a kind place with a true IRIE vibe!!Upon entering the property you are surrounded by amazing sights,sounds and smells!!A glass of fresh,natural juice is a thirst quenching treat that only gets you curious and excited about what's to come.All Zimbali's meals are cooked with farm,FRESH ingredients and LOVE!The cooking studio is well layed out so all can see as Chef Alecia prepares and explains each couse!It is fun and informative from start to finish and not to be missed.As I have also stayed at Zimbali many times I also highly suggest an overnight stay!The rooms are beautiful,each with a private porch for Full-joying the sounds and sights of the jungle!They also have recently put in a pool area-another wonderful place to watch the world go by!!Go to Zimbali!!

Wonderful evening!

Wonderful meal. The farm is gorgeous and the dinner was amazing. Delicious, interesting, great flavor, and a wonderful evening. I would recommend wearing bug spray or long sleeves/pants if you tend to get bitten by bugs.

Wonderful Experience

A wonderful experience. Beautiful scenery on the drive up. Fields of sugar cane which were being harvested. Zimbali provided the transportation and our driver was great. We enjoyed the farm tour. The retreat is beautiful. Colorful and relaxing. Our dinner was excellent and we really enjoyed the farm to table meal prepared with fresh ingredients. Yum! Highly recommend Zimbali if you are in Negril.

Nature’s Paradise

Zimbali offers an awesome farm to table experience. You are welcomed into an environment that represents the love for people and food. A must visit when in Negril!

WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE

Had a great time and an incredible meal. It was an experience worth every penny. My only recommendation would be some sort of rail on the stairs down to the farm tour to help those people with mobility issues.