Monamilounge Avis 2

Went here for the first time. First the deco is so nice and the staff are super helpful and friendly. Our server was Sri who was attentive and very welcoming.
The starters jerk wings and salt fish and ackee was amazing. Seasoned nicely with great flavours. The oxtail rice and peas was done to perfection as was the jerk chicken. Everything came with lovely salad garnish. The rum cake and ice cream topped off the meal nicely along with the wray and nephew cocktails. Dane the chef did an amazing job and even introduced himself which was so nice and pleasant. The price was very reasonable and even took food home. Definately be back. Nice music, good food and very welcoming.

The most intriguing aspect of this restaurant is its name; it’s marketed as an authentic Caribbean establishment yet has a French name.

Upon entering, you’ll be greeted by a prestigious, stunning, and stylish interior, thanks to the talented interior designer. The bar lounge area, along with its lighting, colors, layout, and background music, all contribute to an ambiance of top-class dining.

We were warmly welcomed by a handsome, well-dressed bartender and promptly seated by Anieska. We were eager to see the quality of the food and service.

Anieska, a polite young lady who appeared a bit unconfident and inexperienced, did her best to ensure our dining experience was satisfactory. However, she struggled to understand our strong British accents and could benefit from further training in professional dining service.

We ordered mini patties as starters and a shared platter but were disappointed by the small portion sizes. The patties came with poor garnishing and lacked filling, although the pastry tasted lovely. Given the cost of £7.50, I expected at least four mini patties filled adequately.

The main platter was served quickly by Ash, the manager, who didn’t say much and lacked charisma. However, the portion size was good and enough for two people. Unfortunately, the rice and peas were dry, resembling something reheated or found at the bottom of the pot. The festival bread was delicious, and the plantain was sweet and fresh. The coleslaw portion was tiny, and the jerk chicken and sauce lacked the authentic flavor expected; it tasted as if it had been oven-cooked rather than fresh from a jerk pan. While it was tender and enjoyable, it didn’t have the lingering flavor typical of Caribbean cuisine. I assume it was prepared for a Western palate rather than preserving the heritage of Caribbean food.

Since the place has only been open for two weeks, I found it generally pleasant for cocktails and catching up with friends. However, I suggest that the owner consider the caliber and class of their clientele, as it could easily attract less desirable patrons.

While I wouldn’t rush back, I am open to visiting again to see improvements. I found the prices reasonable and the menu variety quite interesting. Although I hesitate to use the term "authentic," especially since the chef is from Kingston, Jamaica, I would describe the food as traditional Caribbean with a distinct ambiance.

Overall, I would rate it 6/10 with the possibility of revising my review in the future.