Little did I know that I’d be transported to Polynesia in
the Cayman Islands. Yet, after a short drive north of Seven Mile Beach, a
beautiful structure greeted us: walking along the bamboo lined bridge, taking
in the large thatched roof and hearing the rustling wind blow through the palm
trees … where did we go?
Pappagallo is a serene restaurant situated on a spacious
bird sanctuary. While sitting in the screened in patio the lagoon in the
background is eerily calm, but during the day there’s plenty of wildlife to
behold. From the high ceiling dining room and outdoor water features, there’s
so much to see with their décor that the hunger pangs momentarily subsided - to
just be outdoors and take it all in!
Humphrey Bogart, the restaurant’s “oldest employee”, greets
us at the door and gets tons of attention. The mild tempered African Grey
parrot even patiently posed on my friend’s shoulder for pictures.
Then again, the smell of shellfish and garlic is so enticing;
soon we were coxed into our chairs and a bottle of cold wine settling us in for
dinner. A basket of the calamari (CI$10.50) was great for sharing: plenty of
squid with thinly sliced zucchini for added interest. The fried starter needed
more draining as everything was rather oily and the salt was a tad heavy handed
but nevertheless tasty, we finished it anyways.
True to its Italian roots, Papagallo’s pasta dishes are
large … there’s no risk of leaving hungry. The tagliatelle (CI$27.50) appeared
freshly made and tossed with a fragrant garlic shrimp broth, basil and olive
oil finishing it off. Although the scallops and shrimps could be cooked a touch
less, they were nonetheless meaty and delicious.
The seafood theme continued for our table with my friend
ordering the lobster spaghetti (CI$32) brimming with pieces of the crustacean.
Meanwhile, the sweetness in the lobster and shrimp (CI$36) threw me off and
having a whole plate of the rich brandy-tarragon cream sauce would be too much.
Complimentary bites of bruschetta (fresh and tasty) and
chocolate cookies (dry and powdery) were also presented. I welcomed every last
bite. Anything to make the tranquil dinner, in a tropical oasis, last a few minutes
longer.
Overall mark - 7.5 out of 10
How To Find Them
Location: North end of the Island
Address: 444B Conch Point Road
Address: 444B Conch Point Road
Website: https://www.pappagallo.ky/
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Gastro World's Grading System
- Anything under 5 - I really disliked and will never go back
- 6 - decent restaurant but I likely won't return
- 7 - decent restaurant and I will likely return
- 8 - great restaurant that I'd be happy to recommend
- 9 - fantastic restaurant that I would love to visit regularly and highly recommend
- 10 - absolute perfection!
Is That It? I Want More!
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