Buzo Osteria Italiana opens in Jamaica

Kingston has a new Italian restaurant. Offering a wide range of Northern Italian dishes, from pasta to artisan pizzas, seafood, salads, and much more, the long-awaited opening of Buzo Osteria Italiana Jamaica has arrived.

Centrally located at the Courtyard by Marriott in New Kingston (adjacent to Emancipation Park) Buzo Osteria Italiana Jamaica is the third of the Trotters Restaurant Group’s line of Caribbean locations. The earliest opened in Trinidad circa 2011 and the second in Barbados in 2015. Now in 2023, Jamaica has its turn.

Why Jamaica? As CEO of Trotters Restaurant Group, Peter George, puts it, “Why not Jamaica?” While donning a navy and purple plaid blazer with a silk pocket square, he leans in and continues: “Jamaica is the synergy of Caribbean culture. When you look at the Bond movies and Golden Eye, the tradition, music, art, history, and, of course, Bob Marley and the sprinters, Jamaica is known and recognised, so it was a natural fit for the business.”

As Casa del Sol music plays in the background, seated at a table in the modern design location with an open kitchen and marble walls, George explains that Buzo Jamaica has been in the works for quite some time. It was slated to be opened in 2020, but there was this thing called a pandemic (you may have heard of it) that halted the opening for three years. There was a very brief moment when George was ready to cut his losses and give up on the location, but as he looks around as the lunch crowd tucks into their meals over conversation, he says, “I’m happy I stuck it out.”

When asked what makes Buzo special, George is quick: “It’s experiential dining.” More than just a bellyfull, it’s about an experience that he aims to have be consistent.

Pastas are made fresh in-house, and the ingredients are natural. George’s favourite pizza is the Buzo. Named after the eatery, our interest is piqued. With wild mushrooms, arugula, truffle oil, and pepper flakes, as our server Ronkeisha Birch (she has worked with Trotters Restaurant Group for six years) brings our pizza, the air is permeated with the luxurious oaky smell of truffles, and the taste is as George promised: delicious.

Other favourites we sampled were the four-cheese ravioli with cream sauce and truffle honey dusted with crispy panko. It’s sure to be a top seller for the comfort and flavour it provides. Our photographer, Nicholas Nunes, is a fan of the fresh squid ink tagliatelline with calamari, shrimp, clams, and mussels, fresh tomato, garlic, parsley, white wine, and olive oil. “I love seafood,” he says, and the dish is chock-full of it.

Trini accents can be heard from some of the servers who have come over to help train the Jamaican staff. We question if they will remain. “We will have tours of our staff at our different locations,” says George of the opportunity for Jamaican staff members to visit and work at other Buzo eateries.

The new eatery also features an extensive wine and cocktail list (try A Trip to Tiffany’s ladies) and an outdoor seating area for those who would like to dine al fresco.

Buzo Osteria Italiana is sure to delight all of your taste buds with its delicious Italian cuisine.