From Kingston, Jamaica, for two decades, Nancy and Bassilios Hado have been serving Middle Eastern flavours, paying tribute daily to their rich culinary heritage steeped in pride and authenticity from Lebanon through their family-owned restaurant, Chez Maria.

Over the years, the restaurant has become one of Kingston’s favourite eateries that serves authentic Meditteranean cuisine all under the watchful eye of family matriarch Maria.

The menu at Chez Maria is influenced mainly by Lebanon and Italy. With a dietary foundation including legumes, plant-based foods such as whole grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, herbs, and spices, this powerful combination make any meal there a reminder of the proud culinary heritage the region has to offer. 

Though many thousands of miles away from its origins, the culinary flame of the motherland is kept burning at Chez Maria through good, hearty food with a nod to its undeniably abundant history.

Having relocated to Progressive Shopping Centre on Barbican Road, Chez Maria’s new place has set out a prominent claim in helping to redefine eating out in one of the Caribbean’s most diverse capitals.

Located on the roof of the plaza, upon exiting the elevator, you step into a penthouse of culinary luxury with the option of indoor or open-air dining. It’s easy to see why they chose this place as the breathtaking 360-degree views of the bustling Kingston cityscape are surely the envy of all who choose to relax and dine there.

The Hados welcomed Minister of Education, Youth and Information Fayval Williams to dine recently to give her blessing as she is also the member of parliament for the area, St Andrew Eastern.

Nancy Hado and the minister had lots to talk about, including the curfew, digital online school, and the community of St Andrew Eastern.

“We welcomed Honorable Minister Fayval Williams to Chez Maria to try our Lebanese cuisine. This is a great place for families to come and enjoy the sunset in a safe, socially distant, open-air environment and we are glad to be a part of the community of St Andrew Eastern.” Nancy Hado said with a smile.

Chez Maria’s interior design was created by Peta Gaye Shoucair, a highly regarded New York-based interior designer with Lebanese roots, and was tirelessly built by owner Bassilios Hado’s team.

The location has become prominent with epicureans as it transports them directly to Lebanon, surrounded by custom-made Middle Eastern-inspired decor and, if they choose to sit outside, they are soothed with the cool breeze and memorable sunset view. 

“We welcome Chez Maria to the community as it gives my constituents something to look forward to. I applaud any business that decides to set up shop here as it develops the area for economic growth,” Williams said.