Hidden away in far West Bay, at the entrance to Barkers, lies Ristorante Pappagallo. The thatched roof and wilderness location might make it seem like an unlikely venue for some of the finest Italian food on the Island, but that is exactly what hides behind the deceptive facade.
 
Pappagallo is Italian for parrot and a very apt name considering the number of birds that frequent the area. To get to the entrance of the restaurant you cross over a footbridge with the silvery shapes of the tarpon visible under the surface.
 
As you enter Pappagallo’s, you are greeted by one of the many birds on site - this one an African Grey named Humphrey Bogart.
 
There is a choice of dining rooms at the restaurant, each with its own special style.
 
The Pappagallo room features Mexican style thatching and glass-fronted cages displaying, very fittingly, a variety of parrots that compete for the attention of the diners.
 
The Flamingo room also features thatching, although this time done in the Caymanian style, but in this case the flamingos are in the form of photos, not in cages. The room can be opened up to let in the cooling breezes off the North Sound, or air conditioned should the need arise.
 
There is also a large screened porch that is perfect for cooler weather.
 
However, in spite of the impressive location and scenery, these take a back seat to the food.

Like the bird for which the restaurant is named, the dishes are varied and colourful.
 
The menu features primarily Italian dishes, with a healthy helping of Cayman and Caribbean influences. Given its waterfront location, it is not surprising to find a great selection of fresh seafood, including fresh fish prepared in one of five ways.
 
As part of its summer menu, the restaurant offers its Weekend Sensations menu on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings. The menu features Stuzzichini, Italian for ‘small plates.’
 
As the name implies, the dishes are small and light, so whether you are looking for a light meal or thinking of trying more than one dish, the sizes are perfect. There is also the option of ordering a sample platter of four of the dishes for $22, allowing you to experience a range of the exquisite food crafted in the Pappagallo kitchen and ideal for those who find it impossible to choose.
 
The selection is mouth watering and includes grilled lamb chops with Gorgonzola risotto, pecan crusted cod fish with Creole buerre blanc, wasabi crusted scallops with a ginger-mango coulis, portabella mushroom stuffed with truffled fusilli and cheese... this list goes on and on.
 
On Sunday nights, the restaurant serves up a Tuscan-style mix of grilled meat, paired with specials on wine.
 
Other specials include half-price main course pasta, with the purchase of an appetiser, on Monday, surf and turf on Tuesday, and a fresh seafood mixed grill on Wednesday.
 
After such an excellent meal in a relaxing environment, staying awake on the drive home might well seem as big a challenge as deciding what to have for dinner. Fortunately it is nothing a solid shot of good Italian espresso cannot take care of.   WH

Ristorante Pappagallo is open seven days a week from 6pm to 10.30pm.
 
For more information, visit pappagallo.ky. For bookings, call 949-1119.