If you had to pick three...

[iswimforfood]

We ate on the beach at Barefoot, Flying Fishbone and Matthew's - all were fantastic! Make sure you get there by 6:15 if you want to be settled at your table with a drink in time to see the beautiful sunset.

[AUA1989]

There are so many great places to eat, but our never-to-be-missed on a trip: Ruinas Del Mar at the Hyatt. Best Lobster ever, and consistently awesome every time.

We used to love the Olde Molen Restaurant; my husband loved the Seafood Crepes. But I believe it's no longer there. Same is true for Villa Germania. It was great for an afternoon bite, but it has been gone for a few years now I believe.

[Vicky464]

Heading back to Aruba Jan 1 and my list would include:
1. Madame Jeanettes
2. Flying Fishbone (although the time before last was very disappointing - they did make it up to us last time)
3. Wacky Wahoo

So many good places. What about Cuba's Cooking? I remember they were moving. Did they, anyone been to the new place? Fun restuarant with live music.

[jeffnev]

Originally Posted by Vicky464

Heading back to Aruba Jan 1 and my list would include:
1. Madame Jeanettes
2. Flying Fishbone (although the time before last was very disappointing - they did make it up to us last time)
3. Wacky Wahoo

So many good places. What about Cuba's Cooking? I remember they were moving. Did they, anyone been to the new place? Fun restuarant with live music.

Skip Flying Fishbone and substitute Barefoot if you want beach dining/feet in the sand.

[Glenn]

Before I give you my three top places, I just want to say that Aruba's dining scene is, IMO, probably one of the most active with the greatest amount of choice anywhere in the Caribbean. With so many different types of cuisine and price ranges to choose from, I'm surprised that all-incl's are as popular as they are.

My top three Aruba restaurants are:

El Gaucho - the 16oz Gaucho steak is the best-tasting source of protein on the planet, period!

Pappillon - A wonderful addition to the Aruba dining scene.

Sol Mare - Quality, service and atmosphere are all excellent here.


Have a good one!


Glenn

[IMAZ140.6]

I see this thread goes all the way back to 2009 - wow! This will be my 6th trip to Aruba and the hardest part is always narrowing down the restaurants. I would never do an all inclusive in Aruba just because the food is so fantastic. I think my top 4 picks would be:

El Gaucho
Madame Janettes
Papillon
Pago Pago

I am always shocked that Pago Pago (located inside the Westin) does not get more positive feedback. I think the only bad part is that it is in a hotel - however, the service is always our best on the island every single trip and the food is to die for. Yum, cannot wait...going back May 26th this year and already trying to figure out my other restaurant choices. Thinking:

Amuse (never been)
Amadeus (never been)
Chef's Table (been 1x)
Passions (never been)

decisions....decisions

[Arubalisa]

Originally Posted by IMAZ140.6

Amuse (never been)
Amadeus (never been)
Chef's Table (been 1x)
Passions (never been)

Amadeus and Passions, only because you have never been. Otherwise for a third night would go with Chef's Table.

[Andrea J.]

welcome to the aruba.com community forum.
i think pago pago is fantastic.
not wild about the pricing though.
their chef is awesome and very talented.
i think pago pago would get better publicity/exposure if it were not in the Westin.


if i were in your shoes, i would add Amadeus restaurant and Chefs table.

imo COOKS and Madame Janette has better steak than El gaucho.

steak

Originally Posted by IMAZ140.6

I see this thread goes all the way back to 2009 - wow! This will be my 6th trip to Aruba and the hardest part is always narrowing down the restaurants. I would never do an all inclusive in Aruba just because the food is so fantastic. I think my top 4 picks would be:

El Gaucho
Madame Janettes
Papillon
Pago Pago

I am always shocked that Pago Pago (located inside the Westin) does not get more positive feedback. I think the only bad part is that it is in a hotel - however, the service is always our best on the island every single trip and the food is to die for. Yum, cannot wait...going back May 26th this year and already trying to figure out my other restaurant choices. Thinking:

Amuse (never been)
Amadeus (never been)
Chef's Table (been 1x)
Passions (never been)

decisions....decisions

[Andrea J.]

my top 3 on page 1 are no longer my top favorites

as of now they are....

upscale/fine dining~ Madam Janette
local delicious as well as upscale~ COOKS
relaxed, local, inexpensive~ B55
chinese~ Hung Paradis

[NJ Ralph]

Chef's table
Yemanja
Sunset grille