Hello everyone.
I was looking thru these forums and came up with the following list of restaurants that many folks here agreed to be good. The list is random and I was wondering if you would agree or disagree with the list. I already made reservations for flying fishbone, madam janette and marandi and now I am wondering if others would also require reservations or worth dining at. I will be in Aruba in a week and I am looking forward to this vacation. So please comment if you agree with the list based on your experiences or think some restaurants not worth the time and money because of not so great food or not so great service. Thank you in advance.

Cubas Cookin
Tierras Colombianas
The Buccaneer
Madame Janette
Smokey Joes
La Terraza
Iguana Joe's
flying fishbone
Marandi
sunset grille
Papiamentos
Chalet Suisse
Gasparito
El gaucho
Bingos
Marina Pirata
Sole Mare
Don Carlos
Alfredos
GIANNI's
Azul
Sunset Beach Bistro

My opinions, and my opinions only from 15 trips to the island. You will get as many opinions as there are restaurants.
Heck, even my husband and I cannot agree on this list
nor myself and my parents... to each his own...
a place you did not have on your list which has been getting good reviews is the Chef's Table.

Cubas Cookin -- excellent reputation

Tierras Colombianas-- never heard of it

The Buccaneer-- been around forever, big attractions is dining next to the fish tanks, food reviews have been spotty over the past few years, we stopped going years ago after one too many bad meals there (as well as the restaurant at the lighthouse- La Tratorria el Farro Blanco)

Madame Janette-- many many people's favorite restaurant on the island

Smokey Joes -- excellent reputation

La Terraza-- don't know anything about it, but have heard of it

Iguana Joe's-- excellent reputation

flying fishbone-- very expensive, very good reputation, one of the island's "must do" restaurants, romantic location by far the best on the island

Marandi-- very expensive, good reputation

sunset grille -- very expensive, one of our fav's but does get mixed reviews, we've been there probably 6 times, must be just luck

Papiamentos-- been around forever, we stopped going because it had gotten VERY expensive, BUT has been getting a lot of talk again as of late and rave reviews

Chalet Suisse-- excellent reputation, been around forever, I love it, dh says so, so,

Gasparito-- been around forever, one of the best choices for local cuisine, our favorite restaurant, though admittedly, again it does get some mixed reviews

El gaucho-- IMHO quantity vs. quality, we did not like it, but has been getting good reviews for years

Bingos-- excellent reputation

Marina Pirata-- one of our fav's, many good reviews, excellent fresh seafood but choices for landlubbers as well, good for cheap romance if you don't get to the Flying Fishbone

Sole Mare-- owned by same owners as Giannis, see below, I liked it, dh did not

Don Carlos-- no personal experience, but most people either love it or hate it

Alfredos-- no personal experience, but like Buccaneer supposed to be good atmosphere for a family except on nights when the Hog Bash is going on

GIANNI's-- new place, many good reviews so far

Azul -- good reputation, romantic location for sure

Sunset Beach Bistro -- good reputation

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Hey, Arubalisa

Thank you for taking time to respond.

I am glad that me and my wife will have so many good choices for restaurants.

Just commenting on those we've been to.



Madame Janette - best on the island

Chalet Suisse - excellent, especially for rack of lamb

Gasparito - very good - especially for keshi yena (spelling?)

El gaucho - overpriced, stuffy, noisy, crowded, only fair steaks, horrible vegetables.

Bingos - this is the place I want to have down the street from my house. Also now open for lunch. We love Bingo!

Sole Mare - very good, especially for the veal parm


You did not mention Chefs' Tables, which is new and was wonderful when we went last vacation. And there is Rumba, which is excellent and downtown.

Aruba Trip Reports

Thanks AuntieMame. I noted your suggestions!

Life is funny in NYC, especially on Broad Street. Aruba is my cure!.

to let you all know..........many of us are very very much appreciative of arubalisa, auntie mame and Liz-arubalover
efforts. These 3 women go over the top (in a good way) of offering fair/impartial advice and suggestions.

They make my job easier........much easier.
I am grateful that they take the time and answer folks completely and honestly, without incessant editorials.

ladies.............thank you
andrea

Kevin @ USS Constitution at his commissioning from Midshipman to Ensign 6/20/08

Aw, shucks. Thanks.

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Aruba Bound! ~ Hoosier Kitties ~ Our-Cruises ~ Blogging to Aruba
Back to paradise Trip #18

Where is Bingos? I keep hearing about it and can't believe that in the 5 times we've been to Aruba we've never stumbled upon it. What kind of place is it?

I'm going to add it to my list! It's always nice to stick with what you know, but it's time for us to branch out a little and try some new places.

http://www.bingoaruba.com/

Aruba Bound! ~ Hoosier Kitties ~ Our-Cruises ~ Blogging to Aruba
Back to paradise Trip #18