Last year my wife, myself and another couple went to Marina Pirata (on the Spanish Lagoon) for dinner and had a wonderful meal in a lovely setting (on a deck over the water). HOWEVER, this restaurant never seems to get much mention on this board. When people ask for recommendations Marina Pirata never seems to be on the list of restaurants recommended.

I'd be interested to hear anyone else's opinion of Marina Pirata.

About one year ago, I was at this restaurant and wrote a really nice review about it. For some reason, it was highly criqued. It is a great place and one of the few places that still represents the island flavor of Aruba.

Keep going back.

charles
www.arubafastphones.com

We go to Marina Pirata every trip. The food is great and the atmosphere is even better. I think many people have a hard time finding it (although it is right near depalm island), and cab fare can be pretty expensive.
Their french onion soup is great and Shrimp Marina Pirata is a very unique dish.
It is one of my favorite places to eat in Aruba!!!

Its a low profile family owned restuarant
great food and location on the south of Aruba close to the Flying fishboone

www.wixtours.com

After a million trips we finally went earlier this month. It was worth the trip and man are we sorry we missed the place all those years. Besides literally eating with the fish the food and prices were great. While we were there a fishing boat pulled up and they unloaded fresh from the sea. Barracuda, and a few other types of fish. I could see the kitchen and the fish were immediately washed, cleaned, washed again and put immediately into refrigeration. All this happened with in the space of 15 minutes.
I had barracuda and it was the best I ever ate.
The service was great and the atmosphere on par with any "ocean side" restaurant

we never make a trip to Aruba without one or two visits to Marina Pirata. We enjoy dining on the dock over the water in a very nice atmosphere and excellent food at a very fair price. The service is usually very good! They will serve a fish in several different preparations. I prefer the orange sauce followed by the almondine. But it is obviously to each person's taste. They prepare the best fish available and fresh: mahi-mahi, wahoo, etc. I was very surprised by a very good barracuda recommended by Carlos.
It is a simple, cozy place that we love! At that table at the left front corner! Be careful, there is no railing! Stay sober enough not to trip! Or you're in for a swim!!
It's better to have a vehicle to get there! Turn to go to DE Palm Island and follow the Marina Pirata signs. It can be tricky the 1st time! Better to go before dark the first time!

Enjoy it!!

ON EVERY TRIP WE GO ONCE OR TWICE.
THE FOOD IS WONDERFUL AND SO IS THE ATMOSPHERE AND SERVICE
IT IS AMONG MY BEST FIVE FOR ARUBA

Can't we ever keep anything for ourselves!!!
shhhhhhhh......

We were there 2 weeks ago - it was one of our favorites

Thanks to all of you who responded with your "Marina Pirata" reviews.

Like I said in my original post, we dined there last year and had a wonderful meal. Will be back in Aruba in a couple of weeks (8/26 - 9/5) and are looking forward to another great evening at Marina Pirata.