Ok how about a top 10 restaurant list

[Aruba4Life]

There's a group of six of us from New England going to Aruba at the end of April. We've all been to Aruba before, and know about Le Dome, Papiamento's, Iguana Joe's, Salt & Pepper, MJ's, and Flying Fishbone. We're wondering about OTHER restaurants. We'll only be on the island for a week, so we're trying to narrow it down and make some reservations before we arrive. (Frankly, I'm not interested in Italian restaurants because we are close to Boston's North End.)

Any comments on the following restaurants (including pricing & particular tables to request) would be greatly appreciated. We are renting a vehicle, so no restaurant is too far away. Also, if you think I've missed a real gem, please let me know. THANKS!!

Matthew's Beachside Restaurant
Passions Beach Bar & Restaurant
Yemanja Woodfired Grill
Pinchos
Gostoso
Marandi
Marina Pirata
The Old Man & the Sea
Wacky Wahoo
Cook's Restaurant
Gasparito

In other words, if you could only visit five of the above, where would you go?

I understand that Screaming Eagle & Matilde are supposed to be great, but I think they're probably too pricey.

[cindyo]

My comments on your choices....
Matthew's Beachside Restaurant- heard good and bad
Passions Beach Bar & Restaurant- many on this board love this place, I don't
Yemanja Woodfired Grill- never tried
Pinchos-great bar with a swing, great sunset, good salsa and good food
Gostoso- never heard of it
Marandi- liked the original more than I liked this one
Marina Pirata- never been
The Old Man & the Sea- going mid april
Wacky Wahoo- never been
Cook's Restaurant- heard a really BAD review on this, will keep it to myself. Others love it on the board.

PLACES i WOULD INSTEAD SUGGEST...
LG SMITH STEAKHOUSE
CHALET SUISSE
mADAME JEANNETTES
PADDOCK RIB NITE
CASA TUA( YES, ITALIAN, AND SUPERB)

We're also from the boston area, own timeshares, and visit for 2 weeks every year. We will be there mid april with 24 people.
Enjoy where ever you decide to go !! cindy
SUNSET GRILL @ RADISON


Gasparito

[Liz - Aruba Lover]

Matthew's Beachside Restaurant - not 4 star but good food. friendly staff, nice surroundings
Passions Beach Bar & Restaurant. just o.k. nothing special (imho)
Yemanja Woodfired Grill - great food - don't miss it.
Pinchos - beautiful sunset, good food
Gostoso - nothing special.
Marandi - can't rate as I only had salad. Miss the old place cause it's not as far a drive.
Marina Pirata - 1st time next month
The Old Man & the Sea - definetly if distance doesn't matter.
Wacky Wahoo - delicious and inexpensive.
Cook's Restaurant - delicious steak. closed for renovations.
Gasparito - never been

[Arubalisa]

Definitely Passions and skip Gasparito. We were loyal Gasparito customers for 12 years and the last time was so disappointing in so many ways we won't be going back this year.

We also did not care for Pinchos.

[Randi]

Matthew's Beachside Restaurant-went there in December didn't care for it
Yemanja Woodfired Grill-FANTASTIC
Marandi-we enjoy this and like the atmosphere
Marina Pirata-out of the way, good fish but very simple decour, good but there are better
The Old Man & the Sea-LOVE IT!! Great food and unbelievable atmosphere (right next door to Flying Fishbone and I would choose this one over FF)
Madame Jeanettes- love the food and live music, one of Aruba all time favourites
Screaming Eagles-beautiful atmosphere and very good food, enjoyed food at Old Man and the sea better by a little bit
L.G. Smith-favourite steak house and great modern decour
Que Pasa-first time to visit tonight and we loved it!!

[Arubalisa]

Originally Posted by Randi

The Old Man & the Sea-LOVE IT!! Great food and unbelievable atmosphere (right next door to Flying Fishbone and I would choose this one over FF)

Is OMTS expensive?

[~Amy~®]

Matthew's Beachside Restaurant - been there a few times - casual, good food (but nothing to write home about in our opinion), nice atmosphere

Passions Beach Bar & Restaurant - always one of our favorites for beach dining, toes in the sand by the water

Yemanja Woodfired Grill - great food!

Pinchos - nice ambiance but not one of our favorites for food (we'd rather go there for drinks)

Gostoso - never been

Marandi - food is always great (and a nice atmosphere, too!)

Marina Pirata - tried this place several times but could never figure out what all the fuss was about. Food was just okay in our opinion.

The Old Man & the Sea - one of our new favorites for a romantic dinner - worth the drive if you have a rental car

Wacky Wahoo - casual, great food

Cook's Restaurant - have not been

Gasparito - used to be one of our absolute favorites for YEARS (since 1996) but just had a so-so meal there last year and we were soooooo disappointed. But we're going to give it another try this year.

[fattypatty]

do you need reservations for marandi?

[Terry Joz]

I would say try:

Wacky Wahoo
Marandi's
Old Man and the Sea (haven't been there yet, but will be going in may)
MJ's is great to go with with a group
Terry Joz

[Terry Joz]

I forgot"
Chef's Table
Terry Joz