Dining/Food reviews

[Andrea J.]

There are some Aruba FB groups that do not allow for negative food/dining reviews.

Here, we allow negative reviews.
Before folks post of their negative experience we ask that you think before you type.

Think about were there any extreme circumstances that could not be avoided that impacted your experience?
(such as dining outside and then it rained or there were mosquitos?)

Did you make effort to notify management of the restaurant that things were not going well and ask for some assistance?

If you can say that there was no extreme circumstance or that restaurant's management were not able or chose not to help, then by all means make your report.

Really this goes towards all reviews. (hotels, bars, activities, vendors)

Our negative words can bury an establishment.

We have had a few disasters over the years in Aruba and elsewhere.
Some, I reviewed and spoke of the disaster, but mostly I just chose not to mention.
Off nights do happen.

[WaltVB]

We've only had a couple of bad experiences in Aruba and we don't usually make a big deal out of it. The one thing that bothers us is bad food, just food that doesn't taste good or right. If this happens we mark it down as a one and done and move on to the next place. It's great that this forum allows all reviews, I for one wouldn't waste my time on a site that only allowed good reviews. Reminds me of T/A.

[robin]

I think we only had one place where the food and service were horrible on our second visit there. Our entire section had the same issue. Someone had to go and get help. There was a big holiday party in another area and the staff was socializing rather than working.

[B Likes To Travel]

I actually had a not so good experience on my last trip at a place I consider one of my favorites, but I opted not to write a bad review.

The service was bad (the servers were inexperienced, probably young relatives of the owner) and it was probably due to lack of staffing availability. I wasn't happy with the way the owner handled the issue with the mix up in my dish. It was ultimately rectified but the conversation was inappropriate in my opinion. I also went without water or a drink refill for a long time and I thought that was insane. I even stopped eating at a certain point because I had nothing to drink. The place got super busy so I brushed it off and decided not to let it ruin my day.

[Colette M]

We've only had a couple of bad experiences in Aruba and we don't usually make a big deal out of it. The one thing that bothers us is bad food, just food that doesn't taste good or right. If this happens we mark it down as a one and done and move on to the next place. It's great that this forum allows all reviews, I for one wouldn't waste my time on a site that only allowed good reviews. Reminds me of T/A.

i agree 100% - the purpose of a forum is to share your experience, good or bad, to help other travelers. But I get that it’s been a rough time for restaurant owners in Aruba and everywhere for that matter.

[Pegmeister]

During these times especially, we need to make allowances for something not being perfect. As Walt says, if the food is not good then consider it a one and done. I’ve only had one negative experience that I can think of and it was at a place that gets rave reviews. I wrote a negative review because the staff was inexcusably rude. For me, rudeness always needs to be addressed. Fortunately, In Aruba it’s not something you often encounter.

[Andrea J.]

your situation for that review was justified and it was PREcovid.

During these times especially, we need to make allowances for something not being perfect. As Walt says, if the food is not good then consider it a one and done. I’ve only had one negative experience that I can think of and it was at a place that gets rave reviews. I wrote a negative review because the staff was inexcusably rude. For me, rudeness always needs to be addressed. Fortunately, In Aruba it’s not something you often encounter.

[Pegmeister]

your situation for that review was justified and it was PREcovid.

True, it was pre-COVID. It’s kind of funny now as I have to put so much effort into posting an objective response about that place. You would think I would get over it already!!!!

[cpjones]

My one bad review was incorporated into a trip report for a restaurant that was just totally awful on all counts for our second visit! It was incredibly good .... food and service (atmosphere delightfully tacky) on our first visit...! Was completely disappointed and voiced it!

[LisaGrn]

I've only truly had two less-than-stellar dining experiences in Aruba, both at very popular and beloved restaurants. One was due to front desk and service issues. Food was good but portions so large it turned us off. The other I think was just a bad night, which all restaurants experience. Based mainly on the countless positive posts here, I really want to give it another chance in August.
The former establishment I will never visit again. I agree with Peg; I can excuse a bad night and give a place another try. Rudeness is simply not acceptable to me in a service-based restaurant.
And a lot of it comes down to personal taste. That's one of the great things about Aruba! There's something for everyone - and then some!