They could improve

Food with ups and downs. Romantic atmosphere, live music. Staff some kind of disconnected with the guests. The overall experience was fair and we thought a little expensive.

Excellent

A little difficult to find the place, but after we got there, the whole experience was wonderful. Excellent food, great staff, charming and romantic atmosphere. The waiters looked a little confuse for moments, but the overall experience make me desire to visit them again.

Low Quality

Incredible slow attention. The drinks were brought at the end of the dinner. It seemed we were not in the restaurant. Poor quality in the dishes. Probably the cheff were on vacation. Only, the enviroment could be saved.

The Best So Far

I was pleased to find this place ... All i can say its AMAZING !!!! Food excellent so as the service , very romantic place.... If you dont go to this place you will deff miss out on one of the BEST places....

10

Best on the island. Duck and filet are absolutely wonderful.

Exciting and...what a salad bar!!!

First time for us, dining at a churascaria. A most pleasant surprise! The service was wonderful, the variety of beef sliced at the table was a unique experience. The beef was tasty, tender and well cooked. The salad bar lacked for nothing! A tip: Don't fill up on the salad bar! There's plenty to eat...the carvers keep returning to your table with more and more to eat..provided you signal them to do so.

Warm and Friendly

A nice, friendly place for an authentic Italian meal. Coming from New Jersey, where there are an abundance of Italian restaurants, it's nice to find one on Aruba that remains loyal to fine Italian cuisine. Other than being a bit noisy, the restaurant is a fine choice.

A Wonderful Experience

The greeting from Bennie at Chalet Suisse, "Welcome home!", sets the tone for a most enjoyable evening's dinner. Their 'early bird' special is truly an unbeatable bargain in this day of increased prices and diminished size entrees. The wienershnitzel, sirloin steak or sea food are can't be beaten choices. The service is usually impeccable, although we've noticed that for groups larger than four people, the service just fails, for some unknown reason! So...if you are a group of four or fewer, you can rely on very attentive service and an excellent meal. For larger groups, the food is still excellent but service is lacking.

normal food

this place really only has a beautiful decoration ... my partner and I were to eat and will recommend this place. but it was a terrible experince ... the take lobster. this was terrible and did not have good preparation .. My fruit salad is something elemental that had no good presentation,. the pieces were super great and the fruit was kinda cool. the antntion leaves much to be desired. and prices are truly amazing for the quality. also should renew the kitchen and the chef.

Not So Good

We ate at Taste of Belgium 12-20-09 for lunch. Almost everything was pretty much awful. I got a lobster bisque soup which tasted like someone had boiled a plastic spoon in the pot. The bread that came with it had an "off" taste to it....rather dry & moldy tasting. DH got a ham & cheese sandwich with a fried egg on top....again, the bread was dry & foul tasting & the fried egg was cold. The salad was fresh but the dressing was a little too sweet for our taste. The Belgian beer was excellent but expensive for such a dinky bottle. Won't recommend or go back.

false advertising

When my wife and I ate there last year, we ordered drinks in one of their Baby Yard glasses. The menu said it was a 16 oz drink. Well, we took the glass back to our resort, filled it with water and poured the contents into a measuring container. It held only 12 oz, not to mention it was overpriced to begin with.

02/01/2010

Everything was perfect!

Incredible

We've been coming to Aruba for 14 years and had not dined at Gasparito until this year. Wow .. are we happy that we finally did. What a beautiful Cunucu house w/outdoor dining. Wonderful gourmet food. This restaurant is run by a very warm, incredible family that offers outstanding, personal service. In my opinion, excellent customer service is of the utmost importance and this is a place where you will get it !!!!

A Hidden Gem

WOW ... what an incredible find. Tucked away is this incredibly beautiful restaurant that makes you feel like you have been transported to another place. I didn't even know that this inlet existed in Aruba. It was so peaceful with the sunset, a few yachts floating nearby and the flocks of birds flying by at dusk. Just too picturesque to describe. The food was great too. But the most outstanding aspect of this restaurant is the SUPERB SERVICE .... this is what makes patrons return !! Great job ... especially KEESE! There are not enough kudos. Thank you for a wonderful experience.

Worst Service on Island

Several of the cab drivers recommended this restaurant. Upon arriving, it looked interesting. It immediately lost it's ambience when we realized that the service was non-existent. When our orders were finally delivered, they were incorrect and the waiter wanted us to take orders that were cooked incorrectly....if something is ordered rare ... it should arrive rare. Not difficult. We were basically ignored ... had to actually go over to cashier and ask for check. On top of all that the bathrooms were ghastly. AND not handicap friendly at all.

we enjoyed it

So we went here for an after dinner drink and dessert (we were kind of disappointed with Madame Jeanette's service) and were pleasantly surprised. We had never been here before but will return next time (would have gone back this time but it was our last night). We had the Pineapple Tarte Tartin...YUMMY!!! The espresso was good and strong, the coffee was fresh and the port was tasty. Service was outstanding. We were not a high paying table (again just coffee and dessert) so they could have just served us and moved on, but they were fantastic, friendly and interested!

Not quite right

You can't deny their food is good, but I did not find it fabulous this time. They seemed to lose their edge. The ambiance is beautiful, and their menu is impressive. Their wine list ranges from reasonable to out of reach for many. It all seems to be a perfect mix. HOWEVER, the soup was bland, the surf and turf was mostly turf and a bite of surf and the lobster ravioli was very little lobster and mostly pasta. We ordered wine that was not available (unless we wanted it to chill for 15 minutes) and when we asked our server for a recommendation, she didn't know. Also, if I am spending 100's or even 1,000's on a bottle of wine, someone should pour it for me (after the first glass we were on our own). We asked for a dessert menu,which with 4 people and an after dinner drink, would come to at least another $100 on top of our over $300 bill, but were frustrated after waiting 15 minutes to order. We got the check and left. We then went to Papillon and had dessert and drinks there, which by the way was fabulous! I think the problem is that the staff is young and inexperienced. Places like Chalet Suisse always have the same, experienced people, here it seems the staff is not as invested in the restaurant.

I'm Done!

Tried it again after several years, just not the quality you would expect. Every time I go there (3 times in 10 years), I am up all night with cramps...and trust me I have an iron stomach. The Gaucho Steak is good but the rest was so-so. My daughter got a filet mignon that was terrible. She and I could not even chew it...no one even asked why she didn't eat it. So, for the money, go somewhere else. Go to Chalet Suisse, Bella Luna, or for half the price, Iguana Joe's YES Iguana Joe's is SO MUCH BETTER!!!

excellent...as always

As far as we are concerned, no place is like this place. It is delicious, clean, and friendly. Lets face it, you can have good food anywhere...good people are what make it special here. The food? Over the years, we have had just about all of the appetizers, the Rack of Lamb, Filet Mignon Madagascar, Chalet Chicken, Almond Crusted Red Snapper...you name it...we've had it down to the Toblerone Fondue and Creme Brulee. All have never failed to impress. More importantly, the staff is extraordinary. The owner's got it right! He must keep them happy (I HOPE)! Each time you go, you see the same faces that know what they are doing! From the moment Bennie recognizes you (often by name)and welcomes you home, to waiter and wine service, each person is more helpful then the last and NO ONE will walk away if you need anything...right down to pouring you water. They have refined excellent service without being in your face and rushing you out. This year we went twice, once with our children (they usually seat families with children in the same area, we like this since everyone is in the same boat) and once by ourselves since we had someone to watch them for the first time. I spoke with Rudolph but, Bennie, recognizing our name and noticing a reservation for 2, surprised us by arranged a special, private table, stating, you never come alone...let's make it special. As always, it was!

excellent...help them out

We love it here!We have been coming for years and they have never disappointed. Each year, its popularity seemed to be growing, which is impressive since there is another restaurant next door. The quality of the food is excellent, it is very clean and the staff is always friendly. However we noticed this time very few people dined with us. We asked the staff..who were SO friendly. Basically they stated that with the newer restaurants by the high rises, the restuarant market seems to be flooding. So while in the past they were growing, now they seem to be suffering. Regardless, the quality of our food was fabulous...calamari like butter, grouper that was light and full of flavor, risotto stuffed with shrimp, excellent pasta and chicken dishes as well. Dessert was also wonderful. Oh...they also accomodate children by giving half orders of ANYTHING which is awesome when you have two children like mine...One likes plain pasta and the other likes escargot and risotto...once again very accomadating. Then only improvements we could think of...More advertising! One of our friends at the resort stated it best when they said...Oh we went there,it was excellent but there was only a few people there. No one knows about the place!

You Must Experience this one

This is beyond a doubt the BEST restaurant we have experienced in Aruba. We have been to a number of restaurants in Aruba on our numerous trips to the island. And we give this restaurant a 10. From the moment we set foot in the restaurant the experience was the best. The staff is excellent, friendly, helpful and fun. The food is absolutely outstanding, the presentation is the best. We had sweetbread appetizer, sea bass entree and an amazing desert which I am not able to recall the name of. Everything was excellent. Please try this restaurant and definitely make reservations.

Doc Review

Best ribs on the island. Potato soup is to die for. Baby backs are lip smacking. Beer nice and cold.

Doc Review

I could eat breakfast everyday at this "on the beach", special find. Omelets, bacon, sausage, fruit, toast, coffee all good and good for you.

Doc Review

Dinner for two, one of the best deals on the island. Fish was very good, chicken excellant.

Doc Review

Chalet Swisse, "best on the island". My wifes filet was the best she has had in years. I had the duck and was the best I've had since the last time I ordered duck. Just fabulous.

Doc Review

Ruth Chris in Aruba is a far cry from any that I have been to in the states. Our meal was overpriced and the rib eye was just fair. My wife's filet was also just fair. you can get a great steak and save $15.00 per item at Chalet Swiss. This Ruth Chris is off my list.

Muy excelente!!

What a delicious surprise on Palm beach! My husband and I were introduced to this delightful patio restaurant by Raul, a most courteous and gracious staffer. We dined on the shrimp and chicken wok offerings, both were made with fresh and well seasoned ingredients. The free beer and wine - bonus! Raul was delightful, his sparkling personality truly enhanced our dining experience. We ran into a family studying the menu as we left and convinced them to try it. I'm sure they were as pleased as we were! Estupendo! Gracias, Raul!

Great Calamari

We love this place. It is very casual and reasonably priced. The Calamari appetizer is one of the best fried calamaris I have had. It is right in town with a great view of the cruise ships. Good service and a fun place! For those with disabilities, it is on the 2nd floor of the shopping area in town. There is a flight of steps to climb - not sure if there is an elevator in the area.

Elegant Dining

This is a must-do every year for my family. The service is superb, the ambiance is lovely, there always seems to be subdued live music to enjoy while eating, and the food is VERY good! A favorite dish for my family is the Burgerloin (two beef tenderloins stuffed with mushrooms, cheese, etc.). It isn't a cheap meal but you definitely get what you pay for. Try it! But make reservations with advanced notice. This is a busy place which fills up quickly. Note that I think there are some tables which might be difficult for those with disabilities. Wheel chairs or those with walking dificulties might have trouble with gravel-covered ground in the restaurant. However, I didn't notice many (if any) steps and the restaurant is on one level throughout.

Best Pizza!

Great Pizza! The service is a little slow only because the place is packed. But it's vacation - you have all the time in the world and it's worth it for this terrific pizza (and this comes from a NY'er).

Best Tables

Since they opened, Chefs Tables has never disappointed. We knew we could request and when we made our reservations we did just that. The chef, who was once chef at Marandi, makes the most wonderful mustard soup and I couldn't wait to have it again. The veal osso bucco is melt in your mouth good and once again I asked them to prepare it for me and they were kind enough to do just that. We stay, in Aruba for three weeks every November and make it a point to go there once a week. Every meal has left us wanting more and the service is almost as good as the food.

Great Food

My family and I had one of our best meals to date in Papillon. I had a Sea Bass that was out of this world. The service and the people serving us were efficient and delightful. All in all I recommend this wonderful French Restaurant. The restaurant is much better than the book!

Above average

It was our first time at Aquarius. We came with a large group, and so we used the buffet. The food is excellent. It was paid for, so I have no idea about the price range. I would come back here.

Wonderful

What a wonderful experience. My husband had a delicious pork tenderloin and I had my favorite -almond grouper. There was enough leftover for a nice lunch the following day. The setting could not have been prettier, the service was prompt, friendly and efficent.It is obvious that the servers are well-trained. Entertainment made the meal even more pleasnat. No doubt it is our favorite restaurant on Aruba.

Best on the Island

Best food on the island. Every thing was delicious! We went to Gianni's twice during our one week stay on the island.

Bad Service

Never Again!! The service was so bad, I don't remember what the food tasted like

Consistency...

I'm not sure why the rating for The French Steakhouse is thus far (after two reviews) so low. The biggest issue with Aruba restaurants is consistency. One night great, the next terrible. Regular visitors know the better restaurants and this is one of them. This is a restaurant with a storied history and part of the Aruba landscape since the beginning. Although there are prettier venues, the food is always great; well prepared and presented. The first time I had their Churrasco steak, I wondered why anybody would go any place else for a steak in Aruba. I typically have dinner here a couple of nights during my fall stay, and often end my nights at the bar for a Applestudel and Don Juan coffee. Chris is an anchor in the dining room and always a pleasure to see and speak with each year.

one of the worst ever

This was by far the worst restaurant I've been to in my 6 visits to Aruba. Service was VERY slow and the waiter was rude. The food was mediocre at best. We weren't in a rush and didn't mind waiting, but an hour wait for apps and another hour for dinner is a bit much. The food was not good. Out of 6 meals, two were eaten. The manager apologized and told my husband she was taking off 2 meals (despite that we didn't eat 4 of them) and the vegis (which were cold, part frozen, and probably birds eye). The whole experience had become so stressfull that My husband just wanted to leave and signed the slip. When I looked it did not seem to me the bill was adjusted. I went back the next day to ask, and the manager was rude and would not get me a copy of what we were charged. We will be contesting the charge.

An Island Favorite...

Although I did not make it to the Fishone this year (09), it has been a favorite of mine since 1989. I've never had a bad experience, and on one occasion when it rained unexpecedly they quickly and efficiently set tables and moved everyone indoors with minimum disruption. I've always found the service exquisite and the food incredible. I've sent many first timers here who all rave about the restaurant. Looking forward to 2010!

Gourmet Greatness!

What can one say about Madame Janette's, except do not miss the dining experience. If you are a regular visitor to the island, you always go to Madame Janette's. If you really appreciate food, you will never be dissapointed here. The restaurant itself is gorgeous, the service impeccable, the food exquisite. I think the best on the Island.

A Hidden Gem!

Mirandi is a favorite dining experience of mine. Having visited once in '08, and twice this year, each experience could not have been more perfect. This restaurant is a hidden gem and I have sent many friends there, all raving about the venue, the food and the service. You will not be dissapointed!

A Chef away from greatness!

I hate to spoil the party because this restaurant has such great potential. My first experience was early Oct. '08. Even a reservation would not get me seated. After checking in and being ignored for 45 minutes, I was finally able to convince the hurried bartender to serve me three glass of wine for my party. A half hour later, and still unnoticed in the staging area, my party finally walked next door to the Fishbone for a spectacular meal. I later email the restaurant to relate my experience and apologize for leaving, but they never answered the email. In the spring of '09 a friend and their party of six all loved the venue but expressed disappointment with the quality of food. Putting my own prior experience aside, discounting my friends disappointment with the food, and with an awareness the restaurant had only been open a month prior to my first experience, my party of six decided to give this beautiful eatery another shot. Unlike 2008, the restaurant although busy was less frantic, the staff more comfortable and attentive, we were greeted and seated promptly. Our waiter was humorous and could not have been any more welcoming and helpful. We ordered and were served with efficiency but forgive me if I don't elaborate on what we all ordered for appetizers, for the entire experience was overshadowed by our entrees. Five of us ordered fish, and one filet mignon. All five fish entrees were overcooked and dry, the filet ordered medium well was barely cooked less then rare. All six entrees were returned to the kitchen and within a reasonable amount of time prepared correctly and returned to our table. Once home and relating my recent experience to my friend who has expressed disappointment with their meals back in the spring, could not believe how closely our experiences matched. Their fish too was well overcooked and meat entrees undercooked, but none complained at the time. This is a great concept restaurant, beautifully decorated and inviting and could be described as a venue "to die for". But despite the concept and all the attention to aesthetics, and its artsy decor, until they put a chef in the kitchen, it�??s just a pretty place!

Excellent

Food was fabulous. A great treat to cook our own meal at the table. Great atmosphere. Going back Dec 29 of this year again

Salty- not so great

The ambiance was excellent but the food did not live up to the atmosphere or the price. We were really looking for Italien and came away very dissapointed. The wait staff were excellent and responsive and they were all in Halloween costumes and it added to the experience. We both had the veal Parmesian and it was so salty we could not eat it. I ordered a Wild Mushroom Risoto that was excellent. For the portion size, very salty (and they did nothing about it) and $125 before tip we will not be returning.

Relaxing and Tasty

This was such a breath of fresh air on the island with all the choices and the frenzy that can at times accompany it. It was tucked just off the main beat and path and that made the sidewalk cafe setting so relaxing. This was truly a step into a European cafe. The atmosphere was relaxed and the wait staff were excellent. They were so friendly. I had the Boeuf Bourgiugnon and my wife had the Chicken Sate. We took leftovers back to the hotel for the next day. Good food and great service- no regrets.

Savory Meal

We had a wonderful meal here tonight. It was a bit pricey but all the food on the island in the restaurants is pricey. My wife and I both had the Crab Bisque which was excellent. It was top shelf. My wife had the Mahi-Mahi and I had the Seafood Pasta Moby Dick and both were excellent. They were out of bread so there was nothing to munch while waiting for the meal but we were full when we left. It was a great last night on the Island meal. We come every year and will be sure to make this a regular stop we look forward to.

Great Find!

We stayed at the Bucuti Beach Resort so we were just trying to find something quick for a late lunch. This was a good find right next door at the Aruba Beach Club. Since it was about 4:30 when we went over we were the only people in the dining area, but the bar was hoping. We had meals off the lunch menu. It was also 2 for 1 drink happy hour. We shared an appetizer of Shrimp Loempia (Spring Rolls) which were very good and I normally don't like spring rolls. There were 2 large rolls with a dipping sauce and a bed of lettuce with tomato and onion slices on the side. A very satisfying appetizer! I had the shrimp quesadilla and my husband had the fresh Caribbean grouper sandwich. Both were very good for a good price. Definitely not a romantic dinner type place as there are people on the beach right in front and you and kids running back and forth, but it's a good lively atmosphere and there was live music.

good times

This April was my first visit to Aruba. We stayed at Casa del Mar where Matthew's is located. They have the best happy hours, great food, and excellent staff! Wednesday nights are a good time as well! I liked it so much I thought about moving there! Well, I didn't but I do see myself going back to visit great friends I met.

My Favorite

My family has been visiting Aruba for over 20 yrs. We met Rudolf when the restaurant first opened,and have remained good friends ever since. We always have an awesome time there,the food is exquisite, the drinks are fabulous,especially the wines... the staff is professional and friendly ,and treat us like Royalty...Chalet Suiss has always been my favorite...Of course,Benny ,the Maitre-D is the shining star....he really knows how to make everyone feel welcome!He also makes one helluva French Coffee!

Lunch

Enjoyed lunch at Matthew's several times. The service is the best on the island. The grouper sandwich plate is excellent. You can order it either breaded or grilled. Very good both ways. And the bar experience is not to be missed. It's much more than just ordering a drink. The wait staff and bartenders treat you like family.

dinner

The following points: Food - very good Service - Very good (nowhere experience in the caribbean) Ambiance - Very good Location - Very good (nice view) Prive - good

Best ever!

I can't say enough about how good the food is at Texas de Brazil! The meat melts in your mouth! Make sure to go to their website and join their mailing list. They send out coupons for 2 for 1 and 50% off bills and all kinds of good stuff. With a coupon my family of 4 went and ate the best food we've ever had until we thought we couldn't move and paid only $115 including tip! If you like meat you will love it! If you are a vegetarian.....find somewhere else to go eat! Whatever you do though....don't waste your money going to Amazonia down the street. There is no comparison!

Excellent

We have been comming to Aruba for years and this is our favorite "hidden away" restaurant. The service and food is excellent. We come in October every year and it is either our wedding anniversary or my wifes birthday and Sole Mare always makes it a wonderful occasion. We will be in Aruba next week and not doubt will be at Sole Mare at least twice during the week!!

Nice Experience

Very good food, outstanding service! Good selection on menu and great ambiance. The live music was well done and very interactive, which was a joy to watch and listen. I can't say enough how friendly and sincere I found the staff to be. They had me drinking the Cuba's Cooking kool-aid! Very nice night out!

Would be a hit in Cuba!

On Sept 08, 2009, my wife Sandy and I found ourselves once again soaking up the experience that is Cuba's Cookin'...the historic building, the individual rooms that provide a virtual color-slide of technicolor images that leaves me, at least, awestruck...the food, the art, the over-all feeling of being in another time and place...I mean, for god's sake, this place would be a hit IN Cuba..thanks again, wishing I was still there, but looking forward as always......PS, the Midnighter is still the best sandwich in the world....Jerry

A MUST FOR EVERY TRIP

Madame Janette is one of two restaurants we always eat at when we visit the island. The a,biance, food and service are always 10+++++++

awesome!

What a wonderful evening we had at Matthews. We stayed at Bucuti so we were glad to find something this good so close. we loved the atmosphere....we sat at a 2 seater right at the back next to the beach. We started with the Caribbean Seafood Soup, wonderful soup!! Big chunks of seafood. I had the Lobster Pasta. The presentation was neat, as it was served on the 1/2 shell of the lobster. It was just as delicious. Husband had the all you can eat ribs. Those were very good as well. Everything was great and the service was good as well. We went at about 8pm at night and were seated right away with no reservations.

cute little place

We stayed at Bucuti last week and for our last night wanted to go some place close and cheaper. We had an 8pm reservation but got there at 7:35 (it was a shorter walk then we expected) and we were seated right away. The service was a little slow, but they had a large group under a tent on the grass. The waiter was hard to understand but all our food was right. I had never had Keshi Yani before so I don�??t know what its supposed to taste like but I really liked it. My husband had the special which was a grouper fish. That was very good as well. I had the cheesecake and he had the key lime pie for dessert. The cheesecake was good and he liked the pie. Overall it was a good experience and we'd go again.

Overall Excellence!!

What a great place!! Everything was wonderful from the service to the food to the atmosphere. The September special they have going on made dinner mush less expensive then we thought. It was $25 for an appetizer and entree or entree and dessert. There were very few items that were not part of the special. I had the Caribbean Crab Bisque as my appetizer and wow, what a good bisque!! It gave the bisque I get in the Outer Banks a run for its money. For my entree i wanted something nice and light so I had the Shrimp a la Provencal. Wonderful meal!! My husband had the Seafood Pasta Moby Dick. That was also very good!! He got the Double Chocolate for dessert. By far the best dessert we had the whole week, and we had some good ones. We will definitely be going back to Moby Dicks next time we visit Aruba!!

Sushi Fun!

My sisters and I went out to try this recently opened sushi restaurant, we shared a wakami salad, and we ordered 3 different types of rolls; double crunchy roll, gaucho roll and Philadelphia roll and we shared that too. Gaucho roll is something new we had tried and I loved it, double crunchy is far the best we had and Philadelphia was also very nice. For dessert we had fried ice cream. The ambiance was great. Service was excellent. Very reasonable price. We will definitely pay another visit soon.

Gelato

This is by far the best gelato available!! Try their special treats with liquour over the top !!! They are truly the best. We go to Aruba every other year for a week and go to Amici at least 4 times during that week.

One of the Best

We went here our first night in Aruba and returned twice more in our 2 week stay. They have real Italian food. My favorite is rigatoni and eggplant. The veal chop parmagiano special was a real treat. We went back with a gang of 12 including kids and it was just as great. We'll be back.

YES YES YEMANJA

Excellent Excellent ****. First time here. Was wonderful. Just another fine dining experience.

Tapas

We went there and had Tapas for our meal. I ordered 5 different ones and shared 3 others. It was great going to dinner and ordering appetizers in small enough portions to try multiple items. We will go back.

Very Poor

Was very disappointed. On my suggestion our party of 12 went here because I had been here before. I ordered pan fried snapper. I could not cut it with my fork. I could not cut it with my knife. I sat there waiting for the waitress to return. 15 minutes into the dinner, the waitress finally returned and I gave her the dish and told her to tell the chef my snapper tasted like cardboard. She wanted to bring me something else. At this point I was too upset. I ordered a diet coke. When she came around again asking for dessert orders, I just asked for my diet coke. They took the snapper off the bill.

Very Good

Had coffee everday for two weeks. Had breakfast 5 times.