We will be going to Aruba for the first time in a few weeks. Wondering what restaurants recent visitors would suggest as even previously good places can go bad. Any other general information would be appreciated. Thanks!

I visited last in April 04....somewhat recent. Here is the restaurant info (somewhat in the order of my favorites):

Chalet Suisse (a must) http://www.chaletsuisse-aruba.com/ - great french onion soup, steak and lobster. I absolutely love this place. Ask for a round booth near the window....very cosy. Go early in the week in case you want to go back! Not waterfront.

Madame Janette - http://www.madamejanette.com/ - (closed Tuesday) - there are a few sections to sit....do not sit under the main awning (too hot!). Ask to sit "outside" garden area. I had some asparagus fonduey type appetizer that was to die for, and almond crusted fish which was very good. Not waterfront.

Ventanas del Mar Restaurant at the Golf Clubhouse - http://www.tierradelsol.com/restaurant/index.shtml - really nice. Excellent service and food. Nice views of golf course and water in distance.

Flying Fishbone - http://www.flyingfishbone.com/ - quite a distance but worth it. Probably about a $25 dollar cab ride each way from the Hyatt. Very romantic at sunset. Ask for a table at the water's edge at sunset. Food was somewhat small in portion, but literally the best lobster I have ever had. Take your sandals off and dig your feet into the sand. For a closer alternative, with a somewhat limited menu, try Simply Fish at the Marriott. It is also set up in the sand and casual.

Avallones - http://www.avallones.com/ - small Italian restaurant, owner/chef from NY. May be closing. Homemade manicotti was the special of the day, and it was unbelievable! Not waterfront.

Marandi - http://www.marandiaruba.com/ - this is fairly new with a bit of a "chic" atmosphere....sand floors and a palapa hut. Food and service were good. On beach.

A few people mentioned that Aqua Grill was really good, but I didn't make it there on my last trip....http://www.aqua-grill.com/pages/frame3.html

Have fun!

Thanks, Kim! All were on my original list, except Avallones, which I have not heard of. My big concern right now is that Madame Janette's and El Gaucho, which were in my #1 & 2 spots have recently had very mixed reviews. We've heard the food is so good in Aruba that we don't want to settle. Plus we're going with another couple and the last time we traveled together, the spot I picked was not good. I don't want to make that same mistake again. Thanks also for the other general info. That's exactly what I was looking for!

Knowing...oiur ost amazing meal was at El Gaucho (2 years ago). But my brother has been in the last few months and had a wonderful experience there as well. I would definitely keep it on your list. I could not go to Aruba with going to El Gaucho.

Now my experience with Madame Janette's was good but not great. I do not think I would return there. But I would definitely try Marandi and Flying Fishbone (if nothing else but for the atmosphere).

Another vote for El Gaucho. Be sure to sample the sangria, both white wine and red wine versions.

Enjoy!

Knowing:El Gaucho was wonderful!!! We went last March. We also loved Chalet Suisse. I would go to aruba-bb.com and read some of the restaurant reviews posted there. These are the most recent. You may get more ideas!! Have a great time. Aruba was a lot of fun.

We ate at Aqua Grill twice on our last trip (September) and were surprised and pleased with the quality of food and service.

We also had an amazing meal at El Gaucho in September. It didn't sound like the kind of restaurant that would impress us, but everything about it was really special and we can't wait to go back.

For Italian, we love Hostaria da Vittorio, right across the street from the Hyatt.

Gasparito is our favorite restaurant in Aruba and its quality hasn't wavered in the 3 years we've been going there. Especially good for local dishes, and the head waiter, Henry, knows wine, if that's important to you.