I have been to Aruba several times and always end up dining in the Sonesta hotel where we stay. Please advise on other local or hotel restaurants. Thank You.

My wife and I recently visited Aruba and found Chez Matilde especially nice. It is rewarding in food, service and atmosphere!

If you like steak, El Gaucho (Argentinian beef) is a must-but do make a reservation. Twinklebones is a fun atmosphere. The staff puts on a musical review of sorts with audience participation-again, make reservations. Boonoonoonoos (sp?) is also a great choice for authentic Aurban cuisine. We have visited Aruba twice and really have not experienced a bad meal yet. Do go outside of the hotel restaurants as the island has a wide variety of fresh, quality cuisine. We stayed at the Radisson. I believe they have made major improvements recently but did not have any complaints with the hotel when we visited. It is on a great strech of beach with a walkway that connects to the other hotels along the "high-rise" strip.

El Papiamento was by far the best restaurant we ate at. You can eat outside under the stars and the shrimp is excellent!

For romance: Ruinas Del Mar at the Hyatt <BR>For Polynesian: Pago Pago at the Wyndham <BR>For Excellent Fish: Brisas Del Mar in Savanta <BR>Have fun! <BR>

Besides the El Gaucho, another <BR>restaurant known for their churrasco <BR>steaks, (Argentine steaks) would <BR>be the French Steakhouse, located <BR>at the Manchebo Beach Resort. <BR>This restaurant, I understand, is <BR>quieter and more romantic than <BR>El Gaucho which tends to be <BR>busier and bit noiser. We ate at <BR>the French Steakhouse 3 time <BR>and had outstanding steaks! <BR>Another place to try would be <BR>Gasparito's Restaurant and Art <BR>Gallery-- focus is on Aruban and <BR>Caribbean dishes. Try the Aruban <BR>dish called Keshi Yena--- chicken <BR>stuffed with gouda-- yummy! This <BR>restaurant is also an art gallery <BR>with paintings done by local artists-- <BR>they are all for sale. <BR>So enjoy Aruba and explore!!!! <BR>JanGail <BR>