Top 10 (Plus) Favorite Restaurants

aruba tips Food is very subjective. However, each of us knows what it's like when food is done right. At that point it is not so much about sustenance as it is an event. A memory. A connection with those with whom we dine.

Without trying to romanticize the whole dining experience in Aruba (although many restaurants are romantic), my family takes a very serious face when it comes to restaurants. We're spending our money and we are expecting something in return that will not only satisfy, but enhance our vacation experience. Dining is not an afterthought: it is thoroughly planned.

We've experienced the ups and downs of trying new restaurants. Some restaurants go on the naughty list for several years and we don't return again until we hear that their food or service has improved. Some restaurants have been on the nice list since our first visit, and we always return to them. It is getting more and more difficult to try new ones as our list of favorites keeps growing.

Look for future posts to read more detailed restaurant reviews, but for now here are our favorites:

Barefoot (just north of the airport - tell Luc, the Maitre d’, that Todd Benson sent you!)
White Modern Cuisine (high rise area) Lovely presentation and attention to detail
Pincho's (just north of the airport towards downtown Orangestad)
The Flying Fishbone (seafood / near south end of island)
Atardi (f.k.a. Simply Fish at the Marriott)
Driftwood (seafood / downtown)
Chalet Suisse (near low rise hotels)
El Gaucho (best steaks / downtown)
Yemanja Woodfired Grill (downtown)
Sunset Grille (at the Radisson)
Screaming Eagle (near low rise hotels)
Madame Jeanette (tourist favorite / north of high rise hotels)
Hostaria da Vittorio (Italian / near high rise hotels)
Azzurro (Italian / Playa Linda Resort) Please, oh, please try the Spaghetti al Formaggio Parmigiano ($42 for two people). It is made table-side and is created in a big wheel of chees!

Admittedly, some of the above restaurants are on the pricey side. It's not that we're made of money, but our vacations are made up of sitting around the pool or splashing around on the beach. We don't do many tours, gamble or go to shows. We sleep, swim and eat. Out of those, eating dinner is where we choose to spend our money.

Aruba Car Rental

My family has rented many a car on the island of Aruba. Good experiences and bad. So, I'll share my experiences with you.

1. Don't rent from the airport (AUA: Reina Beatrix Airport). There is an additional daily surcharge that is not something you'll want to pay.
2. There are many local companies away from the airport. However, inconvenience and inconsistent quality of car are concerns. In some cases, they will pick you up and take you to their office.
3. Only rent the size car that you need. Luxury or comfy cars are not worth the extra money that you could use on dining or other experiences...plus, you'll not be in the car much because is it a small island. 4x4’s or Jeeps and minivans are premium prices.
4. Call your credit card company and make sure your car rental insurance is covered--usually free--so you don't need to get insurance at the rental agency.
5. Most cars are older. You won't find many current model year vehicles, since importing vehicles is so expensive.Also, I haven't ever seen a rental car in pristine condition: lots of dings and scratches. Make sure these are noted when picking up your vehicle.
6. If you plan on renting multiple days (3 days or more), just take the plunge and rent for a week. It'll be cheaper in the long run.
7. No matter where you rent from they will put a $300-ish pre-authorization on your credit card. Don't worry. When you return the card they rip up the paperwork on it. Consider this your refundable deposit.
8. Go with a U.S. name brand of rental (Hertz, Dollar, etc.)
9. Finally, set up your rental before going on your trip.

A previous rental was done right at the Marriott Surf Club (we are timeshare owners there) with National Car Rental. Call National or go to their web site (www.nationalcar.com). The typical weekly rate will be less than $400. So, if you want to explore the island a little, then that's a good enough reason to do so. Altogether this is somewhat convenient. But two more things:

1. National shares desks at the Marriott Surf Club and at the Holiday Inn SunSpree next door. Your reservation with National will actually get your car prepped at the Holiday Inn SunSpree (which is inconvenient). A call to the rental desk prior to your trip and after making your reservation will get the car on premises at the Surf Club for you. The Aruba number to call is 297-520-3105 (according to the Marriott web site - http://www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-information/travel/auaac-marriotts-aruba-surf-club). Just ask them to have the rental at the Surf Club.
2. Remember this is Aruba, and they work on Aruba time, not yours. So, the paperwork and picking up your car will be longer than just a minute or two.

I think I've covered everything I know about car rentals in Aruba. Just bone up on the traffic rules with this cheat sheet: http://www.visitaruba.com/getPage.do?page=traffic-rules-and-signs.

Whew. I didn't know I knew so much about car rentals.