Amuse Bistro

Perfect

We first met Ivette at Mirandi's. On our return visit we were sorry to hear she no longer worked there. Our happy surprise, she and her husband opened their own restaurant "AMUSE". From presentation of our meal, server Shaun, and the ever gracious Ivette. This is one you can't miss-everything is perfect!

Outstanding!

Simply amazing food. If it were NTSC for this website we never would have known about Amuse Bistro. Outstanding food! Excellent service. Try it!

Had heard a lot about this restaurant and was impressed walking by it last year. We were reluctant to try it because we had a young daughter who we thought may have been suited to something else. Were we wrong. This restaurant was first class all the way from the food, service and follow up which made our meal seem like a special occasion. My compliments to the staff who just seem to have everything figured out. Since we are annual visitors, this restaurant is a must to anyone who appreciates the finer things in an eating establishment.

We had heard about AMUSE BISTRO last year but were reluctant to try it then becasue of our misunderstanding that it strictly was a tapas type of situation, however the reports that came back late to us indicated otherwise, but they were too late for us to try the place last year. So, becasue the reports that came back last year were spositive, we decided to try the place this year. It is a bit difficult to really place the niche that AMUSE BISTRO is trying to establish for itself and it maybe amongst the newer wave of dining in ARUBA which is geared to smaller establishments offering limited menues in a quasi-private setting. Whatever its niche, our only disappointment with AMUSE BISTRO was that we had not tried it last year.
Though we were not interested in it, the tapas and entree options of the dishes definitely provide a unique opportunity to taste more than the usual number of dishes. And because the food is as good as it is here, that may be something that many might want to consider. We would describe the food as French or International Fusion and it is done to perfection. Our dishes were varied and covered a good representative sample of the menu offerings and everything was absolutely excellent in its production, presentation, and taste. This place is so good that it will b eon our list of places to visit more than once next year and we would encourage others to patronize it as well - you will not be disappointed.

First time there. The meal was very good. I love the split menu with either app or entre sizes. The service was outstanding. My biggest complaint is that there is a bit of a wind tunnel there. Pick your table with caution.

This was our second time at Amuse Bistro, this year with a party of ten. We were seated at a large round table that made for a great dining experience. All were able to talk and enjoy the evening. Our table was ready at our reservation time and the staff was curteous.
Amuse Bistro, at the Playa Linda Hotel, is street side, which was not a problem for us because it is not very close to where cars are passing. You almost forget that you are not on the beach side. The service was good for the islands, not too slow and not too fast.
As for the food...all enjoyed it...so much so that part of our party went back a second time. All food can be ordered in either appetizer/tapas size or a full size entree. There are so many interesting things on this menu that the tapas size allows the diner to try a variety of items. The carrot soup, goat cheese in puff pastry, grouper, pork tenderloin, scallops, and truffle linguini were all hits with our party.
Definitely give this place a try for a different dining experience in Aruba.

Our second visit and next year we will return. A charming bistro with great food and service. There are both tapas (small) portions and full portions. It is nice to be able to try several dishes and not feel over stuffed.

One word sums up this restaurant -- innovative! The food was excellent and the presentation was artistic to say the least.
One reviewer before we came said that she went back twice in a week and now we know why! We did the same also !!! The service was very good and although the bistro was not the fanciest place, it was very nicely done. I would add that we found several of the top 10 fine dining restaurants listed did not measure up to the quality of this bistro. Nicely done Roger!!! Highly recommended!!!

My wife and i were dining at Amuse Bistro twice in December during our one week vacation and first time in Aruba. There are so many restaurants to try; yet going twice the same place gives you a good hint. Chef Patrick, who we met in person after our second dining in there does an excellent and outstanding culinary job. His sous chefs and waiters work as one team with one goal only - to make sure that their customers are happy! And we were Happy!
The main characteristics of food at Amuse Bistro is an unmistakable touch of French charm. Either you ordered smoked duck or smoked pork or an onion soup (oh my!) or whatever dessert you wanted to eat they all will come to your table being very tasty and superbly presented. Your orders will be served on time, right when you want them! Don't miss that place. In my eyes, Amuse is one of the best Aruban dining destinations!
And finally the last thing... just to be save: every experience is very personal!

My husband and I went to Amuse Bistro on 11/19/11. I had seen that Patrick had left the Flying Fishbone and started his own restaurant and since my last time in Aruba our meal at Flying Fishbone was so amazing, I knew that we had to try Amuse Bistro. We were NOT disappointed!

We actually had stopped by the night before and spoke with a server, David, who gave us a couple of recommendations and he was spot on! The night that we had dinner, Albert was our server. He had only been there for 2 weeks (as he had worked previously at Flying Fishbone) but it seemed like he had been there for years because he was so knowlegable! The wait staff there were WONDERFUL! David came over to us during the meal to see how everything was, and Albert was also amazing. Alfredo who filled our water also was always there to fill it and just give us a great big smile!

Ok, the food... Um, WOW! We ordered on recommendations of the servers as well as the "chef's choice" on the menu. We had all appetizer sizes so that we could share and try so many things. We started out with the Goat Cheese and Red Bell Pepper Salad with honey. The goat cheese was whipped and smooth and just so delightful. We then had the Chicken Celery Salad. This had the most amazing flavor. Then we had Pan Fried Scallops, this was the appetizer size and had more than enough scallops! They melted in your mouth. Last we had the Truffle Linguini and the Lobster & Shrimmp Pasta. The Truffle Linguini was probably my favorite. It was so simple yet the flavor just melted in your mouth. The Lobster & Shrimp Pasta was a lot lighter than the truffle linguini but also an amazing flavor with the tarragon.

For dessert we had the Pineapple Carpaccio with the cinnamon ice cream. Again... WOW! There were dots of caramel and the mixture of the flavors were spectacular.

We dont visit Aruba often, but this will most definitely become one of our regular spots that we visit everytime we go.

You will not be disappointed if you eat here!!!

If you have found Aruba you know heaven on earth, if you eat ay Amuse you will have eaten in heaven.
We were in Aruba fom 10/22 through 11/05 We own at Playa Linda,so this was a new spot for us, as the are open about 9 months.
The first night we were a party of four
we each had different dishes.
The truffle pasta was a 11, the hanger steak was a 11, the smoked duck was beyond words, or numbers,the fillet and pumpkin risotto was of the charts.
Well we went back three more times all
I can tell you is that what ever you have it is to die for.
The smoked prk with bbq sauce is so
good that I am trying to see if I can get Patrick to bottle it I want the rights in the U.S. it's that good.
The lobster and shrimp pasta is a perfect 10, scallops are to be tasted as tey are cooked perfectly, and then if your brave the brownie with wine ice cream is off the hook, and the white chocolate parfait is a dream.
the staff is super from David Enrique
to PATRICK'S WIFE YVETTE your host, but should be a model she is stunning.
Under no circumstances should you miss this place, you will be sorry.
If I were a millionare I would give you a money back guarantee you will love dinner here or Ill pay for it.
That is how highly I recommend the place.
YUM YUM YUM

My wife and I have been coming down to Aruba for 33 years and Amuse Bistro is one of the best restaurants on the island!! The food, presentation, service was amazing!!

Tues 09/13 - Amuse Bistro
First time we have tried this new place located at the Playa Linda. Concept is that you can order the same dishes as a smaller appetizer version or the dinner portion. Drinks were excellent and wine pours were generous. DW had the small version of a seafood platter over linguini while I had a seafood chowder as an appetizer and a full size catch of the day (grouper). DW’s appetizer version of the seafood linguini looked like a normal dinner and she couldn’t finish it. Very attractive restaurant and we will return.

First time our family of 10 has been to Aruba and we are trying many restaurants. Amuse was recommended by our hotel staff and it was an outstanding suggestion! We tried a variety of small & large plates which were all outstanding. Service was very good and the owner very interactive. Would highly recommend and you will not be disappointed with this diamond in the rough!!!

Amuse Bistro is simply Magnificent!!!
This is our first trip to Aruba so we selected Amuse Bistro on a recommendation from our Concierge. Having a party of 10, we don’t always expect or receive a top notch experience….but we were very pleasantly surprised. From the moment we arrived we were warmly greeted, and the service only grew more exceptional as our evening continued. The food and presentation were outstanding! Most in our party selected 2 small portions for their meal and no one was disappointed. The Crème Brule was amazing!!! Definitely plan to dine at Amuse again!

We love this restaurant!! We went our first night in Aruba after reading great reviews. We were thrilled with our dining experience at Amuse Bistro! Loved the option of ordering appetizer or full size portions. This allowed us to try many different dishes. Ended up going back 3 times because we enjoyed the food so much...the flavors were wonderful! Favorite dishes include truffle linguini, shrimp pesto, carpaccio, smoked duck salad and an incredible strawberry dessert! We wish Patrick and his wife much success! Can't wait to dine there again.

A phenominal restaurant that had to be enjoyed more than once during our most recent trip to Aruba. We chose Amuse based on the consistent high ratings that others have posted and were not disappointed. Amuse can fit whatever appetite you have. Just about everything on the menu as a appetizer portion and for $10 more you can choose the dish to be served as a main entre portion. Here are the highlights from our multiple meals:
1) truffle linguini - Cream, parmesan cheese, and genererous shaved truffles (hard to go wrong with this combination)
2) shrimp and pesto risotto - delicious flavor
3) pan fried scallops - served with an orange cardamon sauce
4) catch of the day - mahi mahi (simple dish, but great flavor)
5) seafood chowder - Unique preperation, more of a chunky bisque than chowder
6) smoked duck breast salad - Truffle dressing and aged balsamic
7) Chilled smoked vegetable salad - smoked zuchinni, eggplant, and squash with a herbed vinaigrette
8) Brownie with red wine ice cream - red wine ice cream!
9) Creme brulee
At the end of the meal, we mentioned how much we enjoyed the food to our waitress (who turned out to be the chef's wife) and the chef came out to greet us. If you are familiar with Flying Fishbone, the chef was one of the chef's there and decided to open this restaurant.. Try Amuse, you will be glad you did.

We had to try this new bistro. The service was outstanding. The Hob Nob wine that was suggested by wait staff was great. And, my hangar steak entree was fantastic. My husband had the scallops with mushroom salad, but did not realize that the salad was a cold dish, so was a little unhappy. But, his appetizer was delicious! We will return again. A happy, fun, place with music and a staff with great smiles. You can tell they are happy to be doing what they are doing. And, it does make a difference! Thanks for a great night.

We chose Amuse Bistro as we enjoy trying new places. We we not disappointed! The creamy french onion soup was exceptional and the escargots with mushrooms were outstanding. The four of us all enjoyed our entrees, especially the scallops in orange sauce and the shrimp, and having the option of small or full plates accommodates all size appetites. Patrick van der Donk is to be commended for his new venture. The service is very relaxed, but attentive, the location is very central within Palm Beach and dining al fresco can't be beat.

Overall good restaurant, service was great. Both the chicken dish and catch of the day came with the same mashed potatoes. We were expecting a different taste with each plate. Also we had ordered the catch as a regular portion and the grouper was not great and small. Would go back to try different things.

We loved the "small plates" concept - all choices were a delight to look at and taste! We shared the cobb salad, duck breast, calamari and scallops. Wines by the glass were good and reasonably priced. Other diners were raving about the sangria.
We were full but not stuffed - next time, will try dessert.

One word AMAZING! After reading the many great reviews my husband and I decided to try out this great tapas restaurant. Shawn was our server and he was excellent. We started with the cob salad and the pumpkin potato soup. Both were great! Then we shared the truffle linguini and the grilled marinated skirt steak. We loved them both. For dessert we had the brownie with red wine ice cream which was also good. Hands down best food on the island. Make this place a must when in Aruba.

Been to Aruba 8 times and visited many of the restaurants. Amuse is now in my top 3. The truffle linguini was incredible. The family loved the smaller serving sizes and the opportunity to share. If you want a larger portion they will make it for you for an additional $10.Definately do this with the linguini. Carolina was our server and was great. Very attentive. If you like a variety of dishes and flavors for dinner add Amuse to the list. We'll be back next year.

Thumbs up Good on the road to great hopefully
Just tried it tonight with the wife. On paper it is my kind of place. The concept is Gastro Bistro with a lot of appetizers instead of big entrees and if they see you share everything, they are quick to make sure that everybody have all the utensils they need for all dishes. You can also ask to have all the dishes at once Family style .
One of their catch frases on the website is "The beautiful presentation is only surpassed by the exquisite tastes of every dish". I will say they are at least 50% right .
The presentation is very modern and can stand up to any other restaurant in Aruba.
The "exquisite" tastes are more varied:
The Salmon is well above average, a nice dish with good ideas.
The Tuna looked amazing but was very bland, which was surprising since it was seared with Sesame seeds. The oriental grape fruit dressing lifted it a bit, but not a great dish. Will be easy to make great, but guess the chef forgot to taste it. Their fresh black pepper will make it OK, but you need a lot of it.
The Duck was above average. Very subtle tastes but pretty good.
The Truffle Linguini is very nice. Unlike many places you can really taste the truffle.
The classic Calamari is a very simple dish that I have had in tons of places, but I can easily say that this is by far the best I have ever had in my life (including Italy, Grece etc.) A very thin but perfect crust and a superbly cooked calamari with a classic sauce of tomato and basil.
Even now writing about it I entertain the idea of driving down there again for another one of those, but guess I can wait until another night.
For desert we split a Red Wine Ice cream with home made Brownie. Fun idea and if you love red wine you will probably like it, if not choose something else.
The ambiance is classic Bistro style, mostly outdoor tables.
The service is okay without being fantastic. In general well over average but still some things that need to be better, but they are still very new.
I hope they will soon buy new table cloths as the ones they have now is a bit too long for being in such a windy location. Sounds like a small thing, but pretty irritating to sit and hold the cloth half the time to avoid it from getting in your food or drinks.
Bread was really nice even though it might have been bake-off, but it is very rare to get good bread in Aruba (good=French/Italien style with a hard crust).
They have a good drink list and the wine list is pretty good as well. They have something like 10 choices of wine by the glass, but unfortunately only the cheap wines. But the Zinfandel is really good.
In general a dish is around $15. It sounds cheap, but if you are used to eating across the street at places like Texas de Brazil and Smokey Joes, you will need 3-4 of those. If you are watching your diet then 2 dishes and a drink or a dessert should be enough. So in general neither expensive or cheap.
All in all I would say that the place is in top 5 in Aruba with a very good chance to go in top 3 and maybe become the no. 1 if they get the few mistakes weeded out.
Another very good thing is that they don't add service charge even if they are in the Tourist area.
The chef Patrick comes from The Flying Fishbone and the Restaurant manager is from Marandi, so the pedigree is good.
So I hope they will keep up the good work and take it up even one more notch so that they will be around for a long time.
We are definitely coming back.

Food was great. They come in appetizer sizes so we all were able to get about 3 things each. My wife who does not like calamari or duck but loved them both. My daughter who loves duck loved her duck. The pasta with cream and truffles was incredible. For dessert we ordered 2 things the creme brulee and tiramisu mousse. Both were wonderful. Overall best meal we had in Aruba. OUTSTANDING!!!