Gasparito

Went for about the 4th time in gasparito and i think that it was the best time!!!! the food is amazing. i had the coco shrimp which was coconut crusted shrimp in a caramel sauce, which was incredible, especialy if you have a sweet tooth.my daughter had keeshi yena, she ate the whole thing and said it was to die for. my wife had the stewed goat and loved it!! would definetely recommend Gasparito if you go to Aruba!!

Absolutely delightful place with excellent, attentive service, and wonderful food. Local dishes with lots of explanation of what the food is. Nicely set out, cooked just right, and great ambiance. Not too expensive either. While it feels a bit off the beaten track, it is well worth it (and really not that far). Definitely visit this place!

We met fellow visitors to Aruba who highly recommended Gasparitos. We telephone for directions, and when we arrived we were warmly greeted by the hostess. She actually remembered my voice and asked if we got there ok. I was very impressed with her. The atmosphere at Gasparitos is wonderful; it is lovely, quiet, and the table settings are very elegant. Our hostess/server helped us choose menu items and explained what they were. The food was so delicious, some of the best we've ever had, served piping hot, and the beautiful presentation is what you would expect at the finest restaurant anywhere. The chef is marvelous. Our server Luz was excellent, seeing to our smallest need. Also the owner came to our table several times to make sure we had everything we needed and to ask if our food was satisfactory. He truly wants his patrons to be satisfied, comfortable, and happy with their food. What a wonderful dining experience!!!! We will definitely return to Gasparitos, and will recommend them to everyone we know. Thank you Raymondo!!!!!!!

JD & Cecile took us here….and it was a very enjoyable evening and meal. We sat outside on the patio – and everything was exceptional!! Had 3 appetizers: escargot, shrimp salad and coconut shrimp. All outstanding!! Our entrees consisted of Gasparito Chicken (boneless, flavorful seasoned "roll" breaded and sliced), Shrimp Thermidore, and 2 mixed plates (her review to follow). There were no complaints at all– and only a small leftover container – so I know everything was very good! Service was great –and the food and evening was awesome!! Thanks again Cecile & JD – will go back.

AFTER 8 OR 10 YEARS OF NOT GOING TO GASPARITO, I HAVE REDISCOVERED THE RESTUARANT THIS PAST FEBRUARY AND I HAVE FALLEN IN LOVE WITH IT. IT IS NOW ONE OF MY MUST GOTO FAVORITES ON THE ISLAND.

I took the family to Aruba for the first time and did a lot of time on the internet looking for a true Aruba restaurant, we found! This restaurant is only about 5 minutes from the major hotels on the north side of Aruba. If you want a local atmosphere and excellent food this is the one. I took the family to the top 5 restaurants on Aruba when we where there and this was the families favorite. They prepare the food once you get there so it is like eating in Europe where there is time to talk and drink, great time to spend with the family. I have 3 older teens and they all loved the food. The owner came out and went through the menu, explains everything and stated he could change up anything if we desired. My youngest daughter ordered ribs (Aruba style) and wasn’t that hungry and only ate half of it, the owner came out and was truly concerned that she didn’t like it. That truly showed that he was concerned with every patron. This will be a restaurant we will be returning to every visit to Aruba :)

Gasparito used to be our all time favorite restaurant in Aruba (since '96) but last year I had a so-so meal there. We decided to give it one more shot and ordered all of our favorites - Keshi Yena, catch of the day, and the ravioli barracuda appetizer. It was good but not great like it used to be. They changed alot of their recipes and they just don't have the great flavor like they used to - all seemed a little bland. I had to send my fish back, too (they apologized and got it right the second time.) I ordered mahi-mahi grilled with lemon and it came out pan-fried (there might have been a little bit of a language barrier.) The appetizer used to be ravioli stuffed with shredded barracuda with a red bell pepper sauce. We used to like that dish so much that we'd fight over the ravioli and threaten to lick the plate. This year, the ravioli was stuffed with cheese and it was over a bed of shredded barracuda...and the sauce just didn't have the same "zing" to it that we used to love. My husband said his Keshi Yena was a little different, too - still good but he liked the old recipe better. It is a beautiful place though - you can sit inside in the art gallery or outside on their lovely patio.

Another one of my favorite restaurants on the island. I have been there every year for ten years now and the food is always excellent. They have a great mixture of local recipes for seafood, chicken and beef (even goat if you are into that). I guess maybe if you come all the way to Aruba for Italian food this may not be what you are looking for, but if you want to taste authentic Aruban recipes and great food, this is a must visit. The restaurant is an art gallery. I even bought a painting there one year. The staff is friendly and helpful. I will be going back again next year for sure.

Great locale and ambiance, with spectacular service and attention. However, the presentation of the food was so-so and the food itself was a bit dull.

We went to Gasparito's based on a recommendation in a travel guide. We were not disappointed - it was a true pleasure to get a taste of Aruban cuisine, instead of the usual restaurants. The outdoor patio is relaxing, the service excellent (especially the way they describe the menu prior to ordering), and the food remarkable. The chicken Keshi Yena was tremendous, and the mahi mahi special was a huge piece of fish, perfectly done. The best place we've eaten on the island - bar none.

After missing Gasparito in our last visit we made sure we went during this trip. The outside patio makes for a very enjoyable sitting. The service is very attentive and friendly. The food is excellant.

The keshi yena here was absolutely delicious-the best I have found in Aruba. The owner was so very friendly and we had excellent service.

We have been visiting Aruba for the last 5 years and evey year we go back to Gasparito's. It was a great find. The Aruban food is excellent and the service is warm and friendly. We love eating outside on the patio.

What a fabulous restaurant. The food was great and the service was very warm, friendly and attentive. The owner was so personable and the staff very helpful. The restaurant is charming! This restaurant is definetly on my go to when I visit the island again.

My boyfriend and I were looking for local art, and we ended up dining there at the same time. The owner was sooo nice. The atmosphere so authentic. NOt only was the food beautifully presented and delicious, but you get a side plate of little specialties like polenta and plantains, which was better than anywhere on the island. In fact, we went back a few nights later just to get directions to go somewhere else because we were lost and wanted to try different restaurants nearby, and the owners were nice enough to help us get somewhere else. unfortunately, we should have stayed at Gasparito as we were almost truthfully attacked by a pack of dogs. The owner advised us not to walk on our own, but we didn't listen. anyway, it was our favorite restaurant from our trip, and we cherish the two paintings we bought there as well.

Went to Gasparito after a recommendation to try some local dishes.

The food was good but nothing to write home about. I had the keshi yena wich was good and something definately different but did remind me of a pulled pork type of dish. I also had the french onion dish that was very good. My wife had the goat stew and she liked it as well.

The service was excellent and the owner came in the beginning to explain some of the menu and was very enjoyable.

The environment was set in a nice cozy building and the decor did make it feel authentic. The only thing that did bother me a bit was that the fact that it was an art gallery and the pictures and wall papered all over and some couples were walking around to view them and seemed to be intrusive on your space.

The prices were reasonable and I would recommenced a visit to Gasparito

We had such a charming experience at Gasparito from the moment we walked in the front door until we left. The owners are very present and helpful, the staff is extremely conscientious, warm and friendly. We ate outside in the courtyard - very pretty setting with the potted plants, decorations and color scheme and twinkle lights. We had the keshi yena (fish and chicken combo) and the stewed goat entrees - delicious! Go here to have a truly authentic Aruban meal - you won't be disappointed.

Gasparito is truly a wonderful restaurant and we will go back again. I read a review below that tore the restaurant apart and having just been there, have no idea where that person was coming from. Everything from the Food, Presentation and Service was first rate.

We loved this restaurant! Fantastic food, friendly service with a beautiful patio under the stars. Can't say enough about the Keshi Yena and the Shrimp Coco, both were excellent with a wonderful Island flavor. You can also visit the Art Gallary to see lovely works of art by several local artist. This place is a must visit while in Aruba, we will be back!

This e-mail is in response to the review by "ton" on July 2, 2008.
We do not usually respond to comments, but because of the situation, we are forced to present our side of the story.
We have a policy of standing behind the quality of the food we serve and will replace any items served at Gasparito that a guest does not like.
The Alicia fish soup is a consommé. Even so, if you had advised us of your displeasure, we would not have billed you for it. You requested the chicken roulade, rolled baked chicken, with the sauce on the side. We advised you that it could turn out dry without the sauce, but you insisted. After it was served, you complained that the sauce did not have mushrooms in it, it did, and you did not want the sauce on the bottom of the chicken. We prepared you another chicken, and again with the sauce on the side as you demanded. As per our warning, the chicken was drier than you liked. When you complained, we did not charge you for the meal.
If there was anything else we could have done, as was offered to you, we would have done so.
The lady at the reception is an American. She has a limited understanding of the Dutch language. When you arrived, you addressed her in Dutch and she responded in English, based on her understanding of what you said. You elected to continue to speak to her in Dutch, although judging from your e-mail, English is not a problem for you. Not responding in Dutch is not arrogance. The lady at the reception seated you, excused herself politely and asked me to talk to you, which I promptly did. We consider this case closed.
Gasparito Management

Since this restaurant had so many good reviews we looked forward having diner with the whole family.
What a disappointment!. Never had such a worse diner before.
Really everything was bad.
Alicia's Fish soup was a vegetable soup without any fish. The chicken to dry for consumption.

The service was extremely bad. It was waiting all the rime for fresh drinks. Waitresses didn't understand English.
The lady at the reception was very arrogant and unfriendly.

We only have one recommendation. Stay far away of this restaurant.

My sister, mother, aunt, and I dined at Gasparito's on the recommendation of the concierge at the Hyatt Regency. We had originally planned on Madame Jeanette's, but it was closed for the month. Gasparito's was certainly a worthy substitute and we had one of our best meals of our trip. The restaurant is in a residential neighborhood and off the central dining strip - a plus in our book. We sat on the patio and were treated to a lovely sunset during our appetizer course. We opted for traditional Aruban fare - who would have thought melted cheese would be so delicious on top of spiced chicken? We enjoyed a lovely dessert of pineapple and pear streusel with our capuccinos. I would highly recommend Gasparito's to anyone looking for something off the beaten path with fabulous food. Additionally, Gasparito's has a lovely art gallery that diners can browse and purchase works that strike their fancy. Also available are beautiful pieces of jewelry with sea glass accents crafted by one of the restaurants owners.

We've been dining at Gasparito's for over 10 years now and it's still as good as always.

Their outdoor patio is a nice, relaxing setting for dinner (inside is also nice with artwork for sale by local artists.)

I always like to ask for my fish (Wahoo, which is my favorite) broiled or grilled with just lemon - no sauce, no butter, etc. I like to taste my fish with a little lemon without all of those heavy cream sauces. They seem to be the only restaurant in Aruba that is able to get it right - and I love them for that!

My husband and I celebrated our five year aniversary at Gasparito. We were very eager to go, because we heard many good things about the restaurant from our close friends. First, I must say that the combination of the decoration and the atmosphere was enchanting! The food was very good, and the service was attentive and friendly. My husband and I wanted to celebrate someplace that was local, and had character (but not a tourist trap) and we found it ALL at Gasparito. We took some pictures by the old well as a reminder of our incredible night. I think that this was the best aniversary celebration my husband and I have ever had in our five years together! Thank you Gasparito, we will see you soon!!

I have been to Gasparito before and thought it was very good. I just went again this year and the service was terrible. We stood by the front desk for 5 minutes before the owner rushed by and said I'll be with you in a minute. After we were seated we waited @10 minutes before we saw our waitress. Noone ever came by during our meal to see if we were ok and we had to ask 4 different people including the owner for our check. Then we had to panic because we put a $100.00 bill in the folder to pay and they couldn't find it after they took it from us. Besides the poor service the food was good.