Anna-Maria's Autentico Ristorante Italiano

We heard of Anna Maria's in2012 and went with our group of 11. Everything was great! I'm an Italian who rarely eats Italian out, but it was perfect. I can't complain about the length of time because we knew that. However, last year, things were different. Actually, I loved my pasta graced with various seafood. But no one else enjoyed their meal. The portions were much smaller and just not the same. We remembered how great the fried calamari was, but were told that they had none. The homemade connolli that we loved last time were ordered again last year, but we were told there weren't any. The bill was a whole lot more than we remembered as well. But because I lived it so much in 2012, I will give it another try this year, some time between July 26 - Aug 8.

Let me first start off by staying I'm shocked to find negative reviews of Anna Maria's. Sometimes when your unhappy with yourself nothing will make you happy. I've been going to Aruba for years and have had dinner all over the Island. Anna Maria's for me was simply a great night with friends and family in an homey atmosphere over light fresh Italian food. They are a little pricey but the service, food and atmosphere make it worth it. Our Server Jean-Pierre went out of his way to make sure we had everything we needed and also volunteered alterations to meals to suit our liking. Christopher, the owner also came out and was just as pleasant and delightful as Jean-Pierre. If your looking for something different in a laid back cozy quiet setting this is your place

Atmosphere was lovely and warm feeling of being in someones backyard. That was the best part. Service was slow, the owner was rude and the food was fair at best. Disappointing for sure!

Always a must when we are in Aruba. The lasagna is our favorite. All food is cooked to order. The pastas are fresh and cooked to perfection. Seafood is superb. Close your eyes and you are in Italia!!!!

Heard about Anna Maria at poolside and visited that evening .
Rang the bell and was greeted by a wonderful staff member that escorted us to the dining room in the back yard patio . After being seated we were greeted immediately by a very knowledgeable waiter that took us through the menu and explained each dish. We placed our order and wow everything was better than we could have expected. We have been coming to Aruba for 16 years now and are so happy to have found Anna Maria's and will be sure to make it one of our dining favorites. The food, ambiance and service make it a winner for sure. I could go on and on but when you are in Aruba give them a try and you will be very glad you did.

This is a MUST do restaurant in Aruba. We found out about this restaurant from our cab driver last year and loved it. We returned to Aruba in May and enjoyed this restaurant again so much that we went twice in one week. Entrance to this gem is gained by ringing the bell to a house. A waiter appears and you are escorted around back to a courtyard, where you will find maybe 8 or 9 tables, a picture painted on the wall of Italy and delightful dinner music. From the beginning appetizer to the final cordial everything satisfies the palate with utmost blends of taste and texture. Everything was perfect. The waiters Jean-Pierre and Carlos orchestrate the serving of the meal with finesse and attention to the diner. Christopher, the owner/chef, takes the time to introduce himself to every table. We would love to also meet Anna Maria next time. If you are not in a hurry, go and enjoy a wonderfully prepared meal, made with the freshest ingredients. We will be back again in September and this restaurant will definitely be on our reservation list.

As an Italian from Queens, NY, I can attest that this is the WORST italian food in Aruba. What an absolute joke. From the food, to the waitstaff, service - horrible. Everyone has an attitude, no one smiles and the food tastes like it's from a can. The calamari was rubbery, the pasta overcooked and the meatballs, I think that's what THEY call them are terrible. I wouldn't go back here if it was free. One poster said it was romantic - HA, you're sitting in someone's backyard. Ok if that is romantic for you, then so be it. I guarantee they will be out of business in a year.

one of the best in Aruba - will eat there anytime I come to Aruba and I come very often - will tell my friends who also come every year

We have been blessed to travel all over the world and dine in some truly remarkable restaurants. Frankly, there are only about 8 to 10 restaurants that truly stand out as being exceptional and a remarkable experience. Anna Maria�s Autentico Ristrante Italiano is truly at the top of the list. The owners � Christopher and Anna Maria are truly delightful!

This beautiful restaurant was highly recommended by some very close friends and the recommendation was correct. Reservations are essential and were handled with extreme professionalism. We were met at the gate and escorted to our delightful table for a romantic dinner.

The menu is outstanding and the service was beyond compare. The atmosphere is very intimate and romantic. The staff and owners are dedicated to making your dining experience a true delight. The food was beyond fabulous! The menu is extensive and everything we selected was a culinary delight.

Throughout the entire evening we were honestly treated like royalty and it was a remarkable evening. I would highly recommend Anna Maria�s for a wonderful dining experience!

Our last review of this place seems to have caused a bit of a stir amongst those who do not share our opinion of this place, Nonetheless, we find that the majority of reviews do agree with us and we are pleased to see that. ANNA MARIA'S continues to be a unique dining experience that is quite pleasurable and satisfying. Though we continue to regard it as one of the better ITALIAN eateries in ARUBA, this year we have found some credible competition that may join it as being amongst the better Italian venues. That would not diminish our opinion of this place but it may provide an alternative to those that do not appreciate the leisurely approach that Anna Maria's provides.

Many of those who oppose Anna Maria's seem to have some type of issue with the owner and his aggressive rebuttals to some criticisms. What they appear to regard as arrogance or nastiness, we tend to view as the passion and concern that the owners have for the place. It is the same type of attitude that abounds at the Hostaria d'Vittorio and it justifiably exists - it is a reflection of the striving to maintain the highest of standards. Another way of thinking about it is that if you are good at what you do then you are entitled to show it. There is nothing wrong with that and those who take offense to it simply are thin skinned.

ANNA MARIA'S continues to be a wonderful dining experience and it is one that we recommend to all. Remember to make reservations and remember to plan on a long, leisurely, and enjoyable evening. Also remember that the genre of ITALIAN food is that of being SICILIAN based.