Chalet Suisse

We bought our 3 weeks of timeshare in 1986 and we return to this restaurant at least twice during our stay. The atmosphere, personnel, and the presentation are always consistent. Over the years Erica, Hans, and Rudy(the owners) have come to recognize us and, warmly recieve us. In our opinion the quality of food, pricing, and a friendly staff contribute to a pleasant dining experience. In short,we recommend Chalet Suisse as a #1 in Aruba.

Went to Aruba the week of December 24th and had a wonderful time. Unfortunately, our one bad restaurant was Chalet Suisse. We had reservations for my two kids and my wife for a party of 4 planned for over 1 month because we heard Christmas time would be busy. We arrived on time and was greeted by Benny. He sat us at a table that we needed to move from because the man behind us was rude and very loud. I asked Benny and he was very taken aback and rude to me. He said it was the best seat in the house. I said I didnt care that I wanted to move. With that he whispered to his people and they moved us with disgust. From then to the end of the dinner, we were not treated well. Additionally, there were notes on every table providing a time limit and when you must leave the table. Lastly, when our fondue desert came, the strawberries came out all green. My wife asked for them to be changed to ripe ones and once again Benny grabbed the dish and said, "We will seel if we can accomodate you". For an $18.00 desert and a $200 dinner for 4 you would expect to be treated with some respect. All in all a horrible dining experience and I would never recommed nor ever return.

While the food here is very good, and the Toblerone fondue dessert is to die for, I can't get over the stuffy atmosphere here. They have two seatings during high season, and proudly display a card on the table stating this...sorry, but for these hefty prices, I don't want to be reminded that my time at the table is limited. (Mind you, it is unlikely that I would sit longer than the 2 hour limit, but I find it obnoxious to be reminded of this). It's a shame that I walk out of here feeling as if it's a food mill factory rather than a wonderful environment to match the good food. The crowd is shuttled in and out, in and out. I think we'll probably skip this one next year

The Schnitzel is great. Once you're in you may have the impression to be in a Swiss or Austrian ski resort. And the food matches perfectly.

This has usually been a favorite of ours each year, most time visiting twice per week. The prices have steadily risen and the portions of potatoe and vegetables are extremely small. 4 - 5 oven brown potatoes the size of home fries does not cut it at these prices. We opted out of our second visit this trip and may not visit at all next time. It is a shame because the food is excellent, but if you do not buy an appetizer you will most likely leave hungry.

Our party of four enjoyed this restaurant. My sirloin steak was excellent. The bisque was wonderful. We enjoyed the service.

I had to ask my wife if we arrived by taxi or time machine. It was like stepping into the movie "Dirty Dancing." I expected Patrick Swayze to start doing the Tango.

We're in our mid thirties and we were probably half the age of every other person in the place...and we didn't even go to the "Early Bird"...which they DO HAVE! I think our reservations were for 8:30p.

Anyway...to be serious and perfectly honest. It is a big, somewhat noisy joint, atmosphere is sort of like a cross between a really nice restaurant and an all you can eat buffet in the States. Everybody there is American (just like me-so I'm not dissing the USA)...the thick New York accents coming from all the tables is a riot.

The service is excellent. They cater to families and big parties. They come and sing Happy Birthday...if you're into that sort of thing. and they have a lot of people servicing you. If you're looking for romance...look elsewhere.

The food is good, but there are so many better restaurants on the island that are also less expensive.

We had a goat cheese and arugula salad that was excellent. The appetizer...was also very, very good...but I can't remember what it was. The dessert choices are good. Everybody gets the fondue...and I mean...of course melted chocolate is awesome...so it's hard to criticize melted chocolate, but it's not like some creative and exceptional dessert experience. I had a steak. It was slightly overcooked but tasty. My wife had beef strouganoff...it was terrible. it was supposed to be strips of prime filet...not particularly tender. It was like noodles and gravy. Very disappointing since I grew up on the stuff.

They were out of the first two selections I made on the wine list. My third choice was decent.

Visited Chalet Suisse on 21st October, and was delighted with the food, service, environment. We shared a Chateaubriante which was out of this world and a meal I would highly recommend to anyone going to CS. However, even better was the Toblerone Fondue for desert, it was even better than is sounds. One of my top 3 restaurants on the island.
Don't miss it on you vacation.
Thanks everyone. Great evening.

Just visted Aruba again (we go each year) in October 2006, and Chalet Suisse still rules. With the possible exception of Gasparito, other restaurants on the island drop into mediocrity compared to Chalet Suisse.

The difference at Chalet Suisse is the people. Bennie, Humphrey, Gino, Tattoo and staff make it happen! If you've ever wondered what it's like to dine in a restaurant staffed by professionals, this is your place.

Great food, & Bennie greets you at the door like an old friend. Well worth the visit. Friends recommended it to us. It was so good we went back a second time. This was our first trip to Aruba and we sampled a restaurant every nite and this was by far the best.