Papiamento Restaurant

We had been here about 8 years ago and remembered a lovely setting, altho small portions and a long, drawn out meal. Early this July we were in Aruba with some friends and they were eager to eat here, so we agreed.
Big mistake. We were seated under a big tree and about halfway through the meal, my husband mentioned that he thought it was beginning to rain - he had felt a drop fall on his head. Nope, it wasn't raining... A few minutes later, it happened again - this time a dark blob all over his shirt. We immediately got our server and asked for the check so we could leave. It took a very long time for them to bring the check - we actually got up and waited at the check-in desk so as not to be bombarded anymore. The manager in charge took my husband's dinner off the check, but was not too apologetic for our inconvenience. Actually, we saw the staff setting up that table for some other unlucky diners! We strongly suggested that they not sit anyone else there!
A word of caution if you attempt to eat here - DO NOT SIT UNDER A TREE and - it rarely rains in Aruba!

Overall, Papiamento is an excellent dining experience. The atmosphere doesn't quite compare to Flying Fishbones or Marandi, but its not right on the beach either. The service was a little slow, but hey, you're on vacation, as long as you have a drink in your hand, sit back and relax as we did. I don't think this is the only restaurant that does it in Aruba, but I had the filet "on the stone" here and it was excellent. It was very tender. It comes out a little shy of medium rare, but you just leave it on the stone until it is cooked just the way you like it. My wife also had a filet (not on the stone) and actually put a few of the more rare middle peices on my stone to finish it off a little. A unique experience to say the least. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone, but watch out for that sneaky 5% at the end. Not sure if they're hoping you have a little too much wine and don't notice, or what, but it just seemed a little odd.

Everything was perfect EXCEPT two items. Service on the wait for the check and the wait for someone to take my credit card payment causing me to leave cash. This restaurant adds a 5% service charge with a menu notation regarding the tip for the server. THE OTHER ITEM WAS THAT I DO NOT LIKE BIRD S_ _ T AS AN ADDED SPICE TO MY MEAL.

popiamentos was the second stop for dinner on our honeymoon, and it didnt do a good job following up the ambiance of the flying fishbone.. i realized when i walked in that the luster of eating beside someones former swimming pool isnt so charming. when i went to pull out my chair, i realized that it was merely a lawn chair covered by a white table cloth.. i think they should put some money into upgrading the ammenities because otherwise, we thought the food was pretty good. sorry popiamento, we just werent overly impressed.

This restaurant was absolutely amazing. The food was fantastic, the atmosphere was wonderful, the service was polite, friendly, and leisurely, and the bathrooms were simply IMMACULATE. You dine outside, underneath the stars and a canopy of an array of different kinds of trees, all shapes, all sizes. The bathrooms were clean, fresh, and very decorative. They were so nice that I even took pictures! This was definately the best restaurant I've ever eaten at; in Aruba OR in the U.S. I'd reccomend this place to anyone... Even if they weren't in Aruba!

My boyfriend and I saved this restaurant for our last night on the island because we heard it was very romantic....We had a great experience overall. It is very romantic, 2 seater tables lined all around the pool with lots of candles and pretty chair covers covering the chairs. The food was pretty good. We both got the cream of mushroom soup which was VERY good. For dinner I got the mixed stone grill and my boyfriend got the shrimp & scallop entree cooked in curry and coconut sauce. We both agreed that the food was good...not excellent. I would definitely go back and try it again on our next trip to Aruba!!

We found Papiamento on our first trip to Aruba as it was recommended by friends. We found it outstanding in every way and a very romantic atmosphere. The food was outstanding and the waiter made it such a pleasant experience that we returned once again during our 1 week stay - thanks to Malcom our waiter both nights for the table decorations and excellent service. Next trip, we'll be there again.

Gorgeous setting, but quality of food has steadily declined over the years. They make you wait at the bar (so you can spend money on drinks) even though there are empty tables.

Service was so-so.

We usually get the "clay pot" - in the past it was awesome. The last time we got it, it was fair to middlin.

Well, here we are again......Papiamento is one of those must do restaurants!

A group of 6 of us dined outside under trees filled with tiny white lights. It was very romantic and the food very good!

The only thing that broke the mood for us was when a cat fight broke out a few yards away. The fur was flying, but it ended quickly, but it gave the 6 of us something to talk about for a long time afterwards......lol

Go and enjoy!

We have eaten here a number of times in the past. Each time we had fish. This time we decided to have their "lamb chops" which are actually rack of lamb. My wife was able to each 2 of the 8 ribs, I had to send mine back once thinking it was just undercooked. When I still couldn't eat it on the second try, I complained and my meal was removed from the charge. In fact, both meals should have been removed but my wife didn't say anything, so neither did the waiter. It's a pretty place to eat at; just don't eat the Argentinian meat. Fish only at this restaurant.