663935 Sun Nov 01 14:48:43 -0800 2009 8 54 Caribbean 0 5147471 We will be traveling to Aruba for a winter holiday week 8 year olds. Any recommendations for good restaurants for lunch and dinner? Any near the Hyatt Regency? Also, any amazing romantic spots for dinner for two? Thanks for your input. Sun Nov 01 14:48:43 -0800 2009 1088649 citygirl 1 5151466 As far as atmosphere, it is tough to beat Flying Fishbone. Most of the dining is done on a beach and you can request a table where your feet are actually in the water. Be aware that the service is quite slow and it is a good 30 mins cab ride from where you are. My choice for best food is Mirandi. Also a little way from your hotel, but extraordinary food. Tue Nov 03 05:49:32 -0800 2009 5147471 1101103 robcorriveau 1 5151698 For all out romantic I would pick Papiamento with a table for two around the pool - go after 7 p.m. for best atmosphere. The food is great and ambience very romantic. We've been going to Aruba for 14 or so years and spent 8 months this year. We celebrated our 25th Anniv. at Papiamento. We ate at Mirandi this trip and it was good. Romantic? All in your perception I guess. As for meals near The Hyatt with 8 year olds - you have a bonanza in walking distance. Across the street in Arawak Gardens is Casa Tua for thin crust pizza and other Italian food. We always see plenty of children there and they seem really happy with their pasta or pizza. We go about once a week for our pizza fix. There is also Smokey Joe's for ribs near there and a whole lot of other kid friendly places. Tue Nov 03 07:24:43 -0800 2009 5147471 10581 Linda VH 1 5158338 I'm also interested in the replies - we're spending 5 days in Aruba in December. I'm especially curious about places to get good, authentic local cuisine. Although I'm not sure exactly what that means on Aruba...I'm a little familiar with Trini food (doubles, etc.) but don't know how that differs from other islands. **EDIT** Didn't realize there were so many other threads on Aruba. Have made note of Nos Cunucu and Effe Amders, both of which seem to be recommended by multiple people. Thu Nov 05 10:21:02 -0800 2009 5147471 147875 Aravisea 2 5161774 Authentic local cuisine would be Antillean food which will be hard to find but possible. Ask your concierge. Foods such as fungi, yambo, tutu, pisca salu..there are many... Fri Nov 06 13:25:44 -0800 2009 5158338 27444 phelana 1 5185582 Just got back from Aruba. Romantic- Papiamento,Flying fishbone...Papiamento having better food Casual good food- Wacky wahoo's...some of the best food on thr Island IMO Lively fun good food- Madame Janettes Local authentic- Nos Cunucu Mon Nov 16 09:40:31 -0800 2009 5147471 16672 phatchris 2 5190786 Nos Cunucu is excellent. Been meaning to do a write up but haven't found the time. But it's reasonably priced and tasty (stoba de kabrito, or goat stew, was excellent, as was the keshi yena). Much better than Gasparitos (which isn't bad, just nowhere as good at Nos Cunucu). Wed Nov 18 04:58:02 -0800 2009 5185582 12006 lambretta76 1 5203552 I'm interested in the replies. There are good reviews on Trip Advisor for Gostoso Restaurante. Does anyone have any experience with it? Mon Nov 23 15:43:28 -0800 2009 5147471 48413 TMWeddlle 2 5204797 Have not been but everyone who mentions it on www.aruba-bb.com and www.aruba.com really liked it! Tue Nov 24 06:59:38 -0800 2009 5203552 10581 Linda VH