I am headed to Bonaire in two weeks and would like to find a few places to eat. I would like to know of a couple of fine dining places for a big night out and couple of places for good food and atmosphere. We will be staying at the Harbour Village. Can anyone help?

David,

For fine dining (though not formal dining!) try Lighthouse and Casablanca - both have most excellent food.

Belinda

Capriccio's- Very good Italian food and a nice wine list.

Richard's - We have had some excellent filet mignon and escargot there but it has had mixed reviews lately.It has a very romantic setting. You can dine on a deck at a table right at the waters edge with nothing but the beautiful sky over your head. It is a great place to dine during sunset. My profile picture was taken there.

Lion's Den- Setting is above the docks over looking the water at the Lion's Dive Resort. It is set back in the resort. Great food and service

Chez Lucille- Located near the Divi. It has a beautiful back garden to dine in with excellent food and nice leisurely service.

It's Raining fishes- On the water front and very popular. Decent prices and great food

Casablanca- Great Beef and reasonable prices. They have a Mixed grill for two people that will feed four!!

Pasa Bon Pizza- Has the best pizza around. They have a pizza with fish on it that is delicious!

Gibi's - Great local food with good prices. I love the goat stew.

These are just a few places that we always go to. I have never had a bad meal on Bonaire yet!

I forgot! Gibi's is where Bonaire Talkers meet on Tuesday nights at6:30.

David -

You have gotten some good suggestions for restaurants, but please understand that Bonaire is casual. Not sloppy, unkept, not "elegant casual," just casual.

Dinner attire, even at the finest restaurants, is nice walking shorts for men and the same or sundresses for women. You see some men in casual slacks and some ladies dressed up a bit, but it is the exception, not the rule. If you want to dress a bit, it won't offend anyone, but you need to know that it is not necessary.

The only ties and stockings I recall seeing on Bonaire belonged to the KLM flight crews.

You are going to have a wonderful time. Bonaire is truly a special place.

We do hope after you return you will tell us your favorite four restaurants based on your experience.

Charles Poteet
Dallas
Dallas

Lobster night at Lions Den on a Tuesday is a great 'posh' night out, something a bit special in food and setting.

I loved the surf and turf at Lions Den, it was outstanding. Make sure you ask the price of the special though... Cynde's ended up being reallllly expensive.

Kelly's right...Lobster Ravioli was one of the specials, but I made the mistake of not asking the price...60 Naf! Yikes!

David, other recommendations have been made on this thread as well:

4 Places we should go to for dinner/lunch

David...
We recommend the "Mona Lisa" for fine dining. The food is exquisite. My husband and I have been visitors in Bonaire for the past 11 or 12 years and this is by far our favorite restaurant. It's owned by 2 gentlemen, Hans and Dauwe. You will find Hans at the cozy bar (he'll make you feel very welcome) and Dauwe will be in the kitchen doing his magic. Don't miss it!!!

Carol

Ditto to what Carol said. Mona Lisa is superb! Casablanca is great as well but less on the "fine dining" side--just doggone good food at good prices and lots of it!

Nobo's chinese takeout is terrific. It's across the street from Gibi's. The Rendevous (downtown) was a delight. It's Raining Fishes was good enough to visit twice during our week (Mar. 1-7). The crab/shrimp appetizer works amply as an entree for me, but I'm not a huge eater. This was our 10th annual trip, and the food is so uniformly good that we never visit Richards any more because there is no need to put up with attitude.