I would just like to comment on the Cappriccio Restaurant for the benefit of visitors to the island. I have lived on Bonaire for a year and have sampled food in most of the restaurants, most of which has been to a pretty good standard. My wife and I decided on a change and opted for the Capriccio. An Italian restaurant on Kaya Isla Riba (near City Cafe and opposite Salsa)we had passed it many times. We can't praise it enough. They make their own bread and pasta, the service is excellent with a waitress always close by and the surroundings are very pleasant. There are seats outside and in with a few intimate booths inside. The menu is varied, pasta, pizza and meat and fish dishes. The quality and presentation of the food was faultless. I can honestly say that it was one of the best meals that I have had on the island and would recommend it without reserve.

Antony, I can't believe it took you a year to go there! They also have a fabulous wine selection!

I too loved Cappriccio, but had a very negative experience with the management the last time we went.

A friend took me there for lunch and it was GREAT. I give them credit for how well they do everything.

For many years we enjoy Cappriccio but we did take it off our list for a couple of years because of a bad experience with the management. We have been back our last two times and do enjoy it. We save it for a special night.

For many years we enjoy Cappriccio but we did take it off our list for a couple of years because of a bad experience with the management. We have been back our last two times and do enjoy it. We save it for a special night.

I also can't believe that I missed Capriccio for a year.
I am sorry to hear that a few people expressed a problem and I am happy to hear that you Lynn have given it a second chance.
We found both the Management & staff to be friendly, courteous and efficient.
I am always wary of recommending anything but I am more than happy to reiterate my praise of the Restaurant.

If Cappriccio's was here in Boston, you would have to make a res months in advance, they are that good.

We go to Bonaire for three weeks every year and must eat at Cappriccio's six or seven times, not to mention the quick wine and cheese fix in between.

They know there food and wines, you will never get a bad match. Don't know the wine? Just ask.

Not taking in a fine dinner at Cappriccio's is just as bad as not going in the water.

There are many good restaurants on Bonaire but Capriccio is on a different level. This place would make it in NY or DC on the quality of the food and the wine cellar. Pricier than most on Bonaire but worth it. They import their own wines and have a wonderful selection of Italian wines.

Without bashing them, I would have agreed a year ago. But when we had a complaint (and it was definitely legitimate-sour tiramisu; something was wrong with it) the manager (or maybe owner), who has been there since we first went to Bonaire, blew us off. It was pretty disconcerting, especially with what we paid for dinner. I was very disappointed in the response we received.

Mary, Sorry to hear of your experience with management, but, and there's always a but, I really don't know of any restaurant/hotel,villa or management for that matter that is 100% perfect 24/7 and that doesn't have a bad day in business. I own my own business and I know there are some days I am not warm and fuzzy all the time. Yes, you were disappointed one time out of how many and even though it doesn't make it right what happened to you, remember people are all human, and hence, a mistake now and then are bound to happen. As another poster remarked they gave them a second try and were happy. It is shame for those people who find one thing that happens to be a little off when their track record for the majority of the time is super to not be able to enjoy that place again. Sounds like you are short changing yourself in the long run. But, each to its own. This is not meant to be an attack on you, just an observation.

Just a short comment. The food is wonderful and is on par with any really good restaurant in Chicago. The wine list is also one of the best that we've come accross (it should also be noted that Cappricios was included in Wine Spectator). The service that we've received has been exceptional. We've brought in groups with as many as 10 people and the whole night went without a hitch. I think it was last year that Peter and I came in late on a Friday night. We had just arrived and were really tired. Anyway Peter left his credit card at the restaurant and Lola arranged to have it delivered to our hotel so we wouldn't be without it on Saturday while they were closed. I think that type of customer service is above and beyond what is expected.

Ooops, I guess it wasn't that short.

Debbie, I certainly know all this. I also worked in the food industry and know how hard it is, and I work extensively now with the public. The incident was just one of several that night. We made our concerns to the woman that manages and, I believe owns, the restaurant-not to the waitstaff. It's fine for there to be problems, but as a manager and owner, the problems should have been resolved. They weren't. What made the problem worse was her dismissive attitude.
I don't think for an 80-90 dollar meal, I am selling myself short for being disappointed. As a customer, I don't think it's unreasonable to expect problems to be solved. And, BTW, I didn't say I wouldn't return. I said I had a disappointing experience.

Mary, I guess I am a little anal when it comes to such a definitive statement and no explanation and BTW, you still didn't say you would go back either! LOL! I don't want to argue with you, I have also been in the food industry prior to starting my own business. That said, I know it is always important to complain to your waiter/waitress right away after you sample you dinner and you get the best results for a problem with a meal. If you waited till after eating your meal, then no, management would not be willing to do anything as you consumed your meal first, but you didn't say if you waited till after or not, guess my point is mute at this point. I think I will stop playing Sherlock Homes here and cease this bantering as I don't want to upset you, just trying to understand exactly what happened. Just a little too vague for me.

If you take the time to look at the percentages here -- it is obvious that there is a problem with the attitude of the management. Not that many folks have written here for there to be more than one complaint. Bottom line, the food and service are excellent, the management has a problem with arrogance. Maybe it is a cultural thing.

I also have to say that while on Bonaire the last two times we saved an evening for Capricco. We are at Croccatino three or four times -- the food is excellent, the prices a little more reasonable and the management extremely happy to see and to serve you.

I always find it amazing on this board when someone disagrees. I didn't give details, Debbie, because I didn't want to bash the restaurant publicly. I didn't say whether or not I was returning, because I don't know, I'll have to see. END of my input on this subject.

Mary, I didn't say I disagree, I said I was trying to understand the complaint as you did not go into detail, if you are to make a negative complaint about a restaurant on a public forum, you should be prepared to give all the details to help those who may avoid this problem or be prepared for people like me or others to question your statement. You did not want to bash the restaurant publicly, yet you post a negative post about them. What is the difference? To me, it is an unvalidated attack. It is only natural for someone to question your statement as it was so vague. I am not even a big fan of this restaurant, just a stickler for the principle of the thing. Again, I don't disagree with your statement, I don't understand why your statement. End of my input on this subject.

One more post-I was referring to the point that I disagreed.

Do you folks know how funny this reads? Good lord, please let this be done... lol...
from an outside observer it sounds like children. Really why can't we all just get along... sigh... must be that I am ON ISLAND (that was for you, Cynde) and much more relaxed than normal.

Okay Steve and I went tonite to Cappriccio... guess what... they are closed for two weeks! lol... We ran into Tshirt Divers Sue and John and they told us.. what a bummer. I love it there, so next time we'll try again.

Ended up back at Casablanca and was not disappointed. I don't think it is possible to have a bad meal there. And Steve got a piece of cheesecake to go. I believe he is eating it right now.

Nice lightning off toward Venezuela this evening. God I love this place...

A very happy, contented Kelly

Kelly, you are absolutely right. This is all really silly. Thanks for piping in. Truce is on. And yes, it might have something to do with you being ON ISLAND as you say! LOL Here, it is very dreary and rainy all day, and I was having one of those days. Time for me to chill out, over and out. Glad you are having a blast there with your hubby and friends from BT!

Lynn

"the management has a problem with arrogance."

Absolutely not true!!! Lola, Antonella and Andrea are some of the friendliest and down to earth people I know. They do their utmost to keep their customers happy. Arrogant?? - no way.

Cyn, if Cappriccios is open when you are there, ask Lola for a glass of her favorite wine. She suggested it to me and it's really good!

T-SD J&S,
Did you say "glass" of wine? Peter and I are more of the "bottle" type. Our next trip is less than one month away. I can't wait.

John, will do! They are closed for 2 weeks (walked by 2 nights ago and still closed), hopefully they will be opened again before we leave and we can have a nice dinner! Cynthia, I'm with you, pass the bottle!

So we made rservations to return to Bonaire for our fourth trip , 2 weeks ago . Susan looked @ me & laughed when she asked "so how many times Will we eat @ Capriccio's in a 2 week period?"
They have some great aged Barolos.

I have no idea how many times we have had lunch or dinner at Capriccios. We always make it a point to do lunch there at least once or twice on a trip. What is better than doing a double tanker in the AM, coming back, taking a shower, putting on some afternoon clothes and having the Belgian Endive with shrimp for a starter. Lola automatically knows I want the Osso Bucco, along with their house red, which is better than any wine on the island. After lunch, Andreas and I sit at the bar for a while. He drinks massive espressos, while Kathi and I have Cynar or Brandy. It's a beautiful thing. By the way Kelly, I hope you made at least one donkey call at Casablanca in honor of your old buddy Jim.