Hey, all! We're headed down for the first time next week and we're all about the diving -- I don't care 'bout atmosphere, I just want good eats ... We prefer local specialties (i'm excited about trying the goat stew) but just wanna know what are the don't miss places

Oh, Cabrito is easy to find. But the dishes I adore usually can't be found outside a local home: Kashi Yena, which is a stuffed, baked gouda shell. Or Zult and fresh bread--spicy, spicy little piggy/goat ears w/lemon/lime or some citrus-based jam.

Try any "Snack" the you see. (Use good judgment though) A "Snack" or "Snacky" on Bonaire is a road-side food vendor. Typically they sell chicken, goat, and Iguana. Although, not so much lizard any more...darn Eco-Nazis.

Don't miss Gibis... great local food and a chance to meet BTers from all over!

The local place that used to be in town has moved. Luigi's is now located where the old Divi Divi Bar was (no, not Divi Flamingo) If you go to Antiol and turn West off of Kaya Korona (Botica Korona is on the corner) you will find him on the right (One Kilometer). He serves great American Breakfast, Local Lunches but is closed for dinner. (Closed Wed)
Another is Mi Banana who has South American food as well as continental fare. They are located on Niki Boko Norht on the right just past Patchi's Mens Club.

Cyndi, make sure you do not miss Bobby Jans for BBQ. It is to die for. They are only open weekends and are near downtown on a side street. Look for the BBQ sign.

On that note how do you spell that restaurant. I swear it was Bobby Jeans (of course pronounced Bobby Jans).

cecil, if my memory serves me correctly, it's bobbejans...pronounced bobbyans...or baba yons...depending on your accent.

Here's a few places that should put a smile on your face if you're looking for inexpensive, local flavor:
Antriole Catering: a little hard to find, but absolutely great local food. Besides the usual goat or chicken stew, there's fresh fish and I've had a great conch stew there.
Maiky Snack: seriously out in the "bush" with chickens and goats running around, but good local food. At all of these local joints be sure to ask for some pika (a vinegary spicy hot condiment) if you like things hot.
Gibi's: while Gibi closed his restaurant a while back, he now hosts a Bonaire Talk dinner at his house on Tuesdays (do a search for directions, etc). Typical choices include fresh fish, goat stew, chicken stew, fried chicken, and everything is served family style with rice, fries and salad. Again, make sure he brings out some of his homemade pika.
BobbeJans: only open on the weekends, and not really local type food, but really, really good ribs and satay with peanut sauce at very reasonable prices.
At each of these places you can eat very, very well for well under 20 bucks a person including a beverage or two, tax, tip, postage and handling.

Here's one more. If you're shore diving up north past where the road is one way, and don't want to drive all the way back to Kralendijk, go into the little town of Rincon and stop in at the Rose Inn. Local food in an interesting, working class town.

Gotta also mention that if you want to try the local specialties, order funchi instead of rice or fries. It's a cormeal side dish sort of like polenta that is great for carrying sauces into your mouth.

Don't forget Anthony's Extreme Cuisine..SUPER cheap, super good..local eats...

scott (and others) gibi still serves every day except wednesday at his house...i think. tuesday is the traditional bonaire talker night but others are also very welcome. reservations are recommended...not so much to guarantee a seat but to make sure he has enough food on hand.

Thanks all for your suggestions -- I'm excited to try them all. Headed down for the first time tomorrow (hope I can sleep!)

Thanks again!