Our first trip to Bonaire is in 2 days!! This website has been incredibly helpful with advice regarding the quality of the food at the various restaurants - but we would also like a good atmosphere - can someone please tell me what restaurants have outside seating / open air seating with views of the ocean?? Also - I assume shorts & flip flops work everywhere?? Thanks & can't wait to get there....

Hi Wendy. Savor every minute- firsts can't ever be done over. My vote for favorite outside ambience is Richard's and Rum Runner at Habitat.

Donna

Wendy, welcome to Bonaire Talk Shorts and flip flops work everywhere, however, at the nicer restaurants, it is appreciated if you wear nice shorts and shirts

OK, North to South....

Cap' Dons - Rum Runners
Den Laman
Eden Beach
Patagonia (on the harbor)
Angels (no wait, it's not open...joke here)
Chibi Chibi at Divi Flamingo
Richards (table on the pier, reservations a must)

The following have the main road between you and the sea, but still a great view
City Cafe
La Guernica
Bamboo
Donna and Georgios

I know I've probably missed some, but I haven't had my coffee yet

Lion's Den at Buddy Dive. You will want to go by early to reserve the outermost corner table for a wonderful unobstructed view.
http://www.buddydive.com/lionsden.html

(Message edited by vtscuba on November 8, 2007)

I second all of the above !
Enjoy!

What a great list of places to eat and enjoy the views!! I'm ready! Have a great trip!! Carole

Harbour Village has the pirate ship restaurant is it La Balandra? I have only been there once a few years back. The other I have never been to is Vespucci also by Harbour Village, is it on the water?

You must be a guest at Harbour Village to eat at Ballandara. As for Vespucci and Patagonia, it is fabulous. Take note, Den Laman is now the Reef Rest with an all new menu..

Bonaire Windsurf Place and Hang Out Bar for lunch and Wed. night dinner at BWP.

I just had lunch at the new Reef Restaurant at Den Laman, which officially opened their doors this past Sunday. You can read the review at: http://www.bonaireinsider.com/index.php/bonaireinsider/new_restaurant_review_the_reef_restaurant_at_den_laman/

Susan, your dining report has made my mouth water! And it's open from 11am to 10pm...YES, another place to get a bite to eat late afternoon...AND they have my favorite, French onion soup! Who are the new owners? It's funny to think of the old Den Laman restaurant that used to be there years ago...

Hi, I'm not too sure of exactly who owns what, but I believe the current set up is that the owner of the property has taken back the restaurant now, and Sandy, who seems like a great new addition to the island, is his new manager. Definitely check it out!

Now that Reef Restaurant @ Den Laman's is allowing dinner @ lunch or more importantly Lunch @ dinner----- is like a re-incarnation of the Green Parrot. This was Great News. the review on Bonaire Insider was well written and informative.

Jim

The really great thing is that they do not close for a few hours and you can order anything, anytime...also they operate 7 days a week..

Just got back from two beautiful weeks in Bonaire with my nephew Matt and his wife Janet, also my dear friends. Our last night on Bonaire we ate at Vespucci's, which is by the marina. Our table overlooked the water, and we didn't realize it until we were there, but it was wonderful to have a night to enjoy our meal over the water without the noise (happy though it may be) of being right in town. Chef Albert came to our table and discussed with us what we would like for this last meal in Bonaire. He was an absolute delight. We chose a platter for three of freshly caught fish - Wahoo, Red Snapper and Tuna (in white wine sauce), and per our request - the garlic sauce was brought out separately. The platter also had muscles, lobster, shrimp and squid. Also a beautiful salad. What a perfect meal! It was incredible! The sea breeze, the view of the boats, the water, the ambience, the wonderful chef - I'm waxing way too poetic here, but I can't help it. It was just perfect for all of us. It will be a night that will truly stand out for me. That's my pick!

Oh, by the way, hi Michael! It was great to finally meet you. Out of your two suggestions, Vespucci won as it was on the water. It was truly perfect, thanks to Chef Alberto. So, much of the thanks goes to you, also!

Loved the food and ambience on the deck at Chibi Chibi - great ocean view.
;-)
Tammy