Hello
My wife and I will be in Bonaire for the first time, (and diving for the first time since our certification dives), for only 5 nights (Nov 29-Dec 4). I know, I know...I've heard it will be a big tease.
Can anyone recommend their very best favorite restaurants. Local cuisine is our top priority. The last thing we want is pizza and hot dogs. Fancy restaurants are not important. We have enough of them here in N.Y.C.
Thanks

Mona Lisa's and Cappricio's were a couple of our favorites, although they're pricey. Their food is wonderful, dress is very casual.

Richard's has a really nice setting, right by the sea (put bug spray on!).

Lion's Den is good as well, and the luncheon salads at De Tuin are great. If you're in the mood for local food, Antriol Catering was great, and I hear Maikey Snack is as well, although I haven't been there.

You will love diving in Bonaire, especially since you're a new diver. It's easy and convenient.

Boy, do I envy you...we just got back, and it's about a wind chill of 15 here, with snow on the ground. Have a great time!

Also check out the next topic re dining report.
Maikey Snack is great, so is Antriol Catering and Gibe's Terrace --- all more "local" food than some of the other U.S./European style offerings.

Cozzoli's on the waterfront has good pizza, and a good breakfast offering.

'De Tuin' has a great atmosphere, great service & great food...How's that for a recommendation?

I LOVE De Tuin. They have a cheap bar menu as well and an internet menu. Eat while you surf. The setting is lovely.

Annie

Swiss Chalet. Great food. Great owners. Just watch out if you eat there your first night.... you might not make it to any other restaurants

You can't get better than the Mona Lisa. Whether having your meal in the dining room or the bar hap (eating in their wonderful bar for less money but equally excellent food). The local restaurants recommended above are great also. We enjoyed the Rose Inn in Rincon. You must try the goat stew.

Carol

check out www,bonairediningguide.com. e mail me your snail mail address for a hard copy. gmchael@bonairelive.com

I agree with Tom and Annie above about De Tuin. I'm already thinking that's where I'd like to do Christmas Eve this year, if their open. I really like to go there in the afternoon, after diving and hang out. I met some cool locals there last June, and the food was excellent. I also second Capriccios. This time down, we really want to try some new places that we have not been. Problem is, we've been to most of them. Mangoes, Bongos, the place at Harbor Village to name a few.

Kontiki is a gem. Super place to stop for lunch. Here is a GREAT day:

lunch at Kontiki
swim and drinks and watch windsurfers at Lac Bay
5 PM head to Peklemeer (Flamingo sanctuary) towards lighthouse, pink beach, slave huts and along coast. It is a 1 hour ride so plan it towards dusk.

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

I also LOVE Donna and Georgio's Sunday nights when they have this LOVELY local band.

Bobbijan's on weekends has SUPER BBQ.

Capriccio's is stellar. I think the service and food is wonderful and the owners pay close attention to every detail. The only thing I do not like is the location. Inside is cold (sit in booths if you can reserve one) and outside is on a busy street corner.

Blue Moon is nice on Thur. night for oceanfront dining with jazz. They have LOVELY soups.

Rum Runners has the best thin crust pizza with seaside dining.

I have had decent (not spectacular) dinners at Lion's Den but what I love is the location ON the water.


Richards to me was lovely but not worth the $$$$. The setting is incredible and the host is very pleasant.

Now that I frequent BON I cannot indulge as I have in the past so have learned that the local places really offer SUPER meals and great prices. I ADORE Rose Inn in Rincon. The goat stew is lovely and the setting is fun. Fri. night is noisey and lively. Maikey Snack also has locals including politicians and families. It takes a LONG time to get food and the chairs are very uncomfy but it is FUN and cheap.

Uby and Linda's gem in Terra Cora, Hullandes Grillhuis is SUPER. Local family fun and super food with good prices.

Be forwarned, places have strange opening days. Hullandes is closed Tue. Rose Inn on Thur. and so on.

Also hardly ANYONE takes AMEX.

Eat well

Annie

Thanks Annie, you just gave me a couple of pointers that I was unaware of on Bonaire.

Wow, Annie....you have my mouth watering just reading your great dining intinerary! Sounds like a fabulous lineup to me....start up a "dining out Bonairean Style" tour group....hmmmm....something to think about! Have fun on your upcoming trip...I am green with envy. You and Mags are now part of the "locals" in my book! Ayo. Carole

Oh Oh..another is something few may be comfy trying but DO TRY IT.

In Antriol there is a local shop called Torito Snack. It looks quite seedy but across the street at night, there is a cart selling BBQ that they grill right there. It is 10,00 and is FABULOUS..where can you eat for 6.00 USD for TWO. I get the half chicken and fries..it is to die for..I kid you not.

You guys made me so hungry that I went out and bought some fish. Now for a rum drink and a dream of Bonaire. We'll be at Capt Don's on Saturday.
Third time....I agree with your dining suggestions...except even the pricey places are ok ..you're on vacation!

Joe and I are very brave, Annie, and will definitely hit the cart for the BBQ next trip. Could go for some of that right now! CArole

Of course there is the marinated lomito cooked to order by Elsmarie, on seleceted weekends...

Yummmmm.....details, please! CArole

Michael, que es lomito por favor?

Yes, what is Lomito??

Carole, we MUST hang out sometime..LOL

Annie

My sources tell me it's fillet of beef, of the finest kind...

Sounds like a plan, Annie...have to coordinate trip schedules and we can go hang out and have some fun! Carole

Yes, it is filet and I have a freezer full in anticpation of Annies arrival!

Michael, and some amazing wine?? I am SOOO in need of a dinner at your house with the crazy Sat. night crew.



After KOTC I fear...

Thanks all, for your responses. My flight to Bonaire departs in 14 hours...can't wait!!

Mike