We returned from Bonaire exactly 1 week ago today and I wish I hadn't. Back to the daily grind of 12 - 16 hour days, ech.

Here's my review of places that we ate that are tops on our list:
Gibi's - was a top favorite of my group. Goat stew was very good. So was the shrimp.
Swiss Chalet - My personal favorite. They have 2 things I love, fondue and wine and Suzy is definently an added treat.
Casablanca - GREAT, GREAT, GREAT. You must eat here if going to Bonaire. Had dinner here twice.
It Rain's Fishes - Always a favorite. My wife Patty's personal favorite.
The Rib Shack - AWESOME ribs and great view. I wish we would have dined there more than once.
The Lost Penguin - Had breakfast there the last day and had the eggs benedict and waffles. Very good and very reasonable.

In closing we found our dinner bills to be very reasonable. In the past we usually dined at one location and the bills were very high. Not at the places above.

Last place we enjoyed dining. The veranda at where we stayed. Crown Courts #44A. This place can't be beat.
Mark

Thanks for the reviews, Mark...sounds like some winners to be checked out when Joe and I return in a few weeks. We live in the NY/NJ metro area so some of the "high end" prices on Bonaire are about the same as what we pay up here. There are sooooo many excellent places to dine on Bonaire...it is so difficult to decide...oh, the stress of choosing a place to eat...oh my, oh my! LOL. Carole

What type of food does Casablanca serve? Of all the times we have been to Bonaire, we have never eaten there.

Casablanca specializes in Argentinian beef. The mixed grill is very popular and can feed two easily. They use wonderful sauces and portions are very generous. When they fire up the grill in the late afternoon for the dinner crowd it makes you want to rush right over! Excellent wine list as well.

Renea -

When we were there in early March, the owner told us he opened just before Christmas, 2002.

We heartily join the recommendation of the others. We ate at about 10 places in March; Casa Blanca was the top of the list.

Do be aware that the outdoor portion is on the busy street and the noise can be distracting.

There is a small indoor section with about 6 tables. We did not choose that because we didn't want to take the chance of getting trapped in there with smokers.

We hope your experience is as good as was ours.

Charles Poteet
Dallas

Thanks for the info - I've been keeping a database with restaurants and their "reviews". I'll add your comments to it.

Where exactly is Casablanca? And does anyone know if they serve a Churrusco steak?

we will be on bonaire from june 30-august 15. in the past we have only gone for 7-10 days and have eaten fish just about every day. with a long trip like the one we have planned i imagine we will be eating a more diverse menu. thanks for all the suggestions

Thomas -

Casa Blanca is on Kaya J.A. Abraham Blvd. I would guess about 1/4 mile south of city center.

It is on the west (ocean) side of the street and is a fairly small establishment. They do have a small, vertical sign on the side of the restaurant.

I am not certain whether the correct spelling is "Casa Blanca" or "Casablanca." I'm sure others can advise us of the correct style.

We do hope all these rave reviews do not jinx the place!

Charles Poteet
Dallas

I've always heard good things about It Rains Fishes, so my wife and I were looking forward to going there while in Bonaire in March/April. Perhaps we got them on a bad day, as we were thoroughly disappointed. We waited a full hour, after ordering, to get our meals. We were with several other couples. About 45 minutes into the delay, our waitress came to us and asked who had ordered rack of lamb (my wife). We were told that the reason we were all waiting for our food was that the rack of lamb was taking so long--as though it were somehow our fault. When we were finally served, the food was merely OK. Also, for a group of eight people, the side dishes--served family style--were roughly the quantity you would expect for two people. Several tables that were occupied long after our party arrived received their orders before us. The place was jammed and the help seemed way undermanned. As I said, maybe we got them on a bad day, but I've had far better food and service at numerous other restaurants on the Island.

Bob,

I had a similar experience with yours last year...haven't been back...two many other good places to eat that don't have the problems. I also felt that they were understaffed.

I may be biased, because I have a timeshare there, but the Chibi Chibi at Divi Flamingo Beach has upgraded significantly during the last several years and I find their food, service, and location (right on the water) to be excellent.

don't forget to take a look at www.bonairediningguide.com for most of the eateries. A new edition is in the works and should be ready for next season