Diana's Pancakes Place — Attraction in Netherlands

I'd more readily call Diana's a casual crêperie than a pancake house - the difference being in both the flavor & texture of the product. For Americans, the name rather sets the expectation for one & the place offers the other, which is all to the good: I can make pancakes at home in 20 minutes but wouldn't even know where to go for a good crêpe.

The five of us all tried different versions and they were each quite yummy. What they refer to as the Dutch Syrup tastes quite like molasis & is an excellent choice although, having a stronger flavor, one needs less than one might take in, say, maple syrup. The other syrup is more like American pancake syrup, which is "maple flavored" but not maple syrup. Being from New England, I'm spoiled by the real deal & eschew American pancake syrups so the "Dutch Syrup" was welcome & delicious.

The basic apple pancake (crêpe) made for a satisfying breakfast w a cup of coffee (which is, typically, quite good in Aruba). All of the fruit-filled pancakes tasted good, clean, & fresh. Personally I can live without the chocolate versions & similar because, to my taste, the fillings & sauces overwhelm the flavor of the crêpe. Also, I might occasionally indulge in dessert but not for breakfast, thanks.

Service was a tad uneven - highly attentive at times & slow at others (all in the same sitting). The place was perhaps half full so I don't think the delays (coffee refill - perhaps an American thing - and getting and processing the tab) were due to an overstressed staff.

But being in Aruba, one can (and should) cast off for a moment the American inclination to be in a rush, take any service delay as an opportunity to linger, enjoy being on the island, and chat with one's breakfast mates. We did just that and it was delightful.

Overall, an breakfast at Diana's is an enjoyable experience & a good value. Will v likely be back again next time we're in Noord.

UPDATE: After re-reading & making some touch-up edits, I've concluded that my previous 4-star rating due to service delay was petty & harsh. We enjoyed our time at Diana's and the fact that it doesn't run like an American get-em-in-get-em-out rush-rush-rush eatery is perhaps more reason for praise...

I wish I could give this a 4.5 star, but I have to take a couple points off ... Let's get that outta the way first. Only 2 things a didn't like was one, and this was a biggie, they use cheap syrup made with high fructose corn syrup. I'd have at least liked the option to pay more for real syrup. The other thing was there was no option to sit indoors. Hung over and a real feel of 97 (with humidity) I definitely would've preferred indoor air conditioning (coming from freezing weather in the Northeast). I get why they don't do it, so it's a minor complaint, and they have a huge fan that did it decent job cooling us off a bit.

Now the good stuff ... First of all, the pancakes are really good. Thin, light and deceptively filling, the pancakes themselves deserve 5 stars, especially with the fresh strawberries and whipped cream. Second, the service was phenomenal. I can't remember the girl's name, but she was friendly, fast and efficient, plus she said "y'all" all the time which I found hysterical being in Aruba. The other servers chipped in too and they were equally as pleasant. Finally, I liked the fact that it's unique and the toppings you can choose from aren't something I've equipment before.

Again, great spot and I'd recommend going, just bring your own syrup if the high fructose...

Very good redition of a Dutch Pancake. I was told i was like a crepe and indeed it was. Maybe a bit thicker with some chew to it, but very nicely done.

Restaurant is located on the second floor of the building with a open air dining area and bar.

Food came within 15 minutes. Business was brisk with always a few tables ready to sit down to.

I had the Aruba pancake (15.50 US). It had a shot glass of poncha cream (basically egg nog with rum in a 1:2 ratio) with a large serving of full fat whipped cream. Suspecting this alone would not be enough, I also ordered a side of fruit (6.50 US). I also had a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice (5.50 US) as well: it was what advertised.

We were notified at the time there is a strawberry shortage, so my friend had the special of the day (pineapple caramel pancake 10.50 US) with a side of bacon (3.50 US). Bacon is deep fried to a crisp, a typical way of cooking in this island.

The restaurant is located on a well traveled boulevard, I suggest you visit before 1030 if you are planning to drive in. There is a parking lot behind the restaurant.

I do like this restaurant, everything was fresh and the service was quick albeit...