"Anna Maria's Autentico Ristorante Italiano". — Restaurant in Aruba

Disappointing Experience – Not Worth the Hype or the Price

We travel to Aruba twice a year and always enjoy trying new restaurants. Unfortunately, Anna Maria’s Autentico Ristorante Italiano was a major letdown and not worth the time or money.

First, you have to ring a doorbell to be let in, and we were left waiting awkwardly outside. Once inside, the service went downhill fast. We were a party of six, and the waiter completely forgot my meal. No apology, no explanation – just ignored me while the rest of my group ate. When they realized their mistake, they couldn’t even make eye contact or acknowledge it properly.

The food itself was underwhelming – a solid 2 out of 10. For a place that brands itself as “autentico,” the flavors were flat, and the presentation was nothing special.

To top it all off, they automatically added a 20% tip to the bill. For subpar service and a forgotten meal, this felt especially insulting.

Save yourself the frustration – there are far better dining experiences to be had in Aruba. This one was a complete waste of time and money. ^** @Chris Saponara

Thank you for your response, but I have to be honest — I find it hard to understand why I would return.

Why would I come back to wait outside again, ringing a doorbell like I’m bothering someone, just to be let in when it’s convenient for your staff? Why would I risk being served another meal that tasted like it was slapped together in 30 seconds (that in fact was)— bland, rushed, and completely forgettable?

Your wait staff couldn’t have cared less about our experience. My meal was completely forgotten, and not one member of your team took ownership or even looked my way. That’s not a small mistake — it’s a complete disregard for your guests.

Saying you “wished I expressed myself while there” misses the point. Your team had every opportunity to notice and correct the issue in real time, and they didn’t.

You say you want to “put a huge smile on every guest’s heart & stomach,” but from our experience, that goal felt more like a slogan than a practice. Based on the lack of care shown by your staff, I have no reason to believe a second visit would be any...

So mixed reviews, outside covered seating was gorgeous although the view is the inside eating courtyard, service from greeting us street side to the final bill was AMAZING!!!! After discussing menu we ordered calamari ( excellent light batter and little grease) w fresh tarter for the win, gnocchi, and penne Al vodka w shrimp added….and cream brûlée

Would we eat here again, Absolutely .

Down side: Disappointed to learn after asking wait staff to ask chef if the Grouper entree(s) if they were fresh grouper or the substitute fish tilapia or pangasius ( both are farm raised asian fish yuck yuck yuck) and they came back from kitchen to inform me it was tilapia , what?)

I have seen a few restaurants that at least by their grouper entree have ( pangasius) marked.

It’s is my understanding that grouper maybe has a fresh season and likely maybe very higher costs but do we advertise and sell filet mignonette and use hamburger meat to serve. No.

So not bitching just wondering why the industry has gone this way. Likely the shrimp I added were farm raised as well, but that’s been the norm for years now. The shrimp seemed fine also.

Up side So my end take is definitely plan a visit here Be patient as seems to be made fresh to order although our meals came out pretty quickly

Again service was amazing….my water glass stayed full after a long day in the sun, ( I mentioned thus to wait staff early) They don’t add tip under 8 people, you do, the way it should be done.

Give them a try.

Owner nice reply to grouper question welcome?

( Pangasius is a white-fleshed fish with a mild taste and flaky texture. It has low-fat content and is often sold at a comparatively low price, making it very popular in the US. The freshwater fish is raised almost exclusively in large factory fish farms in its native habitat of southern Vietnam's...

"I recently had the pleasure of dining at Anna Maria's and I must say, it was an exceptional experience from start to finish. The restaurant exudes a charming and welcoming atmosphere that instantly made me feel at ease.

The menu at Anna Maria's is truly a culinary delight. The selection of dishes is extensive, offering a range of flavors and ingredients that cater to all palates. From appetizers to desserts, each dish is expertly crafted with a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

I had the pleasure of trying their signature dish, the Anna Maria's Special Pasta. It was an explosion of flavors with perfectly cooked pasta, succulent shrimp, and a delicious creamy sauce that left me craving for more. The portion sizes were generous, ensuring that I left the restaurant feeling satisfied and content.

The service at Anna Maria's is impeccable. The staff is attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable, making sure that every need is met. They go above and beyond to create a memorable dining experience for their guests. Thank you Gerry!! for the best service

The ambiance of Anna Maria's is another highlight. The restaurant is tastefully decorated, creating a cozy and intimate atmosphere. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a meal with loved ones, Anna Maria's provides the perfect setting.

Overall, I highly recommend Anna Maria's to anyone looking for an exceptional dining experience. From the delectable cuisine to the top-notch service and inviting ambiance, it is a true gem in the culinary scene. I can't wait to visit again and explore more of their mouthwatering menu."

I hope this review captures the essence of Anna Maria's and encourages others to give it a try. Enjoy your...