Ocean Z Restaurant — Restaurant in Aruba

Ocean Z: A Culinary Masterpiece in Aruba

As a seasoned traveler and an ardent food enthusiast, I have had the pleasure of dining in some of the world's most renowned restaurants. However, few culinary experiences have left such an indelible impression on me as my recent visit to Ocean Z, a gem of a restaurant nestled on the picturesque shores of Aruba.

From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with warmth and hospitality that set the tone for the evening. The ambiance of Ocean Z is nothing short of enchanting, with its elegant décor, soft lighting, wonderful live music, and a breathtaking atmosphere. It is a place where the beauty of nature and the artistry of fine dining converge in perfect harmony.

Our culinary journey began with the Tuna Tartar, a dish that was as visually stunning as it was delectable. The freshness of the tuna was complemented by a delicate balance of flavors and textures, resulting in a dish that was both refined and satisfying.

Next came the Caprese Salad, a classic Italian dish that was elevated to new heights by Ocean Z's talented chefs. The tomatoes were ripe and bursting with flavor, while the mozzarella was creamy and delicate. The drizzle of balsamic reduction and fresh basil leaves added a touch of sophistication to this timeless favorite.

The Pasta Primavera was a symphony of vibrant colors and bold flavors. The pasta was cooked to al dente perfection. The light, yet flavorful sauce brought the dish together in a harmonious blend of taste and texture.

As we savored the last bites of our entrées, we eagerly anticipated the grand finale: the Brownie with Vanilla Ice Cream. This dessert was a masterpiece of indulgence, with a rich, fudgy brownie that was perfectly complemented by the smooth, velvety vanilla ice cream. Each bite was a celebration of decadence that left us utterly content.

Our dining experience was further enhanced by the impeccable service provided by our server, Felicio. His warm demeanor, attentive service, and genuine passion for hospitality made us feel like honored guests in his care. Felicio's knowledge of the menu and his thoughtful recommendations added an extra layer of enjoyment to our meal.

We also had the pleasure of meeting Eva, the director of the restaurant. Her attention to detail was evident in every aspect of our experience, from the beautifully presented dishes to the seamless orchestration of the entire evening. Eva's dedication to excellence and her unwavering commitment to creating memorable dining experiences are what make Ocean Z one of the best restaurants in the world.

In summary, Ocean Z is a culinary oasis that offers an unparalleled dining experience. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking an unforgettable meal, Ocean Z is a destination that should not be missed. It is a place where the magic of Aruba and the art of fine dining come together to create a symphony of flavors that will resonate with you long...

Very underwhelming for the prices. Nice location in a boutique hotel with indoor and outdoor dining. A little off the beaten path for taxi service Back to hotels. The hostess seated us and told us what specials and signature there were but didn’t explain them. She said we could ask waitress. Waitress didn’t speak English well so couldn’t answer questions we had. I ordered tuna tartare and my husband ordered shrimp cocktail. They gave us a complimentary shrimp tasting. All good but cilantro based sauces. No issues if you love cilantro but I’m one of the people who gets the soapy aftertaste so I find too much of it overwhelming. The pumpkin soup looked interesting but the waitress and hostess said it was heavy. My husband asked for a small tasting because he thought he might like it as his appetizer but they said that wasn’t possible because they make everything when ordered and not before. Thought this was strange since we ordered the porcini risotto and it came out in 15-20 minutes when that takes a minimum of 45 minutes to cook. This entree was a dish full of mushrooms. The amount of risotto was about 1:10 to the mushrooms. Very disappointing. The other entree was the lamb chops and they were over cooked. For dessert they had only a small selection and said everything was made there. They recommended the key lime pie which was frozen and the brownie with ice cream. Another fail. The key lime was basically the cool whip key lime dessert we remembered from childhood. The brownies were stale and they only offered chocolate ice cream ( we were later told they are not made there as originally purported). We complained about the meals and desserts and I mentioned the over abundance of cilantro in the dishes. They apologized but the hostess later told me she checked with the kitchen and they said they used parsley and not cilantro. I told her that cilantro is Mexican parsley but was told I was mistaken. Evidently my palate is not sophisticated enough to distinguish the difference even though I’ve been cooking and eating my entire life. I was mistaken because it was spices not cilantro. Pricey restaurant that I wouldn’t recommend. I thought it was interesting that they said they offered veal parmigiana as an entree not on the menu. Cost was $65. Who charges that for...

Good, but not great.

Ocean Z is a unique restaurant located on the more norther side of the island past Palm Beach.

We were greeted by a friendly staff who provided us a table indoors. Be aware though it is cold inside. My wife was through provided with a couple of shawls to ward off the cold breezes.

Our server was on his first day working, and it showed. He didn’t know the menu at all and on several occasions had to leave the table to get help. He was attentive for most of the night, until check out, but well get to that in a bit.

We each go a cocktails to start things off. The Od Fashion was flavourful and well done and not watered down. My wife selected a specialty drink which was sadly too sweet, and I mean candy store sweet.

For dinner we both got the tuna which was well prepared but we noticed if cut the wrong way was a bit stringy so we sensed this may not have been sushi grade. It was placed on a bed of fresh grilled vegetables which were done perfectly.

For dessert we had a simple dish of vanilla ice cream, but candidly it seemed more like frozen milk given the crystallisation noticed when eating it.

When we checked out we literally had to help the waiter use the credit card machine, showing him which buttons to push to process the payment and get a receipt.

Overall the meal was very good, and the atmosphere pleasant. Would we go back again, probably not given its distance from things and the overall quality of food and service. There are better venues with much...