At Sea Restaurant Bonaire — Restaurant in Bonaire

At Sea is an underrated gem, a superb restaurant that greatly exceeded my expectations. I've been to dozens of Michelin starred restaurants around the world, and I think At Sea deserves a Michelin star.

On our first visit, we had the 6-course "Surprise Menu" with the wine pairing. In the US, we're accustomed to seeing this called a "prix fixe" menu, or "omakase" if Japanese. We were certainly pleasantly surprised at every dish! There were actually 3 precourses, various small bites that were all very enjoyable, and paired well with a glass of Champagne. Then the real magic started. Each of the 6 dishes was exquisite — delicious, beautiful, creative, and complex. And each of the 6 wines was thoughtfully paired with the food and complemented it well. And the chef/owner, Jeroen van der Steen, personally came out to serve and explain each dish and wine pairing. It was an amazing experience from start to finish.

Jeroen mentioned that if we were to return and have the Surprise Menu again, every dish and every wine pairing would be different. So we returned two days later, and once again we were surprised and wowed! One standout dish was a ceviche made from locally hand caught lionfish, served with mango and tarragon, perfectly paired with a Verdejo from Rueda. Another standout dish was an incredibly tender sous vide short rib, paired with a very nice Gamay from Régnié in Beaujolais. The progression from light dishes to heavy dishes, then cheese and dessert, was just right. And once again, Jeroen cheerfully served and explained each dish and wine pairing.

There are many restaurants that serve a good multi course prix fixe menu. Few of them have such a thoughtful wine pairing. But nobody we've ever seen before can come up with a completely different menu just for us, the way Jeroen did. And in big cities where one might normally find such an experience, I would expect the price to be far more than the $165 (per person) I paid for 7+ courses with wine pairings.

It was low season on Bonaire, which explains why Jeroen was able to give us so much personal attention. But we think his restaurant is extraordinary, and he deserves to be busier. We didn't order anything off the regular menu, which I'm sure would be a fine experience as well. If you want a fabulous fine dining experience, with attentive service, an ocean view, and very reasonable prices, don't...

Absolutely phenomenal. Our dinner at At Sea on Bonaire was easily one of the most memorable culinary experiences we've had in years. My wife and I opted for the 6-course surprise menu with the wine pairing, and from the very first bite to the last sip, it was an unforgettable evening that struck the perfect balance between elegance, creativity, and genuine hospitality.

Each course felt like a carefully curated story, imaginative yet approachable, using bold Caribbean flavors in refined, modern ways. The pacing was spot on, and the portions were generous enough to satisfy, yet left us eager for the next reveal. Every dish came out beautifully plated and explained with care. You could sense the pride and craftsmanship in every element.

And then there was the wine pairing. Not just an afterthought, but a masterclass in complementing flavors. The sommelier’s selections surprised us in the best way possible, with each glass enhancing the food in unexpected but delightful ways. It wasn’t just pairing, it was a dialogue between plate and glass.

The ambiance was relaxed and upscale, with a peaceful garden setting and a welcoming atmosphere. The staff were warm, attentive, and genuinely enthusiastic, which only elevated the experience.

If you're looking for a dinner that celebrates fine dining without the fuss, something truly special, At Sea is a must. We left inspired, completely satisfied, and already talking about when...

Last month we dined at Eleven Madison Park for my birthday, and it was wonderful, but I’m not sure we would return again, not at least until the menu changes with the season. This past week we dined At Sea Bonaire for her birthday, and then a few days later returned again to experience a completely new menu, just for us. I would return again and again and again. Chef Jeroen van der Steen personally attended to us throughout the evening, not only expertly describing the wines and dishes prepared for us, but also actively engaging us in conversations about the island, about food, about life, philosophy, language…. Each dish is an extraordinary delight. Upon our second visit, the chef opened a 13 year old bottle of Bordeaux he has been personally cellaring, for our third course pairing. But I am just describing the icing on which was each night a beautifully constructed menu and wine pairing, with everything so creative, and delivered to the table by the chef with joy and happiness upon his face. The first night he laughed as he delivered our final “wine pairing” for it was not a wine at all, but a carefully constructed “strawberry cheesecake cocktail” paired with the most strawberry dessert your mind could conceive of. I cannot say enough. Get there before Michelin does, because this chef is destined for the...