Lima Bistro — Restaurant in Oranjestad (city)

In the interest of balance I’ve split my review in two

The good: The restaurants location is amazing, the terrace outside is breezy, and romantic the inside is more bustling and vibey. We were there to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary we appreciate good food and this was our treat and in the main the food was delicious and well presented. The lobster risotto was excellent. The mahi mahi was perfectly cooked, the sweet potato and chorizo side was delicious. The host gave us a warm welcome. Our server knew the menu well and was able to help navigate gluten free substitutions and options.

The not so good: we had informed the restaurant ahead of time that we were there for a special anniversary meal. But unusually for an occasion of this importance there was no mention made by the staff, no complimentary drink, no corny chocolate plate, not even a questions asked about our visit to Aruba; When a couple start a meal with a glass of Prosecco it’s usually because they are celebrating but sadly our server was all business.

My starter was a beet salad. I roast beets all the time at home and have eaten beet salad in more than a few Michelin starred restaurants in my years so although not claiming to be an beet expert I feel at least placed to have an opinion. I was disappointed that the beets themselves were tasteless, watery and unseasoned, the chocolate flavour was too sweet and overpowering. This salad needed more salt and more chilli to not feel like a dessert. After the starter was cleared the server did not ask how it was but rather said “everything good!?” When I tactfully explained that the salad lacked seasoning I was told “to your taste..” I don’t appreciate being told how to feel about a plate of food. A sincere acknowledgment and an apology at the very least in this scenario is the correct way to deal with guests. We wondered whether it was a language issue, but we both speak Spanish well and after overhearing how the same server dealt with Spanish speaking guests we saw that although knowledgable some further training was needed with her bed side manner.

After our mains which were delicious apart from the underseasoned overcooked Bok Choi we decided to forego another dessert and order a cocktail. I asked the server is they could make a Mexican mule, a pretty straightforward tequila based cocktail. I was brought a Moscow mule. Easy mistake to make if you’re not listening to the customer. I explained the mistake and was promptly told that the barman couldn’t make that cocktail but he could make a margarita. Baffling! Simply swap out the vodka for tequila. The cocktails that eventually came were fantastic by the way. By this time the restaurant was busy and you could sense the anxious looks in our direction, despite the earlier reassurance to take our time by a manager it was clear they wanted the table back so we didn’t stay for more drinks.

When paying the cheque rather than apologising for the missteps the server was heavy on the cross sell to the sister restaurant.

The restrooms looked like they were shared with other businesses as they didn’t fit the aesthetic and cleanliness of the restaurant. There was no paper towels in the female rest room. At this price point you’d expect decent hand soap and towels.

It’s the details that make or break an experience at a restaurant and once ironed out this place could be a real gem.. but for now it’s...

Nestled along the picturesque waterfront of Aruba, Lima Bistro is a culinary gem that offers an unforgettable dining experience. This Peruvian restaurant is a must-visit for anyone seeking to indulge in the rich and diverse flavors of Peru, all while enjoying the breathtaking views of the shimmering waters.

As soon as we entered Lima Bistro, we were greeted by the warm and welcoming staff, who promptly escorted us to our table. The restaurant's ambiance was a harmonious blend of elegance and comfort, with tasteful decor and soft lighting that created a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

The meal began with a delight: freshly baked sourdough bread that was served warm and accompanied by a flavorful dipping sauce. The bread was crusty on the outside and soft on the inside, and it was the perfect way to whet our appetites for the culinary journey ahead.

Next, we were treated to the tuna tostados, which were nothing short of exquisite. The dish featured perfectly-sized tuna atop crispy tostados, garnished with a medley of fresh ingredients that added a burst of color and flavor. Each bite was a symphony of textures and tastes, with the richness of the tuna complemented by the crunchiness of the tostados.

The ceviche was another standout dish that showcased the restaurant's mastery of Peruvian cuisine. Made with fresh and succulent seafood marinated in citrus juices, the ceviche was a refreshing and tangy delight. The dish was beautifully presented, with vibrant hues that reflected the lively spirit of Peru.

The best part of our meal was the mahi mahi entrée. The fish was cooked to perfection, with a moist and flaky interior and a golden crust that added a delightful crunch. The dish was served with a delectable sauce that enhanced the natural flavors of the mahi mahi, and the accompanying sides were thoughtfully chosen to create a harmonious and satisfying meal.

Throughout our dining experience, the service at Lima Bistro was impeccable. The staff was attentive and knowledgeable, and they were more than happy to answer our questions and offer recommendations. Their genuine hospitality added an extra layer of enjoyment to our visit.

In summary, Lima Bistro is a culinary destination that should not be missed by anyone visiting Aruba. From the delicious food to the stunning waterfront location, every aspect of the restaurant is designed to create a memorable dining experience. Whether you're a fan of Peruvian cuisine or simply looking for a place to enjoy a special meal, Lima Bistro is...

I want to start by saying, overall, the atmosphere, service, and experience at this restaurant was exactly what we were looking for. We were well attended to, and many around us enjoyed their meals. After booking on Open Table, my friend and I arrived promptly for our meal. The restaurant came highly recommended by another fine dining establishment on the island, and we were eager for another wonderful meal. Upon being seated, we were rather cramped in the restaurant. The tables against the right wall of the restaurant are so close together, it’s hard to move to your seat without disrupting the table next to you. Upon meeting our waiter for the night, I informed him again of my severe tree nut allergy (as I had denoted in the reservation) and we placed our orders. My friend saw our waiter add the allergy as a note as he input our entrées on the tablet. We started our meal with a bottle of white and the scallops which were delicious. Following this, our entrées came out. They looked beautiful, and we were eager to start eating. I had the tuna steak, which came with a side of fried rice. I didn’t have a bite of the fried rice until a little while into the meal. I tried the tuna steak and the zucchini first- then when I tried a bite of the fried rice, I knew something was wrong. My stomach sank as I started to feel an allergic reaction come on, and I looked down at the rice to find whole pecans scattered throughout the dish. If you’ve ever had an allergic reaction before, you know it’s a very scary experience, as it’s hard to gauge how your body will react. I’ll spare the details of this reaction, but it was significant enough to end our night, and cause severe discomfort and danger for me. As soon as the waiter came back to the table, we informed him of the allergen in the rice, and he sent for his manager. She came over to apologize, and said she would be covering the cost of our meal for the night. It was an extremely nice gesture, but unfortunately the damage was done, and there wasn’t much that could remedy the situation. My friend and I left the restaurant after thanking them, and had an uncomfortable night trying to remedy my reaction. I would highly caution against trying this restaurant if you have dietary restrictions, as they do not seem to be taken very seriously, and I will not be returning. If you have no restrictions, I would highly recommend...