The Pastechi House — Restaurant in Oranjestad (city)

The owner is so friendly and welcomes you in with open arms! We had to try a little of everything. So we had empanadas. Cheese, Ham and Cheese, Spanikopita, and Chicken. There where many others but those were the ones that we tried. They are very small but very filling and completely and utterly addictive. They also have a cheese stick that is wrapped in a light doughy pastry called a Derido, I think that's the name either way they are delicious. They have many other things on the menu including iced coffee they have soda pop as well as water and many other delicacies to try but that's what we ate and we loved them. Now the thing you have to know is that they have sauces that you can dip your empanada in. Their spicy sauce is really spicy and delicious, they have a honey mustard sauce, and they have what I would call a garlic ranch type sauce. just ask for a sample of each they come in small containers and that way you can see what you like for yourself. one thing that's very important is to note they only take cash. this is a definite stop when you're in Aruba. While you sit outside I hope you get to see the trolley because the trolley actually goes right in front of The...

I was very, very excited to find this place after numerous recommendations from others, and, social media notoriety...

I consider myself a "pro" when it comes to these dumpling shaped snacks... here in Aruba, they're called "pastechi" [pahs TEH chee], while in the Dominican Republic, they're called "pastelitos" or in Mexico, "empanadas" -- anyway you pronounce it, this place was suppose to be one of the best... it wasn't... lots of fanfare outside on the facade of the building, but the product was not impressive...

a very small amount of ground beef (labeled "Angus steak") was surrounded by a large amount of pastry dough... the taste was bland...

The crust did have a flakyness, but the really small amount of meat, the lack of cleanliness of the location, and the standoffishness of the older gentleman at the register, really let me down for a long awaited experience...

Not tasty, the beef variety is pictured, price is very reasonable at around $2 USD a piece...

One highlight is their bathroom is very clean and private... ask for the key...

I included a lot of photos in anticipation of trying this...

Justo Justo Justo! What can I say about this place besides amazing? We had such a great experience here, every staff member was excellent and customer service was bar none. Justo especially, made us feel special and really made our last day.

We had gone earlier in the week to try their crab cakes, as they are a favorite of mine. However, when we went they were out of them! The owner, Justo, heard that we were crab cake lovers and said he would make it up to us. Little did we know that we would get a thoughtful email detailing how he was able to get the ingredients, and told us to come back the next day to try them.

Let me say it was well worth the wait! Justo went above and beyond to make us feel special, and the crab cakes were divine! We ate them while watching the sunset at Eagle Beach, and it was the perfect ending to our trip in Aruba.

DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND STOP BY PASTECHI HOUSE!

Thank you...