Wilhelmina Restaurant — Restaurant in Oranjestad (city)

Recently vacationed in Aruba for 10 days so we tried almost every restaurant that people recommended to us. We were told by a few people that it was one of the best, if not the best restaurant on the island. So we went on the night of my birthday and was extremely disappointed. We get there and the first lady was nice but she took us out side which was nice. She said we would wait a few minutes and once someone got up we would be seated. They ended up just putting us at this big round table outside in the back of the restaurant. The second lady that told us to sit asked if we wanted bottled watered we said yes. She did not ask us what type or if we wanted sparkling.

After 8 mins of waiting for a server to come or even a menu. A server walked passed us 3 or 4 times to help out the two tables across from us. When their check was presented, I also heard them ask if they needed a taxi. Which I noticed a few of the other restaurants did as well. My boyfriend started to get upset because he was already questioning why the lady didn't take us to the table originally in the inside. I being a server in my past tried to justify saying maybe we weren't in her section. 2-3 minutes later the second lady who seated us walked by and said "No, water?" and quickly walked off. The server we had seen past a few times came to the table and introduced herself and was about to open the water. It was sparkling and we actually wanted still. We stopped her before she opened it and she went and got the other bottle.

2-3 mins later the second lady comes back with the water and ask us if we are ready to order. I ordered the Lobster bisque to start off with and my boyfriend order the ceviche. The lobster bisque tasted like it was scorched. I did not return it just placed it to the side. the second lady came back and asked how everything was. We said, "Okay". She asked if I liked the soup and I let her know it had a weird after taste as if it was scorched but that I was okay. She took it back with her and later came back to tell me that she checked with the chief and it wasn't burnt and if I wanted something else. I thought it was actually pretty rude and she seemed to have an attitude about it. I tired to be nice about it but it was burnt and I've cooked enough and ate out enough to know what burnt soup taste like. I personally also would have never said that to a guest as a server but that maybe just me.

In between that time, they had brought out an appetizer of their own which was a seafood soup and I forget what it was paired with. The soup was so good, my boyfriend decided to order a bowl to go. The second lady said they do not have to go containers for soup and when he asked for it for the table she still acted like she didn't want to bring it. Even after coming back a second time to let us know our food was coming and was he sure he wanted the soup. We also ordered a bottle of wine. There were plenty of times that are water and wine glasses were low and actually empty and no one to refill. To the point when we were done with our meal, the second waitress now so the 3 rd person serving us asked if we waited to take the rest of our bottle home. Why did we even have wine left and empty glasses? because the service was horrible. For The prices of the food the service should have been amazing. which really unfortunately make us think it was because we were black. This is the only time and place on the entire island we felt uncomfortable. Those two tables across from us had the same servers and where two old white couples. I was dressed elegantly and my boyfriend in a collared button up. We were polite and respectful and received very disappointing service. We were offered dessert or a taxi. This was also the first place on the island where everywhere that worked there looked very pail and untanned, which to me was kind of odd. It was my 30th and I am happy the rest of the trip and island treated us right. Food was good but honestly over priced, and...

As an avid food lover, I have had the pleasure of dining at many fine establishments around the world, but few have left as indelible an impression as Wilhelmina in Aruba. From the moment we entered this culinary haven, we were transported to a world of unparalleled service, warm hospitality, breathtaking ambiance, and gastronomic excellence.

The first thing that struck us about Wilhelmina was the sheer beauty of its atmosphere. The restaurant exudes an air of sophistication and elegance, with tasteful decor, soft lighting, and an intimate setting that makes you feel as though you are dining in a private oasis. The attention to detail is impeccable, and every element of the restaurant's design has been thoughtfully curated to create a truly enchanting dining experience.

The staff at Wilhelmina are the epitome of professionalism and friendliness. Their genuine warmth and attentiveness made us feel like honored guests, and their passion for hospitality was evident in every interaction. From the moment we were greeted at the door to the time we bid farewell, the team at Wilhelmina went above and beyond to ensure that our evening was nothing short of magical.

Of course, the true highlight of our visit to Wilhelmina was the exquisite cuisine. We began our culinary adventure with the Ceviche, a dish that was as visually stunning as it was delicious. The presentation was a work of art, with vibrant colors and delicate garnishes that showcased the chef's mastery of culinary aesthetics. The flavors were equally impressive—fresh, tangy, and bursting with zest. Each bite was a symphony of taste and texture that left us eagerly anticipating the next course.

And then came the "Simply Truffle" pasta—a dish that can only be described as a culinary revelation. The aroma of truffle wafted through the air as the dish was brought to our table, and we knew we were in for a treat. The pasta was cooked to perfection, with a delicate al dente texture that was the ideal canvas for the rich and earthy truffle sauce. The flavors were bold yet balanced, and each mouthful was a celebration of the finest ingredients and expert craftsmanship. Without a doubt, this was one of the greatest truffle pasta dishes we have ever had the pleasure of savoring.

To complement our meal, we also ordered a side of perfectly grilled vegetables and crispy, golden French fries. Both were executed flawlessly and added a delightful contrast to the other dishes. The vegetables were tender and flavorful, while the fries were the perfect combination of crunchy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.

Wilhelmina is a culinary gem that deserves to be on the bucket list of every discerning food enthusiast. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking an unforgettable dining experience, Wilhelmina is the place to be. The phenomenal service, the friendliest staff, the most beautiful atmosphere, and the mind-blowingly high-quality food all come together to create a dining experience that is truly transcendent. Our visit to Wilhelmina was nothing short of extraordinary, and we cannot wait to return to this gastronomic...

I was so disappointed with our dining experience here. I wanted to like Wilhelmina so much. FYI: This is going to be a $200 meal for 2. First with the food: The scallop and shrimp salad was good. Textures colors were beautifully presented though it was so dark you can’t see it. The pasta, definitely homemade with delicious truffle flavors and there were mushrooms but was the truffle shaved on top? I had soup elsewhere and you could see the truffle on top. Dish was very very oily (see the puddle at bottom of the bowl) did they use truffle oil instead of shaved truffle or truffle salt and go over w the oil? Too dark I couldn’t see and no explanation. The rack of lamb lacked salt and for medium rare it was done medium so too well done but never the less a lovely still tender cut done well. No one explained how they made it- I had no idea it was like lamb done two ways first the meaty parts which were cut for you and placed in the reductions sauce then the rack was brushed with a Caribbean bbq sauce, very tasty! And then there was the lack of service or experience: we were paired with a server Samir who was new, spoke little English, and didn’t execute well and was not finished training for restaurant service. Samir was nervous and should not have been serving by himself. He forgot to put in drinks, he forgot to fill our wine and cocktails to start was forgotten. Our glasses empty and not filled by the end of the night our sparkling water bottle was still full and wasted. If it was on the table I could have filled it myself but it was not in reach. He didn’t welcome, smile, or explain anything on the menu. I felt as though others around us received better service with other servers especially the gentleman in blue who seems to be the manager. Samir gave us appetizers plates to share our main entrees when our neighbors ordered the same items and received split plates of meat entrees and smaller bowls of their pasta split in 2! For us, we had to ask for serving spoons to divide up our courses ourselves. The bread was hard and dry. After an hour still no smile or even small talk and I had 3 empty glasses 1 wine 1 cocktail and 1 water glass! I don’t like to feel like I’m getting a subpar dining Experience when others around me are getting treated better with explanations of their courses, suggestions for wine or appetizers and just plain light conversations to lighten the mood! At the end of the night not a thank you or anything encouraging but “have a safe night”. I’m thinking, who says that, I mean are we going to get robbed or something? So anyways I admit- once we got off on the wrong foot everything seemed off and no rebound from that point on. So many other little things that added up to a ruined experience for me. I am probably listing a few more petty annoyances for that reason. I just wanted to love this place so bad! The food was good. But to be honest I had an amazing pork dish and truffle risotto dish down the street that rivaled Wilhelmina in flavor combination and presentation. Maybe next year but with so many places to go to I’m not sure the price is worth this...