Dessalines Haitian Caribbean Cuisine — Restaurant in San Nicolaas

THE SERVICE:

Friendly greeting upon entering the restaurant. Our party was promptly seated, provided menus, and our drink orders were taken shortly thereafter. The waitress was very knowledgeable about the food preparation style easily clarifying questions.

Our food arrived well timed but one dish was sent back because the protein was significantly undercooked. This created some disappointment because it left one person unable to enjoy their entire meal with the group.

The waitress did not return to our table to check in, and we were not offered any refills on our beverages.

THE FOOD:

I ordered the Grouper served with a Creole sauce paired with green fried plantains , pikliz, stewed vegetables, and Haitian Black mushroom rice. The fish was seasoned and cooked to my desired preference. The sauce was savory and vibrant, but not spicy. All side dishes tasted good and were complimentary. However, I found myself missing the traditional Haitian spice- especially with the Pikliz because it was very mild in heat.

My tablemates enjoyed their meals highlighting the flavor profiles- portions were satiating.

THE ATMOSPHERE:

The restaurant is relatively small but they make good use of the space. There’s a lovely cultural mural alongside a main wall making for an intriguing talking point.

We did experience awkwardness when the bill was presented tucked inside a novel. When we opened to the page containing the bill, the chapter title was very off putting creating unease- “Dead In a Ditch”. When I asked the hostess why my bill was presented in this manner she informed me they were going for uniqueness.

Seeing as we drove to the restaurant which was approximately 35 minutes away from our resort- the last thing we would want to have in the atmosphere is being dead in a ditch.

I strongly recommend discontinuing using that novel to present guests with their bill.

I can appreciate the desire to leave an impression- perhaps use a book with vibrant pictures depicting Haitian art and cultural traditions- along with...

My husband and I just LOVED the place. We were looking for a solid restaurant that is not overflown by tourists, and this was it! It was full of super friendly and smiling locals, and the food was just DELICIOUS! We had never had Haitian food prior to coming here, and we wish we had found it earlier. My husband's fish was cooked perfectly, not dry, just melting in our mouths. The pork dish I ordered was so full of flavour and nothing like I ever had before. And our appetizers, the veggie bouyon and pork with pineapple - GODFRIGGINDAMMIT, SO GOOD. Plus the staff - the Lady looking after us was the kindest ever. If we ever come back to Aruba, we'll make sure to visit again. Thank you for an...

Okay.. writing this while I'm still here... This is a 5 star restaurant. Haitian pizza with griot. There are non pork items... The grio isn't dry... The sauce perfect... This was a hit! My rib meal was tasty! Mac and cheese tasty! My drinks sooo tasty! Best drinks I've had.. Price was reasonable! More then reasonable! my cousin had the salmon which she said was cooked to perfection. We had salmon last night at the vue rooftop. We had to send it back to get a second order because I was was overcooked. so I was nervous about trying a second salmon, but this was done well! The vibes, esthetic, and music was on point. My last day here and I'm glad I...