"Anna-Maria's Autentico Ristorante Italiano".

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#12 of 125 Restaurants in NoordItalian, Vegetarian friendly, $$$$

What is Travelers’ Choice?

Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

"Anna-Maria's Autentico Ristorante Italiano".

Review

At a glance

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Website

+297 586 2833Improve this listing

About

Travelers' Choice

2024

Features

CUISINES

Italian

Meal types

Dinner, Drinks

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options

FEATURES

Accepts Credit Cards

Highchairs Available

Outdoor Seating

Parking Available

Reservations

Seating

Serves Alcohol

Table Service

Wheelchair Accessible

Location

Kamay 25-M, Noord Aruba

Parking Available

Does it mainly serve crepes / waffles?

Yes

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Hours

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Closed today

Sunday

Closed

Monday

6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Tuesday

6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Wednesday

6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Thursday

6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Friday

6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Saturday

6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

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4.5

1,328 reviews

Excellent

1,046

Very good

Average

Poor

Terrible

Sue C

6 contributions

The best Italian food in Aruba

Oct 2024 • couples

We went to Anna Maria’s last night and enjoyed it very much. I felt like I was in Italy with the decor. The service was amazing. I come from an Italian family so eating Italian food at a restaurant when on vacation I typically don’t know what I will get. The food was amazing. I would recommend this restaurant to everyone. You must make reservations because they take pride in making everyone feel like they are the only ones there.

Written October 29, 2024

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Eileen G

New York City16 contributions

The “Must See” of Aruba’s Dining

Mar 2025 • couples

My husband and I just discovered this fabulous restaurant during our third trip to Aruba and were, quite frankly, blown away by the experience. During the cab ride from our hotel, the driver said that the restaurant was in a house, which had us intrigued. It was only a five minute ride, but we found ourselves away from the “busyness”. There, nestled in a peaceful retreat, was Anna Maria’s, and we wondered for a moment if we had in actuality been transported to Italy! From the moment we were greeted at the cab to the moment we ended our dinner, every member of the staff was genuinely warm, attentive, welcoming, and inviting. Every detail (down to the napkin in the bread basket with its delicate adornments) created an experience like no other. Imagine dining in a tranquil garden complete with fountains, soft music, the pleasant conversation of other guests, and of course the food! I started with the chicken soup (which delightfully brought me back to my Italian grandmother’s kitchen!) followed by the baked grouper (which had been described to a t in the menu!). My husband enjoyed a salad and the salmon, and we both remarked at the quality and freshness, not to mention the flavors, of our selections. We were relaxed, unrushed, and had a delightful time! Towards the end of our meal, Chris, the owner, introduced himself and was delighted that we had such a wonderful meal! We look forward to our next trip to Aruba and will definitely come back to Anna Maria’s!

Written March 5, 2025

Deborah A

5 contributions

Great Italian food in Aruba

Aug 2024 • family

Relaxing atmosphere on the patio of the owner's home. It is a little hard to find, however, since there is no signage. You have to ring the doorbell at the gate to gain entrance. The food is definitely authentic Italian and we especially enjoy the Sangria. We have dined there at least 3 times...this last time the service was rather slow however. We had our 2 grandchildren with us (10 and 7). They do not have a children's menu but can make a child's portion of any entree, however the child's portion is very pricy.

Written August 22, 2024

John K

2 contributions

Terrible food and service

Feb 2025 • friends

Visited AM's in February (group of 8). Have been frequenting for years and stayed loyal to Chris even when his wife split and opened her own restaurant at The Racket Club (same menu). In short, waited over 3 hours for food but we're told on several occasions that it was coming in 5 minutes. We got appetizers which were awful. When food finally arrived 3 hours later (we were the only group left in the restaurant), each of the 8 meals were cold and overdone and basically uneatable. Drink service was slow as there was no bartender. Actually one of the young servers was looking up drink recipes on his phone to make the drinks (and they were fairly simple orders). Chris (the owner) came out and made a weak excuse that his cook suddenly was out and he had to cook. Chris was also so arrogant to say that he knows the food was delicious but was sorry for the delay and gave us a free round of lemoncello drinks. The bill was still $900. Awful experience. The one good aspect is that Jerry is an outstanding host (he'sone of the reasons we kept going back), probably the best on the island. Can't imagine he will stick there much longer. Moving forward, we will be going to the Racket Club where Chris' wife is the owner/cook. She built the AMs reputation and Chris destroyed it. She is warm and meets with every table to ensure the food and dining experience meets expectations.

Written March 3, 2025

Thank you John for your comments. It took you one (1) month to write instead of expressing your discontent in person with me which is weird and suspicious, especially after reading and understanding you're here to promote another restaurant... It's true that my chef called in 'last minute' and I wasn't even prepared to jump in the kitchen however I did manage to cook for all 68 patrons and yes with delay as again I had nothing prepared to assist me to make it all easier and quicker - something I did explain right after I apologized to you all and even offered all an after dinner drink + all desserts on the house for all. Luckily I fixed the situation in making sure this will not repeat itself again and you can read that on all the reviews we've received in March 2025. To go even further all the reviews since July of 2021 to present are written by visitors while I am running my restaurant all alone by myself! To finish: Come back for you to experience what you expect & more and after we will ask you to write us another review but this time a positive one and for you not to utilize our platform in trying to promote another restaurant. Kind regards, Chris Saponara.

Written March 3, 2025

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

macman6410

44 contributions

Overrated and overpriced

Jun 2024 • family

Do not understand why this restaurant gets great reviews. It was way overpriced and not authentic Italian. My son and I had the Lasagna. It was pretty good. Made with eggs (not ricotta) and very little of anything else. Portion was average for Aruba I guess. We had 2 orders of golf ball sized (or smaller)meat balls. Four to an order which I later found out cost $18.00 per or $36.00 for two orders. My daughter had the Chicken Parm which she enjoyed. My wife had the home made Gnocchi. She added chicken for $12.00 which appeared only to be a few shreds of meat. We do not recall seeing pricing for the Chicken or the meat balls on the menu and was taken by surprise when the bill came. My wife told me that the Gnocchi we purchased fresh at Superfoods was better or at least as good for $6.00. It was an experience but we will not be returning next year. One more thing, the restaurant was located in a house on a back street and we had a little trouble locating it because of little or no signage.

Written June 26, 2024

Thank you macman6410 for your report. The reason why we have over 1.000 Excellent reviews is simply due to patrons that really know true authentic Italian cuisine which as you stated on your comments, is something you don't know nothing about as an authentic lasagna is never made with Ricotta as this is an American recipe and not an Italian one, especially not from the South of Italy. We're actually not overpriced but maybe not for everyone. We're also not located at a back street as from the entrance you're able to look straight out to most of the high-rise Hotels and the no signage is simply my idea and it's been like this for 15 years this coming October. The very best experiences to eat at in Italy are hidden gems that you'll have to find. Lastly, we never close our doors to anyone, however next time just ask for a manager or for me and we can always go about your dislikes and if they are genuine, we will know how to correct them and make sure you leave with a big smile. We wish you the very best! Chris Saponara.

Written June 27, 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Victoria G

Potomac10 contributions

Go Elsewhere!

Dec 2024 • family

I rarely write reviews for Trip Advisor but my experience at this restaurant was so aggravating, I needed to warn others. We had an 8:00 reservation and when we arrived, several other parties were waiting to be seated - all with 8:00 reservations. There was no identifiable host but eventually a harried waiter appeared and asked folks to be patient. We were left to wait outside in the courtyard among the mosquitoes. At 8:30 two parties were seated and several others simply left. At 8:45, we remained waiting with no word on when we might be seated. We wanted to leave at this point, but the location of the restaurant made this difficult, as it is in the middle of a residential neighborhood, where it is incredibly difficult to get a cab. We were finally seated at 8:50 (50 minutes after our reservation!) but then sat at our table unattended until 9:00. A waiter finally arrived and acted as if everything was fine! No apology for the wait, no acknowledgment of the inconvenience, no complementary drink - nothing. Um - restaurant management 101? Our main course arrived at 10:00 pm. They never delivered my glass of wine. The bathroom had no paper towels. The wait staff seemed completely overwhelmed. Two of our dishes were quite good, but the other two were average at best. We paid the bill, but then had to wait another 20 minutes for a cab. I have no idea how this restaurant has this rating given our experience. There is plenty of good food in Aruba. Save yourself the aggravation and go elsewhere!!!

Written January 1, 2025

Dear Victoria we thank you for taking the time to write your discontent on this platform and we're truly sorry you had to go thru this experience. We have no excuse other that we were extremely busy during the busiest time of the entire calendar year and that we cannot rush other patrons to leave because we need their table as that's not our style. We learned (the hard way) not to take too many reservations for next end of December to avoid these issues that are really quite easy to solve and deliver the experience everyone deserves and expects from us which is the reason why we have a very high percentage of return & referred guests. We hope you give us a chance next year to make it up to you so you too can become one of our many happy clients and after write us a 5 stars review like the so many we already have. Wishing you and yours a safe; healthy & prosperous 2025! Chris Saponara.

Written January 2, 2025

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Richard S

3 contributions

A disappointing experience

Dec 2024 • couples

Beautiful setting, and a novel concept. Was looking forward to dining there for the first time, as we are in Aruba every year at this time. The Reception process was disorganized, and many guests were left waiting for up to 20 minutes without being greeted on arrival. The restaurant seems understaffed, as other tables were still being set as we were seated. The Staff were always moving around very quickly, but overall our service was slow. Food was inconsistent; some dishes were delicious and hot, others mediocre and served warm at best. The place has great potential, but is not there yet in my opinion

Written December 30, 2024

Roger S

1 contribution

Great family experience

Jan 2025 • family

Ana Marie’s Italian Restaurant in Aruba is an absolute neighborhood gem! From the moment you step in, the ambiance makes you feel like you’ve discovered something truly special. It’s an intimate, exclusive experience that stands out from the typical tourist spots. The chef is incredibly talented, creating authentic, mouthwatering Italian dishes that are bursting with flavor. Each plate is carefully crafted, with fresh ingredients that make all the difference. We tried a few different dishes, and every bite was better than the last—definitely some of the best Italian food we’ve had outside of Italy! The service was also impeccable; attentive but not overbearing, and the staff really made us feel at home. If you’re in Aruba and craving a true culinary experience, Ana Marie’s is a must-visit. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel like you’re in on a local secret. Can’t wait to return!

Written January 25, 2025

Dimka448

Morganville342 contributions

Did not like it at all

Sep 2023 • couples

My experience with this place was drastically different than others reviewers. From the very beginning there was something off with this place. Yes the setting is nice, but that's pretty much it. All servers were very weird. We never felt comfortable with any of them. Total of 4 were serving us, and each one responsible for a different task and nothing else. They were sort of nice but in the way that makes you very uncomfortable. Plus they were not very good in their job. One was constantly trying to pour water into our glasses, even though we have sparkling water and he knew that. Another was trying to serve main dishes while appetizers were still on the table. And since many were involved, noone knew exactly who ordered what. Owner who stopped by to say hello actually took our orders and I guess it created confusion to the rest of the staff. One of them told us straight up that he has memory problems, and I couldn't tell if he was joking or not... Now the food ... They call themselves an Authentic Italian restaurant. I would call them a very generic Italian restaurant. Just go over their menu and you see what I mean. Even pictures of the dishes don't look very appetizing. Lots of tomato sauce in every dish. All dishes were poorly presented, with so overpowering amount of garlic that we had garlic after taste the day after. Seafood soup has a very weird cream base and overcooked seefood. We did not order desert. It also took a while to get a check as again four different waiters and no one knew what to do. All in all, we did not like this place and felt duped somehow after reading so many positive reviews here.

Written September 20, 2023

Josh Mullins

Cincinnati1 contribution

Terrible Food Quality - Way better places to eat

Feb 2025 • family

Wasted a precious vacation dinner here after being misled by all the great reviews. Our family was so excited for an authentic Italian meal and planned our whole day around it. Huge letdown - paid premium prices ($$$) for what tasted like frozen grocery store pasta and sauce. Nothing was 'authentic' or 'homemade' as they claim. Everything tasted pre-made and low quality. Really frustrated that we lost one of our few vacation dinners at this tourist trap. Save your money and your evening - go somewhere else.

Written February 2, 2025

To bad Josh you're unable to get over your nasty comments on fb from you and Jeff that now you have Kelly and yourself rewrite the exact same nasty comments on this platform where you are both wasting your precious vacation; relaxing time as we're HUGE on Tripadvisor as you can see for yourselves - now you're making me think you were sent by a low class restaurant to write these nasty unreal comments. Again as I mentioned you on fb: Put on your pants and you should of ask for a manager or myself if all you say is true but you didn't this makes you a very poor minded lad. There's absolutely nothing all of you four can do to hurt our reputation thus have fun wasting your time! Chris Saponara.

Written February 2, 2025

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Lauryn

Caribbean1 contribution

Nice Italian restaurant but bad service

Feb 2023 • none

Upon arrival we were very impressed with the design of the restaurant. It was a little hard to find and at first drove right past it. But there was a lot of parking. You have to buzz in through a gate as it looked like it was someone's house. In the backyard were about 12 tables set up with overhead fairy lights and plants hanging everywhere. Our waiter came right over and asked us if we wanted speaking or still water, as they had no tap water. I said still but the others wanted sparkling. When he came back over he forgot the still water and I had to ask for it again. I ordered penne all vodka which took 45 minutes to come and it looked pretty plain no garnish or anything. Not the best i've ever had, When we got our check there was a tax on the bottom. We were a little confused because I think we are used to the tax being included in the meal. Also when we read the menu there was a note on the bottom saying tax will only be added if there is a group of 8 people or more. So since we were confused we just wanted to ask. We called our waiter over and as I said excuse me we were just wondering what this tax was for, he cut me off mid sentence and rudely said i don't know ask someone else. I was kind of taken aback because that was rude and he just rushed off. It wasn't even that busy so I didn't like that he did that. A different waiter helped us and he was nice. Overall that last interaction with my waiter left a bad feeling for me about the place. I would say that if the service was improved this place could be better. The food took way too long to come out for how average it was and overpriced. I would not go back and would look into better Italian restaurants here in Aruba.

Written March 7, 2023

janetblum

Naples5 contributions

Delightful experience

Feb 2025 • couples

Delightful experience having dinner in Christian’s cozy garden. The staff couldn’t have been friendlier or more attentive. The ambiance was peaceful - Sitting in the gardens of a beautiful home was different. It was a nice touch that the owner, Christian, comes around and has conversation with his guests. We enjoyed our pasta with seafood but the dessert was most unique. He called it “sausage”- it was chocolaty with a variety of crushed nuts (poor explanation of a special dessert) Overall we recommend having dinner here.

Written February 25, 2025

Amancia H

Bryans Road51 contributions

PICTURE PERFECT

Jul 2023 • couples

We dined at Anna-Maria's Autentico Ristorante Italiano and had meals that would have made the gods jealous. Picture yourself in paradise having the meal of your life and not wanting it to ever end. Now, add impeccable service and you would call that picture perfect. You are escorted from the gate to your seat and you will notice the ambiance is one of class and relaxation. We were assisted by a 3-person team who took care of all of our needs without question and in a seamless manner. This is the type of teamwork that you want and expect at a quality restaurant. We started with an appetizer of fresh burrata with arugula, tomatoes, shaved Parmesan, and just the right amount of vinaigrette. It normally comes with prosciutto; however, Anna-Maria's specializes in customizing your meal and will happily adjust it to ensure that you get exactly what you want. It was my significant other's first time having the burrata and she loved it. You should know that the burrata is made fresh on the island and not imported. My significant other had Fettuccine All' Alfredo with cream, pieces of ham, and grated Parmesan cheese. The Alfredo sauce was fresh, the fettuccine al dente, and the ham just the right size. You know the food is outstanding when the little lady leaves nothing on her plate. My meal was the Linguini Al Pesto Di Basilico consisting of linguini with basil cream, pine nut kernels, garlic, and virgin olive oil. The linguini was al dente and the other ingredients melded together where no one particular ingredient overpowered the other. This is the perfect pesto sauce that blends in with the other ingredients and becomes a part of the linguini. It should be noted that the basil is grown fresh in the garden. Did I mention the bread? Perfectly made and, of course, fresh with a side of olive oil and grated Parmesan cheese. You cannot conclude a meal without dessert. In this case my significant other had the Profiterole which is a croissant puff filled with ice cream and drizzled with chocolate syrup. It was so good that she forgot that I was there. I had the Coppa di Gelato which was fresh gelato with whipped cream drizzled with chocolate. Warning! You will consume a lot of calories if you have the aforementioned meals but, since we were on vacation, we did not care and neither should you! Paradise requires a reservation and it is very easy to make one on the website. The price is extremely reasonable for the quality of the food, ambiance, and service.

Written July 20, 2023

Bruce B

Vineland259 contributions

Italian Meals Not To Be Missed

Oct 2024 • family

Once again, my wife and I dined in the intimate setting of Chris Saponara’s Anna Maria’s Autentico Ristorante Italiano. Chris serves Italian dishes of his own creation in a secluded garden at the back of his home. They are the best Italian dishes we’ve ever had. By the way, we live where Italian restaurants are commonplace and we’ve eaten at Italian restaurants in Boston, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, etc. Chris’s dishes are light and complexly flavored. If you are in Aruba, do not miss Anna Maria’s.

Written October 27, 2024

keith s

1 contribution

best dining experience in aruba

Oct 2024 • couples

Upon recommendation from family my wife and I dined at Anna-Maria's on October 9th unbeknown the restaurant's 15th anniversary. We were pleasantly surprised as we were greeted at the entrance by staff and walked us through the garden to our table. Shortly thereafter the owner Chris came over and explained how the restaurant came about and his hospitality made us feel like we were long lost relatives, In honor of their anniversary Chris provided a glass of prosecco to all the guests and thanked everyone as if we were all close friends having dinner. I must say this was one of the most memorable dining experiences my wife and I have ever had! The food was amazing and service top notch! We look forward to returning and a special thank you to Chris and his staff! Last of all Chris you were right best tiramisu I have ever had! Thanks again , your new friends Kelly and Keith from New York.

Written October 13, 2024