I have just returned from my first visit to Bonaire. I had the wonderful experience that most of you readers and writers have reported. I feel uncomfortable reporting a "full" trip report as my buddy and I are really novice divers, and although our experience was really fantastic, I lack good photos (my new little dive camera was usually floating towards home more reliably than my compass).I am an avid cook and host and do feel that I can comment on our dining experiences.Our evening meals for two were in the $65 to $85 range (Richard's a bit more) but we order appetizers, often specials...and a few wines or beers each... I thought that eating out in Bonaire was really reasonable...

Overall: The food was great, service usually equal.

Standouts:
It Rains Fishes... on the harbor is a special place. The food was served hot from the kitchen and well spiced. The whole feeling was great.

Richard's....We saved Richard's for the last night of our stay. Popped in early afternoon and "Richard" himself took our reservation. It is a beautiful restaurant and all of the dishes were prepared and presented beautifully.We both had specials so I cannot recommend a specific menu item, but the meal was great.

Next In Line:
Donna and Georgio's...Good Food, they were really packed the evening we were there...with many take-out orders as well. It was slow, but Donna was around to talk, the waitstaff was very nice and as my mom used to say, "if you are afraid of a wait at a restaurant...why not just eat at home?"

Casablanca...The grilled dinner for two is just too too much for two people. Some of the meat was great, some not as great, but when I go back(and I certainly hope that I can), I will order one item off the menu rather than so much food.Service again was wonderful.

Lost Penguin...ate here twice for lunch. Owners and waitstaff very friendly. Eggs Benedict were great.Good French Fries too, but I have eaten more "fries" in the last week than I have eaten for Quite a while...but OK...I ate them all...

One mention....we went to another hotel every evening for a drink or two before dinner just to sort of check them out, the last night when we had reservations for 8:30 at Richard's we walked into Lighthouse Bar and Grill next to the Harbor Village. This is a super new and super clean looking space. It sits right on the water and the owners (Sue and Will?)were just about as nice as people get...he European and she very New York... I loved thir story about how they met(in Bonaire 'natch, and how they ended back there.) Will talked about 15 minutes on how he selects fish for the restaurant, and I just know the food there must be great...I do not ever break reservations....but if I had one more night to eat in Bonaire it would definitely have been Lighthouse.

If you are planning a trip soon...I envy you. Bonaire was one of the greatest vacations I have ever had...

Ahhh, you have said it so well, great food, great service, reasonable, all in a wonderful setting. The reason we travel! We have a trip planned this September for two weeks and will eat out every night. Thank you for taking the time to post your reviews. Must check out Lighthouse...

Thanks 4 sharing your Bonaire-experience!
I'll keep the Lighthouse-tip in mind.
We also thought It Rains Fishes stood out. Good eating in a wonderful atmosphere.

John...
You must try the Mona Lisa - either dining in the Bar (a limited bar menu - Bar Hap) or in the dining room, both of which are delightful. It's by far our favorite restaurant. Carol

Thanks for sharing! How I long to be dining while watching a Bonaire sunset!!

I agree about Mona Lisa. It is wonderful. So was Cappricio's. Bonaire is not at a loss for good restaurants.

Too bad you didn't get to eat at the Lighthouse...........now you'll have to go back . Will and Sue are great hosts and the food is wonderful.

The Lighthouse is a MUST! The seared Tuna is to die for. Our First Trip to Bonaire spent 2 weeks 7/9 -7/23. Ate at the Lighthouse our second night on the Island and again our last night on the Island.Thought it was the absolute best of all the places we ate, and not to mention Will & Sue's wonderful hospitality. Other Great places, Its Raining Fishes, Casablanca (Great Steak, if you need a break from fish), Mangos, The Lost Penguin just mention a few. Bonaire is not lacking for great food. We eat in San Francisco often....never had Tuna as perfect as I had at The Lighthouse!! Only been home a week...ready to go back!

We're planning our first trip to Bonaire September 12-19; so appreciated the insights about the restaurants.

My wife and I are both vegetarians. Can anybody out there suggest some good eating places that can easily accommodate vegetarians?

Use the search feature and you will find plenty of information.