Anna-Maria's Autentico Ristorante Italiano

We were told by a couple of people to go here. Before we got there, it wasn’t good so I should have known. Finding this place was awful- no signs anywhere and having to drive through back roads was not easy. I called the owner to get better directions and he was so rude and told a story about a woman in her 60’s called for directions and got there fine. Actually, the conversation w the owner was a turn off- I should have turned around there. I waited over 25 minutes for my drink while everyone else at my table got there’s. There was a party of 12 at the restaurant that had their table collapse on them!!! Never have seen such a thing- glad no one was hurt! Agree w other reviews that the calamari was tasteless and the little salad I got on the plate was not worth $15!! My salmon was mediocre and the desserts were just ok. The cannoli was not got good- not sure if the ricotta was spoiled or what but the taster was off and ricotta was little chunky. The waitstaff was so slow. The only thing I remotely like was the ambiance BUT having to be buzzed in and out was something I didn’t like at all. This was a one and done experience.

Our friends recommended this place. Don’t know why. First, it’s located in a dark, rundown side street in an unsafe area. The security gate has to be unlocked to get in or out. They told us not to wait outside the gate for a cab. The place smelled like a fireplace. It was humid and buggy.
The Burrata appetizer was very good. We should have stopped there. The special eggplant parm was cold and not completely cooked. The pasta was also cold. The lasagna was horrible. The chicken parm, small portion for $35. The owner was sarcastic, unapologetic and rude. DO NOT EAT HERE!

This restaurant has it all! From the moment you're greeted warmly at the front gate to the moment the restaurant staff calls you a cab at nights end, you are guaranteed an experience that you will treasure & never forget... and you'll be counting the days until you return! Ambiance is an understatement, and the owner, Christian, welcomed each guest personally. It was such a pleasure to be in his company and in the company of his pleasant, smiling staff!
Our meals were to die for! I had the 'Linguini AL Pesto Di Basilico' with shrimp' & my husband had the 'Gnocchi Con Suggo El Pomodoro'... absolutely scrumptious! The lush basil plants are grown right on the gorgeous grounds and smell heavenly!
When you're in Aruba, do yourself a favor, put this restaurant at the top of your 'must do' list and make a reservation!

We ate here before the Anna Maria had left. Service was poor. Owner angry if you politely asked a question. Just went to Agriento last night. Soothing atmosphere. Like eating at your mothers kitchen table. Felt like home. Food was unbelievable. Going back for a second time this week! Salmon carpaccio for breakfast!

Our family had a wonderful meal! The service was impeccable and the food delicious as always.

Highly overrated restaurant. Someone said: It’s the best kept secret on the island. Hopefully it stays this way. Even though the service and ambiance were fine, the food was a disaster. My grouper filet was not a grouper at all. The side of pasta was swimming in pasta water, at least a half of a cup. The pasta entrees for the rest of our party was drowning in sauce. Looked like soup with spaghetti. Calamari appetizer had no flavor. I don’t mind paying premium prices for good food, but this was blatant ripoff.

We just got back from this restaurant. We loved that it was in the middle of nowhere. It was cozy and private. The owner kept making sure that we were ok, We left our all inclusive hotel and tried this restaurant from a friend who recommended it. We left full and happy. Yes, it was a little pricey.. but the food was fresh and they cared what you thought of your experience. I would definitely come back! I don’t mind paying a little more for fresh and authentic Italian cuisine.

Very expensive, small portions and a very long wait.

I placed my review on Trip Advisor giving this place a 3 out of 5. I praised the place for its cozy and tuscany feel. I enjoyed the unique experience of going inland to their beautiful home to dine. Why I gave it a 3 is because of the portion size of a bowl of pasta and meat sauce for 29.00. My opinion is it is not worth the price. The items on the menu are not always available and you only find out after you order and now you have to order again. I can not see how you are running out of food at 6:30 but it is what it is. The nasty owner of this place blasted me back on Trip Advisor and said that my comment about being over priced was childish and foolish. I then started to read other reviews on his trip advisor page and he blasted so many customers for not praising his place, he is nasty and unproffessional. I live near Little Italy home of top of the top Italian Chefs where a plate of authentic pasta would never cost you more than 20.00 and you would not even be able to finish the plate. If this guy Christian keeps talking trash to his customers the way that he does then it is only a matter of time that Anna Maria's will be out of business.

We waited an hour for a salad. 2 hours for the dinner. Service was so slow and then the food was just average. When the owner finally arrived we complained. He said he had a meeting and could not be there to help. It was just terrible. No discount and then they had the nerve to add a gratuity on our bill. We and our group will never go there again. When you see other people complain on this site do yourself a favor and don't go. The owner is not even nice or friendly. Just bad manners.