Old Man & The Sea Restaurant, The

We visited this restaurant on the recommendation of an acquaintance. We (4) had made reservations for 7:30 pm, but due to crowds on the road, we arrived 15 minutes late. We communicated this by phone in time and there was no problem.

Upon arrival we were surprised by the beautiful entrance, atmosphere and serenity. We checked in and were asked to take a seat at the bar. After 35 minutes of waiting, we asked anyway and were promptly seated at a table that was ready and empty at the beach!

The table was by the water, we were very slanted which was not very comfortable and we asked the waitress if she had another table for us, which she immediately did, her colleagues disagreed and decided to move our table. The waitress took our order.

The quality of the appetizer was not that good. You expect a little quality in such an environment and for such prices. We ate and gave the benefit of the doubt. The main course was even more pathetic and just bad. For an average price of 45 dollars per main course, surely you expect the fish to melt on your tongue and if you order a medium steak, it is not well done on the plate. Unfortunately we asked for the bill with our plates half full and our waitress already felt guilty and did not ask once if the dish was good or if everything was to our liking.

At checkout, the hostess did ask and when we complained, we were met with anything but understanding. She pointed out that after all, we were late and constantly attacked her colleagues. What we brought up was constantly answered with a "but....". Not very customer-friendly and hostess worthy, she also kept insisting on paying during our story. We asked the manager, she showed understanding, listened and apologized.

In short, we do not recommend this restaurant because of the shameful quality and price ratio.

Forewarned is forearmed!

The location is just okay....getting there is not easy or cheap. The ambiance is quite good. Our service was just okay. The food is pretty good BUT its very expensive AND THEY NOW ADD A SERVICE CHARGE! Okay, we assumed this meant they were adding a gratuity as our party was 7 ppl. NOPE! They added a 15% charge to cover....wait for it....broken glass and lost silverware (like when a busser throws them away). When questioned why we would have to pay this when we didnt break anything or take amy silverware, they then added that it was also to cover the wages of the kitchen staff. Wait.....isn't the $7 for a side of mashed potatoes or $60 for a meal enough to cover expenses? It is not how the other restaurants in Aruba work....i.e. Ruth's Chris or The Oak....we will.not be going back!!! It is misleading at best and dishonest IMO. It is also unfair to the wait staff. Additionally, it is not communicated to the customer. Just bad business!!!

Walking into the entrance is like walking through a beautiful articulated jungle and oasis. We walked down a wooden path through twists and turns and land at this beautiful beach with tables and couches and beds set up in a clever and beautiful bohemian way. We sat on the private dock over the top of the water. We discovered a table and chairs and the most decorated table and space under a large palapa set with a swing and couch; a most perfect space for a romantic sunset meal literally what seemed like was ripped out of the travel magazine for beautiful and exotic. I think we were all overwhelmed with what exactly we were experiencing in the moment and took us most of the evening to find the words to say but told everyone we encountered about our experience. The food was a three course. We each got a seperate app but the same surf and turf. So so Good, everything. Every bite was savored and delicious and filling. I honestly can't think of anything negative to say about this space. I plan to be back, every year, to experience the art and the beautiful that this oasis has made. Enjoy! -- Rev. Newell

Of the five restaurants we visited this was the best all around. Food is excellent, setting is classic Aruba beach dining. Wine list was a bit limited, probably due to stocking issues. Service was slow, particularly as it was not that busy, but it was friendly and warm and it was clear they wanted you to enjoy the experience. Definitely worth the drive to Savaneta. Relax and enjoy.

This was my wife and I's favorite restaurant on the Island. No more. We went there first when they just opened about 4 or 5 years ago and it was magnificent. Beach seating, similar to Flying Fishbone ( I've been told, never been there) quiet, romantic, great food and worth the price.
Last time on the Island before last week was 2 years ago and we didn't go on that trip, so our last visit to OMATS was in 2010. The service in 2010 was a little poor, but our previous 3 times at the restaurant made me think we had a server issue. It's apparently a restaurant issue.
We arrived last Wednesday at 6pm for a sunset dinner. We were seated promptly, though they were still getting the tables set up (opens at 5).
Our waitress had such a terrible accent and was so quiet, I actually had to ask her to speak up. Our water was delivered at 6:15 and our drinks didn't arrive until 6:30 (got there at 6). A table of 12 arrived for their private island (which is very nice, we did that once before). I almost left then after seeing the large table show, seeing only 2 waitresses and one busboy and 5 other tables besides us, but my wife was again loving the atmosphere and she doesn't drink so wasn't bothered by the slowness. So we stayed.
Our appetizer was great, but came at 6:50. Meanwhile the other tables all seemed to be getting the same slow service.
Our order for dinner was taken at 7:20 which was the next time the waitress bothered to come by the table. My wife ordered the Trio which was a filet mignon, saut�ed shrimp (shreens) and lobster tail, I ordered the filet mignon. Our dinner didn't arrive until 8:30.
It was delicious, but with a total bill of almost $200 it's the last time I'll ever got there.
Now some will say "You can't rush through the dinner at a place like that" and I totally agree, however not being attended to for 30 minutes at a time is unacceptable. No drink refills, no water refills, no "hey sorry we understaffed tonight". All told our drink bill was 2 sparkling waters for her, 2 Beers for me and one glass of wine with dinner.
The food was great, no issues with that at all. But if I had employees like that waiting on my customers out front like they did there, I'd go out of business soon. I'm surprised this place is still open with the poor staff they have out front.
Next night we went to El Gaucho's and were there for 4 hours, we were attended well, great service and the food was again fantastic there. I didn't rush through that dinner, yet didn't feel ignored at all. OMATS needs an overhaul.

We went to the gazebo and got engaged, she said yes!! The food was great, the gazebo was magical, the service was perfect. Can't wait to go back.

We have been to both of these restaurants in Savaneta and have never been disappointed. Last year we had the gazebo as it was too windy to sit on the beach. I cannot decide which one of these restaurants is better. We are going back the first week in March and would love to hear reviews to help us make up our minds on which to choose this year.

We went yesterday (8 peoples)to try this beach dining, the decor was wonderful, the menu is small but everybody find his way so tastefull we took the snaper papaya(really excellent but a little bit salty) with lobster tail, filet mignon and the shrimp curried pinneaple were great too!! A small place to discover!

We celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary at Old Man and the Sea with 14 guests. We did a vow renewal there as well. All we can say is FABULOUS!!!!! Worked directly with Christian who designed a perfect menu to our liking. We had gone here when they first opened and enjoyed it very much but since there had been some not too great reviews and had not returned. We are so glad we did. We could not have asked for better food, service and ambiance. We had Rocky for our waiter and he could not have been better. He was actually running through the sand delivering our orders. We rented out the gazebo and it was decorated beautifully. All our guests (including one couple who live in Aruba) had not been here before but they all stated that it will be a MUST next time in Aruba. They even sent out cabs to pick all of us up at our resort - hassel free. Again, Thanks to Christian and our Rocky for a very special night with great friends, service and food.

Have eaten there on several occasions...Rocky is an excellent waiter...atmosphere and views are enjoyable.Food is okay.