Sole Mare

This is our 2nd visit to The Sole Mare. and we will return as often as we get back to Aruba. I am planning our 7th and 8th weeks back in Aruba. Everything, absolutely everything was excellent. nothing more can or need be said.

We had been a long time customer of this restaurant even with the change in ownership and always found a reason to return. Unfortunately as is reflected from some of the other reviews, it has fallen into the pack with smaller portions, higher prices and food not as distinctly tasty.

While the "Early Bird" specials are probably still worthwhile, the regular dinner has probably moved this place from very good to above average. Examples, the Tomato Soup Pamadori was too salty, the entree protions were about two-thirds of their previous size, decent taste ut not especially tasty, and the prices went up noticably. All in all, it has become just a middle of the road Italian restaurant for those of us spoiled from being from the East Coast of the States.

The food is consistently excellent as is the service. My husband and I have been frequenting this restaurant since it opened and when on Aruba we dine there at least twice during our timeshare week.

This restaraunt was lovely and the hostess charming. We came looking for pizza which they did not offer. Instead I had a plate of spagetti and meatballs, my husband a Chicken Ceaser salad. The food was adequate but not overly impressive. When the bill came we found we had been overcharged for Chicken Alfredo instead of Chicken Ceaser the salad. When we called over the waitress she argued that the charges were correct. Finding we were getting no where we asked for the manager. The waitress called over another waitress to clarify the bill. It took 10 more minutes before we got the manager who promptly corrected the bill.

For years Sole Mare has been the palce we eat at the first night on the island. Although ownership has changed several of the same familiar and friendly staff remain. The prices have significanly increased over the last few years (same at many places on the island) but the quality and qauntity is still very good.

Our family loved this restaurant sooo much we have gone 2 times this week! It was amazing! The staff are wonderful friendly and inviting! The food wonderful! We had heard about the pasta made in the parmesan wheel.... ANd it was so good! Such a neat thing to watch! My daughter was amazed! They pour whiskey that is lit into the large Parmesan wheel and melt the cheese then pour in your pasta with this amazing sauce into it and toss it together...then twirl it beautifully onto your plate! It is to die for! So good! The brushettacaprise was great! Sangria wonderful!

GREAT restaurant!
AWESOME service!
FOOD was so fresh and delicious!
My husband said it was the best Italian he'd EVER had.

Tiramisu was SO different and GREAT!

Finding decent Italian in the Caribbean is not an easy task. This was our first visit to Sole Mar and we just walked in on a Sunday evening at the last minute.

Shrimp Cocktail - AMAZING

Everything else - decent. Growing up in NY and NJ, we have gotten used to top notch Italian food. While by no means was anything bad - it by no means compares to home.

We enjoyed our meal and would return if we had a craving for Italian while on the Island again.

With new ownership, there are new issues. Upon arrival with a reservation, we had to wait for a table for at least 10 minutes, and were told that they only wanted to use the front half of the restaurant. The new owner had a bit of a cocky attitude when we asked why we werent being seated. I remember in the past when this place was packed every night, but not now, so I guess they want to seat people in the front near the windows to look as if it is a full house.
I must say that the food was excellent, but the prices have definitely gone way up, which is probably the reason for the loss of customers. The wine list is ok, but the prices, if you know wine, are off the charts.
Rotini with broccoli rabe and sausage was delicious, as was the osso bucco and veal parm.

Sole Mare is by far our favorite Italian Restaurant in Aruba. We were sure when the ownership changed we would need to find a new favorite but much to our surprise it is as good if not better than before. On our most recent trip we ate at Sole Mare twice in one week. The food is delicious, served piping hot, the Sangria is perfect and the desserts and Lemon Cello are divine.