THE JOURNEY - To Culinary Excellence

5.0

52 Reviews

$50 and over

International

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 29, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 2 times today

Experiences are available.

Good for special occasions
Charming
Innovative

Next to the 'Old Mill' in Aruba you'll find a unique new restaurant, 'The Journey'. Michelin star trained chef Patrick van der Donk (old Amuse Bistro) has made a very intimate chef's table concept.

Credit card information will be required in order to hold reservation as well confirmation by phone .

Not your usual bar seating set-up! Here you are able to dine at you own separate tables and still have a view of the chef creating your 5-course meal for a max of 20 guests per evening.
Price $130 per dinner and $80 for the optional wine paring, small bar available.
The evening starts on our cozy lounge with delicious hors d'oeuvres and bubbles, inside at a small and stylish set-up the chef will prepare every dish in front of his guests taking time to invite his guests over for a chat, he might even ask to help plating his dishes which gives a truly extraordinary dining experience. The menu changes frequently, classic dishes with a twist prepared with the best ingredients.

Additional information

Dining style
Fine Dining
Price
$50 and over
Cuisines
International, Contemporary American, French
Hours of operation
Mon–Fri 7:00 pm–7:15 pm
Phone number
565 0535
Website
http://www.thejourneyaruba.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive chef
Patrick van der Donk
Catering
The Journey has its own catering company, Amuse Catering, with many years of experience. We have served many, from a big group of loyal locals to big events for the government, the Royal Dutch family and many other stars coming to the Island. Weddings events on the beach we also cater, set-up and organize.
Private party facilities
The Journey is a unique spot for small events. Small Weddings parties, birthday parties or business events.

Location
330 L.G. Smith Blvd, next to the old Windmill, Oranjestad, Palm Beach 00000
Neighborhood
Aruba
Cross street
opposite of Riu hotel
Parking details
Private Lot
Additional
Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Gluten-free Options, Outdoor Smoking Area, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

Copy of Copy of Chef's Table
$130.00 per person
Multiple dates available
The stand-alone tables which seats only 20 patrons the five-course chef’s choice pre-fixe menu will take your taste buds on a world tour. Once you arrive at your destination, the exciting expedition begins with a toast of bubbles on the terrace. Inside, an amuse bouche showcases the chef’s imagination and previews the palate-pleasing experiences to come. You can opt to pair your courses with the sommelier’s expertly curated choice of fine wines by the glass, or order a bottle from the impressive wine list. With the open kitchen, you witness the chef work on his eye-pleasing creations. By the end of the evening you will have made many new friends as you have all enjoyed such an excellent shared experience of culinary bliss. Bon Voyage!

What 52 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

5.0

5 based on recent ratings

5Food
5Service
5Ambience
4.7Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Caribbean
Best Overall
Caribbean
Best Food
Caribbean
Best Service
Caribbean
Best Ambiance
Caribbean
Good for special occasions
Caribbean
International
Aruba
Best Overall
Aruba
Best Food
Aruba
Best Service
Aruba
Best Ambiance
Aruba
Best Value
Aruba
Innovative
Aruba
Great for fine wines
Aruba
Good for special occasions
Aruba
International

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

The Journey - To Culinary Excellence offers an unforgettable dining experience in Aruba. Chef Patrick and his team deliver "the best food & service ever," with perfectly balanced flavors and exquisite wine pairings. Guests rave about the "amazing journey for the palate" and the chef's artistry. A must-visit for culinary enthusiasts!

52 Reviews

M
Mona
New Jersey
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 7, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We tried this on our most recent trip to Aruba and it's a must for refined foodies! Every course was delicious and we felt more than satisfied with the entire meal from start to finish. I must add that I am not much of a lamb fan, but the lamb dish served was unique and the best I've ever had. Chef Patrick and his staff were very welcoming and friendly and we felt very comfortable and entertained for the evening. Don't let the price discourage you from giving it a try!
Is this helpful?
V
Vic
Orlando
24 reviews
vip
5.0
24 reviews
Dined on October 16, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
One of the top three meal experiences I've ever had. It might be the best, but I've eaten at some very fine dining establishments. The evening was incredible, with 5 courses after a champagne and amuse bouche before entering the restaurant. 20 people max, encouraged to mingle and make friends prior to, and during the intermission (yes, and intermission). The entire meal was at a wonderfully leisurely pace - from start to finish it took 3 1/2 hours. The food was incredible, and the chef came out and introduced every course and gave us a detailed description. There was also a wine pairing with every course, which entailed some wonderful wines. The staff was professional, super friendly, and knowledgeable. A pleasure to be served by them. And the chef clearly loves what he does, preparing each dish with care and the touch of an artist. I will definitely be back the next time I visit Aruba.
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J
Jenna
Washington DC
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 16, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Best meal/experience in Aruba! The service was amazing and it was lovely getting to know the chef! Can’t wait to come back!
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C
Curtis
Columbus
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 15, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Chef Patrick provided us with quite possibly the best meal we’ve ever had. Each course was perfectly crafted, and the attention to detail in the ingredients was obvious. The service on top of that was outstanding. Chef was very accommodating to make sure that my wife could have alternatives to raw dishes due to her pregnancy - and the wait staff was constantly attentive. Jeremy was a star. I think this experience is an absolute MUST on the island, and will be recommending to all who travel to Aruba.
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m
mswilk
Louisville
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on October 3, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Fantastic evening. Amazing food and wine pairing. An experience not to be missed.
Is this helpful?
P
Pierre
Greater Boston
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 1, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
An unforgetable culinary experience at The Journey! Chef Patrick took private dining to a whole other level. It was my wife’s birthday and he graciously opened his restaurant just for us! His hospitality is unmatched. The food was Michelin Star quality right down the exquisite final touches. The five course meal (really six courses) started outside as we were greeted by Jermey with a glass of champagne and starter course. We ventured inside to beautifully decorated dining room. There Chef Patrick carefully crafted a unique 5 course meal paired with an outstanding wine selection. Our dishes and meals were carefully explained and the conversations flowed smoothly. Both Chef Patrick and Jeremy were knowledgeable, funny and truly made the night unforgettable. To top it all off they were able to work with my wife’s dietary needs. A huge Thank you Chef Patrick, Ivette and Jeremy! We will be back !
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n
nettie
Charlotte
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 18, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
What an experience, the food the atmosphere the chef and his staff were so attentive. One of the best chef experiences I’ve ever had.
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C
Christopher
Alabama
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 9, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Chef Patrick was very attentive and receptive. And, Jeremy did an excellent job with the wine pairings. The food was so good. We are still talking about it the next day.
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t
target
Charlotte
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on September 2, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Very good , fresh foods - I like the mystery of it all But number 1 - he did a great wine paring for all dishes
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Connecticut
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on July 5, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Fantastic dining experience. Each dish on the tasting menu was outstanding (the croquettes- wow), wine pairing perfect, and the service top-notch. Really enjoyed watching the chef put together our creations and explain his process. Not to be missed when in Aruba.
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FAQs

THE JOURNEY - To Culinary Excellence is rated 5 stars by 52 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 29, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 2 times today

Experiences are available.

Google Map for THE JOURNEY - To Culinary Excellence

330 L.G. Smith Blvd, next to the old Windmill, Oranjestad, Palm Beach 00000

Additional information

Cross street
opposite of Riu hotel
Neighborhood
Aruba
Hours of operation
Mon–Fri 7:00 pm–7:15 pm
Price
$50 and over
Cuisines
International, Contemporary American, French
Dining style
Fine Dining
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
Private Lot
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Patrick van der Donk
Additional
Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Gluten-free Options, Outdoor Smoking Area, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.thejourneyaruba.com/
Phone number
565 0535
Catering
The Journey has its own catering company, Amuse Catering, with many years of experience. We have served many, from a big group of loyal locals to big events for the government, the Royal Dutch family and many other stars coming to the Island. Weddings events on the beach we also cater, set-up and organize.
Private party facilities
The Journey is a unique spot for small events. Small Weddings parties, birthday parties or business events.

THE JOURNEY - To Culinary Excellence

Make a reservation

Additional information

Experiences

Copy of Copy of Chef's Table

Menu

What 52 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

How is THE JOURNEY - To Culinary Excellence restaurant rated?

Is THE JOURNEY - To Culinary Excellence currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information