THE JOURNEY - To Culinary Excellence

4.9

69 Reviews

$50 and over

International

Make a booking

2 people

3 Jan 2025

19:00

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 (Amuse Sunset restaurant) 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 1/2 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 at 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.thejourneychefstablearuba.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
Area
Aruba
Cross Street
opposite of Riu hotel
Parking details
Private Lot
Additional
Gluten-free Options, Vegan

Experiences

Chef's Table
US$130.00 per person
Multiple dates available
The stand-alone tables which seats only 20 patrons the five-course chef’s choice pre-fixed 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 and an amuse bouche on the terrace. 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 will 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 69 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.9

4.9 based on recent ratings

4.9Food
4.9Service
4.9Ambience
4.7Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

THE JOURNEY - To Culinary Excellence offers an unforgettable dining experience in Aruba. Guests rave about the "amazing food," "perfect wine pairings," and the personable Chef Patrick. With its intimate setting, exceptional service, and "Michelin Star quality" cuisine, this is a must-visit for refined foodies seeking a memorable evening.

69 Reviews

G
G
Greater Boston
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Absolutely excellent experience, ambience and food. I thoroughly enjoyed the wine pairings and the journey through the various flavors of each of the five courses. I have been visiting Aruba for 25+ years and this is the best meal I have had in Aruba. Thank you very much Chef Patrick! We will be back next year.
Is this helpful?
M
Michael
Tampa
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This was maybe the best dinner I’ve ever had. Patrick is an unbelievable chef. His attention to detail and food is so unique and unreal. Need to check out. The service was fantastic and very welcoming.
Is this helpful?
P
Paul
Connecticut
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The experience was out of this world from the moment we arrived. The staff greeted us with champagne. Shortly after, it was followed by a small appetizer, which was delicious. Then we met chef Patrick, an awesome human being. His ability to combine flavors and textures is unbelievable. He's so passionate about culinary and his customer experience. Everything was top-notch. All people in my group were impressed with the experience. If you're visiting Aruba, it's a must visit place, by reservation only.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
VIP
New York City
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 25 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Patrick, all of them Melissa and Jeremy entire staff was absolutely amazing and attentive, and the ambience was so relaxing and enjoyable felt like we were with family. The food was delectable with every bite.
Is this helpful?
M
Michael
VIP
New York City
27 reviews
5.0
27 reviews
Dined on 24 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
It was without a doubt one of the best dining experiences we have ever had. This is a bucket list event!
Is this helpful?
H
Howie
VIP
New York City
32 reviews
5.0
32 reviews
Dined on 24 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The Food was absolutely Excellent and the service outstanding! Loved the restaurant and will be back again on our next trip. A phenomenal experience!!
Is this helpful?
P
Prarit
VIP
Greater Boston
13 reviews
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on 20 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
An amazing experience! It's a great way to eat and meet people. The built in break between the 3rd and 4th course is genius. Food and drink was amazing and a great find on the island
Is this helpful?
E
Evan
Greater Boston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 18 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our meal at The Journey was amazing. The experience was fantastic start to finish. The personalized experience, the small group setting, The personal touches from the welcome outside with drinks and conversation to the breakdown of each dish by the chef was a wonderful way to add more context and excitement to the meal. The food itself was amazing, each dish was so flavorful and unique. My wife and I are not big seafood eaters but both agreed the snapper dish was our absolute favorite of the night. I would recommend anyone who wants to experience some of the best food in Aruba to go here. We are excited to come back next year and see what new exiting dishes there will be to try.
THE JOURNEY - To Culinary ExcellenceResponded on 23 December 2024
Dear Evan, Thank you for your kind words. We would love to host you again next year. Happy Holidays Team The Journey
Is this helpful?
B
Bobbi Jo
VIP
Tampa
37 reviews
5.0
37 reviews
Dined on 17 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Oh my gosh. How welcoming “ The Journey” to Culinary Excellence. Perfection the food to wine pairing. Excellent , excellent, excellent. 5 courses and I never ever experienced such a Journey of food. They helped us with surprising our friends get engaged and she said “Yes”!! You must go and try reservations only 7 tables. We met the Chef-trained Michelin & his beautiful wife. Love Aruba we will be back.
Is this helpful?
G
Giampiero
Caribbean
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 13 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This is a veritable culinary journey. Amazing and excellent quality
Is this helpful?

FAQs

THE JOURNEY - To Culinary Excellence is rated 4.9 stars by 69 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people

3 Jan 2025

19:00

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
Area
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
Gluten-free Options, Vegan

Website
http://www.thejourneychefstablearuba.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 booking

Additional information

Experiences

Chef's Table

Menu

What 69 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Review summary

FAQs

How is THE JOURNEY - To Culinary Excellence restaurant rated?

Is THE JOURNEY - To Culinary Excellence currently accepting bookings?

Make a booking

Additional information