It would be an epic understatement to say we like waterfront restaurants.  But an open-air waterfront restaurant?  Pure magic.

Here to keep us in absolute wonder:  Marandi Restaurant, your new chardonnay-soaked eatery with every possible view of Laguna Bay in Aruba.  Outfitted with rich wooden floors and an airy 'Palapa' hut, Marandi offers you a chic, almost conspiratorial, intimacy (especially if you booked the corner lounge) with a design that whispers Castaway-meets-SoBe.

It's up to you whether you want to sit in the open air, out on the pier... or at a table, tucked gently under the giant thatched roof.  But may we humbly suggest the chef's table?  After one or two magic tricks, you and your date (yes, bring one) should be able to snag some quality time with the chef, and be served straight from the oven to your plates (seriously, the chef's table is in the kitchen).  While you're back there, order up the Goat Cheese Salad for starters, and follow quickly with the Duet de Carnard - a grilled duck breast coupled with a slow cooked duck leg and served with an orange sauce.  Dessert is either an apple turnover with vanilla sauce and Oreo ice cream, or... your date.

This time, at least save the disappearing trick for the next morning...

 

Marandi Restaurant | Bucutiweg 50, Oranjestad, Aruba | 297 582 0157 | www.marandiaruba.com