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THE JOURNEY - To Culinary Excellence, Oranjestad, Palm Beach

THE JOURNEY - To Culinary Excellence

4.9
4.9
81 Reviews
$50 and over
International

Make a booking

2 people
20:30
Booked 2 times today
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • 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 19:00–19:15
  • 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.

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!
    Chef's Table photo

Menu

THE JOURNEY - To Culinary Excellence's menu was last updated 2025-01-06.

Chefs tasting Menu

surprise

  • Chef's tasting MenuUS$130.00

    Last updated: 6 January 2025

    What 81 people are saying

    THE JOURNEY - To Culinary Excellence reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

    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
    • 4.8Ambience
    • 4.6Value

    Noise • Moderate

    Loved For

    • Caribbean

      International

    • Aruba

      Best Overall

    • Aruba

      Best Food

    • Aruba

      Best Service

    • Aruba

      Best Ambience

    • Aruba

      Best Value

    • Aruba

      Innovative

    • Aruba

      Good for special occasions

    • Aruba

      International

    Review summary

    AI-generated from verified diner reviews
    The Journey offers a spectacular culinary experience in Aruba, blending exquisite flavors with personalized service. Guests rave about the "best food & service ever," describing it as a "must-do experience." Chef Patrick's artistry shines in each dish, while the intimate setting fosters a friendly atmosphere. Many highlight the "amazing food and wine pairing," making it a top recommendation.

    81 Reviews

    1. Lynn VIP

      New York City3 reviews

      5.0

      Dined 6 days ago

      1. Overall 5
      2. Food 5
      3. Service 5
      4. Ambience 5
      Everything was delicious, creative and top notch! Best chef table in the island. Can't wait to return!

      Is this helpful?

    2. Timothy

      Las Vegas2 reviews

      5.0

      Dined on 7 March 2025

      1. Overall 5
      2. Food 5
      3. Service 5
      4. Ambience 4
      Innovative and contemporary taste that any foodie would enjoy. Definitely recommend.

      Is this helpful?

    3. Will

      Greater Boston1 review

      5.0

      Dined on 21 February 2025

      1. Overall 5
      2. Food 5
      3. Service 5
      4. Ambience 5
      Absolutely amazing!!!! Would recommend to anybody! Truly amazing

      Is this helpful?

    4. Gerry

      Washington DC23 reviews

      5.0

      Dined on 20 February 2025

      1. Overall 5
      2. Food 5
      3. Service 5
      4. Ambience 5
      Very nice experience. Chef Patrick and host Jeremy were very engaging. The setting was very nice and the food was delicious

      Is this helpful?

    5. Krisztian

      Tokyo1 review

      5.0

      Dined on 17 February 2025

      1. Overall 5
      2. Food 5
      3. Service 5
      4. Ambience 5
      Amazing experience. Thank you Mr Chef and his group.

      Is this helpful?

    6. Felix VIP

      Atlantic City3 reviews

      4.0

      Dined on 11 February 2025

      1. Overall 4
      2. Food 5
      3. Service 5
      4. Ambience 3
      Chef Patrick and his staff were personable as well as professional. Chef's creations were delicious and food preparation was flawless. An fun and interesting evening to share with friends and family! Note: We purchased the wine pairing and to chef's credit, the quality of the food far exceeded the quality of the wines. Consider purchasing wine off of the wine menu. Felix

      Is this helpful?

    7. Jaron

      Denver1 review

      5.0

      Dined on 7 February 2025

      1. Overall 5
      2. Food 5
      3. Service 5
      4. Ambience 5
      The Journey was easily our favorite restaurant during our week stay in Aruba. It was such a fantastic experience, you have to try it for yourself!

      Is this helpful?

    8. Anita

      Nashville2 reviews

      5.0

      Dined on 7 February 2025

      1. Overall 5
      2. Food 5
      3. Service 5
      4. Ambience 5
      The meal was absolutely delicious. We were greeted with a glass of champagne, which set the stage for a delightful evening. The restaurant itself was beautifully appointed, with soft music playing in the background. The staff was friendly and attentive, and Chef Patrick invited people to watch, take pictures, and ask questions as he worked. Each course was introduced with an explanation of the ingredients and the manner of preparation. The restaurant only seats twenty patrons at a time, which makes for a very pleasant evening. We highly recommend The Journey to Culinary Excellence.

      Is this helpful?

    9. Craig

      Manitoba1 review

      5.0

      Dined on 3 February 2025

      1. Overall 5
      2. Food 5
      3. Service 5
      4. Ambience 5
      Outstanding food, service and a great time Was had by all.

      Is this helpful?

    10. Grace

      New York City3 reviews

      5.0

      Dined on 14 January 2025

      1. Overall 5
      2. Food 5
      3. Service 5
      4. Ambience 5
      This experience at Journey was the absolute best experience of my life in food! We felt welcomed by Jeremy when we first arrived. As guests continued to arrive all were welcomed and appreciated for our presence. Jeremy was our greeter, concierge and sommelier....personable, showed genuine appreciation that we were there. Chef Patrick, amazing in his greetings, our conversations, his expression of his love of cooking. Overall the best meal in this setting , (chef's table) that I've ever had in my life. I will be back!

      Is this helpful?

    FAQs

    THE JOURNEY - To Culinary Excellence is rated 4.9 stars by 81 OpenTable diners.

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

    Make a booking

    2 people
    20:30
    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
    • Area
      Aruba
    • Hours of Operation
      Mon–Fri 19:00–19:15
    • 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, Gluten-free Options, Outdoor Smoking Area, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine
    • 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.
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