Papillon Restaurant

Went twice to Papillon during our latest stay on the island in December 2009 (2 adults and our 4 year old). We have been to Aruba 10+ times but this was our first trip to Papillon. It won't be our last!! Everything from the food, to the staff, to the service was excellent.

We are still talking about the coconut curry soup weeks later and the entrees (eg duck and veal loin) we perfectly prepared and plated. Desert was also a treat (chocolate mousse sampler and tarte tatin) and enjoyed by all including our 4 year old daugther.

I would not hesitate to bring a child there either (assuming they know how to behave) as the childrens menu is varied and more then adaquate.

The staff was knowledgable, attentive (but not intrusive) and very friendly.

The wine list is smallish but contains something for most palates and price points. The pricier of the house cabs (French) was surprisingly good at ~$35/bottle. We also appreciated that the wine was stored at the proper temperature as drinking red wine stored at 85-90F is not a treat.

Overall we had two great meals and can't wait to see them again in the spring.

This place is fantastic. Pumpkin soup is outstanding and entrees are fabulous. Also close to our hotel so that was a benefit. And a young Bo Derek lookalike works there, very pretty young lady. Recommend the place highly.

We dined at Papillon on Dec. 24, 2009; our meal was excellent, the service was very attentive - from the gracious hostess to the friendly and knowledgable sommelier, and several other waitstaff. When we made a reservation, we asked for nonsmoking, which isn't offered. However, we were seated outside at the very front of the restaurant, and weren't bothered by any smoking guests.

Our meals were excellent, starting with 2 slices of delicious fresh, warm, homemade bread and tapenade; followed by mixed fresh greens with pine nuts and shaved parmesan in balsamic vinaigrette. My husband had melt-in-your mouth rack of
lamb over a medley of fresh vegetables. I chose canard a passion
(breast of duck with passion sauce), over asparagus (green tips and
white stalks), and a drizzle of chocolate. It tasted delicious, with
lovely flavors in each mouthful. We enjoyed a smooth pinot noir with
our dinner, too. We indulged in dessert; espresso creme brulee and and brownie served with rum-soaked raisinsand rum ice cream. All in all, a scrumptious meal. And who can beat sitting outside on Christmas eve, in warm tropical breezes.

The downside of this resaurant is the location, in a strip mall across from the Radisson. The outdoor seating is in a public square, and the restaurant could do a little more to create a barrier between diners and strollers in the square.

This restaurant was in walking distance to our hotel. We made reservations with friends. The restaurant is very beautiful you feel in like you are in for a great meal. However the service and food were extremely dissappointing. The waiter clearly wanted nothing to do with us. He even ignored our request to take our picture. My filet migon was horrible. The other meals were not good either. Over priced and not worth the time. There are so many great places to eat in Aruba. Stay away from Papillon!

Every year we go to Aruba and try at least 2 restaurants that we have never been to. This year we went to Papillion because of the reviews and price fixe menu. It was in a quiet mall area, slight breeze and enjoyed the ambience. Staff was very attentive, personal and enjoyable. Hubby is not a fish eater but loved his grouper/garlic sauce dish. House wine was a wonderful pinot grigio. Go and you won't be disappointed.

We chose this restaurant for our 21st anniversary dinner and it was a great choice. After a frustrating and disappointing day at our resort (Bucuti -- stay away) we relaxed outside after a sunset cruise while the friendly, helpful and very able staff attended to our needs. The food was amazing (I really enjoyed the Fois Gras) and the wine list extensive and well thought out. The theme of the restaurant is a little lame, but despite that, the decor works very well.

We just had a fantastic meal here. This is a serious restaurant that would not be out of place in a true food city like New York. Many of the top rated restaurants in Aruba seem to get great reviews because of superficial atmospheric things like e.g. dining on the beach, but if you want to eat excellent & innovative food (real French/Caribbean fusion) in a charming and romantic atmosphere, try Papillon. The service is professional and warm. Highly recommended for "foodies".

Op 27 oktober hebben we met z’n vieren genoten van een fantastische culinaire avond. Tijdens een heerlijk glas Laurent-Perrier bekeken we het menu. A la carte of het aantrekkelijke wildmenu. Twee van ons gingen voor wild, eend en hert, en twee á la carte, filet mignon en zeebaars in een korst van zeezout gegaard. Voorgerechten waren o.a. escargots, tonijn op drie manieren, en krabcakes. Alles even lekker en perfect klaargemaakt. Complimenten voor chefkok Bas. Een voortreffelijke, licht gekoelde, Beaujolais Brouilly was een mooie begeleider van deze gerechten. Een goed advies van onze gastvrouw Marloes. De sfeer in Papillon, wie kent de film niet, is ongedwongen. Je voelt je er snel thuis. De Franse chansons op de achtergrond en het tropische briesje op het terras maakten de avond af.
Kortom een plek om naar terug te gaan.

we loved this restaurant,we were there on 11/19/09.we had the crab cake appetizer and the trianian shrimp and they were both excellent.wife isn't even crazy about seafood and she loved both.for the main meal we had the risotto cakes and the grouper papillon both were excellent.this was the best meal of the trip.The service was excellent and the wait staff was very helpful and nice.Also try the funchi fries -polenta formed into fries-very good.look for coupon for a glass of wine in the packet you can get at the airport.We will be sure to return.

OK it was good food but not great. A little pricey compared to some of the other resturants we enjoyed. Staff is great,I must say.