TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Amore or Astra

Trying to decide where to have dinner tonight for my 76th BD. Need first hand reviews. Haven't been to either one before. Thanks in advance.

I have not been to Amore so I cannot comment but last year Astra was ok, this year it was very lacking in service and food. I would not recommend Astra and I doubt I will return. Happy birthday.

We took my local friend to Chesterfield's for his birthday in March. They did a really nice job; the food was very good and very reasonable. I know it is not in your area but I was very pleased with it.

Happy Birthday Scubaman!!

Happy Birthday Scuba. We have not been to Amore, yet. We have been to Astra and were not impressed, so it was one and done for us.

Happy Birthday Scuba! Went to Astra with friends last November and everybody was underwhelmed with their meals. Service was OK but food was just a little bit less than “just OK”. Probably won’t go back any time soon.

Happy Birthday. I went to Amore and was underwhelmed. Not awful but so many other restaurants to choose from. My go to for a special night is LaCigale in Nettle Bay. Make a reservation for 20 minutes before sunset! They can be spectacular from the location!

Thanks for the Birthday wishes. Looking like Astra is off the choice list. Need more input on Amore.

I will say that we were not impressed with the service at Astra either. I know you said it was off the list but I figured I would add my 2 cents.

Happy a happy birthday, Scuba!
As well as you know the island, I’d suggest you opt for one of the ‘sure thing’ places for a special evening. As Kim suggested, Le Cigale, many of the GC options or, closer to where you stay, LeMoulin Fou or possibly Sublime or make a sunset reservation for the new place everyone’s raving about near Orange Grove. Sorry, the name escapes me at the moment. Bamboo maybe?
Sounds like both Astra and Amore might or might not be the best choices for a special occasion.

pat, I think you are thinking about Bamboo House?

BAMBOO HOUSE

Thanks. After 76 birthdays, I'm not really looking for a big celebration, just being in St Maarten is my treat. Just wanted to try something new and just detest driving to GC and back at night. I've had too many 2 wheeler encounters on that stretch of road.

Both are owned by the same person. My experiences with Astra have been negative. Went there the first year they were open, had fish came out cold then overcooked after my complaint. Second time September 2022, veal chop, huge but tasteless. Went to Amore in April this year. Very pretty place, had fettuccine Alfredo very good so was my wife pasta dish which forget what it was. Watch the wine by the glass expensive.

Yes - the Bamboo House for sure, and Scuba, you might take a taxi to GC. We used that mode for a trip to P’berg last trip and we’re quite surprised at how reasonable and easy the driver made it..

Scuba--you might check out this thread, which has some mentions of Amore.

Link

For a special occasion, I'd be more likely to choose someplace I have liked before, like Moulin Fou or Sublime, or a place that gets mostly excellent reviews, like Bamboo House.

We had really enjoyed Astra in past years, but agree that our visit there this past November was underwhelming at best. Can't speak to Amore, as we haven't been there. Another vote for Bamboo House.

A very happy birthday to you, Scubaman! Hope you enjoy wherever you go.

One and done with Astra for me.

Thanks for that link. I remember it well.

Same owner as Avantika? Sadly, it seems not all of their restaurants are managed the same.

Young Indian Son that doesn't have the full knowledge of doing some much kind of business.

We are going to Amore at 7 tonight. Menu looks great. Hope food and service is too.🤞

Happy birthday SXMScubaman! I've been reading your posts while you've been on the island and looking at the photos you have posted and... not sure how to say this but... you and your lovely wife don't look that age at all. I think you have one of the digits wrong in it. Hope your birthday dinner is great!

Oh no. Digits are right. Surface is better than the iner self. 😆 At least for me. My wife same in and out. Married for 52 soon to be 53. Met at college. Best education you can have.

Hope the evening is good for you.

52 years Scubaman

Happy birthday Scubaman. I spent my 70th birthday this past December in St. Maarten, You can't beat it. All the best.

Then, he should not be in business.

I'm lucky she puts up with me.