Anna-Maria’s Autentico Ristorante Italiano

Tucked away in a quiet residential neighborhood in Noord, Anna-Maria’s Autentico Ristorante ItalianoClick to open side panel for more information offers one of the most intimate dining experiences on the island. Opened in 2009 by Christian Joseph Saponara, the restaurant is actually set in the private courtyard of his family home. The concept is simple: to make guests feel as though they are visiting a friend’s house for dinner. The setting is romantic and peaceful, featuring a breezy outdoor terrace surrounded by a garden, far removed from the noise of the high-rise hotel strip.

The cuisine is deeply personal, reflecting the owner’s heritage—born in Aruba to a Peruvian mother and an Italian father (with roots in Sicily, Naples, and Genoa). While the menu is predominantly Southern Italian, you will find unique touches like Peruvian Chupe de Camarones (shrimp chowder) alongside classic Italian favorites. The restaurant is famous for its “slow food” approach; meals are prepared fresh to order, and the owner, Chris, is known for visiting every table to chat with guests, ensuring a warm, hospitable atmosphere that has turned many first-time visitors into regulars.