CHEFS Bonaire Review: Like A Dinner Party with Friends 

Han ten Winkel and Mark Tromop, lifelong friends and accomplished chefs, teamed up in 2019 to launch CHEFS Bonaire. This 20-seat dining experience is all about top-tier ingredients, creativity, and intimacy.

Han fell in love with the kitchen hustle as a kid hanging out at a relative’s bowling alley, which eventually led to culinary school and gigs around the world before landing in Bonaire in 2007.

Mark had his own early foodie experiments selling burgers and homemade ice cream before he and Han met in school and later worked together at resorts on the island.

Their shared vision (plus years of friendship and collaboration) became the foundation for CHEFS. Alongside two other talented chefs, Jochem de Heer and Boaz Aalvink, they’ve created something special.

Fast-forward years later, and CHEFS is already #3 on the 50 Best Restaurants in the Caribbean list for 2024!

Located within the Bamboo Bonaire Boutique Resort (which is where we stayed!), CHEFS finds its home in a cozy boutique hotel with a distinct Balinese ambiance.

Guests are immediately drawn in by the tranquil Balinese water sculptures, well-maintained lush greenery, and vibrant tropical flowers that adorn the surroundings.

The restaurant, covered by a palapa, is discreetly nestled within the heart of the hotel, offering a charming and intimate dining experience.

I’m a big fan of the unique U-shaped seating. 16 guests get a front-row view of the kitchen action. On the sides, two cozy 2-top tables also offer a great vantage point.

Bonus: floor fans around the room keep things cool and mosquito-free. Now that’s what I call thoughtful design.

At the heart of the space is a striking wooden table, perfectly positioned so guests can watch the chefs in action as they craft each dish. The layout creates an intimate, communal vibe, like being part of a dinner party.

In many fine dining spots, the Chef’s Table is a premium add-on. But at Han and Mark’s place, everyone gets that front-row seat thanks to the clever U-shaped design. It’s inclusive, interactive, and makes every guest feel like a VIP.

The night we dined, we were seated between a lovely Dutch couple and a welcoming pair from the U.S. Chef Jochem, who brings both serious culinary skills and effortless charm, made the night even more memorable.

Between the easygoing conversations with the chefs (who encourage questions and interaction!) and the lively connection between guests, this wasn’t just dinner. It was an experience.

The experience at CHEFS Bonaire kicks off at 7 PM with a warm welcome. And from that moment, you’re not just a diner, you’re a guest. It feels more like an intimate dinner party with soon-to-be friends than a typical restaurant outing.

With just one seating per night, the table is yours for the evening. No rush, no turnover. Just great food, great company, and genuinely attentive hospitality (trust me, your glass will never be empty).

The 5-course menu? A complete surprise. You’re placing your trust in Han and Mark. They guide you through a beautifully curated culinary journey.

Our night began with a flavorful amuse-bouche of lobster soup and a perfectly balanced Enzoni cocktail. Warm pumpkin seed rolls, paired with Neolea olive oil (made from handpicked Koroneiki olives in Greece), set the tone.

The wine pairings were spot-on ranging from an elegant Argentinian Pinot Noir from Uco Valley to a bold Californian Cab from Paso Robles. You can opt out or choose your own wine, but go with the pairing. It elevates the entire experience.

Here’s the surprise 5-course menu we were lucky enough to enjoy, crafted with a mix of premium local and imported ingredients:

Have you ever heard of Bonchi Boneiru coffee?

It is the first (and only) coffee roastery on Bonaire.

It was started in 2020 by a business analyst who loved coffee and wanted to help build better lives for not only the coffee farmers but also local Bonairians through community projects.

CHEFS supports this vision and offers this delicious Bonchi Boneiru coffee after your meal. Make sure to order one.

You can also enjoy it in an espresso martini if you want to keep the night going.

If you are going to Bonaire next month, forget it. CHEFS is booked.

Right now they are booking 4 months in advance, probably from all those repeat happy guests! The word is out.

My suggestion- book CHEFS and then book your flight to Bonaire.

The first time I went to Bonaire we were waitlisted for CHEFS.

Luckily, the second time around was successful. It probably helped that we decided to stay at the CHEFS location, the Bamboo Bonaire Boutique Resort, which was another great experience!

An extraordinary dining experience needs what I call the foodie trifecta: exceptional food, ambiance, and warm guest hospitality.

Some of our standout culinary adventures, thanks to that winning combination, include Hisa Franko in Slovenia, Sawada in Tokyo, and Three Blacksmiths in a quaint rural town in Virginia. Our visit to CHEFS Bonaire now adds to that remarkable list.

It is a dining experience worth traveling for.

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Questions about our CHEFS Bonaire dining experience?

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