For our January trip, we (as of now) arrive on a Saturday at 3ish - something in the afternoon. I have been reading enough of the recent trip reports to know that a swift airport experience is not to be expected on arrival, particularly on our day and time. That's all fine and well and our expectations are tempered in that regard. I am curious about what to do for dinner that first night. We are staying in Orient for the first time. I don't want to be pressed with a reservation should things take substantial wait time at the airport, but I am having trouble finding casual options in Orient Bay Village. I see very mixed reviews on Yellow Sub, and a pizza place near it that may or may no be open. Anyone have suggestions on casual dinner options after a long travel day, or should I just suck it up and make a reservation in the Village for a much later time?

I’m not sure how many people are in your group. If it’s just 2 of you, I would take my chances with walking in to a restaurant without a reservation. There is a new Irish Pub in the village, Peter McCool, that looks more casual. Also, I believe Bikini Beach Bar is open for dinner. If you just want to do take away, I see people picking up pizzas at Le Piment all the time. We usually arrive in the afternoon and by the time we check into our place in Orient and get settled, we just walk to the village and have never had a problem getting a table. We arrive Jan 12th this year.

That's good feedback, thank you! I just wasn't sure what to expect on a Saturday evening with the recent airport woes / delays. There are only 3 of us, I feel a little more confident with winging it now.

On our Nov/Dec visit,seating was available at most restaurants in the village. We spent numerous nights sitting at the bar in Maison Mere for apps/desserts. We also walked to On Dirait Le Sud for prepared pastas and heated at our villa. Their pastas are quite good and inexpensive. Not a bad way to start your stay after a long travel day. We talked to a few people who had been to the Irish pub and their experiences weren’t that good so we didn’t give it a try.

Bona Mama Pizza in the village makes great pizza. Also consider Rancho Del Sol just outside the village/security building, up on top of the hill.

We were there last week and left on Saturday. We never had any problem getting a table between 6:30-7:30 with three people. I think you’ll be fine without a reservation on a Saturday.

Dinner in the village is one of my favorite parts of staying in the area. I love the options, environment, and being able to walk back to our apartment. We’re only there for 5-7 days each trip, so I definitely wouldn’t miss a night.

I agree with some of the other comments, just walk on in to the village and see what suits your fancy.