Hey all!!! Peter and I sometimes feel like we run out of indoor things to do in Guam. We’re always asking, “What do people in Guam do for fun?!?!” The answer seems to be, “Eat!” So we’ve been eating a lot and I’d like to make you hungry! I went to TuRe’ Cafe for the Friday night music performance and had a delicious burger. For Peter’s birthday we had an extremely good steak dinner at the very fancy Avenue Steak & Lobster in Tumon. I don’t eat beef often, but there wasn’t much of a choice and Avenue’s steak was SO good!
Overall my experience in Guam has been that many restaurants lack in customer service. It seems that once we have been seated and our order taken, no one comes to check on us again for the rest of the meal. I’ve grown used to this, but I don’t let it stop me from eating! We walked out once at Samurai when they ignored us for 30 minutes while we were waiting for our order to be taken. We watched three groups of people seated and served, we’ve never gone back since. Also, something that annoys Peter is the service charge that is automatically charged to the bill at most restaurants in Tumon. I’ve seen this done before in countries where tipping isn’t customary. I’m not quite sure where the service charge goes and if you’re still supposed to leave a full tip or the difference in the service charge (usually 10-15%).
Vitales vs. Capricciosa-
Both of these are Italian restaurants. Capricciosa is a little bland, family-style eating, will fill you but not something you’d want to pay for. Many of my coworkers had suggested Capricciosa’s seafood dishes, since I don’t eat seafood, maybe those are better than the chicken Alfredo dish I ordered. After all the hype I heard about Capricciosa, I was so disappointed and will never go there again! Vitales seems more authentic to me. I was actually skeptical of Vitales after my less than satisfactory meal at Capricciosa. I ordered the tortellini filled with cheese covered in a creamy white sauce (a lactose intolerant person’s nightmare). Peter had some tubular pasta in red sauce. My meal was very good, rich, and I order it every time I go there. Each meal came with a loaf of bread. We didn’t know that so we ordered a side of cheesy bread. I was pleasantly surprised with the quality and flavor. Although the service is terrible, in my opinion, Vitales wins this battle!
Fuji Ichiban-
You can’t come to Guam without eating here. On top of the great Japanese food, it’s opened 24/7!! If you see a line and it looks crowded, be warned, your service will probably be terrible. My favorites are the gyoza and fried sweet and sour chicken. It’s very loud and busy and whenever you enter they welcome you in Japanese! This is one place I will miss if I ever leave Guam. Peter assured me that we would be able to find restaurants like this anywhere. He also said this was like Japanese fast food, but who cares, it’s so good!
House of Brutus-
This is a favorite of mine. Drinks, burgers and GREAT music. What more could you ask for?
Misoya-
This is my favorite ramen place so far. Misoya is on Fujita Road in Tumon. They use all fresh and natural ingredients. I had ever tried ramen until I came to Guam. I first tried it at Ajisen and I thought it was OKAY. Then a friend recommended Misoya, which we’d seen once while walking by. The servers were quick, attentive, and very informative. I had a very pleasant time here, the ramen is delicious and I can’t wait to go back!
Mosa’s Joint-
Peter said this place is his new favorite burger place. He ordered the mushroom burger and I had the Greek Platter with chicken. Average prices for Guam, good food. At first we thought it was going to be one of those shady bars like the bar next to it. But when we opened the doors and walked in, it was nothing like we thought. The outside is deceiving because when you walk in, it’s small, with tables, colorful local artwork on the walls, and great food! Award-winning burgers!
Other places to try:
- Al Dente Italian restaurant in the Hyatt Regency in Tumon (semi-fine dining). Try the gnocchi!!
- Sakura House Japanese food in Upper Tumon. I didn’t enjoy this because it was mostly seafood, but Peter said it was really good and he wants to go back.
- Pho Noodle House in Tamuning good Pho and lumpia!
- Von’s Chicken (one of my favorites!!!!) I love the garlic, boneless chicken!!! Another of my most favorite places to eat.
- Sea Grill- Peter and I ate here for Valentine’s Day. I only wanted to go because I had tasted their chicken empanadas once and was craving them. They are so good and the service is very good.
Skip the food at The Beach Bar on Gun Beach. Recently, they’ve changed their menu. The prices are the same, but the food is TERRIBLE. They’ve gone for cheap food, high prices. Too bad.
