24 Best Restaurants in Aruba

What began as a catering company became so popular that they decided to open a brick-and-mortar café in the heart of Downtown Oranjestad, so now you can dine inside their cheery space to enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner with an amazing selection of gourmet cheeses, quality charcuterie, and a surprising selection of fine wines, too. Grab one of their BC boxes to go for a perfect picnic, or a lavish platter of goodies to entertain guests back at your hotel.

Secreted away near the Barceló resort you’ll find a hip, laid-back tropical oasis of tiki-style huts and “bohemian” escapes with a focus on French and world cuisine, sometimes with a local Caribbean twist. It’s well worth seeking out for the cool vibe and eclectic choice of fare, ranging from raclette or ginger-and-honey duck to braised lamb or paella, with some creative vegetarian and vegan options thrown in. Weekdays are typically a soul-soothing experience with soft live music and low-key events, but Friday and Saturday nights are all about electro-lounge dance parties. Service is first-rate and fun.

If you’re seeking something more pubby than clubby, sleuth out this casual and comforting spot tucked away on The Cove Mall's far corner, facing the Holiday Inn parking lot. It’s all about the beer and the bites here, as Fireson offers up their own craft beer and authentic Aruban comfort food like funchi fries with cheese, croquettes, and empanadas (pastechi's close cousin). They also serve homemade Angus burgers, lots of styles of wings, tacos, and quesadillas. This is Aruba’s first microbrewery, so it’s more about the beer than the fare, as good as it is, and these folks are fun, friendly, and really know their brews.

Located about five minutes from Arikok National Park's entrance, this spot has always been a legendary place for authentic Aruban baked goods, especially whole bolos (cakes). They still have about 20 kinds to choose from, including a few 6-inch sizes. Recently, they've upped their game to offer a wide range of hearty international and authentic Aruban breakfast, lunch, and dinner choices, making it also a great place to sample some of the island's traditional stobas (stews) and sopas (soups). The menu is still in Aruban florins though, so while they do take U.S. dollars, your change will most likely be in florin.

The historic 200-year-old red windmill called De Olde Molen is a famous Aruba landmark, brought from Holland in 1960 piece by piece and then reconstructed to its original glory. It has housed many different venues for dining and imbibing over the years, but now it splits its time as Diana’s Pancakes, which serves up Dutch-style crepes in a variety of delicious styles during the day, and at night Chef Fred creates an eclectic choice of international dishes. After dinner, you can hop up to Fransje’s Bar on top for a superb panoramic view of Downtown along with craft cocktails and cold beer. There’s also a small souvenir shop.

You need not be a vegan or seeking gluten-free options to thoroughly enjoy the creative takes on strictly plant-based fare at this happy little nook, but if you are, it’s bound to be your new paradise. It’s tiny though, so if you intend to dine in, reservations are a must, though there is a bustling takeout and delivery business, too. The owners organize cool vegan events like hikes, cruises, and "sushi" nights.

After a very successful run on Eagle Beach, dynamic duo Chef Kelt Hugo Maat and his partner, sommelier/host Sebastian Kruisselbrink, decided to relocate their Senses Fine Dining chef’s table experience to Palm Beach—but with a twist. Now operating as the signature dining spot of the Radisson Blu Aruba, this new concept encompasses a dual space that includes the chef’s table in a dedicated walled-off corner and a classy a la carte restaurant that is open for lunch and dinner. They also have an inviting alfresco terrace overlooking the resort’s water circuit. The chef’s table seats 16 guests (for those 18 and older) and offers an 8-course dinner, with or without wine pairing. They also offer a unique luxury brunch chef’s table. The a la carte menu features high-end mains like tomahawk steak.

One of the latest dining emporiums to rejuvenate the old windmill quarter, this intimate chef’s table experience revolves around the well-known culinary skills and creativity of Chef Patrick van der Donk and his talented sommelier wife, Ivette. This dynamic duo has a legacy of operating fine dining establishments on Aruba under the Amuse brand, and now they invite guests into their latest venture. Guests dine at stand-alone tables as they enjoy French-inspired cuisine with a Caribbean twist. There's a maximum of 20 guests.

Aficionados flock here to enjoy a wide selection of seafood and fish in a New England–style decor. Dishes like smoked swordfish, Maine lobster, and grilled red snapper are top of the list, or try a bit of everything with the Fisherman's Pot. The fare is consistently well prepared and their extensive wine list is legendary, as is the size of their raw bar. A children's menu is available.

Look for the beautiful bird mural across from the marina for excellent authentic Aruban-made bits and bites, including island-roasted coffee, Johnny cakes, little silver-dollar-sized Dutch pancakes, homemade ice cream, fresh coconut juice, and more. There’s also an alfresco bar with full-size local-fare meals, but remember to bring cash as not all kiosks take cards.

This brand-new spot is owned by the Coffee Break folks, but it’s all about a different kind of brew---more than 150 types of beer! Snack platters, sliders, wings, and nachos are also on tap, and they often have live music at night on their sidewalk terrace.

Look for the giant black-and-white-striped booth in the interior courtyard of Paseo Herencia for some truly decadent delights. Specializing in alcohol-infused gourmet baked goods, particularly little Bundt cakes (no cupcakes here) that are infused with your choice of liquor-laden syrups, there are also specialty coffees, sweet or savory crêpes, waffle bowls, ice cream, and frozen yogurt, all available with “drunken toppings.”

This cheery little hut on Palm Beach is famous for its healthy and delicious fresh fruit and veggie juices, smoothies, bowls, kombucha, and creative vegan options. All of their specialties are free of additives and artificial substances. They also offer pickup and delivery.

Considering its secret location in the bottom corner of Harbour House, this adorable little Peruvian-themed escape has garnered a big buzz for its food, likely because owner Chef Teddy Bouroncle is well-known for his culinary talents from his tenure at the Aruba Marriott. Dine inside or out and enjoy traditional Peruvian dishes like lomo saltado or their special take on ceviche. The menu is small and not all Peruvian, but each week the chef promises to change things up to keep it fresh while keeping the classics.  They have an exciting chef’s table sister spot next door called Ever. 

The lively seaside eatery is popular with nonguests who make a special trip to enjoy great food (meats, fish, seafood, and a good selection of Italian specialties), superb sunsets, and the warm camaraderie of fun folks. It's a great place to catch the game or enjoy happy hour specials and snacks, and they serve breakfast and lunch, too. They also offer a romantic dinner for two on the beach with a fixed menu that includes Champagne or wine. 

Best known as a beach party spot, this legendary hangout has good food and is a popular place for a seafront breakfast. Dinner under the giant palapa or on the beach is first-rate, as is lunch—particularly since it's the perfect place for people-watching along Aruba's busiest stretch of sand. The barkeeps are real showmen, and the resident mixologists make great signature cocktails.  Don’t miss the table-side flaming crème brûlée for dessert.

Since the mid-1990s executive chef Ligia Maria has delighted diners with delicious and authentic crioyo (local) cuisine in a rustic and cozy traditional cunucu (countryside) house. Try the house version of Aruba's famous keshi yena—chicken, raisins, olives, cashews, peppers, and rice in a hollowed-out Gouda rind—or thick hearty stobas (stews) of goat or beef. The fresh catch of the day with a choice of special sauces is a treat, and the stewed conch is also very good. There's live music some nights.

This massive, indoor-outdoor, well-known eatery promises "elevated Asian cuisine" as part of the Gloria entertainment venue, and it delivers. Especially popular for special occasions and family-style dinners, it's also a good spot for pre- or post-cinema meals. Delivery and take-out options are available.

The Ellis family converted its 126-year-old manor into a bistro with an atmosphere that is elegant, intimate, and always romantic. You can feast in the small dining room, which is filled with antiques, or outdoors on the terrace by the pool. The chef mixes Continental and Caribbean cuisines to produce sumptuous seafood and meat dishes. Those seeking a bit of novelty can order one of the hot-stone dishes, which come to the table sizzling. Service is unhurried and the atmosphere is laid-back. The old home's living room was recently converted into an elegant speakeasy-style escape called Pappa’s Cigar Lounge, replete with private butler service and high-end spirits.

Tucked away in the lobby of Azure Residences on Eagle Beach, this is another culinary venture by legendary Chef Urvin Croes (owner of Infini), but here Croes strays from high-end upscale modern cuisine to create Asian comfort food. His fresh takes on poke, sushi, and steamed baos are inspired by his Chinese heritage; he also offers up some delicious vegan versions as well. There's another Po-Ké Ono outlet in Renaissance Marketplace.

What started as a classic French restaurant has splintered into three distinct alfresco sections---French, Greek, and Italian---with separate menus and separate chefs but still under the same roof. So whether you're in the mood for frog's legs, moussaka, or pasta, this is the spot—plus there are wines from all three regions, too. They also offer a great Sunday brunch on special occasions like Mother's Day and on special request for large groups, and their legendary rotisserie chicken is also available to-go. 

Behind the Alhambra Mall, this is an ideal spot to get your gourmet coffee fix and grab some breakfast sandwiches to-go before a beach day. Or stop and chat with locals enjoying barista-style coffees, gourmet sandwiches, and decadent desserts at lunch. Don't miss their weekly Tuesday night artisans' market for unique made-in-Aruba souvenirs. They also have a second location in Downtown Oranjestad.

This sprawling spot that takes over one entire side of Paseo Herencia’s interior courtyard is anything but lazy; it's a rollicking affair offering up an eclectic mix of interesting specialties like Cambodian chicken served alongside pastas, steaks, and seafood with fabulous soups like pumpkin with cashews or coconut-plantain. The revelry spills over to their new neon-pink Flamingo’s Cocktail Bar across from their outdoor patio, with its own brand of zany nightlife offerings, creative libations, and snacks.

Look for the big smiling pastechi sign and a line of locals waiting to grab Aruba’s favorite fast food (think empanada). Order one for yourself and wash it down with a cold batido (fruit shake). They also have little crab cakes to go as well.