Aruba Restaurants
We’ve compiled the best of the best in Aruba - browse our top choices for Restaurants during your stay.
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17 Recommendations
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1. Charlie's Restaurant and Bar
$$$ | |Since 1941, Charlie's has been the heart and soul of San Nicolas, famous for its interior decorated with eclectic bric-a-brac left behind by decades of international visitors. It also serves surprisingly good food, including delicious fresh fish and shrimp and killer steaks. They also bottle and sell their own brand of hot sauce called Honeymoon Sauce. Lunch or a very early dinner are the only options, since closing time is generally 6 pm.
Bernard van de Veen Zeppenfeldstraat 56, San Nicolaas, n/a Aruba, Aruba297-584–5086Known For
- A legendary San Nicolas institution
- Boozer Coladas, the signature drink
- Third-generation owner named Charles
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. -
2. Kamini's Kitchen
$$ | |Housed in a cheery blue-and-green cottage, this charming spot is run by Kamini Kurvink, who combines her Trinidadian heritage with local flavors to create unique Caribbean comfort food. Fish, seafood, and meat dishes are served with a spicy flair thanks to Kamini's secret signature hot sauces.
De Vuyst 41B, San Nicolaas, n/a Aruba, Aruba297-587–1398Known For
- Hearty portions of homemade Caribbean specialties, like goat curry and chicken roti
- A great selection of vegetarian options
- Very warm, welcoming, and friendly staff and owner
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues. -
3. Neighba
$$ | |Rising like a phoenix from a vacant lot, this funky new gathering place specializes in creative modern cuisine and handcrafted cocktails in an alfresco bar/garden setting with eye-popping outdoor art. The eclectic menu, though small, includes authentic Aruban flavors like sanger yena (blood sausage) and Dutch fusion dishes like Gouda spring rolls and popcorn chicken waffles with peanut sauce. Vegan dishes are creative, too, but the grill is king on Sundays—their weekly BBQs with DJ-driven music and mojito happy hours are legendary.
Bernhardstraat 75C, San Nicolaas, n/a Aruba, Aruba297-586--5588Known For
- Creative contemporary Caribbean and international fusion cuisine
- Sunday BBQs with live music
- Special events like soca bingo night or wine and jazz get-togethers
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues. -
4. Taste My Aruba
$$$$ | |Foodies in the know are beating a path to this down-to-earth eatery housed in a beautifully restored 100-year-old heritage house to enjoy locally sourced fare, especially fresh fish and local lobster. The menu changes daily depending on the bounty but rarely disappoints, with the driving force of repeat business due to the larger-than-life personality of owner Nathaly de Mey and the culinary skills of her top-notch chefs and creative mixologists. Dine indoors or alfresco in the courtyard or street-front patio, where a live DJ sets the tone. You can also raise a pint in the surprise Irish-themed pub on-site, a labor of love by the owner who lived in Ireland for a spell. Live music on Saturday nights.
Wilhelminastraat 57, Oranjestad, n/a Aruba, Aruba297-588–1600Known For
- Expertly prepared fresh fish straight from the boat
- Authentic local experience and locally sourced fare
- Outstanding personal service and welcoming atmosphere
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun., Reservations essential. -
5. The Old Man and The Sea Restaurant
$$$$ | |The signature restaurant of Aruba Ocean Villas is tiny, but it’s well worth the trip for the romantic, toes-in-the-sand, adults-only dining experience with soft music and twinkling lights. The eclectic menu revolves around local seafood and fine quality meats with authentic Aruban specialties like keshi yena (stuffed cheese casserole). It’s also a great way to see this exceptional resort without committing to a stay. The restaurant caters to resort guests first, so reservations are mandatory.
Savaneta 356A, Savaneta, n/a Aruba, Aruba297-584--3434Known For
- Perfectly prepared surf-and-turf
- Fresh catch of the day
- One of the few places to get New Zealand rack of lamb
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations essential, No lunch -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
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6. Carnival Village Kiosks
$ | |Colorful wooden kiosks fill the area around the outside of the fenced-in square with folks offering food truck--style fare and cold drinks. They are not all open every day, but there is usually one open at any given time (and only after 11 am). Each has a different theme, like roti or local island flavors. On weekend nights there might be live bands or music for dancing. USD is accepted, but you might get back change in florins.
Lagoweg, San Nicolaas, n/a Aruba, ArubaKnown For
- Authentic local fare like johnnycakes and saltfish
- Great prices for big portions
- Most kiosks are licensed to serve beer
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7. Driftwood
$$$ | |Opened in 1986, this rustic nautical-themed restaurant is owned and operated by the Merryweather family. It's justifiably famous for serving up the freshest catch of the day caught by the owners themselves. Typically they recommend the fresh fish be served Aruban-style for the best local experience (that means panfried and topped with a spicy creole sauce). Not to be missed is the fish soup that's been a family secret recipe since the very beginning. You can join them on their deep-sea fishing adventures through their sister company Driftwood Charters and have them cook up your own catch for dinner that night.
Klipstraat 12, Oranjestad, n/a Aruba, Aruba297-583–2515Known For
- Family-recipe hearty fish soup
- Boat-to-table fresh fish and other seafood
- Friendly service and warm atmosphere
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. -
8. Marina Pirata
$$$ | |Locals and regular visitors in the know flock to this off-the-radar boathouse-style restaurant for fresh fish and seafood, as well as the melt-in-your-mouth filet. Spectacular sunset views are a given, and kids love seeing the abundant fish swimming all around the illuminated pier at night with underwater lights.
Spaans Lagoenweg 4, Savaneta, n/a Aruba, Aruba297-585–7150Known For
- Fresh local lobster served different ways
- Great place for group celebrations
- Many squid dishes
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues. No lunch -
9. O'Niel Caribbean Kitchen
$$ | |Right smack in the middle of the San Nicolas Art Walk, O'Niel's is a warm and welcoming eatery that's an ideal spot to get your Jamaican jerk on. Real-deal Jamaican dishes like ackee with saltfish and oxtail with beans are menu favorites, but there are also local Aruban specialties like goat stew and fresh local seafood; vegetarian and vegan dishes are also available. Special events with live music or karaoke are popular.
Bernard van de Veen Zeppenfeldstraat 15, San Nicolaas, n/a Aruba, Aruba297-584–8700Known For
- Coconut-infused dishes like shrimp or chicken with rum and sweet chili sauce
- Real-deal Jamaican specialties like ackee with saltfish
- Local favorite gathering spot
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. -
10. Old Cunucu House
$$$ | |Since the mid-1990s executive chef Ligia Maria has delighted diners with delicious and authentic crioyo (local) cuisine in a rustic and cozy traditional cunucu (countryside) house. Try the house version of Aruba's famous keshi yena—chicken, raisins, olives, cashews, peppers, and rice in a hollowed-out Gouda rind—or thick hearty stobas (stews) of goat or beef. The fresh catch of the day with a choice of special sauces is a treat, and the stewed conch is also very good. There's live music some nights.
Palm Beach 150, Palm Beach, n/a Aruba, Aruba297-586–1666Known For
- Secret family recipes of traditional Aruban cuisine
- Hearty portions and good prices
- Family-run and family-friendly atmosphere
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11. Red Fish
$$ | |The owners of the legendary Downtown restaurant Driftwood and its sister operation, Driftwood Fishing Charters, opened this much smaller and far less formal dining nook centered around fresh fish and seafood. Locals love it and visitors are just beginning to discover it. You can never go wrong with their catch-of-the-day, authentic Aruban fish soup, or their surprisingly creative craft cocktails.
Italiestraat 50, Druif, n/a Aruba, Aruba297-280–6666Known For
- Authentic local experience
- Fresh fish and seafood by the pound
- Seafood pastas and paella
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. -
12. Ruinas del Mar
$$$$ | |Built around the concept of the Bushiribana gold mill ruins (the name means "ruins by the sea"), the Hyatt's signature restaurant offers up seafood specialties prepared with a fusion of Caribbean and Mediterranean flavors as well as excellent steaks and freshly prepared Italian dishes. This enchanting oasis is the consummate romantic setting, with a koi lagoon, waterfalls, and a rooftop bougainvillea garden; indoor and outdoor dining is available.
J. E. Irausquin Blvd. 85, Palm Beach, n/a Aruba, Aruba297-586–1234-ext. 36Known For
- Romantic setting for date night
- Caribbean red snapper with choice of sauces
- Porterhouse-for-two is a popular couple's choice
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch, Reservations essential for outside seating -
13. Saco di Felipe Sanicolas
$ | |This hole-in-the-wall is the place for the best sacos, paper bags full of fried chicken, ribs, chops, plantains, fries, and johnnycakes. It's the perfect snack before—or after—a night out.
St. Maarten Straat, San Nicolaas, n/a Aruba, Aruba297-584--5723Known For
- Local flavor
- Sacos are known as a "heart attack in a bag" but they're so worth it
- All fried fare makes an especially hearty snack for after barhopping
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch -
14. The Lionfish Snack
$$ | |“Eat 'em to beat ‘em” is the motto behind this snack shack that serves only lionfish dishes---deep-fried lionfish, sandwiches, wraps, smoked fillets, and a lionfish dip---to help combat the invasive species. It's only open Saturdays from noon to 7:30 pm, so make sure to plan accordingly if you really want to eat here. They also sell pre-cleaned lionfish fillets to take home if you want to try them on the grill yourself, and unique jewelry made from lionfish skin.
Paradera 100, Paradera, n/a Aruba, ArubaKnown For
- Lionfish fritters
- Lionfish wings
- Lionfish wraps
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.--Fri. -
15. The Pastechi House
$ | |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.
Caya G. F. Betico Croes 42, Oranjestad, n/a Aruba, ArubaKnown For
- Largest selection of pastechi types
- Vegan options also available
- Popular local pit stop
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun., Cash only -
16. The West Deck
$$ | |Opened by the same people who own Pinchos, this fun and friendly wood-decked grill joint offers casual fare like barbecue ribs and grilled shrimp by the dozen, as well as Caribbean bites like jerk wings, fried funchi (like a thick polenta) with Dutch cheese, and West Indian samosas. There are some surprisingly snazzy main dishes, and the signature "Beer-Ritas" (a full bottle of beer served upside down in a big margarita) are legendary. Located at the base of the new Linear Park, it’s the perfect place for sunset views over the ocean as the cruise ships come and go.
L. G. Smith Blvd. at Governor's Bay Beach, Oranjestad, n/a Aruba, Aruba297-587–2667Known For
- A great pit stop along Linear Park
- Eclectic selection of Caribbean fare
- Superb sunset views on Surfside Beach
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17. Zeerovers
$ | |With a name that means "pirates" in Dutch, this alfresco restaurant sits right on the Savaneta pier, where the local fishermen bring in their daily catch. The menu is basic: the day's fish and other seafood, fried almost as soon as it's lifted out of the boat and served with sides of local staples like fried plantains. You can chase it all down with a cold local beer or homemade popsicles made from exotic local fruit. The restaurant is very popular with locals, so expect it to be busy, especially on weekends.
Savaneta 270A, Savaneta, n/a Aruba, Aruba297-584–8401Known For
- Freshest fish on the island
- Lively local hangout
- Picturesque sea view and sunsets
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues.
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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