42 Best Restaurants in Aruba

Opened in 1988 as a re-created Swiss-style chalet, this is a perennial favorite for its high-quality European dishes, excellent service, and warm inviting atmosphere. Old-school classics like chicken cordon bleu, beef Stroganoff, and duck à l'orange are still prepared to perfection here, and island-inspired favorites like Caribbean seafood platters keep it contemporary. They also have rotating seasonally inspired menus, a low-season early-bird menu, and an excellent wine selection. 

Aruba's original go-to for carnivores since 1977, El Gaucho is famous for meat served in mammoth portions. Though to be honest, it's not all about meat; seafood platters are something to consider as well. The kids will enjoy the separate children's playroom and menu.

Next to the iconic California Lighthouse in the former lighthouse keeper’s home, this restaurant is best known for its Italian fare and grand open-air terrace overlooking the rugged West Coast seascape. The menu offers a selection of gourmet pasta, pizza, risottos, fish, seafood, and meats served with classic Italian flair and an extensive wine selection. There are some good vegan options, too.

A study in teak, cream, and black, this fine steak house offers some of the best beef on the island. Subdued lighting and cascading water create an elegant atmosphere, and the view over the harbor makes for an exceptional dining experience. Their comprehensive wine list won a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, and the craft cocktails are truly inspired. Sunday brunch offers a comprehensive menu with unlimited mimosas, and there's a late-night menu available at The Lounge Midnight Grill in the casino from 11 pm to 6 am.

This small alfresco Spanish-theme restaurant at La Cabana is often off-radar for anyone that’s not a guest at the resort, but it’s worth seeking out for excellent charcoal-grilled steaks and superb seafood paella. Even though it’s not right on the water, you still can view stunning sunsets from its perch across the road from Eagle Beach.

The food at this rustic alfresco garden restaurant, named after the Scotch bonnet pepper called Madame Janette in Aruba, is surprisingly French-inspired with a classically trained chef. Though some dishes are infused with Caribbean flavors, especially fish and seafood, you’ll find a lot of classic French sauces served with the meats; their claim to fame in the past few years has been the quality of their beef, thanks to their own dry-aging chamber. The bar has Aruba's largest selection of specialty beers due to one co-owner's avid interest in craft brewing. Also popular here is their original Hungarian goulash soup and specialty schnitzels.

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.

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.

This American steak house chain has been a popular fixture of the Aruba Marriott for years and continues to draw locals and visitors in droves. It is a no-nonsense carnivore's delight with a focus on top-quality steak; those looking for something else will find a few interesting seafood specialties, like barbecue shrimp and sizzling blue crab cakes. Antique mirrors and interesting lighting touches make this split-level affair appear larger than it is.

Simple and elegant, without a lot of extra gimmicks, this is a no-nonsense modern steak and seafood spot with a focus on fresh and locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Though there's air-conditioned seating inside, grab a seat outside for dinner to find out why this is called the Sunset Grille. There are also vegetarian options and a kids' menu.

The décor here is white, modern, and minimalist—the perfect stage for local chef and owner Urvin Croes's outstanding culinary experiments, like sea bass with shrimp and chorizo risotto, sweet basil coulis, tomato chips, and a creamy tomato Pernod sauce. Everything on the menu is creatively prepared and stunningly presented. Chef Croes isn't shy about taking risks, like adding lionfish (a threat to Aruba’s reefs) to the menu as a regular item. Though the location in a mall is not the most conducive to romance, it’s hard not to fall in love with this restaurant.

Choose from a simple and elegant indoor dining area or a tropical outdoor garden oasis as you sample a creative international menu that includes choices of quality meats, homemade pastas, and fresh fish and seafood, all with suggested wine pairings from the well-regarded cellar. The menu also includes an impressive offering of avant-garde vegetarian dishes.