104 Best Restaurants in Aruba

One of the most romantic settings on the island is highlighted by enchanting twinkling lights strung over the water on a pier. Pinchos ("skewers" in Spanish) offers a fairly extensive menu of both meat and seafood skewers in addition to more creative main courses. Boursin-and-apple-stuffed pork tenderloin and maple-BBQ-bourbon cowboy pinchos keep carnivores sated, and there's vegan couscous, too. The bar area is great for enjoying ocean breezes accompanied by an excellent signature cocktail or house-made sangria, and there's live entertainment on weekends (high season). Romance is always on tap here, particularly with the "lover's swing" by the bar but there's a kids' menu, too.

The second location of Chef Urvin Croes’ poke, bao, and sushi spot is an ideal place to watch the boats in the marina and enjoy an awesome alfresco lunch, dinner, or post-shopping or pre-casino snack. The award-winning chef is known island-wide for his artistic plating and modern cooking at his upscale outfit called Infini, but this franchise shows off his playful side with fun creative tweaks on fusion Asian cuisine and comfort food. Chef Croes takes creative vegan dishes very seriously, and this place boasts some of the island’s very best.

Unfettered sea views and stellar sunsets with tiki lights and lit-up palms make this the signature dining spot of Divi Aruba Phoenix. The menu offers Continental favorites with a Caribbean twist, and guests can enjoy fish, steak, and seafood beachside in the bistro or mere steps from the sea. Though well-appreciated by the resort’s regular time-share guests, it’s open to the public and often overlooked as a romantic toes-in-the-sand-style Palm Beach option.

Set in a beautifully restored 100-year-old mansion with a lovely outdoor courtyard, Quinta del Carmen's cuisine is best defined as modern Caribbean-Dutch. There are a few traditional Dutch favorites like cheese croquettes and mushrooms and cream; the watermelon salad is sweet, salty, and perfectly refreshing; and the sucade-lappen (flank steak stewed in red wine and herbs) has a depth of flavor that comes from hours in the pot. Or you can enjoy gourmet shareables, wines by the glass, sangria specials, and creative cocktails in the gorgeous Tapas Garden, which sprawls across the beautifully manicured lawns. Don't miss the interior stand-alone bar full of awesome antiques. Some vegan options are available, too.

The Eagle Beach location of this café was so popular because of its excellent coffee, creative snacks, and master baristas that they opened this Downtown location. They are also licensed for cocktails, wine, and beer and make decadent milkshakes, too.

Though diners might be lured to this elegant international eatery for the novel opportunity to dine in a canopied bed, it’s the exquisite culinary experience created by their award-winning chef that has them returning for more. One of Aruba’s most popular restaurants is also a favorite because of the talented barkeeps who have garnered a loyal clientele at their classy lounge. Those guests who prefer the classic table-and-chair dining option can dine inside or out as well.

Reservations for the beds a must as there are only a few.

Not content to perch on its laurels as one of the most consistently highest-rated dining spots on the island, Screaming Eagle decided to reinvent itself to offer a more enticing alfresco experience by creating a toes-in-the sand dining experience without actually being at the beach! Thankfully, they haven't messed with the food, still serving up killer international fare indoors and out with an extensive wine list to match.

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.

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. 

Low-key elegance and soft piano music set the stage for this indoor enclave where meaty chops and steaks are king and classic silver service is still in vogue. The big surprise here though is the chic Omakase Japanese Sushi Bar that shares the space, and their excellent creative selection of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. The restaurant uses organic sustainably grown ingredients whenever possible; they even grow their own herbs. Note that this is a cashless restaurant.

Dutch pancakes are unlike North American-style flapjacks since they can be both savory and sweet, offering opportunities for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and this legendary spot in the Renaissance Marketplace is considered the absolute best place to try them. More like thin crepes, they can be covered in (or stuffed with) a multitude of ingredients, which might include meats, vegetables, and cheeses. The menu includes dozens of varieties of both sweet and savory styles, as well as puffy little silver-dollar-size poffertjes. You'll enjoy them in the indoor-outdoor café, but if you eat outside, keep an eye on your syrup bottles, as the little resident sugar birds are always trying to get into them for a sweet treat.

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.

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. 

The crowning glory of all the options at The Cove Mall is this aptly named second-story bar and restaurant where a private elevator introduces guests to incredible vistas at any time of day. But it's not so much the view that draws the crowds here as it is the vibe---think private beach cabanas with killer mixologists behind the bar, and romantic tables for two scattered around a rooftop---and the food, which ranges from creative tapas and shareables like seafood towers and charcuterie boards to upscale mains like steak, lamb chops, lobster, and fresh fish. Don't miss the crispy fried Jerusalem artichokes or the blue crab and gnocchi.  Check out their Facebook page for many special events like Sunday Caribbean Brunch Buffet with DJs.

There's always something cool happening at this bright and lively indoor-outdoor spot. The international kaleidoscopic menu includes everything from Dutch pancakes and Asian specialties to gourmet burgers and Caribbean seafood---surprisingly, they do it all very well. The many rotating special nights and monthly Bubbles & Bites evenings are very popular, and live steel pan music on their Caribbean Night Tuesdays are also a draw. 

As the name suggests, this is a local favorite for pizza in Santa Cruz, but they also serve great snack platters, chicken, and burgers. There's outdoor garden seating and cold beer on tap, too. The prices listed on the menu are in Aruban florins. They do take USD, but you'll most likely get your change in florins.

Overlooking Divi Village, this elegant indoor affair offers high-end international fare as well as their famous all-you-can-eat a la carte Royal Sunday Brunch that includes endless mimosas, gourmet surprises, dozens of enticing appetizers and sides, and lots of decadent desserts. They also serve a unique late-night brunch every Friday night with entertainment and cocktail specials. Whatever menu they are serving, locally sourced ingredients are used whenever possible.

One of Aruba's very first forays into the chef's table experience, here you'll enjoy an intimate evening of culinary entertainment that plays like a fun dinner party with friends rather than something you pay for. At most,17 guests are assembled around the U-shaped communal dinner table for a five-and-a-half course creative gourmet adventure. The menu changes daily, and there's a selection of optional wine pairings available by the glass (regular $70, reserve selection $120). Meals are not vegan or vegetarian-friendly, and this is strictly an adults-only experience. Reservations are advisable at least a few weeks in advance, but there's now a wait-list option on the website.  Be sure to state any dietary restrictions in advance.

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.

Owner Roxanna Salinas has created an authentic Peruvian-style dining spot to share a taste of her home with locals and visitors alike. Authentic specialties are artfully served in a warm and colorful enclave, and a portion of proceeds from the wares sold at the on-site Peruvian craft market go to a local Aruban cancer foundation. Upstairs is a unique stand-alone chef's table experience, a long table communal affair of eight courses called The Kitchen Table; it's the island's only family-friendly chef's table experience. Peruvian beer and pisco sours (the national Peruvian cocktail) accompany the offerings, and not to be missed is the sweet caramel-and-liquor-laden national dessert, suspiro a la limena.

This rollicking beach bar by day morphs into a surprisingly romantic pop-up, toes-in-the-sand dining spot as soon as the sun begins to set—the sunsets rarely disappoint. Fresh fish and seafood are the specialty but meat lovers will be well sated with the excellent filet mignon and short ribs dishes. Soft live music adds to the enchanted seaside atmosphere.

A variety of German beers, schnitzel, and bratwurst presented in a true beer-hall setting are guaranteed to provide that Oktoberfest feeling. The hearty cuisine is paired with over 20 different types of beer by owners who take their imbibing seriously. With a bright blue exterior and pennants flapping in the breeze, the place is hard to miss, and it's fun, friendly, and lively.

The Dutch still have strong culinary ties to Indonesia, so this welcome addition to Downtown offers an ideal place to indulge in quality comfort food from that corner of the globe. Exotic and traditional Asian specialties also abound, and this is one of the few places on the island where you can sample the elusive rijsttafel (rice table), a large assortment of small dishes meant to be shared by a group. They also make authentic Indonesian bubble tea.  There's a four-person minimum and two-day advance reservation for rijsttafel as it’s very time-consuming and complicated to prepare.

Though this restaurant in the Ritz-Carlton is designed to replicate a New York–style steak house, if you're looking for a more Caribbean feel, opt for the ethereal dining room that leads out to a breezy garden terrace just steps from the sea for stellar sunset views that are unmistakably Caribbean. And though it's supposed to be all about the meat here, their very pricey but comprehensive seafood platter called The Royale is worth the splurge.

The legendary Champions Sports Bar has been totally reimagined into a replica of a colorful Mexican village square with a bar that features 100 different kinds of tequila, premium mescal, and killer margaritas. Endless complimentary nachos, salsa, and fixings are available out of the trunk of a vintage Volkswagen, and the menu, though limited, offers up creative versions of many well-known authentic Mexican specialties. You can still catch NFL games on TV.

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.

Created by Chef Dennis van Daatselaar, this intimate chef's table experience for 14 people is set in a tropical garden. Come with an open-minded and expect the unexpected as tasting new experiences is the focus here, and though every dish might not be to your individual taste, the overall adventure is typically well applauded by visiting foodies. The five-course surprise menu can also be paired with wine or cocktails for an additional fee.   

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.