Curaçao Restaurants

Curaçao’s culinary scene has become seriously cosmopolitan in the past few years. Though you can still find places to get traditional, local dishes like iguana soup, keshi yena (seasoned meat wrapped in cheese and baked), and goat stew, the emerging generation of chefs has really raised the bar. Caribbean meets international with a side of nouvelle cuisine or farm-to-fork organic offerings. All combine for a cornucopia of tastes and flavors that meet world-class standards. And the range of locations where you can enjoy these creations is as eclectic as the fare. You’ll find romantic toes-in-the-sand surf-side spots, family-friendly air-conditioned emporiums, lush countryside gardens, and unique historic sites like forts and plantation houses all hosting diners. For authentic local-style lunches drop by the Old Market in Punda; or after the nightclubs, seek out one of the late-night snack trucks (truki pan) for cheap, yet satisfying, eats. Many beach bars also have fabulous fare for less than you’d expect to pay. But for the most part, fine dining will cost you what it’s typically worth, especially since almost every kind of food on this island needs to be imported from elsewhere.

What to Wear. Dress in restaurants is almost always casual (though beachwear isn't acceptable). Some of the resort dining rooms and more elegant restaurants require that men wear jackets, especially in high season; ask when you make reservations.

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  • 1. Bario Urban Street Food

    $$ | Otrobanda

    This urban street food complex and bar is a perfect fit for the new creative vibe overtaking this historic neighborhood (bario) with all its new outdoor art and cultural attractions. Part of the Bario Boutique Hotel, it's a destination in its own right for trendy fusions of local and international eats served from kiosks made out of old shipping containers. Each kiosk has its own specialty and the barkeeps craft killer cocktails using as many local ingredients as they can---try an Otrobanda Colada! There is always live or DJ-driven music to snack by, and it's become the Friday Happy Hour hotspot for locals. 

    de Rouvilleweg 100, Willemstad, n/a Curaçao, Curaçao
    5999-524--6086

    Known For

    • Creative dishes made from lionfish
    • Authentic local street food and cakes
    • Dedicated vegetarian and vegan kiosk

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues.
  • 2. Blues Caribbean Kitchen

    $$$$ | Pietermaai

    Jutting out over the ocean at the Avila Beach Hotel, this legendary perch is famous for its sea views, its hearty Caribbean-focused dinner fare, and its Thursday night live jazz and blues shows. If you dine out on the deck Thursdays, you might see the Punda Vibe's fireworks over the water in the distance.

    Penstraat 130, Willemstad, n/a Curaçao, Curaçao
    5999-788--1949

    Known For

    • Authentic local and Caribbean inspired fare
    • Whole fresh fish and seafood platter for two
    • Chef's special weekly three-course surprise menu

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch. Closed Tues. and Wed., Reservations recommended
  • 3. Ceviche 91

    $$$

    This exciting and trendy gastropub is located on the 4th floor of the famous historic Rif Fort complex, offering a menu dedicated almost exclusively to creative takes and combos of every kind of ceviche imaginable (including vegan). Choose a terrace perch outside for incredible views of the comings and goings of the ships in Santa Anna Bay and a postcard-perfect frame of the famous Handelskade. Reserve ahead for the best seat as it can be a very lively spot that’s as popular with locals as it is with visitors. 

    Rif Fort 701, Willemstad, n/a Curaçao, Curaçao
    5999-841--4404

    Known For

    • Creative and beautifully plated ceviche
    • Interesting non-ceviche specials
    • Killer creative cocktails
  • 4. Fort Nassau Restaurant

    $$$$ | Otrobanda

    Located in an 18th-century bastion of defense that affords sparkling harbor views, this is one of the island’s classic, don’t-miss restaurants. The diverse menu spans land and sea with local and international specialties for dinner and creative cuisine for lunch; if you book an early dinner on the deck you'll be treated to spectacular sunset views over the water.

    Schottegatweg 82, Willemstad, n/a Curaçao, Curaçao
    5999-461–3450

    Known For

    • Seasonally inspired prix-fixe tasting menus that change monthly
    • Caribbean bouillabaisse
    • An excellent wine list

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch weekends, Reservations essential
  • 5. Gouverneur de Rouville Restaurant & Café

    $$$

    Have lunch on the verandah of a restored 19th-century Dutch mansion overlooking Santa Anna Bay for spectacular views of the harbor, or in their charming colonial courtyard in the back. The menu offers consistently good local and international dishes. Be sure to stick around after dinner for live music at the bar, which stays open late, especially if it’s a Thursday night when fireworks explode over the water at the end of Punda Vibes night.  

    De Rouvilleweg 9, Willemstad, n/a Curaçao, Curaçao
    5999-462–5999

    Known For

    • Barbecue specials
    • Authentic stobas (stews) and keshi yena (cheese stuffed with meat)
    • Legendary Cuban banana soup
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  • 6. Kome

    $$$$

    Recently redecorated with an awe-inspiring mural by famed local artist Francis Sling, Kome serves up creative fusion fare. The menu is divided into small (chiki) and big (grandi) plates, with dishes ranging from grilled octopus and chicken and waffles to Cuban ropa vieja. A constant effort to source locally has led to surprising results on the regularly changing specials menu. Their small terrace outside is the place to be for a more romantic setting.

    Johan van Walbeeckplein 6, Pietermaai, n/a Curaçao, Curaçao
    5999-465–0413

    Known For

    • Superb sangrias and signature drinks
    • Extensive tapas and copas menu every Wednesday night
    • Creative Saturday brunch

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon.
  • 7. Madero Ocean Club

    $$$

    On a fabulous beach protected by man-made breakwaters, the stylish anchor of the Mambo Beach Boulevard complex offers first-rate fare at lunch and dinner. It also has a great beach bar, a massive pool and surf-side lounge, and daybed rentals. Lively pool parties, special events, and performances by hot DJs and live bands make this the place to see and be seen.

    Mambo Beach Blvd., Bapor Kibra, n/a Curaçao, Curaçao
    5999-697--7104

    Known For

    • Premium beach cabanas
    • Eclectic tapas and shareables
    • Exciting entertainment
  • 8. Primas

    $$ | Eclectic

    In a restored plantation mansion called Landhuis Vredenberg on a lush estate, Primas is a family-run restaurant that offers authentic homemade lunch fare in a superb setting. The menu is up to the chef, but typically hearty savory meat stews, fresh fish dishes, and Curaçaon specialties like keshi yena will pop up. You can view their daily menu on their Facebook page. They're usually not open for dinner (private parties abound), but on Thursday nights Primas is one of the few places left on the island where you can sample real rijsttafel (rice table), an Indonesian-influenced extravaganza of dozens of small dishes served community-style. It's also worth the trip just to see the magnificent restored mansion full of exquisite antiques. Groups of 15 or more can make special dinner arrangements.

    Bramendiweg 200, Willemstad, n/a Curaçao, Curaçao
    5999-461–2901

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No dinner except Thurs.
  • 9. Shore

    $$$ | Contemporary

    The main dining room of Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort is set upon a hill beside the golf course with stunning sea views. A gourmet burger–and–sandwich emporium by day, it morphs into a causal yet romantic dining enclave by night with cool tropical breezes wafting in from the open design, and incredible aromas coming from the open-air kitchen. Chef Hortencia surprises daily with fabulous fusions of local and international flavors. His specials are top-notch and often involve fresh fish and seafood. Try the short ribs: seasoned to perfection and falling off the bone, they melt in your mouth. Top it off with a decadent chocolate trio of delights for dessert. New fly-and-dine packages are available with BlueSkies Helicopter.

    Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort, Nieuwpoort, n/a Curaçao, Curaçao
    5999-840–1234
  • 10. Jaanchies Restaurant

    $$$ | Caribbean

    Over the years this has become something of a road marker on Curaçao's beaten tourist path, with prices to match. You'll be greeted by the owner, Jaanchi himself, a self-described "walking, talking menu," who will recite your choices of authentic local dishes for lunch. Jaanchi's iguana soup, touted in folklore as an aphrodisiac, is one of their specialities. Although predominantly a lunch spot, the restaurant will accommodate groups of four or more for dinner by prior arrangement.

    Westpunt 15, Westpunt, n/a Curaçao, Curaçao
    5999-864–0126
  • 11. L'aldea Steakhouse/ Rainforest Mystery

    $$$$ | Steak House

    A unique installation on such an arid island, L'aldea is in a small rain-forest reserve, replete with lizards, animals, fish, and birds that you would find typically in lusher climes. But what is most impressive here is the handcrafted design of absolutely everything including faux Mayan and other ancient culture recreations, caves and tropical atmospheres by local craftsmen (some of whom are the owners) using wood and cement to recreate a "lost world" in the middle of nowhere. They have also recently added a few small rooms as ecoaccommodation stays there. The easiest way to visit is to take a tour that includes a facility visit and then stay for their Latin American-themed dinner. The fare is incredible—the largest salad bar on the island—plus a carnivore's heaven with grilled meats served Brazilian grill-style until you burst. Live music also adds to the full-on experience. For day-trippers though, it would be great if they served some kind of lunch.

    Sta. Catharina 66, Willemstad, n/a Curaçao, Curaçao
    5999-767–6777

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No lunch
  • 12. La Bahia Seafood & Steakhouse

    $$$ | Otrobanda | Seafood

    The sheltered terrace at La Bahia features a remarkable view of the harborfront and is so close to the passing ships you'll feel you can almost touch them. The menu runs the gamut from burgers and pastas to keshi yena (seasoned meat wrapped in cheese and baked) and other local specialties. This is also a great spot to relax with a cup of coffee or a cocktail after a day of exploring. Part of the renewed Otrabanda Hotel, it is a short walk from the Queen Emma Bridge.

    Otrobanda Hotel & Casino, Breedestraat, Willemstad, n/a Curaçao, Curaçao
    5999-462–7400
  • 13. Royal Dutch Cheesery

    $$ | Otrobanda | Dutch

    Tucked away in the corner of the historic Rif Fort Village courtyard, Royal Dutch Cheesery is much more than a cheese shop. Of course they do sell cheese and are the only suppliers of Reypenaer cheese on the island, but it’s more of a dining spot and tasting emporium replete with a large wine list and even artisanal spirits. A wine pairing along with various types of cheese (on a wooden plank shaped like Curaçao) is a must, as are their gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, fondues, and raclette. Weekend nights, this is a perfect spot to enjoy outdoor live music on the courtyard while sipping some of their unique small-batch limoncello.

    Rif Fort Village, Willemstad, n/a Curaçao, Curaçao
    5999-788–5599
  • 14. Scampi's Restaurant

    $$$

    Part of the Waterfort Terrace, this open-air dining spot serves an interesting selection of steak and seafood dishes, including some with Asian twists or Latin American heat (there's also a children's menu). The setting can be very romantic in the evening thanks to stellar views of the sun setting over the port and a roster of signature cocktails like Coastal Kiss and Fancy Scampis.

    Waterfortstraat 41-42, Willemstad, n/a Curaçao, Curaçao
    5999-465–0769

    Known For

    • Scampi's mix: BBQ ribs, chicken, and shrimp
    • Great harbor views and rotating lunch specials
    • Fresh catch of the day and sometimes fresh lobster

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
  • 15. Angelica's Kitchen

    $ | Otrobanda | Caribbean
    Closed Permanently

    For an immersive, hands-on experience with the cuisine of the island, you might want to try this unusual Otrobanda establishment. Self-taught cook Angelica Schoop puts guests in an apron and walks them through the process of creating their own meal in her fully equipped kitchen. Dishes may include anything from plantain soup to funchi. After the cooking is done, guests head to the back porch and enjoy the fruits of their labor. The minimum group size is 10 people, so gather up a few friends and prepare for four hours of culinary fun. Less adventurous folks can just cross the road and enjoy fine pastries and champagne at Angelica's Delights or join her on a culinary walking tour of the city.

    Hoogstraat 49, Willemstad, Curaçao
    5999-562–3699

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Price is for group of 10
  • 16. CRU Steak House & Wine Bar

    $$$ | Otrobanda | Steak House
    Closed Permanently

    It's all about steak and wine at this legendary dining spot in the Renaissance Mall. In fact they boast they are the island's only genuine U.S. steak house. From small 6-ounce to whopping 24-ounce cuts of meat, beef is perfectly prepared to order and paired with the perfect foil from a vast selection of quality wines from their comprehensive cellar. They also sell wines by the bottle for take-away. Fish and seafood are also on the menu, and they also offer a decent vegetarian ravioli.

    Renaissance Mall, Willemstad, Curaçao
    5999-435–5090
  • 17. Dal Toro

    $$ | Punda | Italian
    Closed Permanently

    Built into the Waterfort Arches, this restaurant and its outdoor terrace are part of an adjoining strip of eateries in a coveted spot perched over the Caribbean. Listen to the rippling waves crash against the rocks as you sip wine and enjoy creative variations on homemade pastas and pizza. The pretty Italian-themed dining room has huge picture windows so the ocean is always visible. The menu changes frequently, so there is usually something new to choose should you make multiple visits.

    Waterfort Archesboog 12, Willemstad, Curaçao
    5999-461–3482
  • 18. Jacob's

    $$ | Otrobanda | European
    Closed Permanently

    Located in the sculpture garden at the Kura Hulanda Hotel and named after the hotel's owner Jacob Gelt-Dekker, this is one of the most romantic choices on the island. The restaurant represents the merger of former island establishments Astrolab Observatory and Sculpture Garden, which were both highly regarded by those in the know. Dining alfresco beneath ficus trees creates a memorable experience. Depending on how busy it is, the service can range from attentive to downright slow. The extensive wine list is noteworthy.

    Kura Hulanda, Langestraat 8, Willemstad, Curaçao
    5999-434–7700
  • 19. Jaipur

    $$ | Otrobanda | Asian
    Closed Permanently

    The subtle lighting and sound of the nearby waterfall seem to make the food even more sublime at this outdoor Pan-Asian restaurant—with distinct Indian and Thai influences—that's part of the expansive Kura Hulanda complex. The samosas filled with ground lamb make a great starter, and the tandoori mixed platter—with chicken, shrimp, and lamb kebobs—is a treat. The Thursday-night Asian buffet is a feast for the senses.

    Langestraat 8, Willemstad, Curaçao
    5999-461–3482

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun.–Mon. No lunch.
  • 20. Moon Beach Club, Lounge & Restaurant

    $$ | European
    Closed Permanently

    When it comes to chic, no other place on the island can beat this beachfront eatery. A nondescript facade leads past a lighted infinity pool flanked by small cabanalike private booths. You continue to a semicovered dining room open to the eponymous moon. Choose to dine or drink around the pool or relax to the sound of the waves in the crisp white dining room. The menu features mainly European dishes but retains an eclectic flourish with a few Asian options. The seared tuna steak served on Dutch potato-salad appetizer may sound odd, but it's heaven on a plate and is large enough to be a main course.

    Pietermaait 152, Willemstad, Curaçao
    5999-461–7713

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