Restaurants in Aruba
 

We have never been to Aruba and have been advised not to go All-Inclusive due to the many fine restaurants that are on the island. Since this is our first trip to the Caribbean, we are curious of what kind of prices that we might run into. We have heard so many horror stories from travellers to the islands that we are not sure if we should go All-Inclusive or frequent the restaurants. Thank you for any responses.

Paul: Not to worry. Aruba is not inexpensive, but it's not like Bermuda, for instance. There are many fine restaurants, so don't go all-inclusive. Besides, every night, one of the hotels (they take turns) will have a dinner and/or show (like "Limbo" and such. The best food that I remember was at "La Dolce Vita" (Italian), The "Windmill", the "Buccaneer" (may be a different "pirate"-type name, I can't recall) which has great steaks and seafood, the Americana had a good barbeque (Tuesday?), etc, etc. Just ask any of the locals or at your hotel. Also, in Aruba, it's "Amstel" beer. The good stuff. Some advice: Choose a hotel on "Palm Beach", not in town. The beaches are bigger and better and we would stroll from hotel to hotel along the beach, when we got too warm, we'd swim at that particular hotels' beach or even in their pool. It was fun. For the record, I've been there twice and stayed at the Americana. I plan on returning. Hope this helps, have a good trip.

Aruba is not cheap, but it is not knock you out of your seat expensive either. It has a lot of really nice restaurants with say, Chez Mathilde, fine French dining, being the most expensive. Our favorites: El Gaucho for fine Argentinian beef. This place is really great. Try the mixed grill. The Buccaneer for good seafood and watch the giant langoustinos devour their dinners in the aquariums tableside. La Petit Cafe in Orangestaad town square is great for Hot Rock Steak or Chicken. You get two filet mignon on a hot rock. Delicious. The Americana Hotel's La Petit Cafe cannot compare. Go to the original. The Driftwood has good seafood - although slow the last time we were there. Que Pasa behind the Sonesta is a cool place. We have always liked Marina Pirata too. The Sunday Brunch at the Hyatt is great. Personally, I would never do all-inclusive in Aruba. Good luck and have fun on your trip!

We have been to Aruba twice and would not stay at an all inclusive only because of the great variety of restaurants. It is not cheap but not all that expensive either. Our favourites are Portobello at
the Seaport Village Marketplace, right on the water
and next to the convention centre. The food is out
standing, the service impeccable and very attentive
and the atmosphere delightful. Our next favourite is Le Petit Cafe, the original one downtown. We had
been advised to go to the Steamboat - what a disappointment. It was buffet style and not very good for the price. Aruba is magnificent, one of our favourite islands. We're ready to go back.

We were in Aruba a few years ago, but the most memorable restaurant we went to was TwinkleBones. There is a show that you're a part of. The food is pretty good (not excellent), but you will have so much fun!