5 Best Restaurants in Oranjestad and Environs, Aruba

One of Aruba's most popular toes-in-the-sand spots (even their indoor dining has sand on the floor), it's all about creative international fusion cuisine, comprehensive upscale wine choices, and superb signature cocktails in an ultimate barefoot-luxury setting. The sunset views are always spectacular.

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.

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. You can also raise a pint in the surprise Irish-theme pub on-site, a labor of love by the owner who lived in Ireland for a spell. 

Opened in 1986, this rustic nautical-themed restaurant owned and operated by the Merryweather family is 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 pan-fried 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.

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.