6 Best Restaurants in Oranjestad and Environs, Aruba

A popular Indonesian take-out staple has become a sit-down restaurant, where diners can experience a real rijsttafel (rice table), a shareable feast of many different dishes. Though not served in the traditional manner on a lazy Susan–style rotating platter, everything else is authentic, in services of 5, 7, or 9 dishes from a choice of 16 different delights. They also have many other Indonesian favorites a la carte, like sateh (kebab) and rendang (curry). Located on the marina, the chic beach house décor is fresh and airy. They offer many vegetarian choices, too.

This red-hot landmark establishment in the heart of Renaissance Marketplace specializes in traditional Havana specialties and is the only spot on Aruba where you can enjoy an authentic Cuban sandwich for lunch. There's even a surprisingly good selection of gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan fare on offer. The atmosphere is fun and friendly, and the location is ideal for people-watching along the seaport marina. Their boast of having the best mojitos in town is a fair claim, and they also have a great bar and a mojito-to-go kiosk if you want to judge for yourself before committing to dining there. Daily Happy Hour is 4 to 6 pm.

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.

Considering its secret location in the bottom corner of Harbour House dwarfed by the docked cruise ships, this adorable little Peruvian-themed escape has garnered a big buzz for its food, likely because owner Chef Teddy Bouroncle is well-known for his culinary talents from his tenure at the Aruba Marriott. Dine inside or out and enjoy traditional Peruvian dishes like lomo saltado or their special take on ceviche. The menu is small and not all Peruvian, but each week the chef promises to change things up to keep it fresh while keeping the classics.  They have an exciting chef’s table sister spot next door called Ever. 

Despite the name, the fare here is not Mexican but much more international with some real surprises, like a comprehensive sushi menu. The staff is helpful and friendly, creative chef specials change often, and it's a great spot to stop in for signature cocktails and special tapas; don't miss their a la carte weekend brunches or their Grand Dessert, four chef-special treats on one plate. This funky eatery is also part art gallery.

Those still mourning the loss of two of Aruba’s most beloved old dining spots—Chez Mathilde and Le Dome—can dry their eyes, because some of the original players of those establishments have teamed up to create the same type of classic French experience in Downtown Oranjestad. Expect impeccable personal service and classic French fare like tournedos au poivre (beef in red wine) and coq au vin, but vegan options can also be requested on-site.