2 Best Restaurants in Aruba

For first-rate Italian food, stellar sunsets, and an unpretentious environment, head to the Ritz-Carlton Aruba's indoor/outdoor Solanio. Large windows allow for lovely views from inside, and alfresco diners are treated to softly played live music, cooling trade winds, and a cheery bonfire. The food is carefully prepared in an open kitchen, and the atmosphere is casual. The smoky, braised short ribs make an outstanding start to the meal, and the risotto with wild mushroom and black truffle is woodsy and rich. Pizza and pasta menus have standout gluten-free options. Sunday brunch is becoming very popular.

The décor here is white, modern, and minimalist—the perfect stage for local chef and owner Urvin Croes's outstanding culinary experiments, like sea bass with shrimp and chorizo risotto, sweet basil coulis, tomato chips, and a creamy tomato Pernod sauce. Everything on the menu is creatively prepared and stunningly presented. Chef Croes isn't shy about taking risks, like adding lionfish (a threat to Aruba’s reefs) to the menu as a regular item. Though the location in a mall is not the most conducive to romance, it’s hard not to fall in love with this restaurant.