5 Best Restaurants in Aruba

This landmark family-run bakery has been a local favorite since it first opened in 1949, and it's still home to the island's most authentic baked goods, including epic cakes, cupcakes, and pastries. There are also sandwiches and savory snacks like pastechi (handheld stuffed pastries) and hot dog broodjes ideal for a grab-and-go lunch or breakfast.

Located about five minutes from Arikok National Park's entrance, this spot has always been a legendary place for authentic Aruban baked goods, especially whole bolos (cakes). They still have about 20 kinds to choose from, including a few 6-inch sizes. Recently, they've upped their game to offer a wide range of hearty international and authentic Aruban breakfast, lunch, and dinner choices, making it also a great place to sample some of the island's traditional stobas (stews) and sopas (soups). The menu is still in Aruban florins though, so while they do take U.S. dollars, your change will most likely be in florin.

Dutch pancakes are unlike North American-style flapjacks since they can be both savory and sweet, offering opportunities for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and this legendary spot in the Renaissance Marketplace is considered the absolute best place to try them. More like thin crepes, they can be covered in (or stuffed with) a multitude of ingredients, which might include meats, vegetables, and cheeses. The menu includes dozens of varieties of both sweet and savory styles, as well as puffy little silver-dollar-size poffertjes. You'll enjoy them in the indoor-outdoor café, but if you eat outside, keep an eye on your syrup bottles, as the little resident sugar birds are always trying to get into them for a sweet treat.

Look for the giant black-and-white-striped booth in the interior courtyard of Paseo Herencia for some truly decadent delights. Specializing in alcohol-infused gourmet baked goods, particularly little Bundt cakes (no cupcakes here) that are infused with your choice of liquor-laden syrups, there are also specialty coffees, sweet or savory crêpes, waffle bowls, ice cream, and frozen yogurt, all available with “drunken toppings.”

This cheery little hut on Palm Beach is famous for its healthy and delicious fresh fruit and veggie juices, smoothies, bowls, kombucha, and creative vegan options. All of their specialties are free of additives and artificial substances. They also offer pickup and delivery.