44 Best Restaurants in Aruba

The signature beachfront restaurant of Aruba Ocean Villas is tiny, but well worth the trip for the romantic, toes-in-the-sand, adults-only dining experience with soft live music, twinkling lights, and stellar sunsets over the sea. The eclectic menu revolves around local seafood, fine quality meats, and locally sourced produce. Creative vegetarian and vegan mains are also available. For special occasions, you might opt for the overwater private dining palapa, available to the public with three separate tables for an extra charge. Dining here is a great way to preview this exceptional boutique resort for future consideration. Reserve the overwater option far in advance, as it sells out quickly.

Inspired by the 1974 Steve McQueen film Papillon, evident in the decor, the French- and Caribbean-inspired menu includes classics like frog’s legs, escargots, caviar, duck breast with passion-fruit sauce, and local snapper with grilled shrimp covered in creole sauce. Service is old-school stellar, and soft live music adds to the enchanting ambiance.

With stunning seafront sunsets and tiki torch lighting to enhance the mood, the signature restaurant of Amsterdam Manor is a favorite escape for those seeking toes-in-the-sand dining with soft live music. Although always popular with families (children under three eat free) and small groups, they now have an adults-only focused time (8 pm and later) with a special prix-fix three-course menu to ensure couples can enjoy the ultimate romantic evening. Though "reef cuisine" is their specialty, there's also meat, vegetarian, and vegan offerings. Breakfast and lunch are served mostly on the deck and in front of their Passions Beach Bar.

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.

Set in a beautifully restored 100-year-old mansion with a lovely outdoor courtyard, Quinta del Carmen's cuisine is best defined as modern Caribbean-Dutch. There are a few traditional Dutch favorites like cheese croquettes and mushrooms and cream; the watermelon salad is sweet, salty, and perfectly refreshing; and the sucade-lappen (flank steak stewed in red wine and herbs) has a depth of flavor that comes from hours in the pot. Or you can enjoy gourmet shareables, wines by the glass, sangria specials, and creative cocktails in the gorgeous Carmen's Tapas Garden, which sprawls across the beautifully manicured lawns. Don't miss the interior stand-alone bar full of awesome antiques. They offer a standalone vegetarian and vegan menu, too.

Excellent coffee, creative snacks, and master baristas are the hallmarks of this local brand. They are also licensed for cocktails, wine, and beer, and make decadent milkshakes, too.

Though diners might be lured to this elegant international eatery for the novel opportunity to dine in a canopied bed, it’s the exquisite culinary experience created by their award-winning chef that has them returning for more. One of Aruba’s most popular restaurants is also a favorite because of the talented barkeeps who have garnered a loyal clientele at their classy lounge. Those guests who prefer the classic table-and-chair dining option can dine inside or out as well.

Reservations for the beds a must as there are only a few.

This legendary island landmark was once best known for the opportunity to dine in canopied beds, but the real draw has always been the top-notch food with French leanings and an award-winning wine selection. You can still dine indoors, but they have since ditched the beds and created a romantic alfresco experience with mood lighting on a toes-in-the sand dining deck—all without actually being at the beach. They also have an impressive selection of fine bourbons and American whiskies.

After a very successful run on Eagle Beach, dynamic duo Chef Kelt Hugo Maat and his partner, sommelier/host Sebastian Kruisselbrink, decided to relocate their Senses Fine Dining chef’s table experience to Palm Beach—but with a twist. Now operating as the signature dining spot of the Radisson Blu Aruba, this new concept encompasses a dual space that includes the chef’s table in a dedicated walled-off corner and a classy a la carte restaurant that is open for lunch and dinner. They also have an inviting alfresco terrace overlooking the resort’s water circuit. The chef’s table seats 16 guests (for those 18 and older) and offers an 8-course dinner, with or without wine pairing. They also offer a unique luxury brunch chef’s table. The a la carte menu features high-end mains like tomahawk steak.

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. 

There's always something cool happening at this bright and lively indoor--outdoor spot. The international kaleidoscopic menu includes everything from Dutch pancakes and Asian specialties to gourmet burgers and Caribbean seafood—surprisingly, they do it all very well. The many rotating special nights and monthly Bubbles & Bites evenings are very popular.

As the name suggests, this is a local favorite for pizza in Santa Cruz, but they also serve great snack platters, chicken, and burgers. There's outdoor garden seating and cold beer on tap, too. The prices listed on the menu are in Aruban florins. They do take USD, but you'll most likely get your change in florins.

The crowning glory of all the options at The Cove Mall is this aptly named second-story bar and restaurant where a private elevator introduces guests to incredible vistas. But it's not so much the view that draws the crowds here as it is the vibe—think private beach cabanas with killer mixologists behind the bar, and romantic tables for two scattered around a rooftop—and the food, which ranges from creative tapas and shareables like seafood towers and charcuterie boards to upscale mains like steak, lamb chops, lobster, and fresh fish. Don't miss the crispy fried Jerusalem artichokes or the blue crab and gnocchi.  Check out their Facebook page for many special events.

Overlooking Divi Village from a circular glassed-in dome, this elegant indoor affair is famous for its all-you-can-eat à la carte Royal Sunday Brunch that includes endless mimosas, as well as its unique late-night brunch every Friday night with entertainment and cocktail specials. Regular dinnertime offerings focus on upscale Italian fare, with classic pastas and Mediterranean favorites on the menu.