92 Best Restaurants in Aruba

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.

This two-story complex at the end of The Cove Mall houses both a speakeasy-style lounge and an intimate chef's table experience on the second floor wrap-around balcony. Though not a typical open kitchen like many other like-minded experiences, the chef creates a five-course menu around his whims and what is freshest in season and serves it up to only 12 diners per seating. Tables are clandestine nooks designed to recreate that illicit, yet romantic and sophisticated ambience of a bygone era. Dietary restrictions can be accommodated with 24-hour advance notice, but vegan or dairy-free options aren't available.

A stellar spot with stunning seaside views, this strictly adults-only dining spot embodies the resort's global reputation for promoting green living and a healthy lifestyle. The wide-ranging menu of internationally flavored dishes includes many organic, vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free choices that use locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Note that the adjoining beach bar is open only to resort guests.

One of Aruba’s most unique prix fixe dining experiences is secreted away in Willem’s Dutch Pancake house on Tuesday and Saturday nights, when an immersive animated show called “Le Petit Chef” plays with your meal. The said "chef" is barely an inch tall and appears as a hologram to prepare your meal for each course right on and around your plate. Each individual diner has their own projection field, as the storyline depends on what course and set menu you are having, but all the vignettes are creative and of excellent quality. The set menu comes in four versions of five courses with the star main being surf and turf, unless you've opted for the vegetarian or children's choice. There is a full bar and decent wine list, but all beverages are a la carte and not included in the price. Service begins at 7pm sharp.

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.

The second location of chef Urvin Croes’ poke, bao, and sushi spot is an ideal place to watch the boats in the marina and enjoy an awesome alfresco lunch, dinner, or post-shopping or pre-casino snack. The award-winning chef is known island-wide for his artistic plating and modern cooking at his upscale outfit called Infini, but this franchise shows off his playful side with fun creative tweaks on fusion Asian cuisine and comfort food. Chef Croes takes creative vegan dishes very seriously, and this place boasts some of the island’s very best.

Across from the golf course in the upscale gated vacation community called The Gold Coast, this inland oasis cresting the salt pond is sought after for its chef’s commitment to serve authentic Aruban fare. Try the traditional breakfasts of pastechis, arepas, and Dutch pancakes, or poolside lunches that include authentic sopi (Aruban fish soup) or Aruban seafood pizza. Fresh catch-of-the-day, usually fried whole and served with typical local sides like funchi, is always on offer, and you can also sample Aruban stobas (stews) of meat and seafood at dinner. There's a daily chef’s special for vegetarians and vegans, as well as a children’s menu.

The rich authentic flavors of cucina povera (peasant food made with fresh ingredients) from Southern Italy’s Calabria region now live in this massive family-style dining experience in the Metro Mall. Though service is first-rate and amenities a cut above a typical casual “trattoria,” you’ll not find any fancy fusion cooking here—just no-nonsense homemade offerings of pastas, sauces, and pizzas that Chef Laura Ianazzi learned at the apron strings of her Nona Rosa and Mama Caterina who grew up in Calabria. Enjoy stellar tableside service indoors or out.

Named after the plant tequila is derived from, this restaurant is dedicated to showcasing authentic Mesoamerican flavors inspired by diverse regions like Oaxaca. Familiar-sounding dishes like tacos, tostadas, enchiladas, and fajitas come full of surprises like braised octopus, beef tongue, chorizo, and cotija cheese, and they also do a mean vegan taco. Signature cocktails are also creative with surprisingly authentic Mexican twists. The stand-alone bar and the restaurant are open to the public and resort guests, but reservations are recommended for dining.

Secreted away just off the main Palm Beach strip, seek out the hidden Buddha to find the twinkling lights that lead to an absolutely enchanting upscale Asian-fusion emporium with stunning decor and Aruba’s longest bar. Enjoy an eclectic selection of dim sum, sushi, and creative meat and seafood dishes that can be paired with sake, Japanese beer, and whiskey or a killer handcrafted cocktail from their expert mixologists. Vegan menu options are also available.

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.

Located across the street from Divi Village Golf and Beach Resort, this trendy beachfront spot serves the perfect seaside casual fare—panini, wraps, burgers, and salads—as well as great cocktails and live entertainment. Enjoy superb swimming and sunset views there. They also serve breakfast. 

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.

Seeking to capture the quintessential hip experience, Brutto is trendy on steroids—think cocktails served in biodegradable plastic baggies with rubber duckies floating in them or grilled octopus millefeuille. But even though it's billed as Asian-modern fusion, they will appeal to the less adventurous with mains like glazed short ribs or Fish, Chips and More Chips. You can also order some pasta from their sister restaurant, Trattoria Lucca, next door. But it’s the open-kitchen sushi bar, live DJ, and cool vibe here that draws locals and visitors alike to sample, socialize, and mingle.

The bizarre rock formations at Casibari, which may make you feel as if you've dropped into Fred and Wilma Flintstone's dining room, make a great backdrop to this casual, offbeat restaurant, where wood-fired barbecue is king. Your generously portioned meal will be fire grilled under the stars, always accompanied by delicious sides that include coleslaw, Caribbean rice, and Casibari beans. Seating is strictly alfresco. After dark, the rocks are playfully illuminated for the nighttime crowd—this is a regular stop for the Kukoo Kunuku party bus dinner tour.

Since 1941, Charlie's has been the heart and soul of San Nicolas, famous for its interior decorated with eclectic bric-a-brac left behind by decades of international visitors. It also serves surprisingly good food, including delicious fresh fish and shrimp and killer steaks. They also bottle and sell their own brand of hot sauce called Honeymoon Sauce. Lunch or a very early dinner are the only options, since closing time is 6 pm. But you can book 4-course private dinners for five to fifteen people, and you will have the space to yourself from 6 to 9 pm.

Situated in the heart of Palm Beach nightlife, this chef-driven alfresco eatery opened in late 2024 as the brainchild of Chef Moisés Carvajal, who moved to the island at the age of six with his Dominican parents and honed his culinary skills under a steady stream of Aruba’s best chefs. Don’t miss his flavorful takes on freshly caught fish and seafood and be sure to finish with the passion-fruit crème brulée. You'll frequently find the chef mingling with his guests and cooking tableside.

Low-key elegance and soft piano music set the stage for this indoor enclave where meaty chops and steaks are king and classic silver service is still in vogue. The big surprise here though is the chic Omakase Japanese Sushi Bar that shares the space, and their excellent creative selection of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. The restaurant uses organic sustainably grown ingredients whenever possible; they even grow their own herbs. 

This charming bistro dining spot is the quintessential meeting place for those seeking great signature cocktails, creative tapas, quality coffee, and healthy lunch options. They also offer a full dinner menu, with dishes that range from chicken cordon bleu to beef tenderloin with Dutch potatoes. Suikertuin means “sugar garden” in Dutch, and this spot is so named for the yellow sugar birds that frequent the courtyard behind the historic colonial heritage house.

Enjoy locally roasted coffee at this cheery spot and take home some of their special Aruba blend as an ideal souvenir. They also offer gelato, locally made pastries, soups, and sandwiches.

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.

Don’t let the rustic decor fool you: this is not your average Italian resort eatery, though it's an inviting choice for large groups. Da Vinci pulls out all the stops to present a seriously upscale, authentic, and creative menu of Mediterranean favorites. Tucked away in the Holiday Inn Resort, it’s well worth seeking out for killer incarnations of osso buco, homemade pastas, and seafood served Italian-style, plus great vegan options. There's also a fabulous wine room with a surprisingly comprehensive selection of vintages from around the world. It's family-friendly, too, with a kids' menu and big communal tables for groups. Dining at Da Vinci Ristorante is included in the resort's all-inclusive program, but it is also open to the public.

Dine inside or out at this tiny spot dedicated to the revolutionary Haitian hero Jean-Jacques Dessalines, where the cuisine is inspired by the chef's family’s Haitian heritage. A number of classic Caribbean dishes are available, but try the Haitian spaghetti with turkey sausage and smoked herring, the classic Haitian griyo (pork shoulder), or the pikliz (spicy cabbage salad) for an authentic feel of Haiti. You'll find the restaurant tucked beside the old water tower that serves as the Museum of Industry. Lunch with chef's specials are served during weekends, though they are planning on making it available during most weekdays.

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 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.

Opened in 1977, this was the first restaurant in Aruba to offer feet-in-the-water dining, and its insanely romantic seaside setting is why this legendary landmark is so worth the trek out to Savaneta. An international menu is designed to please all palates, but the real culinary draw is fish straight from the island’s most famous local fisherman’s pier, located a few doors over. The setting is enchanting, with fabulous sunset views giving way to the twinkling lights of tiki torches and lights set in the sea; even the indoor decor is awash with artificial stars.  Reserve well in advance for a table in the water.

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.

A contemporary poolside dining option at Manchebo Beach Resort, this alfresco oasis features inspired Caribbean-international cuisine, and vegans are especially excited about their entire menu devoted to gourmet plant-based dining. Creative preparations of meat, seafood, and fish—locally sourced whenever possible—are all enhanced with flavors from the on-site herb garden, and the chef often surprises with exotic daily specials.

Created in spring 2021 by legendary local chef Urvin Croes, one of the island’s most innovative purveyors of ultramodern cuisine, this chef’s table experience offers infinite possibilities for the palate. The “Chef’s Impression” experience is an extensive eight-course theme menu based on world flavors and seasonal, locally sourced (whenever possible) ingredients; the plating of each dish is often so exquisite you might hesitate to dig in, but don't. Pair with wine by the glass for an additional cost ($110 per person).

One of the dining emporiums rejuvenating the historic red windmill ("De Olde Molen") courtyard now called "The Mill Town," this intimate chef’s table experience revolves around the well-known culinary skills and creativity of chef Patrick van der Donk and his talented sommelier wife, Ivette. This dynamic duo has a legacy of operating fine-dining establishments on Aruba under the Amuse brand, and now they invite guests to their latest venture. Guests dine at stand-alone tables as they enjoy French-inspired cuisine with a Caribbean twist. There's a maximum of 20 guests.

Housed in a cheery blue-and-green cottage a few minutes from Baby Beach, this charming spot is run by Kamini Kurvink, who combines her Trinidadian heritage with local flavors to create unique Caribbean comfort food. Fish, seafood, and meat dishes are served with a spicy flair thanks to Kamini's secret signature hot sauce.