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Curaçao’s culinary scene has become seriously cosmopolitan in the past few years. Though you can still find places to get traditional, local dishes like iguana soup, keshi yena (seasoned meat wrapped in cheese and baked), and goat stew, the emerging generation of chefs has really raised the bar. Caribbean meets international wit
Curaçao’s culinary scene has become seriously cosmopolitan in the past few years. Though you can still find places to get traditional, local dishes like iguana soup, keshi yena (seasoned meat wrapped in cheese and baked), and goat stew, the emerging generation of chefs
Curaçao’s culinary scene has become seriously cosmopolitan in the past few years. Though you can still find places to ge
Curaçao’s culinary scene has become seriously cosmopolitan in the past few years. Though you can still find places to get traditional, local dishes like iguana soup, keshi yena (seasoned meat wrapped in cheese and baked), and goat stew, the emerging generation of chefs has really raised the bar. Caribbean meets international with a side of nouvelle cuisine or farm-to-fork organic offerings. All combine for a cornucopia of tastes and flavors that meet world-class standards. And the range of locations where you can enjoy these creations is as eclectic as the fare. You’ll find romantic toes-in-the-sand surf-side spots, family-friendly air-conditioned emporiums, lush countryside gardens, and unique historic sites like forts and plantation houses all hosting diners. For authentic local-style lunches drop by the Old Market in Punda; or after the nightclubs, seek out one of the late-night snack trucks (truki pan) for cheap, yet satisfying, eats. Many beach bars also have fabulous fare for less than you’d expect to pay. But for the most part, fine dining will cost you what it’s typically worth, especially since almost every kind of food on this island needs to be imported from elsewhere.
What to Wear. Dress in restaurants is almost always casual (though beachwear isn't acceptable). Some of the resort dining rooms and more elegant restaurants require that men wear jackets, especially in high season; ask when you make reservations.
Jutting out onto a pier over the ocean at the Avila Beach Hotel, this legendary perch is famous for their live jazz and blues nights on Thursdays...
Jutting out onto a pier over the ocean at the Avila Beach Hotel, this legendary perch is famous for their live jazz and blues nights on Thursdays, and the fact that the band is also perched over the bar. Now featuring pinchos (skewers), the cuisine is also beginning to steal the show with a tasty selection of fish, seafood, and meat specialties, and the ribs are first-rate as well. The vibe is always convivial, and it's a popular place for locals to gather, especially on Thursday at happy hour.
On a hill above Willemstad, this elegant restaurant is built into an 18th-century fort with a 360-degree view. Among the highlights of the diverse...
On a hill above Willemstad, this elegant restaurant is built into an 18th-century fort with a 360-degree view. Among the highlights of the diverse menu is the medley of Caribbean seafood, but the best bets come from their special menu—three courses with a fixed price—your choice of appetizer, main course, and dessert. Entrées include a chicken and a beef dish, but most interesting is the caramelized salmon with sugared bacon. The watermelon soup with honey, rum, basil, and mint is certainly a unique creation for dessert. Vegetarian mains are also available. Superb views of the sunset over the port can be enjoyed from the terrace.
Schottegatweg 82, near Juliana Bridge, Willemstad, n/a Curaçao, Curaçao
Dine on the veranda of a restored 19th-century Dutch mansion overlooking the Santa Anna Bay and the resplendent Punda skyline. Though often...
Dine on the veranda of a restored 19th-century Dutch mansion overlooking the Santa Anna Bay and the resplendent Punda skyline. Though often busy and popular with tourists, the ambience makes it worth a visit. Intriguing soup options include Cuban banana soup and Curaçao-style fish soup. Keshi yena and spareribs are among the savory entrées. After dinner, you can stick around for live music at the bar, which stays open until 1 am. The restaurant is also popular for lunch and attracts crowds when cruise ships dock. Reserve ahead if you would like a balcony table. A wine tasting room is available for special events.
De Rouvilleweg 9, Willemstad, n/a Curaçao, Curaçao
Ask any local foodie where to get creative fusion fare with a Curaçao twist, and Kome will be the first spot they mention. It’s not super fancy...
Ask any local foodie where to get creative fusion fare with a Curaçao twist, and Kome will be the first spot they mention. It’s not super fancy, in fact it’s no-nonsense rustic with basic wooden tables and chairs, but it’s the food that attracts. They are always changing specialties due to constant efforts to source locally, and the results are often surprising. The menu is divided into small plates and big plates, and the dishes can range from pork belly confit and tamarind-glazed pork tenderloin to smoked beef brisket to seafood paella. And don’t forget to leave room for dessert because one of the owners is a talented pastry chef! They are also known for their tapas nights on Wednesday with creative small bites to go with superb signature cocktails and excellent sangrias.
Johan van Walbeeckplein 6, Pietermaai, n/a Curaçao, Curaçao
The new anchor of the entire Mambo Beach Boulevard complex Madero Ocean Club offers dining, entertainment, a great beach bar, a massive pool...
The new anchor of the entire Mambo Beach Boulevard complex Madero Ocean Club offers dining, entertainment, a great beach bar, a massive pool and surf-side lounge, and daybed rentals. Pool parties, bottle service, and special events on their own stage with hot DJs and live bands, especially on Sundays, give the entire scene a South Beach vibe. The eclectic dinner menu includes seafood and meats and great tapas. Breakfast and lunch also served.
Mambo Beach Blvd., Bapor Kibra, n/a Curaçao, Curaçao
In a restored plantation mansion called Landhuis Vredenberg on a lush estate, Primas is a family-run restaurant that offers authentic homemade...
In a restored plantation mansion called Landhuis Vredenberg on a lush estate, Primas is a family-run restaurant that offers authentic homemade lunch fare in a superb setting. The menu is up to the chef, but typically hearty savory meat stews, fresh fish dishes, and Curaçaon specialties like keshi yena will pop up. You can view their daily menu on their Facebook page. They're usually not open for dinner (private parties abound), but on Thursday nights Primas is one of the few places left on the island where you can sample real rijsttafel (rice table), an Indonesian-influenced extravaganza of dozens of small dishes served community-style. It's also worth the trip just to see the magnificent restored mansion full of exquisite antiques. Groups of 15 or more can make special dinner arrangements.
Bramendiweg 200, Willemstad, n/a Curaçao, Curaçao
5999-461–2901
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No dinner except Thurs.
The main dining room of Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort is set upon a hill beside the golf course with stunning sea views. A gourmet burger...
The main dining room of Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort is set upon a hill beside the golf course with stunning sea views. A gourmet burger–and–sandwich emporium by day, it morphs into a causal yet romantic dining enclave by night with cool tropical breezes wafting in from the open design, and incredible aromas coming from the open-air kitchen. Chef Hortencia surprises daily with fabulous fusions of local and international flavors. His specials are top-notch and often involve fresh fish and seafood. Try the short ribs: seasoned to perfection and falling off the bone, they melt in your mouth. Top it off with a decadent chocolate trio of delights for dessert. New fly-and-dine packages are available with BlueSkies Helicopter.
Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort, Nieuwpoort, n/a Curaçao, Curaçao
Built into a 19th-century fort, this romantic gem anchors the entrance to the 21st-century Rif Fort complex, and the waterside terrace offers...
Built into a 19th-century fort, this romantic gem anchors the entrance to the 21st-century Rif Fort complex, and the waterside terrace offers an enchanting view of the harbor. They present French cuisine with a Caribbean twist, but there are many international specialities as well as Swiss fondue, raclette, and Wiener schnitzel. The menu differs depending on where you sit—for example, you can only order their bouillabaisse on the terrace. But both inside and out, you can order their most famous decadent dessert, Swiss Toblerone chocolate mousse with strawberry foam.
Over the years this has become something of a road marker on Curaçao's beaten tourist path, with prices to match. You'll be greeted by the owner...
Over the years this has become something of a road marker on Curaçao's beaten tourist path, with prices to match. You'll be greeted by the owner, Jaanchi himself, a self-described "walking, talking menu," who will recite your choices of authentic local dishes for lunch. Jaanchi's iguana soup, touted in folklore as an aphrodisiac, is one of their specialities. Although predominantly a lunch spot, the restaurant will accommodate groups of four or more for dinner by prior arrangement.
Karakter is a popular beachfront restaurant for the Coral Estate villas crowd, and it also caters for them. It's the nexus of surf-side revelry...
Karakter is a popular beachfront restaurant for the Coral Estate villas crowd, and it also caters for them. It's the nexus of surf-side revelry with live music weekends and tapas and drinks. Lounges and patio tables set the scene, and friendly barkeeps make you feel right at home. Coral Estates is a gated community, so you must present ID to enter when you visit Karakter.
Rif Marie Coral Estates, Coral Estate Rif St. Marie, n/a Curaçao, Curaçao
A unique installation on such an arid island, L'aldea is in a small rain-forest reserve, replete with lizards, animals, fish, and birds that...
A unique installation on such an arid island, L'aldea is in a small rain-forest reserve, replete with lizards, animals, fish, and birds that you would find typically in lusher climes. But what is most impressive here is the handcrafted design of absolutely everything including faux Mayan and other ancient culture recreations, caves and tropical atmospheres by local craftsmen (some of whom are the owners) using wood and cement to recreate a "lost world" in the middle of nowhere. They have also recently added a few small rooms as ecoaccommodation stays there. The easiest way to visit is to take a tour that includes a facility visit and then stay for their Latin American-themed dinner. The fare is incredible—the largest salad bar on the island—plus a carnivore's heaven with grilled meats served Brazilian grill-style until you burst. Live music also adds to the full-on experience. For day-trippers though, it would be great if they served some kind of lunch.
Sta. Catharina 66, Willemstad, n/a Curaçao, Curaçao
The sheltered terrace at La Bahia features a remarkable view of the harborfront and is so close to the passing ships you'll feel you can almost...
The sheltered terrace at La Bahia features a remarkable view of the harborfront and is so close to the passing ships you'll feel you can almost touch them. The menu runs the gamut from burgers and pastas to keshi yena (seasoned meat wrapped in cheese and baked) and other local specialties. This is also a great spot to relax with a cup of coffee or a cocktail after a day of exploring. Part of the renewed Otrabanda Hotel, it is a short walk from the Queen Emma Bridge.
Otrobanda Hotel & Casino, Breedestraat, Willemstad, n/a Curaçao, Curaçao
Tucked away in the corner of the historic Rif Fort Village courtyard, Royal Dutch Cheesery is much more than a cheese shop. Of course they do...
Tucked away in the corner of the historic Rif Fort Village courtyard, Royal Dutch Cheesery is much more than a cheese shop. Of course they do sell cheese and are the only suppliers of Reypenaer cheese on the island, but it’s more of a dining spot and tasting emporium replete with a large wine list and even artisanal spirits. A wine pairing along with various types of cheese (on a wooden plank shaped like Curaçao) is a must, as are their gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, fondues, and raclette. Weekend nights, this is a perfect spot to enjoy outdoor live music on the courtyard while sipping some of their unique small-batch limoncello.
Rif Fort Village, Willemstad, n/a Curaçao, Curaçao
Part of the Waterfort Terrace complex, this open-air dining spot serves an interesting selection of international fare, steak, seafood, and...
Part of the Waterfort Terrace complex, this open-air dining spot serves an interesting selection of international fare, steak, seafood, and some dishes with Asian twists or Latin American heat. Daily specialties like freshly caught lobster are a best bet. Their evening setting can be very romantic with a stellar view of the sunset and the port at night and their signature cocktails like Coastal Kiss and Fancy Scampis will get you in the mood. Families aren't left out as there is also a children's menu.
For an immersive, hands-on experience with the cuisine of the island, you might want to try this unusual Otrobanda establishment. Self-taught...
For an immersive, hands-on experience with the cuisine of the island, you might want to try this unusual Otrobanda establishment. Self-taught cook Angelica Schoop puts guests in an apron and walks them through the process of creating their own meal in her fully equipped kitchen. Dishes may include anything from plantain soup to funchi. After the cooking is done, guests head to the back porch and enjoy the fruits of their labor. The minimum group size is 10 people, so gather up a few friends and prepare for four hours of culinary fun. Less adventurous folks can just cross the road and enjoy fine pastries and champagne at Angelica's Delights or join her on a culinary walking tour of the city.
It's all about steak and wine at this legendary dining spot in the Renaissance Mall. In fact they boast they are the island's only genuine U...
It's all about steak and wine at this legendary dining spot in the Renaissance Mall. In fact they boast they are the island's only genuine U.S. steak house. From small 6-ounce to whopping 24-ounce cuts of meat, beef is perfectly prepared to order and paired with the perfect foil from a vast selection of quality wines from their comprehensive cellar. They also sell wines by the bottle for take-away. Fish and seafood are also on the menu, and they also offer a decent vegetarian ravioli.
Built into the Waterfort Arches, this restaurant and its outdoor terrace are part of an adjoining strip of eateries in a coveted spot perched...
Built into the Waterfort Arches, this restaurant and its outdoor terrace are part of an adjoining strip of eateries in a coveted spot perched over the Caribbean. Listen to the rippling waves crash against the rocks as you sip wine and enjoy creative variations on homemade pastas and pizza. The pretty Italian-themed dining room has huge picture windows so the ocean is always visible. The menu changes frequently, so there is usually something new to choose should you make multiple visits.
Located in the sculpture garden at the Kura Hulanda Hotel and named after the hotel's owner Jacob Gelt-Dekker, this is one of the most romantic...
Located in the sculpture garden at the Kura Hulanda Hotel and named after the hotel's owner Jacob Gelt-Dekker, this is one of the most romantic choices on the island. The restaurant represents the merger of former island establishments Astrolab Observatory and Sculpture Garden, which were both highly regarded by those in the know. Dining alfresco beneath ficus trees creates a memorable experience. Depending on how busy it is, the service can range from attentive to downright slow. The extensive wine list is noteworthy.
The subtle lighting and sound of the nearby waterfall seem to make the food even more sublime at this outdoor Pan-Asian restaurant—with distinct...
The subtle lighting and sound of the nearby waterfall seem to make the food even more sublime at this outdoor Pan-Asian restaurant—with distinct Indian and Thai influences—that's part of the expansive Kura Hulanda complex. The samosas filled with ground lamb make a great starter, and the tandoori mixed platter—with chicken, shrimp, and lamb kebobs—is a treat. The Thursday-night Asian buffet is a feast for the senses.
When it comes to chic, no other place on the island can beat this beachfront eatery. A nondescript facade leads past a lighted infinity pool...
When it comes to chic, no other place on the island can beat this beachfront eatery. A nondescript facade leads past a lighted infinity pool flanked by small cabanalike private booths. You continue to a semicovered dining room open to the eponymous moon. Choose to dine or drink around the pool or relax to the sound of the waves in the crisp white dining room. The menu features mainly European dishes but retains an eclectic flourish with a few Asian options. The seared tuna steak served on Dutch potato-salad appetizer may sound odd, but it's heaven on a plate and is large enough to be a main course.
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