Aruba, the best and nicest restaurants on the island
Aruba. One Happy Island. And that's it. Not least because of the lazy life you live there (but really: go with the friendly flow). And because you probably don't feel like thinking anymore once AAARRUUUUBBBAAA. Don't do that either. Go with the Aruban flow. And so: a list of personal restaurant favorites. Aka Aruba, the restaurants. Don't mention it.
what to do in Aruba? Read more.
By far the top favorite. Bee Corsairs eat your fried fish straight from the sea via the deep fryer, everything straight on your plate. Okay, in your plastic basket. And no, not a super-greasy, sticky chip shop - it's really tasty at Zeerovers (okay, a bit greasy, it's still a chip shop and it's still Aruba). Moreover, it is always incredibly pleasant. The first time we visited, the fishermen were just mooring and unloading their catch, a variety show in itself. The second time we visited, there was live, music. The third time it was just great fun. Anyway. Getting it wrong is not an option. Corsairs
Permanent address on the island, Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba. A paradise with all the trimmings: beautiful casitas, nice swimming pools and the beach within walking distance. Everything beautiful, fun and then the standard feeling of never going home again. And a bit worse since the arrival of The Coco Café. And there they serve (for hotel guests, but upon reservation they also save some tables for the rest) a combination of food from the island, from Belgium and Mediterranean food. And that is packaged in a 'food all day' menu.
Just like the rest of the hotel, it is fresh and full with a stunning chandelier made from thousands of seashells. The bar continues to a semi-open kitchen with a glass wall.
year of production 2023 new kid on the block on the island. Turn on an open fire and let them cook Azar. The Surf and Turf is everything you want and more. Just like the cocktails and all other dishes from the firewood rotisserie oven. Not on the beach, but a bit hidden. Cozy and large inside and oooh don't forget the roasted corn.
Er, okay, this is a bit of a cheat because although the restaurant is more than pleasant, Renaissance Island aka Flamingo Island is mainly a favorite because of the pink friends, not necessarily because of the food. Which should in no way spoil the fun, nor should the multiple visits to the island where you come by boat from the Renaissance Hotel. Only for hotel guests (no penalty), unless the hotel is not full. Then the Happy few getting a day pass (a near-impossible task during peak season) for $125. Once arrived, the left is for the kids, the right adults only.
Favorite in Oranjestad – but real. Qua cool en feel maybe not your slickest place (colored lamps and such... ouch) but delicious food (note: Aruban-American portions) and a very friendly staff. For the chocolate melting we came back again. Furthermore, there are grill dishes (fish skewers and a delicious steak), which is impressive, in a not-so-simple format. When you arrive at the parking lot, you can immediately look into the colonial (nicely colored) dining room, thanks to the covered terrace on the side. And orange
Health juice, anyone? Or better yet: half a pineapple full (FULL) of everything tasty and healthy you can think of? The hut called Eduardo's has it, right on the busy beach of Palm Beach. Order from the laundry list of options (jars and containers and cups and pineapples full of granola, yogurt, acai, fruit, fruit and fruit) and walk around the corner to the payment and distribution hatch. Can't choose? Then you just have to go back every day – you won't get any healthier or tastier food on the island anyway, so that's no punishment. Besides, you can't go wrong. Don't you see that half pineapple there? Neither do we. But they do have it! You are welcome to ask questions. Eduardo's was expanded and in addition to Eduardo's Beach Shack there is now also Eduardo's Hideaway and Cabana. We want more!
If you were to spend two weeks in Aruba, you might feel like speaking Italian for a change. Or in sushi. In that case: on to Ganni's. Or to Asia – you can guess what is served where. Both restaurants belong to the Gianni's Group, an initiative of the Aruban Giovanni and Filomena Ferrara who started the first Italian restaurant years ago. With success. Gianni's is popular and much visited and the restaurants that followed were all successes thanks to the good mix between our European taste and that of the American-on-holiday (no judgement). The Garden Fresh Café is also part of the club. Giannis en Azia
Also a great favorite. A fat one. On a quiet beach, within walking distance of the Renaissance Hotel, there seems to be a lonely restaurant. Make no mistake: it's prom at West Deck. There are small tapas-style bites to share on the table for you and they are, quite rightly, delicious, from the squid rings and the ribs (the ribs!) to the salads and the spicy shrimp (those shrimp!). Be sure to save here as well spicy specialty of the island: Pica di Papaya (a locally made spicy sauce with papaya). YUM. The West Deck
Craft is a coffee shop and cocktail bar in one. The islanders have known that this is great fun since day 1 when Craft started with a banging opening party. And day 2, more or less, when the youngest craft beers of the island, Hopi Bon, of course at Craft. Beer and cocktails, but the locals certainly know where to find craft for the best coffee in Aruba and just the right breakfast and lunch dishes. Waffles with strawberries and banana, for example. And bowls full of fresh fruit. Craft
An Aruba classic, run by Dutch. You eat there in a semi-chic style, and that is quite tasty. This also applies to those with love shaken cocktails, although if possible it is just a little more about the setting: a beautiful room (oh beautiful, you almost forget because...:) that ends in a private beach where the BareFoot tables are set up. The dream. Correct. Dine with your feet in the soft, white Aruban beach. Book early and grab the sunset almost nowhere more beautiful. Moreover, everyone, young and old, local or not, to shamelessly take snapshots and selfies there, the red ball sinking into the sea in the background #noshame. Don't forget, because of all that splendor: enjoy your meal. And you cocktail (the Espresso Martini here is the best on the island). Another favorite, and not just because of that sun downers. Barefoot Restaurant
The Casibari Café is located right in the middle of the island. Bam! You may not even think about it, but really, take it from me: it is worth getting in the car and heading inland. The café, a rock formation, is located in the middle of the rugged nature reserve - more about that soon on it's own. Without Screaming Eagle or Elements or Any I don't want to sell another restaurant short: it was here that we ate the most delicious red mullet. Together with such delicious 'fries' to die for. Casibari
Hand in hand with Zeerover, Charlie's Bar is the most authentic spot on the island. In fact: Charlie's Bar is the oldest bar in Aruba. You have to go 'all the way' to San Nicolas, in the south of Aruba (but that's okay because then you can enjoy all the street art. nearby, more about that soon). The bar is an excess of… Well, stuff. There's something everywhere. Order a beer (the white wine is undrinkable) and while away the day with the founder's son-in-law, Charlie, who stands behind the bar. And with the regulars. And the tourists. And yes, that's fun. Charlie's Bar
Back to it healthy plan. Admittedly, we don't necessarily go to Aruba to lose weight, but for a rock-solid, healthy, truly delicious wrap or salad without buckets full of sugar or other added additives. shizzle, you can get it from Garden Fresh. From the wraps which you can hardly get in the Netherlands. But here it is. Garden Fresh
The organic restaurant in Aruba, that is Elements. For those who love healthy food on the beach. With a view that will make you laugh. Only for the adults. Elements
According to many, the best restaurant on the island, right opposite the beautiful Eagle Beach. Did we think so too? Yes, quite well. The restaurant is run, or at least: the kitchen is run, by Amersfoort Erwin Hüsken, a Dutch chef who went to Aruba for fun and never came back. In fact, he arranged for his sister and her family to fly over as well. And that's good news: as stated here before, the common denominator on the island is still a lot and fat when it comes to food. Screaming Eagle is one of those restaurants that is changing that. Man oh man, the food is so good here, even though hardly anything fresh grows on the island. The menu is so called French-Fusion and Hüsken cooks according to the season where possible. That is to say: the 'Western' season, like at home. Oysters, eel, even game, when the time is right. Most people have to fly in from America, so why not serve guests something surprising? immense? Exactly that, but Screaming Eagle is not to be missed: the food is truly delicious and different from elsewhere on the island. screaming eagle
It is a shack. A food shed and we think it's fantastic. Two reasons: 1 bright pink, juicy, deliciously dripping from-your-chin-through-your-neck dragonfruit. 2: empanadas, the good way. Order one at the silver bar Patty (yes, also for breakfast. What do we say: especially for breakfast, as the sisters learned Boardwalk ounces) with chicken, beef or vegetarian. Wait a minute. Yum. Mi Boca Dushi Snacks
Aruba and pastechi, it goes together. On the island you cannot avoid the famous pie (a dough-filled snack) that is famous in the Netherlands. You can just eat here for breakfast. And preferably at a local bakery like Huchada, one of the best on the island. They also have fresh rolls and pastries and the service is pleasant and friendly. As we did: bring some pastechi and go to Arikok for a morning walk.
The entrance is beautiful at Caya House, you walk through an arcade of flowers and it feels like you're walking through secret garden runs. The owners, Marco and Carlos, wanted it fine dining level to the next level at Caya House. They partly inspired the restaurant from the party atmosphere you find in Mexico, where restaurants become lounges and nightclubs later in the evening. The restaurant is located on bustling Palm Beach, but it feels very exclusive and private, playful but also chic. As Marco himself indicates; all guests should immediately feel at home here.
