39 Best Restaurants in Aruba

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

One of Aruba's very first forays into the chef's table experience, here you'll enjoy an intimate evening of culinary entertainment that plays like a fun dinner party with friends rather than something you pay for. At most,17 guests are assembled around the U-shaped communal dinner table for a 5-and-a-half course creative gourmet adventure. The menu changes every 10 weeks, and there's a selection of optional wine pairings available by the glass (regular $70, reserve selection $130). Meals are not vegan or vegetarian-friendly, and this is strictly an adults-only experience. Reservations are advisable at least a few weeks in advance, but there's now a wait-list option on the website.  Be sure to state any dietary restrictions in advance.

This bopping beach space by day morphs into a surprisingly romantic pop-up, toes-in-the-sand dining spot at sunset. Fresh fish and seafood are the specialty, but carnivores will be well sated with excellent meat dishes. Soft live music adds to the enchantment.

This restaurant in the Ritz-Carlton is designed to replicate a New York–style steak house; but if you're looking for a more tropical vibe, opt for the ethereal dining room that leads out to a breezy garden terrace just steps from the sea for stellar sunset views that are unmistakably Caribbean. And though it's supposed to be all about the meat here, their pricey, but comprehensive seafood platter called The Royale is worth the splurge.

The cheery Ritz-Carlton breakfast spot known as Solanio takes on a whole new identity in the evenings as it transforms into Casa Nonna (meaning \"grandmother's house\"), dedicated to serving up authentic Italian cuisine. Service is exquisite (they even have a cocktail cart), and you can taste the care put into the handmade pastas and sauces. Don't miss the Mediterranean sea bass or grilled octopus for that real Italian coastal flavor, too.   Snag a table outside to catch spectacular sunsets and soft live music by the firepit.

Opened in 1986, this rustic nautical-themed restaurant owned and operated by the Merryweather family is justifiably famous for serving up the freshest catch of the day caught by the owners themselves. Typically they recommend the fresh fish be served Aruban-style for the best local experience (that means pan-fried and topped with a spicy creole sauce). Not to be missed is the fish soup that's been a family secret recipe since the very beginning. You can join them on their deep-sea fishing adventures through their sister company Driftwood Charters and have them cook up your own catch for dinner that night.