75 Best Restaurants in Aruba

The Ellis family converted its 126-year-old manor into a bistro with an atmosphere that is elegant, intimate, and always romantic. You can feast in the small dining room, which is filled with antiques, or outdoors on the terrace by the pool. The chef mixes Continental and Caribbean cuisines to produce sumptuous seafood and meat dishes. Those seeking a bit of novelty can order one of the hot-stone dishes, which come to the table sizzling. Service is unhurried and the atmosphere is laid-back. The old home's living room was recently converted into an elegant speakeasy-style escape called Pappa’s Cigar Lounge, replete with private butler service and high-end spirits.

This spot tucked away in the corner of Metro Mall serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but it's also a very cool place to drop in for coffee or cocktails for photo-printed drinks. A nifty machine imprints photos right from your phone into the foam on top of your drink in impressive detail—all you need to do is to just send your picture via the QR code on the table.

Tucked away in the lobby of Azure Residences on Eagle Beach, this is another culinary venture by legendary Chef Urvin Croes (owner of Infini), but here Croes strays from high-end upscale modern cuisine to create Asian comfort food. His fresh takes on poke, sushi, and steamed baos are inspired by his Chinese heritage; he also offers up some delicious vegan versions as well. There's another Po-Ké Ono outlet in Renaissance Marketplace.

Unfettered sea views and stellar sunsets with tiki torches and lit-up palms make this the signature dining spot of Divi Aruba Phoenix. The menu offers contemporary global cuisine, with classic offerings like rack of lamb, salmon, and Caribbean mac and cheese. The intimate tables set up mere steps from the sea on brilliant white sand beach are perfect for couples. Open to the public, this spot is often overlooked as a romantic toes-in-the-sand option for all, though it remains well-appreciated by the resort's guests.

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.

The owners of the legendary Downtown restaurant Driftwood and its sister operation, Driftwood Fishing Charters, opened this much smaller and far less formal eatery centered around fresh fish and seafood. You can never go wrong with their catch-of-the-day, Aruban fish soup, or their surprisingly creative craft cocktails.

Those still mourning the loss of two of Aruba’s most beloved old dining spots—Chez Mathilde and Le Dome—can dry their eyes, because some of the original players of those establishments have teamed up to create the same type of classic French experience in Downtown Oranjestad. Expect impeccable personal service and classic French fare like tournedos au poivre (beef in red wine) and coq au vin, but vegan options can also be requested on-site.

Built around the concept of the Bushiribana gold mill ruins (the name means "ruins by the sea"), the Hyatt's signature restaurant offers up seafood specialties prepared with a fusion of Caribbean and Mediterranean flavors as well as excellent steaks and freshly prepared Italian dishes. This enchanting oasis is the consummate romantic setting, with a koi lagoon, waterfalls, and a rooftop bougainvillea garden; indoor and outdoor dining is available.

This hole-in-the-wall is the place for the best sacos, paper bags full of fried chicken, ribs, chops, plantains, fries, and johnnycakes. Locals and regular visitors often make a trip across the island just to have it.

These expat American owners brought a taste of home to their alfresco Palm Beach bar hut with authentic Wisconsin brats and sausages, Chicago-style hot dogs, and their great selection of loaded fries. They also have funnel cakes, coffee, and some killer creative cocktails. Breakfast sandwiches are also big, and sometimes they have live steel pan music.

Opened by the same people who own Pinchos, this fun and friendly wood-decked grill joint offers casual fare like barbecue ribs and grilled shrimp by the dozen, as well as Caribbean bites like jerk wings, fried funchi (like a thick polenta) with Dutch cheese, and West Indian samosas. There are some surprisingly snazzy main dishes, and the signature "Beer-Ritas" (a full bottle of beer served upside down in a big margarita) are legendary. Located at the base of the new Linear Park, it’s the perfect place for sunset views over the ocean as the cruise ships come and go.

Choose from a simple and elegant indoor dining area or a tropical outdoor garden oasis as you sample a creative international menu that includes choices of quality meats, homemade pastas, and fresh fish and seafood, all with suggested wine pairings from the well-regarded cellar. The menu also includes an impressive offering of avant-garde vegetarian dishes.

With a name that means "pirates" in Dutch, this alfresco restaurant sits right on the Savaneta pier, where the local fishermen bring in their daily catch. The menu is basic: the day's fish and other seafood, fried almost as soon as it's lifted out of the boat and served with sides of local staples like fried plantains. You can chase it all down with a cold local beer or homemade popsicles made from exotic local fruit. The restaurant has become very popular with locals and visitors alike, so expect it to be busy, especially on weekends. On Sundays, there is often a line down the street.

For first-rate Italian food, stellar sunsets, and an unpretentious environment, head to the Ritz-Carlton Aruba's indoor/outdoor Solanio. Large windows allow for lovely views from inside, and alfresco diners are treated to softly played live music, cooling trade winds, and a cheery bonfire. The food is carefully prepared in an open kitchen, and the atmosphere is casual. The smoky, braised short ribs make an outstanding start to the meal, and the risotto with wild mushroom and black truffle is woodsy and rich. Pizza and pasta menus have standout gluten-free options. Sunday brunch is becoming very popular.

The décor here is white, modern, and minimalist—the perfect stage for local chef and owner Urvin Croes's outstanding culinary experiments, like sea bass with shrimp and chorizo risotto, sweet basil coulis, tomato chips, and a creamy tomato Pernod sauce. Everything on the menu is creatively prepared and stunningly presented. Chef Croes isn't shy about taking risks, like adding lionfish (a threat to Aruba’s reefs) to the menu as a regular item. Though the location in a mall is not the most conducive to romance, it’s hard not to fall in love with this restaurant.