During my past 3 visits to Aruba I was amazed by the big diversity of restaurants and local eateries, ranging from Michelin Star level, chique restaurants with Chef’s Table experiences, to authentic local food spots, casual food trucks and beach bars.
That’s why I already reviewed a big selection of food spots and wrote an Aruba best restaurants guide twice before, including a total of 20 foodie hotspots I personally experienced all around the island.
Aruba excels in its culinary offering, one of the things I love most about the island. As for me the perfect holiday also involves good food and plenty of options to choose from for lunch and dinner!
If this is the case for you too then keep reading for a totally new top 25 with all the info you need for your ultimate culinary experience on Aruba.
Aruba culinary walhalla & custom Google map
Aruba is said to house more than 250 restaurants offering a big variety of options. Ranging from bistro food and tapas, vegetarian, vegan, Italian and Asian gastronomy.
To plenty of seafood, grill and international options, as well as haute cuisine, and local/Caribbean food.
This year I came back to sample several new restaurants all around the island, also focusing more on authentic cuisine, as I love to experience a destination through its local kitchen, heritage and people.
Not only are these restaurants and authentic food spots in general less expensive than most international restaurants on Aruba, they also offer excellent Aruban and Caribbean cuisine. Providing a unique experience through which you can truly taste and feel the spirit of One Happy Island!
Find my full restaurant list in this custom Google map, plus all other details and my reviews, incl. many of my own pics, here below:
I recommend to make a reservation before you go, as this is quite common on Aruba. All opening times and most of the restaurant websites are mentioned below.
Top 25 Aruba best restaurants guide - Michelin Star level to authentic local food spots
In this list I’m sharing all my favourites, most tried and tested by myself. In addition to the 20 other upscale restaurants and local foodie spots I experienced on previous trips, and shared in other Aruba blogs already.
All of these 25 gastronomic spots were new to me, except one, which I just had to revisit.
Some I did not have enough time to test myself this time. But since they came so highly recommended by locals, I did want to include them for you, as they’re also on my own wish list for next time.
Local restaurants & authentic food spots
1. The Old Cunucu House
Location: Palm Beach 150, Noord
Price level: $$
Website: OldCunucu.com
Open every day from 11.30 am - 10.30 pm for lunch and dinner.
Located in an authentic neighborhood just behind the busy Palm Beach Boulevard in a traditional Aruban cunucu house of 150 years old. This unique restaurant has seating both inside with a/c, and outside on the spacious patio.
Every night from 8 pm a nearly 90 year old Aruban singer plays live music, creating a wonderful atmosphere.
The dishes are based on traditional Aruban recipes, with an extensive menu, which was delicious. The restaurant is run by Mireila and her sister, together with some of the most charming locals of the island.
2. Quinta del Carmen
Location: Bubali 119, Oranjestad
Price level: $$
Open every day from 5 - 10.30 pm for á la carte dinner and tapas.
Fine dining, cocktails and an extensive wine list with international dishes, but also several of grandma’s favourites. Located in a historic Aruban landmark: a 107 year old cunucu house, offering indoor and outdoor seating in the atmospheric garden.
Unfortunately I did not have time to experience this restaurant myself during this trip, but it came highly recommended by many others who did.
3. Papiamento restaurant
Location: Washington 61, Noord
Price level: $$$
Website: PapiamentoAruba.com
Open from Monday - Saturday from 6 - 10.30 pm, closes at midnight and on Sundays.
This historic restaurant offers a unique combination of upscale dining and a museum. Located in a traditional Aruban house dating back to 1886, filled with antiques, a wine vault with 1,800 international vintage wine bottles, as well as Pappa’s cigar lounge for a truly authentic experience.
Serving traditional family-recipe dishes and international cuisine. Perfect for a chique night out, a special occasion and guaranteed a unique and magical experience.
4. Taste my Aruba
Location: Wilhelminastraat 57, Oranjestad
Price level: $$
Website: TasteMyAruba.com
Open from Monday - Saturday for lunch from 12.30 - 2 pm and dinner from 6 - 11 pm. Closed on Sundays.
Lovely family-owned café/restaurant in a beautiful authentic building in the center of Oranjestad. Chef-owner Nathaly serves her family’s recipes straight from farm/sea-to-table paired with delicious cocktails.
The restaurant has an open kitchen, extensive bar, many atmospheric seating options, an authentic vibe and lovely dishes. The menu is quite limited, in my opinion, but regularly changes and includes several Aruban dishes and lots of seafood.
5. Amante Tapas
Location: van Walbeeckstraat, Oranjestad
Price level: $ - $$
Website: AmanteTapasAruba.com
Open from Tuesday - Thursday from 6.30 - 11 pm and Friday & Saturday from 6.30 pm - midnight, closed on Sundays.
Sister venue to Taste My Aruba and located at the backside of the same building, with a whole different vibe. Here they serve delicious international and affordable tapas with craft cocktails and beers in a lovely setting inside, and with limited spaces outside.
6. Driftwood seafood restaurant
Location: Klipstraat 12, Oranjestad
Price level: $$
Open from Monday - Saturday from 5 - 9.30 pm, closed on Sundays.
Top authentic seafood restaurant on Aruba with plenty of indoor seating, renowned among locals and fervent Aruba travelers. Not only for the unique wooden interior, but for the authentic Aruban dishes and seafood. I didn’t have time for it this time, but will certainly come back for dinner next time.
7. Marina Pirata seafood restaurant
Location: Spaans Lagoenweg, Savaneta
Price level: $ - $$
Website: MarinaPirataRestaurant.com
Open from Wednesday - Monday from 6 - 10 pm, closed on Tuesdays.
If you like seafood and are looking for a non-touristic place by the water with direct sunset views, this family-owned restaurant for 40 years is it!
Located between the mangroves of Spaans Lagoon this authentic restaurant has lovely in-and outdoor seating with direct sea views in a quaint marine-style setting.
Unfortunately I was here too early on the day, as it only opens for dinner, but it was recommended to me by a local and is still on my list for next time.
8. O'Niel Caribbean kitchen
Location: Bernard van de Veen Zeppenfeldstraat 15, San Nicolas
Price level: $$
Open from Monday - Saturday for lunch and dinner from 12 - 8 pm, on Sunday from 11 am - 5 pm and closed on Mondays.
We only went here for a coffee, which I unfortunately can't recommended, but the traditional local and Caribbean dishes and cocktails are supposed to be good.
I love their terrace with the tropical vibe and string lights in between the murals. Although the indoor area is also quite spacious with plenty of seating and less hot with the A/C😊
9. Kulture Café located in Nicolaas Store museum
Location: Bernard van de Veen Zeppenfeldstraat 27, San Nicolas
Price level: $
Open for breakfast and lunch on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8 am - 4.30 pm, on Friday and Saturday until 6 pm, on Sunday - 2 pm and on Tuesday - 8 pm.
Located in the middle of the art district in the recently renovated Nicolaas Store Monument, in which the Community Museum is also housed. They serve affordable traditional dishes, specialty coffees, ice cream, smoothies, sandwiches, and more.
Offering indoor and terrace seating, with direct views upon the beautiful murals of San Nicolas.
10. Battata Beach Bar
Location: Cura Cabai Kiosk 3, Savaneta
Price level: $
Open from Tuesday until Thursday from 2 - 11 pm. Friday, Saturday, Sunday from 12 - 11 pm and closed on Mondays.
This colorful beach bar serves snacks and seafood, but also steaks and burgers for a good price. Not high quality, but nice food and drinks. Also perfect for a night out in a laid-back atmosphere, right on a quiet lesser-known beach.
11. Aruba Experience Café - Patisserie
Location: John G. Emanstraat 37, Oranjestad, Aruba
Price level: $ - $$
Website: ArubaExperience.com
Open for breakfast and lunch from 8 am - 3 pm and closed on Sundays.
Wraps, sandwiches, specialty smoothies, arepas, bowls, salads and many other healthy dishes are served in a traditional Aruban cunucu house dating back to the middle of the 19th century.
Lovingly renovated and turned into the colorful gem it now is, combining authentic architecture and interior, with delicious food and highly Instagram-mable decor.
Fresh croissants and pastries are baked here every day and the chef is a bodybuilder that is conscious about healthy food and portion sizes. French fries or bacon are not allowed here😊
12. Eduardo's Hideaway
Location: Saliña Cerca 9N, Noord
Price level: $ - $$
Open every day from 7.30 am - 4 pm for breakfast and lunch. For dinner from Wednesday - Sunday from 5.30 - 10 pm.
The new sister venue to popular Eduardo’s beach shack, located along the road near Palm Beach. This concept is known for their extensive menu filled with fruits, photogenic bowls, plates, smoothies and much more sustainable jumminess, made with ingredients from local suppliers.
With the colorful décor and many vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, this is the perfect foodie hotspot for an Instagram-mable and healthy breakfast or lunch.
This location is however also open for dinner half of the week, with a special menu and take-away or delivery options as well!
13. Mauchi's Smoothies in Savaneta & San Nicolas
Location: Savaneta 87, Savaneta
Price level: $ - $$
Open every day for breakfast and lunch from 8.30 am - 6 pm, in the weekends starting from 9 am.
At this foodspot they serve fresh home-made sandwiches, bagels, wraps, salads, juices and smoothies with your own choice of ingredients from local farmers.
You can take-away or stay and relax on the covered terrace or swing. I visited the one in Savaneta, directly along the main road.
Chique - Michelin star level restaurants
14. Exclusive fine dining experiences at Senses, Carte Blanche, Ever, KOAL & Infini Aruba Chef's Table
Several locations: see all in my Google map top 25 restaurants on Aruba.
Price level: $$$
Limited seating 8 - 12 course dinners for a fixed price.
A Chef’s Table experience is assured a memorable evening, especially with a Michelin Star level chef like Urvin Croes at Infini Aruba.
A Chef’s Table dinner caters to a limited amount of guests that can book a seat at a round table to enjoy a gastronomic experience with special dishes being prepared right in front of you throughout the night.
15. Bohemian cocktail lounge & restaurant
Location: J.E. Irausquin Blvd 83 Unit 1, Noord
Price level: $$$
Website: BohemianAruba.com
Open from Monday - Thursday from 5 - midnight, Friday and Saturday until 1 am and Sundays also - midnight. Kitchen closes at 10.30 pm.
Fine dining in a stunning outdoor setting, with good cocktails and exquisite food, served in a tropical oasis amidst the busy Palm Beach strip. I visited this French-international restaurant several times already and always found the food delicious and the atmosphere great, despite the hipster vibe and relatively higher prices😊
A great place for a night out as well, with live music performances throughout the week and DJ’s in the weekends.
16. Caya House
Location: J.E. Irausquin Blvd 372, Noord
Price level: $$$
Open from Monday - Thursday from 5.30 pm - midnight. Friday and Saturday - 2 am and closed on Sundays.
International cuisine served in atmospheric courtyard and fully renovated Aruban cunucu house with a contemporary vibe and tropical garden.
Also nice for a night out as they have good cocktails and stay open till 2 am on Friday and Saturday.
I have not personally tested this restaurant yet, but it’s supposed to be very good and upscale!
17. Lima Bistro
Location: Harbour House Aruba, Weststraat 2, Oranjestad
Price level: $$ - $$$
Website: LimaBistro.com
Open from Monday - Thursday from 5.30 - 10.30 pm, Friday and Saturday - 11 pm and closed on Sundays.
Quite newly-opened laid-back, yet trendy bistro with open kitchen in the Oranjestad marina. This family-run restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating and serves delicious Peruvian fusion dishes which are high in flavor.
I found the menu quite compact with many original combinations and great cocktails, which I can certainly recommend.
18. Olivia Mediterranean Restaurant
Location: Wilhelminastraat 74, lokaal 2 Oranjestad
Price level: $$$
Open from Tuesday - Sunday from 6 - 11 pm, closed on Mondays.
Stylish restaurant in downtown Oranjestad, that opened last year, with a semi-open air tropical patio, serving healthy upscale Mediterranean food. Have not tested it myself yet, but came highly recommended.
19. Wilhelmina Restaurant
Location: Wilhelminastraat 74, Oranjestad
Price level: $$$
Open from Tuesday - Sunday from 6 - 11 pm, closed on Mondays.
Located almost next to Olivia and is from the same owner. Similar hipster vibe in a hidden open-aired courtyard, offering an interesting menu of international cuisine. This restaurant assures a fine dining experience which I will have to come back for, as it was recommended to me a few times.
20. Faro Blanco Italian Restaurant
Location: California Lighthouse Z/N, Noord
Price level: $$$
Website: FaroBlancoRestaurant.com
Open every day for lunch from 12 - 5 pm and dinner from 5.30 - 10.30 pm, closed on Sundays.
One of the most unique restaurants on the island due to its location at the foot of California Lighthouse. Offering a wide outdoor terrace with a magnificent view over the most northern tip of Aruba towards Arashi Beach.
The historic building was formerly the lightkeeper’s house and is now a traditional Italian restaurant, serving authentic dishes, great wines and cocktails since 20 years. All in a classy atmosphere, with live music and beautiful sunsets every night.
Beachfront Restaurants
21. Passions on the Beach
Location: J.E. Irausquin Blvd 252, Noord
Price level: $$$
Open daily for breakfast on the deck from 7.30 - 11 am, lunch from 11 am - 5.30 pm and dinner directly on the beach from 5.30 - 10 pm.
If you want to eat barefoot, feet in the sand, directly along the sea, this is one of the few restaurants on Aruba that offer exactly that! Located in front of Amsterdam Manor Hotel on Eagle Beach, adjacent to the famous fofoti trees. They also serve breakfast and lunch on the large beach deck with plenty of seating.
We had a lovely torch-lit dinner at a table right by the shoreline, accompanied by live guitar music and a beautiful sunset. The menu is extensive with international dishes, vegetarian options and seafood. Children of 3 years and younger eat for free and they also offer smaller portions of many dishes, for a lower price!
22. Elements at Bucuti Hotel
Location: J.E. Irausquin Blvd 55B, Oranjestad
Price level: $$$
Website: ElementsAruba.com
Open daily for breakfast from 7 - 11 am, lunch from 12 - 5 pm and dinner from 5.30 - 10.30 pm.
This adults-only restaurant is located directly on the beach in front of the classy sustainable Bucuti Hotel. We stayed here for 3 wonderful nights and of course also had to have dinner at this atmospheric restaurant. Possible without staying overnight, and for breakfast and lunch as well.
Elements offers a Sunday brunch from 10.30 am - 2.30 pm and from Monday - Saturday an authentic Aruban/Caribbean lunch buffet from 12.30 - 2.30 pm.
Their beach restaurant is very romantic and even won awards for it. But is also renowned for its extensive wine list and healthy European-style portions, with many vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options as well.
The sunsets here are breathtaking! This was my second time to have dinner here with sunset views and they never disappoint. Although the open-air seating on the deck with à-la-carte options is already very atmospheric, you can also have a special 6-course dinner in one of the private beach cabanas for even more romance!
23. Barefoot, Hadicurari and Flying Fishbone
Location: read all about these 3 restaurants in my Aruba barefoot restaurants blog.
Price level: $$$
Barefoot is open every day from 5 - 10.30 pm, Flying Fishbone from 4 - 10 pm and Hadicurari is also open every day for breakfast and lunch from 8 am - 11 pm and a bit less expensive than the other 2.
I absolutely love all 3 beachfront restaurants for dining with your feet in the sand, while witnessing the best sunsets!
Private meals on location
24. Green Fish Aruba
Location: They deliver your favourite food to any location around the island.
Price level: $$
Website: Green Fish Aruba
Open from Monday - Friday from 9 am - 5 pm.
Whether you like seafood, are looking for a local fish, ceviche or bbq package, with charcoal included, or fancy a paella dinner, everything is possible.
Just message them with your preferences and location. Perfect if you’re staying at a private accommodation or holiday home, like we did.
We had a very nice paella dinner prepared at our accommodation by friendly chef Sebastian. And also sampled the bbq-package with quality South-American meats and chimichurri. Highly recommended!
25. Private Chef Ruben Hernandez
Location: This chef will prepare your meal on any location around the island, or even the world😊
Price level: $$$
Website: PersonalChef-Hernandez.com
Breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner or BBQ at your own accommodation, it’s all possible, every day!
Chef Ruben is always smiling, he studied Culinary Arts and is one of the nicest locals I met so far. We had breakfast, a 4-course and a BBQ dinner from him, served at different locations.
Each time it was delicious and photogenic, as the presentation is always well thought-out too! He offers many different food options to choose from for any occasion.
With over 100 nationalities on One Happy Island it’s no wonder that the culinary offering is so diverse and I keep finding new amazing food spots and restaurants to test on Aruba!
I however hope that this gastronomic list, and my 2 previous food blogs, will help you get the most out of your visit to Aruba and make your trip even better! Find both of them and more of my Aruba tips on this Caribbean page.
Or check Aruba.com for everything you need to know about this Caribbean island.
If you’re looking for tips on where to stay and the most photogenic spots around the island, do check my Ultimate Aruba Guide, to find all of them with ease, like a local!
Highly recommended for a winter-sun trip between November and March, as the weather on Aruba is consistently warm and sunny those months.
However from December/January - April it can get a bit more expensive due to high season. That's why I hope to revisit the island next year in May or June to test even more foodie spots for my Aruba best restaurants guide!
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