One thing is guaranteed: you won’t go hungry on this One Happy Island! In Aruba, you’ll find many mouthwatering restaurants awaiting, cooking up all kinds of cuisines, from traditional local fare to elevated fine dining dishes. We have done all of the tasty ‘research’ to put together this list of the best restaurants in Aruba.
Aruba is known as a tropical oasis of white sandy beaches covered in palm trees and warm turquoise waters. It has a rich culture to discover and attractions for everyone, whether seeking scenic serenity, exciting adventure, or a great meal.
Visit all the best restaurants in Aruba by renting a car in Aruba! Driving in Aruba is super easy and safe. They drive on the right side of the road, the steering wheel on the left the same as in the USA. There is very little traffic in Aruba. Renting a car gives you so much more freedom! We always rent from Discover Cars, it is super easy, and they have the best prices.
Where to Eat in Aruba – Top Restaurants
1. Zeerover
For the best fresh seafood in Aruba, head over to Zeerover. It’s set on a fisherman’s wharf in Savaneta. Everything is freshly caught and cooked right in front of you.
It’s such an authentic experience and is a beloved local haunt for hanging out, shooting pool, and relaxing on the oceanfront. It offers a casual ambiance with fresh fares served up in a fried finger food style inside bright, colorful baskets.
Though it’s become more of a tourist hotspot in recent years, prices have remained the same, and the menu has stayed refreshingly simple, with fresh catch options, often wahoo, snapper, or barracuda, and a few traditional side dishes, such as pika, plantains, or pan bati.
The beautiful seaside backdrop is more than enough reason to visit on its own. For fresh and affordable authentic eats, Zerrover is definitely one of the must-visit Aruba restaurants. Every time we visit Aruba, we eat at least one meal here!
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2. Passions on the Beach
Passions on the Beach is one of the best restaurants in Aruba and is a craveable favorite for tourists and locals alike. Enjoy delicious dishes with a side of salty sea breeze by dining right on the soft white sands surrounded by Fofoti trees. The idyllic environment is stunning at any time of day, and they are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
There’s a separate bar and lounge as well, and it’s actually part of Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort Aruba. We stayed at Amsterdam Manor on our first trip to Aruba, and Passions on the Beach was our first meal in Aruba. It did not disappoint! If you are planning an Aruba honeymoon, we’d suggest dining here for a romantic meal on the beach in Aruba.
The sun sets right on the bright blue waters, and enjoying your meal lit by a tiki torch under the stars is a truly paradisiacal experience. The unique cuisine is carefully crafted using Caribbean flavors. Meals from the ranch to the reef and everything in between find their way onto this menu.
The Tortilla Kapsalon, Truffle Pasta, and Fish Tacos are just a few fantastic fares here. There’s also a preset three-course menu available to enjoy if you want to let the chef make all the perfect picks for you.
3. Saco de Felipe
Saco de Felipe is best known for local comfort food. It’s a bit off the beaten path and offers an authentic Aruba experience. It encompasses the essence of snacking on the island. Locals travel from far away to hit up this local’s favorite hidden hotspot.
They’ve been serving up traditional eats for over 60 years here. Sizzling fried chicken, ribs, chops, plantains, and johnny cakes all come in an unassuming brown paper bag and are packed with a Caribbean flavor.
Everything is made with fresh ingredients, all from scratch. It’s an excellent stop either before or after a night out on the town in Aruba.
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4. Pelican Pier
Also called the Pelican Nest Seafood Restaurant, this popular spot has been around since 1994. A fan favorite on the Aruba foodie scene, and they’re serving up some seriously tasty seafood fare.
It’s located above the sea itself and offers spectacular sweeping panoramas at every time of day, but especially during stunning sunsets. The menu is extensive, so there’s really something for everyone here. The Mermaid Cove is a famous specialty trio perfect for any seafood lover, with grilled grouper, lobster tail, and shrimp in a creamy garlic cilantro sauce.
At the edge of the pier, you’ll find the main eatery, with a casual and peaceful atmosphere for a mouthwatering meal. At the front of the pier sits the bar area, with a fun and lively feel, complete with specialty cocktails and superb happy hours. Both have festive music and a distinct island ambiance.
If you are staying on Palm Beach, which is one of the best beaches in Aruba, Pelican Pier is right there. This is another staple for us; they have some great lunch prices, and I love their coconut shrimp. We highly suggest making reservations online so you don’t have to wait.
5. Dushi Bagels & Burgers
It’s a family-owned and operated spot and the best way to start any day in Aruba. They offer the best breakfasts and burgers. Dushi means sweet in various contexts and is one of the most common words on the island.
The bagels are handmade from scratch, and there’s a wide variety of flavors available. They’ve been serving the hungry morning masses for over a decade. The claim to fame here is that you can mix and match any delicious combinations you want to create a totally custom experience.
For lunch or dinner, enjoy the burger side of the menu, with both creative and classic options. The outdoor terrace overlooks the happening hotel strip, and it’s great for watching all the goings-on of the city from a birds-eye vantage point. There’s also a vegan menu, live music every day, and an amazing two-for-one happy hour.
6. Diana’s Pancakes
Diana’s is a darling spot for enjoying breakfast, lunch, or brunch of Dutch pancakes on the island. They have a wide variety of both sweet and savory styles.
These pancakes are thinner than the typical American style but thicker than crepes, with all the fun flavors coming from fresh ingredients baked right in. Brie, walnut, and honey are popular picks here, as are the apple and bacon.
The atmosphere feels warm and friendly, with alfresco seating out on a second-story terrace. It’s set right next to the historic windmill landmark as well. The adorable kid’s menu consists of smiley face pancakes, and there’s always a new daily special, ranging from everything from pina colada to banana and chocolate.
7. Charlie’s Bar Aruba
Enjoying a drink at Charlie’s Bar has been a long-standing beloved tradition on the island since 1941. The walls and ceilings are adorned with decades of international memorabilia for a festive and funky atmosphere that’s unforgettable. It’s a feast for the eyes (and the stomach) as every square inch offers something exciting to inspect.
They serve up cold beers and Caribbean bites. Aside from being famous for their unique decor, they’re also known for their delectable Shrimp and Scampi dishes. The Chursacco, Cazuela, and Beef Burger are all better than your average pub grub fares as well.
There are daily vegetarian specials, so be sure to ask about it if you’re hoping to eat meat-free. If you want, you can even contribute to the space with a small personal item of your choosing. Charlie’s is an iconic institution and one of the best restaurants in Aruba.
Related: Things to do in Aruba
8. Barefoot Aruba
For a fine dining dinner feast in Aruba, Barefoot is the best bet around. It’s an elegant eatery that encourages flip-flops, a rare and refreshing combination that’s perfect for the island atmosphere. It’s a tropical oasis complete with warm ocean waves caressing the soft sandy shores right before your eyes.
They always have some exciting weekly specials to try alongside their signature dishes. Pull up a chair among the palm trees and sit under the stars or under the large beachfront palapa.
There are fish, meat, and vegetarian mains, plus cold and hot appetizers to choose from. The Blackened Mahi Mahi, Ossobuco, and Vegan Curry are certainly the stars of their sections. It’s a great place to try and save some room for dessert as well.
9. Eduardo’s Beach Shack
Eduardo’s Beach Shack is a haven for health food aficionados in Aruba. They offer tasty juices, smoothies, bowls, and raw treats. They’re famous for their popular acai and pitaya bowls in particular.
Everything is free of additives and artificial substances. It’s been known as the best smoothie bar around for over 13 years. Eduardo’s is set right on the beach pathway near Playa Linda Resort. This local gem is the perfect spot for a casual breakfast or lunch to nourish your body and your soul.
They also have protein balls, poke bowls, waffles, fresh mixed fruit, kombucha, and more. Nutritious and delicious is the name of the game here, with all meals being unprocessed and refined sugar-free. After all, fruit is nature’s candy, as they say. They aim to make a positive impact on the world through sustainable practices as well as bright and colorful plant-focused foods.
10. The Kitchen Table
The Kitchen Table offers fancy fares as the most elegant and fine dining restaurant on the island. It’s an exclusive reservation to get, with only 16 seats in the whole place. Set at the Blue Residences, it’s a prix fixe menu of seven to eight gourmet courses.
The fare features an exciting fusion of Caribbean and Peruvian flavors. The entire feast begins with a glass of sparkling wine looking out over the stunning ocean scenery. Once seated, you can choose to pair each plate with wines from around the world or order beverages individually as you enjoy the evening.
A dollar of each meal is donated to community initiatives in Aruba. Each course is picture-perfect and almost too pretty to eat. It’s a one-of-a-kind food journey on a uniquely idyllic island that you’ll never forget. The overall ambiance is colorful yet refined.
11. Bugaloe Beach Bar
Located at De Palm Pier, Bugaloe is a beloved hotspot for a good time on the island. It’s a beautiful spot to go for a casual breakfast, lunch, or dinner, especially if you want to indulge in some specialty cocktails alongside their delectable culinary creations.
They host some of the best live bands in Aruba every day. Go for happy hour and stay for the breathtaking beach sunsets. For an early start, they offer eggs and pancakes. Later in the day, you’ll find plenty of snacking and sharing options, like calamari and chicken wings.
For a full meal, enjoy seafood platters, burgers, and delicious baguette sandwiches. They have all the classic tropical libations and some creative concoctions as well, plus local craft beers brewed right in Aruba. The Bugaloe House Special is one of the best frozen boozy treats around.
12. Scott’s Brats
For quick and delicious street-eat style fares, head over to the hidden gem of Aruba restaurants, Scott’s Brats. It’s set alongside the scenic boardwalk of Eagle Beach. It’s a one-stop stall for food, drinks, and fun, all with a flair of simple elegance.
They have amazing breakfast sandwiches, hot dogs, wraps, and of course, brats. They’re grilled to order, seasoned to perfection, and best paired with a generous portion of fries. Be sure to ask about the daily specials when visiting, as they are always temptingly tasty too.
Many go for a cold, refreshing drink, and it’s a great place to kick back and enjoy an affordable mixed beverage or beer. It’s a cozy little wooden hut that happens to have plenty of character and charm. Often, later in the day, live music will appear as well
13. Madame Janette
Madame Janette has been a staple of the cuisine scene in Aruba since 1999. It’s fine dining in an adorable casual atmosphere. The dishes are both traditional and creative, with original flavors and a Caribbean twist.
The ambiance inside is warm, colorful, and lively, to say the least. The patio is surrounded by a wooden fence covered in twinkling lights and a modest stage that hosts beautiful performances.
The Panama Ceviche and Tuna Tartare are both delightful starters. The Famous Cordon Bleu is a fan-favorite main dish, for sure.
There’s only one dry-aged chamber on the whole island, and it’s here. All the prime cuts of meats available are of the highest quality. The extensive beer list is a big draw as well, with over 60 bottles to pick from. It’s a perfect place for a lovely night out on the town.
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