Restaurants
Despite its small size, Aruba boasts a good variety of restaurants. As most ingredients are imported, prices tend to be higher than in the US and Europe.
Most restaurants accept major credit cards, but always check first to avoid unwanted pot washing. Examine the check before tipping as it’s nearly always the case for this to be added automatically.
Dinner reservations are recommended, especially during the high season (December to April).
| Restaurant | Address | Map | Cuisine | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chalet Suisse | JE Irausquin Boulevard 246, Eagle Beach | [View Map] | Steakhouse/ Swiss | Great value ‘Early Bird Specials’ offered April to November. |
| Chez Mathilde | Havenstraat 23, Oranjestad | [View Map] | French | Elegant fine dining in Oranjestad’s best-preserved 19th century building. Smart casual dress. |
| Cuba’s Cookin’ | Wilhelminastraat 27, Oranjestad | [View Map] | Cuban | Authentic Cuban cuisine in an old cunucu (farmhouse). |
| Dôme, Le | JE Irausquin Boulevard 224, Eagle Beach | [View Map] | Belgian/French | Elegant restaurant with 4 unique dining areas. |
| El Gaucho | Wilhelminastraat 80, Oranjestad | [View Map] | Argentinean/ Steakhouse | Aruba’s first Argentinean restaurant. Great wine list. |
| Flying Fishbone | Savanetta 344 | [View Map] | International/ Seafood | Tables right on the beach. Fantastic sunsets and a great atmosphere. |
| French Steakhouse | Manchebo Beach Resort | [View Map] | Argentinean/ Steakhouse | For great value try the Ambassador 5-Course Dinner. |
| Gasparito Restaurant & Art Gallery | Gasparito 3, Noord | [View Map] | Aruban/Seafood | Dine inside the 120 year-old cunucu (farmhouse) or on the patio. Displays by local artists. |
| Iguana Joe’s | Royal Plaza Mall, Oranjestad | [View Map] | TexMex/ Caribbean | Bright, inexpensive downtown restaurant. Famed for its potent potions; half-litre cocktails with 4 shots of liquor. |
| La Trattoria el Faro Blanco | California Lighthouse | [View Map] | Italian | Romantic setting with great views. |
| LG Smith’s Steak & Chop House | Renaissance | [View Map] | Steakhouse | Contemporary steakhouse. Grab a window seat for great views of the harbour. |
| Madame Janette | Cunucu Abao 37 | [View Map] | Caribbean/ International | Voted Best Restaurant in the Caribbean by readers of Travel & Life magazine. |
| Papagayo Bar & Grill | Renaissance | [View Map] | International | Shaded, open-air restaurant on Renaissance’s private island. |
| Papiamento | Washington 61, Noord | [View Map] | International | 200 year-old manor house offering romantic dining inside or by the pool. |
| Pirates’ Nest | Bucuti Beach Resort | [View Map] | International/ Seafood | Dine in a replica of a 17th century Dutch galleon. |
| Ristorante Tuscany | Marriott Resort | [View Map] | Italian | Personalised service in an elegant setting. Large portions. |
| Salt & Pepper | JE Irausquin Boulevard 368A, Palm Beach | [View Map] | International/ Spanish | Daily specials and Spanish tapas. Live entertainment in the evenings. Inexpensive. |
| Simply Fish | Marriott Resort | [View Map] | Seafood | Good service |
| Smokey Joe’s Island Grill | JE Irausquin Boulevard 87, Palm Beach | [View Map] | Caribbean/ Seafood | Great ribs and fresh local seafood cooked to order. Large portions. |
| Sunset Grille | Radisson | [View Map] | Steakhouse | One of only two restaurants in Aruba boasting the AAA 4-Diamond award. Dinner specials every evening. |
| Tango | JE Irausquin Boulevard 370, Palm Beach | [View Map] | Argentinean | Features live music and tango dancers. |