The best restaurants in Aruba — a local’s guide

An intimate chef’s table experience — 10 guests, one long table, courses that surprise. The most unique dinner on the island.

“Absolutely worth it. Andres is phenomenal — we felt like we were surrounded by longtime friends.”

Hours:

Tue–Sat 6:30–10:30 PM; Closed Sun & Mon

Address:

J.E. Irausquin Blvd 64, Oranjestad ↗

Phone:

+297 280 7117

Good to know:

Reservations essential

Dreamy open-air garden dining in a historic Oranjestad courtyard. Creative seafood, lamb, and legendary house desserts.

“My favourite restaurant in the world. The food and atmosphere are incredible. I dream about coming back.”

Hours:

Tue–Sun 6 PM–midnight; Closed Mon

Address:

Wilhelminastraat 74, Oranjestad ↗

Phone:

+297 583 0445

A beloved Aruba institution in a cunucu house. Lush outdoor terrace, live music, and legendary almond-crusted grouper.

“Amazing Bang Bang Shrimp, giant burgers, great cocktails. Reserve ahead — fills up every night.”

Hours:

Mon–Sat 5–11 PM; Closed Sunday

Address:

Cunucu Abao 37, Noord ↗

Phone:

+297 587 0184

Good to know:

Reserve ahead

French-Caribbean elegance at Palm Beach. Foie gras, Dover sole, escargot — warm tropical setting with vegan options too.

“We came back twice in five days. The goat cheese crème brûlée and wild boar were exceptional.”

Hours:

Daily 5–10 PM

Address:

J.E. Irausquin Blvd 348-A, Noord ↗

Phone:

+297 699 5400

Peruvian-inspired seafood on the Oranjestad waterfront. Exceptional ceviche, lomo saltado, branzino, and scallops.

“The best restaurant we had in our whole trip. We came back a second time and both meals were 10/10.”

Hours:

Mon 5:30–10 PM; Tue–Sat lunch & dinner; Closed Sun

Address:

Harbour House, Weststraat 2, Oranjestad ↗

Phone:

+297 741 2705

Good to know:

Reserve ahead

The freshest catch on the island — they choose the fish themselves each day. Sashimi shooters, catch trios, impeccable service.

“After eating seafood every night for a week, this was the biggest WOW we had.”

Hours:

Mon, Wed–Sun 5–10 PM; Closed Tuesday

Address:

Caya Harmonia 5, King Plaza, Oranjestad ↗

Phone:

+297 566 0806

Right on Palm Beach between the Holiday Inn and Marriott. Table in the sand, sunset views, fresh fish of the day every evening.

“Fresh fish off the boat same day. The Key Lime Pie is the best on the island.”

Hours:

Daily 8 AM–11 PM

Address:

J.E. Irausquin Blvd 96, Noord (Palm Beach) ↗

Phone:

+297 586 2288

A hidden gem in Savaneta — dine on a deck over the water and watch fish swim below. Off the beaten path, absolutely worth the drive.

“Dinner and a show — you can watch the fish swimming below the pier. The atmosphere was spectacular.”

Hours:

Mon, Wed–Sun 6–11 PM; Closed Tuesday

Address:

Spaans Lagoenweg, Savaneta (25 min drive) ↗

Phone:

+297 585 7150

Good to know:

Reserve for 6 PM sunset

A legendary fish shack in Savaneta where boats unload the catch metres away. Pick your fish raw, get it fried in minutes.

“Freshest fish you’ll ever have. Worth every minute of the wait.”

Hours:

Tue–Sun 11 AM–9 PM; Closed Mon

Address:

Savaneta 270, Savaneta (30 min drive) ↗

Phone:

+297 584 8401

Good to know:

Expect a wait on weekends; cash preferred

Charming 150-year-old house serving keshi yena, oxtail stew, and goat — all the Aruban classics.

“The keshi yena — chicken, olives, cashews, and raisins melted in Gouda — is unlike anything else on the island.”

Hours:

Daily 11:30 AM–10:30 PM

Address:

Palm Beach 150, Noord ↗

Phone:

+297 586 1666

A family-run gem in a historic Noord estate. Goat stew, coconut shrimp, and a host who makes every table feel like a celebration.

“Quintessential Aruba. Truly local, authentic food and service that makes you feel like family.”

Hours:

Call ahead — limited hours

Address:

Gasparito 3, Noord ↗

Phone:

+297 745 5008

Good to know:

Reservation required

No-frills local favourite. Famous for the Aruba Arriba rum punch and freshly grilled barracuda.

“Prices are incredible and food cooked to perfection. People were queuing next door while we had no wait.”

Hours:

Mon–Tue, Thu–Sat 6:45 AM–9 PM

Address:

Route 3 Palm Beach, Noord ↗

Phone:

+297 586 1889

Literally barefoot in the sand at the water’s edge. Watch planes land while enjoying grilled fish and cocktails at sunset.

“We walked in the water between courses. This was the highlight of our entire trip to Aruba.”

Hours:

Daily 5–10 PM

Address:

L.G. Smith Blvd 1, Oranjestad ↗

Phone:

+297 588 9824

Waterfront terrace in Oranjestad with sweeping ocean views. Great for keshi yena, fried funchi, and pan bati all day.

“We were in Aruba for two weeks and ate here three times. The sunset views are simply stunning.”

Hours:

Daily 11 AM–10:30 PM

Address:

Lloyd G. Smith Blvd, Oranjestad ↗

Phone:

+297 587 2667

Toes in the sand at Palm Beach with live music most nights. Great for drinks, pinchos, and people-watching at sunset.

“Live guitarist, sunset over the water, and a DJ after dinner. My favourite night on the island.”

Hours:

Mon–Thu 8 AM–1 AM; Fri–Sat 8 AM–2 AM

Address:

J.E. Irausquin Blvd 230, Noord ↗

Phone:

+297 586 5365

Colourful shack right on Palm Beach — acai bowls, poke bowls, protein smoothies, and immunity shots. Perfect post-swim fuel.

“If paradise had a smoothie bar, it would look exactly like Eduardo’s. Good vibes and tropical energy.”

Hours:

Daily 7 AM–5:30 PM

Address:

J.E. Irausquin Blvd 87, Noord (Palm Beach) ↗

Tucked-away brunch gem in Noord. Vegan-friendly with huge portions — ceviche poke bowls, fresh juices, burgers, and egg plates.

“Best food not only in Aruba, but after a month of travel through Miami, Dominican Republic, and Bonaire. Congrats chef!”

Hours:

Daily 8 AM–4 PM

Address:

Salina Cerca 9N, Noord ↗

Phone:

+297 592 9551

Beautifully restored historic stone building in Oranjestad. Arepas, omelets, pastries, and local energy that makes you linger.

“It feels like a hidden gem from a travel magazine. The owner gave us a personal tour — unforgettable.”

Hours:

Mon–Sat 8 AM–3 PM; Closed Sunday

Address:

John G. Emanstraat 37, Oranjestad ↗

Phone:

+297 588 7878

Walk through a boutique to find this serene cafe. Fully vegan and gluten-free — outstanding poke bowls, smoothies, and baked goods.

“Best breakfast spot in all of Aruba by a long shot. The only place I visited twice.”

Hours:

Mon–Wed, Fri–Sat 8 AM–4:30 PM

Address:

Caya Harmonia 8, Oranjestad ↗

Phone:

+297 566 5548

Tiny, joyful breakfast spot in Noord. Acai bowls, crispy waffles, tuna grain bowls.

“The pancakes are next level. Soft, fluffy, perfectly balanced. Some of the best I’ve had anywhere.”

Hours:

Daily 8 AM–4 PM

Address:

Noord 19A, Noord ↗

Phone:

+297 699 1747

Good to know:

Cash only — entrance around the back

Palm Beach’s best sunset perch. Craft cocktails and Aruban fusion small plates high above the strip.

“Ocean breeze, golden skies, and the kind of vibe that makes you forget about time.”

Hours:

Daily 6–11 PM

Address:

J.E. Irausquin Blvd 384-A, Noord ↗

Phone:

+297 280 0279

Good to know:

Reserve for sunset

Nashville-style karaoke bar with walls covered in signed dollar bills. Live country and pop music most nights.

“A Nashville recording artist showed up on guitar on our anniversary night. Three hours later we were still there.”

Hours:

Mon–Sat 6 PM–1 AM; Sun 12 PM–1 AM

Address:

Palm Beach 55, Noord ↗

Phone:

+297 280 9911

Hard to find, impossible to forget. Latin music, $5 drinks until 11 PM, and a crowd that actually dances.

“Best nightlife experience in Aruba. The name is perfect — you’ll feel so lucky when you find it.”

Hours:

Tue–Thu 9 PM–1 AM; Fri–Sat 9 PM–3 AM

Address:

J.E. Irausquin Blvd 370, Noord ↗

Phone:

+297 566 4237

Good to know:

Happy hour: $5 drinks 9–11 PM

Plant-forward cafe steps from Palm Beach. Fresh juices made in front of you, grain bowls, and smoothies.

“Without a doubt, the best place we ate in Aruba. The food is fresh, full of flavor.”

Hours:

Daily 11 AM–8 PM

Address:

J.E. Irausquin Blvd 87, Noord ↗

Phone:

+297 586 9032

Walk through a boutique to find this serene cafe. Fully vegan and gluten-free — outstanding poke bowls, smoothies, and baked goods.

“Best breakfast spot in all of Aruba by a long shot. The only place I visited twice.”

Hours:

Mon–Wed, Fri–Sat 8 AM–4:30 PM

Address:

Caya Harmonia 8, Oranjestad ↗

Phone:

+297 566 5548