Aruba Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Aruba

November 26, 2017 Mikaela Didonna

Aruba is the quintessential Caribbean island, all sun and sea and stretches of powdery white sand. Time will slow to a pleasant crawl as you linger over a tropical cocktail or flutter serenely underwater, where only the parrotfish are in a hurry. The pastel façades of Oranjestad landmarks and shops lend an inviting and playful vibe to the capital city. Enjoy the shade of an Eagle Beach divi tree while the crashing waves of turquoise water create a soothing soundtrack just for you.
Things to do in Aruba

1. Yemanja Woodfired Grill

Wilhelminastraat 2, Oranjestad, Aruba Takeout, Parking Available, Free Wifi, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Street Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover Seafood, International, Grill, Caribbean, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Dinner, Late Night HK$118 - HK$275 +297 588 4711
Excellent
77%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2 reviews

Yemanja Woodfired Grill

Yemanja is relaxing and welcoming with a passion for tradition and excellence. Serving international food with strong Caribbean influences prepared on our wood fired grill. Also, offering healthy foods with an extensive vegetarian menu and catering to all your dietary needs, such as vegan and gluten-free. Seating is either inside (air-conditioned) or outside on a cozy Terrace. Both inside & outside Seating are non-smoking.

Reviewed By tamegan327 - Ithaca, New York

This was my second time eating here and it did not disappoint 2 years later. We started with Calamari Trio which was plenty for 3.
My friends and I got 3 different entrees and shared them, the grouper special, grilled seafood medley and grouper (pangasius) fillet, which is my favorite. The sides are all very good and plentiful. The service was very good. I highly recommend making a reservation and eating here when visiting Aruba.

2. L.G. Smith's Steak & Chop House

L.G. Smith Blvd # 82, Oranjestad Aruba, Aruba Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Reservations, Private Dining, Wheelchair Accessible, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards American, Steakhouse, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Dinner, Drinks HK$149 - HK$432 +297 523 6195
Excellent
71%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

L.G. Smith's Steak & Chop House

Situated in one of the most upscale locations in Aruba, L.G. Smith's Steak & Chop House has a sweeping view of Oranjestad's downtown marina and the bustling boulevard. We proudly offers delicious American Steakhouse fare: juicy cuts of aged, USDA-inspected Certified Angus Beef, sizzling hot from the grill; delectable appetizers from both land and sea; and tantalizing desserts, including the Signature Mascarpone Tart. Our comprehensive wine list which was recently nominated by Wine Spectator Award of Excellence includes premium selections from around the globe to superbly compliment each course. New is our weekly a la carte Brunch. Every mid-morning on Sunday, L.G. Smith’s Steak & Chop House delights each guest by delivering a culinary experience that’s handprepared by our chefs, who are well versed in pairing soups,salads and specialty desserts with mimosas, a la carte style. And, last but not least, you will be pleasantly surprised by our reasonable prices.

Reviewed By allisonbinney - Washington DC, District of Columbia

Just had our second meal in the past five days at L.G. Smith’s restaurant. It was our favorite place. Great drinks, great food, great wait staff and bartenders. Everyone remembered our name. The steaks are the best around. The crab cake and shrimp appetizers were...MoreDear allisonbinney, I really thank you for sharing your positive experience in LG Smith with he rest of the users. It is great to see that you enjoyed every single meal served during your dinner. Best regards.

3. The Flying Fishbone

Savaneta 344, Savaneta, Aruba Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Reservations, Accepts Credit Cards French, Caribbean, Seafood, International, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Dinner HK$392 +297 584 2506
Excellent
76%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4 reviews

The Flying Fishbone

Beach side dining, with even tables in the water. Great international menu, extensive wine and cocktail list and spectacular sunsets!

Reviewed By Teach_Travel_REC - Staten Island, New York

Several friends had told us how wonderful this restaurant was before we went to Aruba so we pre-booked a reservation and looked forward to it. Since this restaurant is quite a distance away from the high-rise,and low-rise hotels,we scheduled our reservation toward the end of...MoreThank you for dining with us! Our apologies for the underwhelming dining experience.

4. Bavaria German Restaurant

Palm Beach 186 #3, Next to Wendy's | Next to Wendy's, Palm - Eagle Beach 20000, Aruba Waitstaff, Street Parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Accepts Credit Cards German, European, Healthy, Central European, Bar, Vegan Options, Vegetarian Friendly Drinks, Dinner HK$196 +297 736 4007
Excellent
74%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Bavaria German Restaurant

If you are looking for fresh cooked food at moderate prices or just want to enjoy a drink - Bavaria Restaurant is the place for you ! Choose out of 50 Craft beers and taste traditional German food in relaxing atmosphere at the beer garden or inside the air conditioned restaurant. Good food and friendly service is guaranteed !

Reviewed By KCsew - Winter Haven, Florida

Loved the cucumbersalat, almost like my grandmother's Hungarian one. Tasty sautéed onions on top of the Holzfaeller Schnitzel, added another dimension to my "go to" German dish. The Schnitzel Zigeunersch had a tasty mushroom gravy. We ordered traditional German pilsners, which were only $5.00. Turned our cousin onto Jaegermeister! If you like wursts, several platters to choose from.

5. Kamini's Kitchen

De Vuyst 41B, San Nicolas 00000, Aruba Takeout, Television, Serves Alcohol, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Full Bar, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover Caribbean, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night +297 563 1933
Excellent
84%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 643 reviews

Kamini's Kitchen

Come and dine where everyone is like family... A once in a lifetime experience!

Reviewed By pjrune - Keene, New Hampshire

Kamini is from Trinidad and her curries are Very Good! We tried ted snapper, which was a whole fish fried and then infused with curry, and chicken curry. Spicing is mild yet flavorful and a homemade sauce kicks it up a notch. Very friendly service and reasonable prices.

6. Gostoso

Caya Ing Roland H. Lacle 12, Oranjestad, Aruba Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar Caribbean, Seafood, European, Portuguese, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +297 588 0053
Excellent
78%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Gostoso

Gostoso a local favorite restaurant, that serve a blend of both Portuguese and Aruban Cuisine, which is designed to delight even the most discriminating Palate. With our cozy and small atmosphere and impeccable service at a reasonable price “Gostoso Restaurante” will be your next favorite neighborhood Restaurant.

Reviewed By Kent B - Noord, Aruba

Last week four of us locals decided we wanted to try a place we used to like but haven't been in a while , Gostoso .We occasionally run into Jose' , the owner , and enjoy seeing him , very affable person . All of us remembered his unique and varied menu and reasonable prices .. His menu is still varied and interesting , but we were all surprised at his prices . We expected them to be higher than before , but they were higher than we expected . I suppose what really disappointed us was that after you order , there is no bread offered and if you ask for any , it is delivered on a single bread plate , one finger size slice per person , no bread plate , no butter ,and as you'll see later on your bill , a $2.50 charge . Now come on Jose' , as we say in the south , that is just plain chinchi ! His food is good , but as we realized , we could have gone to Pinchos for about the same money , and it is always great , including the beautiful view , or for just a little more Chalet Suisse , Aruba's best in our opinions !

7. Barefoot Restaurant

L.G. Smith Boulevard 1, Oranjestad, Aruba Takeout, Free Wifi, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover Caribbean, Seafood, European, International, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Dinner, Late Night HK$157 - HK$314 +297 588 9824
Excellent
73%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3 reviews

Barefoot Restaurant

Aruba is all about the fabulous Beaches during the day, and the many great restaurants at night. It is only logical that these two unique things of Aruba are combined into one! Luc & Gerco found the perfect spot to synergize great food, and a beautiful setting to create an experience almost unique on our island. When listening to the ocean caressing the shore, while wiggling your toes through the pearly white sand, why not let yourself be pampered by a gourmet dinner? Chef Gerco & Maitre d' Luc had a shared dream of opening up a restaurant here, but wanted something in line with what they enjoy on Aruba: the nearly perfect climate, the possibility to always be outside, the tropical feel... When opening their restaurant, they had these ideas in their heads, and it worked like a charm! Tables under a large palapa on a wooden deck with a view of the ocean, or outside under the Aruban nights sky, on the pristine beach... An original menu was created by Gerco and team, with some of the old school favorites as well as locally influenced dishes. With the help of the local wine suppliers, Luc made an extensive wine list, with wines from all over the world, and is always ready to pair a wine with your dinner. The experienced service team is friendly yet professional, ready to wow you from the moment you walk in, to make a fabulous evening into a great memory on Aruba!

Reviewed By PAUL C - WESTFORD

My wife & I with good friends went to dinner at Barefoot Restaurant while vacationing in Aruba.
The setting was spectacular, especially after the sun set. Prior to the sun setting it was a wonderful experience. It was our first dinner on a beach and with no shoes to boot.(pun intended)
We arrived around 6:30. The sun was slowly sinking into the Caribbean. The tables were arranged on the beach looking spectacular. The hostess led us to our table a few feet from the water's edge. It was beautiful. I could not imagine having dinner in a more magnificent setting than here.
Our waiter arrived quickly and drinks were ordered. We all opted for tropical drinks. It seemed appropriate. I mean how could one order a beer while sitting barefoot a few feet away from the caribbean with the sun setting behind us?
It was so relaxing with total comfort surrounding us as the waves gently splashed the shoreline and we sipped our cocktails while perusing the menu. We each ordered a seafood entree. I ordered the blackened Mahi-mahi. I asked the waiter for his recommendation. I was torn between the Mahi-mahi and Snapper "Old Amsterdam". the waiter recommended the Mahi-mahi.
After another round of drinks and numerous "kodak moments" picture taking, our meals arrived. The meals were delicious. There was not a morsel of food left for a seagull. We were in no rush so lingered on while enjoying the magnificent sun set and the lighting surrounding the dining area. It seemed as though we were on a movie set. It was breathtaking. Elegantly casual is the best description of the experience.
For dessert, my wife ordered Coffee Creme Brulee, which she loved. According to her, it was the best if not one of the best, she's had.
You must experience the Barefoot Restaurant while in Aruba. I'm sure it will exceed your expectations as it did ours.

8. Carte Blanche Restaurant

Wilhelminastraat 74, Oranjestad 00000, Aruba Reservations, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar European, International Dinner, Late Night HK$746 +297 586 3339
Excellent
94%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 1 reviews

Carte Blanche Restaurant

Carte Blanche is a restaurant for foodies, people who are open minded for an exquisite fine dinning experience, without limitations. Carte Blanche features a 14-seat elegant bar in a relaxed and cozy atmosphere. The highlight of the restaurant is Chef Dennis van Daatselaar cooking right in front of you a 5-course Carte Blanche dinner known as a “chef surprise”. Alongside him is Maitre d’ Glen Bonset pairing wines and mixing premium drinks

Reviewed By AvidSpartan - New York City, New York

We went to 2 Fools and a Bull the night before we dined here and thought that it couldn’t be topped; but Carte Blanche sure proved us wrong! Good food, good company. Our fave dish was the scallop on a bed of “potato salad” - amazing. Thanks, Dennis and Glenn!

9. 2 Fools and a Bull

Palm Beach 17, Noord 12345, Aruba Reservations, Seating, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol International, Gluten Free Options Dinner, Late Night HK$628 - HK$785 +297 586 7177
Excellent
94%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 1 reviews

2 Fools and a Bull

A 5 course dinner experience, a " one night only" in the house of the Fools!Starting at 7pm, till ? 18 seats only...An experience you wont forget!

Reviewed By Kellie T

We absolutely loved 2 Fools and a Bull!!! The experience whole coupled with the amazing food, truly made it one of my top 3 dining experiences ever!!!
It’s a set menu, so it definitely took me out of my comfort zone- but I’m thankful for that. I tried foods I probably never would have otherwise ordered on my own.
If you’re coming to Aruba I HIGHLY suggest you get yourself on the reservation and/or wait list when you book your hotel.
Unfortunately we hadn’t even heard of it until we got here. So we called and emailed daily and we just happened to luck out, that a nor’easter back home, allowed us to get in last minute.
I felt like a kid of Christmas when I got that call from Pauly, telling us we “you’re the lucky fools”.
Pauly is the front man, very dry humor but hilarious!!
Bas is the chef and he didn’t disappoint!!
My husband and I both agreed it was a 5 star experience.

10. Eduardo's Beach Shack

J.E. Irausquin Boulevard 87, Palm - Eagle Beach 00000, Aruba Takeout, Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards Healthy, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Drinks HK$39 - HK$78 +297 594 2534
Excellent
88%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 929 reviews

Eduardo's Beach Shack

EDUARDO'S BEACH SHACK: Aruba's best smoothie bar located on the beach of Playa Linda Beach Resort at the back of the hotel ocean view boardwalk way.Serving healthy fresh fruit and fresh vegetables juices and smoothies also wheatgrass shots, acai bowls, pitaya bowls fresh mixed fruit bowls, ect.

Reviewed By CACountrygirl - Central Valley, California

Heard all about this place so stopped by for lunch while husband was in a working lunch meeting. Poke bowl was $12 & came with ahi tuna, coconut rice, a bit of pineapple & mango, cucumber, onion, chopped romaine lettuce & I requested the spicy sauce. Very good though I could have handled a bigger bowl. Will be back to try their other bowls soon.

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