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Aruba: Restaurants

Though many struggle to find high-quality food in the Caribbean, Aruba restaurants are a delight; the only trouble is narrowing down your options. Since most ingredients are imported (beef is flown in from Argentina; vegetables from Venezuela and the US) tabs tend to run on the expensive side, but portions usually run large and meals are most always satisfying. Reservations are recommended at most restaurants, especially during the busy winter months. Most are located in Oranjestad and in or near the hotel zones along Palm and Eagle beaches, but a few off-the-path gems are scattered around the island.

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Amazônia Churrascaria
Carnivores, head here for prime selections of Argentine beef, chicken, and lamb served in a handsome venue with a wraparound...
steakhouse

Cuba's Cookin'
Cheap eats and fun Latin beats are found here, along with sweet mojitos and traditional Cuban specialties; closed Sunday.
music | cuban

Driftwood
Authentic seafood joint in a rustic setting with a menu that changes nightly depending on what the owner catches that day; the...
family | seafood | wine

Hostaria da' Vittorio
There’s no better place to go for Italian treats like baked artichokes, pizza, osso bucco, and gnocchi with tomatoes and...
italian | pizza

La Tratorria El Faro Blanco
This former lighthouse-keeper's home now does duty as a fine Italian restaurant and is an enchanting place to watch the sunset...
italian

Le Dôme
Elegant restaurant that’s the best spot for Belgian/French cuisine, with delightfully rich entrées like scallops...
wine | global fusion

Matilde
Redesigned bistro with topnotch French-Caribbean fusion and wine cellar with the island’s largest selection of vintages;...
smart splurge | trendy | wine | french-caribbean

Papiamento
Award-winning Aruban cuisine in a converted 200-year-old farmhouse with candle-lit tables around an outdoor pool and indoor...
romantic | smart splurge | caribbean

Nos Cunucu
This homey favorite, located in an old farmstead, serves straight-up down-home cooking; look for cheese pastechis (deep-fried...
family | caribbean