Aruba Restaurant Ratings

About our reviews - we have tried to review these restaurants relative to typical upscale resort destinations and not world class gastronomic venues such as New York, San Francisco, Milan, and Paris. This is not to imply that some of Aruba's restaurants are not great dining experiences. We have only included restaurants that we like — don't want to bad mouth anyone. They are listed in alphabetic order.

Aruba is a very dynamic place with old restaurants changing or closing, new chefs arriving, and new restaurants starting. Because we only get to Aruba 2 to 3 times a year, our reviews in some instances can get a bit out of date. If you think a particular one is as off as yesterdays mahi mahi, please let us know.

In some instances we know owners of a restaurant we reviewed. We have tried not to let that influence our opinion.

During the peak tourist periods, some of the higher rated and more popular restaurants book up far in advance. If you have your heart set on certain restaurants, make your reservations before you arrive.

There are so many seafood restaurants in Aruba now the local fishermen can't supply fresh fish to all of them. If you want fresh fish, ask your server which fish on the menu were caught that day.

Wine lists in Aruba are a difficult subject. The supply of fine wines is limited and expensive. There are some surprisingly decent Cabernets and Chardonnay's from Chile and Australia (Shiraz) and some decent reds from Argentina and Australia available on the wine lists and in the supermarkets. Experiment! Many restaurants will permit you to bring a special bottle of wine from home. Some will charge a fee and some won't. Please call the restaurant to make arrangements in advance so that you and they will not be surprised. When we bring wines, we always tip a bit more to compensate for the bill being lower, but the service being the same work.

Restaurant Reviews

• 2 Fools and a Bull - Phenomenal food is prepared and beautifully plated by Fool #2. Fool #1 provides the entertainment and excellent wine pairings. Reservations are difficult to come by but wait list often works out. Disclaimer - we have not been there since management changed hands. Palm Beach Website http://2foolsandabull.com/
  
  
• Azar Fire Grill - Our favorite steak in Aruba! We love the fire grilled delicacies and the high-design interiors. Palm Beach Website hhttps://azarfiregrill.com/
  
  
• Barefoot Aruba - Some nights you just want to feel your toes in the sand! They call it Elegant Dining in Flip Flops. Located between downtown and the airport with tables in the sand and under a large palapa. Oranjestad Website https://www.barefootaruba.com/
  
  
• Bohemian - This open air restaurant is nestled in gardens next to the Barcelo. Fabulous French and international menu and wine list. Been many times and loved every dish. Check website for early bird 3-course menu. Palm Beach Website https://bohemianaruba.com/
  
  
• Dushi Bagels and Burgers - At Playa Linda. Almost like New York bagels. Yummy all day breakfast. Palm Beach Website https://www.dushibagelsandburgers.com/
  
  
• Elements - Located on the beach behind the Bucuti and Tara Beach Resorts, this romantic (adults only) ocean front restaurant serves consistently excellent meals. Eagle Beach Website https://www.elementsaruba.com/
  
  
• Flying Fishbone - Located on the beach (about 5 miles past the airport going towards St. Nicholas) this charming place where you dine with your toes in the sand is worth the drive. The location and ambiance are the strong points (isn't that what you came for) and the energetic young Dutch staff are a plus. They even have some decent wines at affordable prices. Savaneta Website http://www.flyingfishbone.com/
  
  
• Koal Restaurant - One of the best meals in Aruba! Your evening begins sipping bubbly with up to 15 other guests. Then Chef Albert presents one outstanding course after another (with a break to mingle in the middle). Tom gives insightful information about his excellent wine pairings with each course. They only seat 16 guests so make your reservation well in advance. Oranjestad Website https://koalrestaurant.com/
  
  
• Lima Bistro - Truly excellent authentic Peruvian cuisine overlooking the harbor. Love the pisco sours! Seating is both indoors and outdoors but gets booked so be sure to make your reservations early. Oranjestad Website https://www.limabistro.com/
  
  
• Olivia - Delicious flavor mix of healthy Mediterranean ingredients - sister restaurant to Wilhelmina. Exciting dishes - not your standard fare. Open air seating. Oranjestad Website https://oliviaaruba.com/
  
  
• Papiamento - Charming old Cunucu house, very good food, romantic setting for dining outdoors by the pool. Near our house and the high rise hotels but on one of the roads parallel to L.G. Smith Blvd. Quite popular so make a reservation in advance. Noord Website http://papiamentoaruba.com/
  
  
• Passions on the Beach - Gorgeous views at sunset from tables in the sand - right across from Amsterdam Manor. Menu is a nice mix of seafood, meat, and vegetarian dishes. Eagle Beach Website https://www.amsterdammanor.com/dining/passions-on-the-beach
  
  
• Pinchos - Located on a long pier between Oranjestad and the airport (if you see Talk of the Town on your left you've gone too far coming from Oranjestad). The dishes are tasty and extra special while sitting at a table surrounded by water. The service is attentive and because you are outdoors, the noise level is low and the views are great. They have a nice outdoor bar if you are just in the mood for a drink. The wine list offers reasonable choices at good prices. Say hi to Anabela from Holly and Greg. Oranjestad Website http://www.pinchosaruba.com/
  
  
• Que Pasa Restaurant and Wine Bar - The food (surprisingly sophisticated with international dishes and sushi and not Mexican) is the strong point, along with a cordial and knowledgeable international staff. Check the website for All You Eat Sushi on Wednesdays. Oranjestad Website https://www.quepasaaruba.com/
  
  
• Restaurant Anno 1877 - Outstanding French food and wine menu in a quaint historic 18th century space. Oranjestad Website https://www.restaurantanno1877.com/
  
  
• Restaurant Royal Aruba - Spend a wonderful evening eating delectable food, sipping outstanding wine pairings, and mingling with other guests. Oranjestad Website https://fredaruba.com/
  
  
• Screaming Eagle - Billed as French-fusion meats and fresh seafood from around the world, the food is truly delicious. Also, the wine list is extensive. Outdoor dining is comfortable and spacious. Eagle Beach Website https://screaming-eagle.net/
  
  
• Texas de Brazil - Located across the road from Playa Linda, this restaurant is a first-rate Brazilian steakhouse (even though it is a chain). If you like meat, you can't leave unhappy or underfed. Good wine list at fair prices and very good salad bar (even vegetarians are happy here). Palm Beach Website http://www.texasdebrazil.com/locations/aruba/palm-beach/
  
  
• The Restaurant at Tierra del Sol Resort & Golf Club (formerly Ventanas del Mar) - Good food, upscale place with outdoor dining overlooking the golf course, pool, and rugged north coast. Noord Website https://www.tierradelsol.com/dining/
  
  
• La Trattoria El Faro Blanco (California Lighthouse Restaurant) - Really nice setting for sunset drinks, but then again so is our front patio. Come here for the spectacular view. Lighthouse area Website https://faroblancorestaurant.com/
  
  
• The West Deck - Located on the water near the Renaissance Hotel, this restaurant is great for lunch. We love the open air seating and tasty food. Oranjestad Website http://thewestdeck.com/
  
  
• Wilhelmina - Opened its doors in October 2015, presenting a "World Cuisine" à la carte menu. An instant favorite of ours after one visit - beautiful dining area outdoors, world class service, and excellent food. Oranjestad Website http://wilhelminaaruba.com/
  
  
• Windows on Aruba - Fresh ingredients presented gorgeously in a beautiful circular restaurant overlooking The Links at Divi Aruba golf course. Excellent wine menu. Don't miss their Mesa Latina menu Tues-Thurs. Eagle Beach Website http://www.windowsonaruba.com/
  
  
• Yemanja Woodfired Grill - Amazing grilled meat and fish! One of our favorites is the Yemanja salad with tenderloin. Many great choices in their substantial wine list. Excellent choice for vegetarians. Reservations a must! Oranjestad Website https://www.yemanja-aruba.com/
  
  
• ArubaHouse - Eat what you like. Truly authentic home cooking! Don't forget to thank the cook! If you are not staying there, reservations are generally not accepted.
  
  

If we left out one of your favorites, let us know and we'll comment on it after we eat there. Often, we like to buy some fish, shrimp, or lobster from the fisherman at the dock (or from Daily Fish outside Super Food - open all days but Sunday) and grill them on the BBQ in our garden. Great views, no wait for the table, the music we want to hear on the stereo, and a choice of dining in or outdoors. You can even stare out at the ocean with a glass of wine while you wait for dinner to be served. You can't get away with it every night soooo take the family out when they insist. Make reservations in advance in the high season. This website lists most of the restaurants in Aruba - http://www.arubarestaurants.com/

Also, check out the locations here: