Looking for the best places to eat in Aruba? From romantic garden settings to vibrant local spots, here are the top restaurants you shouldn’t miss during your visit. This guide includes pricing, reservation tips, and what to order at each location.
1. Yemanja Woodfired Grill
Location: Downtown Oranjestad Price Range: $$$ Cuisine: Caribbean-European Fusion
Why Visit
- Expertly grilled meats
- Fresh seafood
- Extensive wine list
- Romantic atmosphere
- Local favorite
What to Order
- Grilled Caribbean lobster
- Beef tenderloin
- Herb-crusted lamb chops
- Homemade desserts
Tips
- Reserve 2-3 days ahead
- Great for date night
- Indoor and outdoor seating
- Walking distance from cruise port
- Vegetarian options available
2. Madame Janette
Location: Noord Price Range: $$$ Cuisine: International
Why Visit
- Local institution
- Outdoor garden dining
- Live music some nights
- Extensive menu
- Friendly service
What to Order
- Almond-crusted grouper
- “Chateaubriand Perfect”
- Shrimp “Old Man and the Sea”
- Key lime pie
Tips
- Make reservations well in advance
- Romantic garden setting
- Can be hot (outdoor seating)
- Large portions
- Famous for steaks
3. Quinta Del Carmen
Location: Washington Price Range: $$$-$$$$ Cuisine: International-Caribbean
Why Visit
- Historic mansion setting
- Beautiful gardens
- Romantic atmosphere
- Excellent service
- Special occasion favorite
What to Order
- Duck breast
- Fresh catch of the day
- Beef Wellington
- Chocolate soufflé
Tips
- Perfect for special occasions
- Beautiful photo opportunities
- Make reservations early
- Dress code enforced
- Great wine selection
4. OAK Steakhouse
Location: Palm Beach Price Range: $$$$ Cuisine: Steakhouse
Why Visit
- Premium steaks
- Modern atmosphere
- Expert wine pairings
- Professional service
- Upscale dining
What to Order
- Dry-aged ribeye
- Wagyu selections
- Seafood tower
- Truffle mac and cheese
Tips
- Reserve well in advance
- Business casual dress
- Excellent wine list
- Perfect for celebrations
- Best steaks on island
5. Papiamento
Location: Noord Price Range: $$$$ Cuisine: Caribbean-French
Why Visit
- Historic villa setting
- Pool-side dining
- Local family owned
- Romantic atmosphere
- Wine cellar dining available
What to Order
- Hot stone dining options
- Fresh seafood
- Local specialties
- Extensive wine selection
Tips
- Request pool-side table
- Make reservations early
- Great for special occasions
- Historic building tours available
- Traditional Aruban dishes
6. Flying Fishbone
Location: Savaneta Price Range: $$$$ Cuisine: Seafood
Why Visit
- Feet-in-the-sand dining
- Sunset views
- Fresh seafood
- Romantic setting
- Unique experience
What to Order
- Caribbean lobster
- Seafood platters
- Fresh catch
- Signature desserts
Tips
- Reserve for sunset
- Worth the drive
- Bring water shoes
- Weather dependent
- Romantic lighting
7. The Kitchen Table by White
Location: Noord Price Range: $$$$ Cuisine: Modern International
Why Visit
- Interactive dining experience
- Limited seating (16 guests)
- Watch chefs prepare courses
- Wine pairings
- Unique concept
What to Order
- Fixed multi-course menu
- Changes nightly
- Wine pairing option
- Surprise menu items
Tips
- Book months in advance
- Fixed price only
- Allow 3-4 hours
- Dietary restrictions accommodated
- Unique experience
8. Elements
Location: Eagle Beach Price Range: $$$ Cuisine: Modern International
Why Visit
- Adults only
- Oceanfront dining
- Sustainable focus
- Romantic setting
- Health conscious
What to Order
- Fresh seafood
- Plant-based options
- Local catch
- Organic wines
Tips
- Reserve for sunset
- Adults only
- Smart casual dress
- Dietary options available
- Beautiful views
9. Carte Blanche
Location: Palm Beach Price Range: $$$$ Cuisine: Chef’s Table
Why Visit
- Intimate dining (12 seats)
- Interactive experience
- Watch chef prepare
- Social atmosphere
- Unique concept
What to Order
- Fixed 5-course menu
- Changes daily
- Wine pairing available
- Chef’s specialties
Tips
- Book months ahead
- Fixed menu only
- Allow 3+ hours
- Social experience
- Limited seating
10. 2 Fools and a Bull
Location: Noord Price Range: $$$$ Cuisine: Gourmet International
Why Visit
- Intimate setting
- Interactive dining
- Social experience
- Unique concept
- Entertainment included
What to Order
- Fixed multi-course menu
- Wine pairings available
- Changes regularly
- Surprise elements
Tips
- Book well in advance
- Fixed price only
- Allow full evening
- Social atmosphere
- Limited seating
Practical Information
Reservations
- High Season: Book 1-2 months ahead
- Low Season: Book 1-2 weeks ahead
- Special Occasions: Book earliest possible
- Holiday periods: 2-3 months advance
Transportation
- Taxis readily available
- Parking at most restaurants
- Some offer shuttle service
- Consider location when drinking
- Rental car convenient for remote spots
Dress Codes
- Most upscale: Smart casual or better
- Beach restaurants: Smart casual
- No wet swimwear
- Closed-toe shoes often required
- Bring light jacket (AC)
Price Guide
- $$$ = $50-75 per person
- $$$$ = $75+ per person
- Add 15-20% for wine/drinks
- Special experiences often higher
- Holiday prices may increase
Remember to make reservations well in advance, especially during high season (December-April) and for special occasions. Most restaurants are happy to accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice.