Aruba Restaurant Guide

Located in Oranjestad, just 2 miles from the airport, this family-run restaurant serves authentic Surinamese and Indonesian cuisine. Yanti is a more “off the beaten path” option but definitely not one to miss. The menu features amazing flavors including roti (chicken, lamb), chicken satay with homemade peanut sauce, bami, nasi, saoto soup, gado gado, and much more. The homemade ginger beer and fresh lemonade are local favorites. Keep in mind that Yanti’s now operates daytime hours only, and no longer serves dinner. Credit cards are now accepted.

Welcome to the home of the best pizza and best chicken wings on the island of Aruba.  G&G Pizza won the island’s Best Chicken Wings Competition in 2014 with their “Mango AyAyAy” flavor. Their thin-crust New York-style pizzas offer generous toppings, and their wings range from sweet and savory to hot and spicy. Make sure to check out their special nights with 1 Florin wings on Tuesday and Thursday, All-You-Can-Eat Pizza on Wednesday, and All-You-Can-Eat Pasta on Monday.  G&G has a welcoming atmosphere, making guests feel right at home. Vegetarian pizza and take-out options are available.

A locally known favorite, Gostoso Restaurant offers a mixture of Portuguese and Aruban dishes to satisfy any appetite. Owner José, a Portuguese native, personally greets guests at every table. They are famous for their daily homemade sangria, both red and white, blended with locally grown fresh fruits. The menu offers a variety of dishes including their signature Portuguese salted cod (Baccalau), beef espetada on traditional hanging skewers, goat stew, octopus, and their creative Creole Sushi Roll made with plantain instead of rice. Don’t miss their house-made hot sauce, which is so popular they sell bottles to take home. Make sure to save room for tres leches or quesillo di coco.

Kamini’s Kitchen, located in San Nicolas on the road to Baby Beach, is a colorful Caribbean café offering Trinidadian comfort food specialties in a cozy, friendly environment. Kamini’s makes everyone feel like family. The menu features award-winning curry chicken roti, curry goat, oxtail stew, doubles (a Trinidadian favorite), and their famous whole red snapper. Each dish showcases Kamini’s Trinidadian heritage and secret hot sauce recipes. Vegetarian and vegan options are available, along with a kids’ menu. The restaurant closes early (by 7:30-8:00 PM sharp), so don’t arrive late. Bottled water is charged separately. Cash only for bills under $20.

Aquarius is located inside the Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort in the heart of Oranjestad and offers a chill atmosphere with sleek, contemporary design. Indulge in a blend of Caribbean and international dishes, served both à la carte and buffet-style with extensive stations. The restaurant recently expanded its buffet offerings to include a sushi station, carving station, salad bar, “Pure Local” station featuring local farmers’ produce, and an impressive dessert and ice cream station. Their Sunday Seafood Buffet (known as “The Sea is Served”) is a highlight, featuring cold stations, hot stations, and action stations with fresh seafood including lobster. Gluten-free, vegan, and kosher options are available.

Voted the #1 steakhouse in Aruba, L.G. Smith’s Steak and Chop House is an icon for fine dining. Located at the Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort with beautiful marina views, this steakhouse offers an unforgettable experience. Steaks are USDA-inspected Certified 1855 Black Angus Beef, with their signature Butcher Table Experience featuring premium tableside-sliced aged beef carved to order. The Cocktail Cart brings a tableside mixologist for signature drinks including their Water, Fire, Smoke, Earth, and Mist cocktails. Their wine program holds over 120 wines by the glass and has been nominated for Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence. The service is phenomenal, and the dark wood décor with Murano glass and atmospheric blue lighting creates an elegant setting. Vegetarian options available. Live entertainment nightly from 6:30 pm.

The name suits it well, as Fred Royal Aruba is a royal experience unlike any other. The evening begins on the rooftop terrace with champagne and bubbles, then guests move downstairs to the U-shaped high-top bar seating up to 19 guests (exclusively ages 18 and older).  Current head chef Ashwin Maduro, creates a playful five-course chef’s menu that changes every 10 weeks. The experience runs 3.5 hours and includes wine pairing options. The chef take great pride in creating unique dishes and encourage guests to try new things. Keep in mind that vegan and vegetarian options are not available, Fred Royal loves its protein.

Barefoot is the perfect beach restaurant for a fantastic dinner with amazing tropical ambiance. Located across from Voco Surfside Aruba near the airport roundabout, you’ll find delicious food, friendly service, the gentle tropical breeze, and the ocean as the background for your meal.  At Barefoot, you’ll dine right on the beach, where tables sit directly in the sand, in shallow water, under a palapa, or on a wooden deck. Try the Shrimp Croquettes or the Dutch Crab Cakes with sweet chili sauce and curry for starters. The Lobster Cappuccino is another standout. Entrée favorites include Caribbean Grouper, Peppered Tuna Steak, and the Romance of the Sea trio. Save room for the legendary desserts: Coffee Crème Brûlée, Key Lime Pie, or the signature BananaMisu (tiramisu made with banana instead of coffee – fabulous). More than a dinner, your evening at Barefoot will be an Aruba experience you’ll never forget.