Aruba's food scene punches way above its weight. With over 200 restaurants representing 90+ nationalities, here's where to eat.
Must-Visit Local Spots - Zeerovers in Savaneta is the undisputed king of casual Aruban dining. Fresh catch fried to order, served with pan bati and plantains. Cash only, closed Mon-Tue. Eduardo's Beach Shack on Eagle Beach serves the best acai bowls and smoothies on the island.
Fine Dining Experiences - Barefoot Restaurant puts your toes in Eagle Beach sand while serving world-class cuisine. Flying Fishbone in Savaneta literally seats you in the water. Papiamento occupies a stunning 175-year-old cunucu house. White Modern Cuisine offers avant-garde plating and flavors.
Must-Try Aruban Dishes - Keshi Yena is the national dish: gouda cheese stuffed with spiced meat. Pastechi are fried pastry turnovers found at every bakery ($1-3). Pan bati is sweet cornbread. Stoba is slow-cooked goat or beef stew. Funchi is Aruban polenta.
Best Beach Bars - Bugaloe Beach Bar sits on a pier over Palm Beach waters with live music nightly. MooMba Beach hosts the best parties between Eagle and Palm Beach. Rum Reef at Baby Beach is the perfect south-side drink stop.
Budget Eating - Start with pastechi from a bakery. Lunch at Zeerovers for $12-15. Hit happy hours from 4-7 PM. Food trucks scattered across the island serve full meals for $5-10. Super Food and Ling & Sons supermarkets have great prepared food sections.
Booking Tips - Reserve fine dining restaurants 2-4 weeks in advance during peak season (December-April). Casual spots and beach bars are first-come, first-served. Most restaurants add 10-15% service charge automatically.
