Local FavoriteSeafood · Savaneta
Zeerovers
Legendary dockside fish shack where the catch of the day is fried to perfection. No menu, no pretense - just the freshest seafood in Aruba served with pan bati and plantains.
$$ · Open Tue-Sun, 11AM-9PM
Chapter 03 · Dining
Where the locals actually eat
12 local restaurant picks across Aruba: casual fish shacks from $12, waterfront fine dining from $60 per person, and everything between. From the Savaneta dock where the catch lands that morning to dinner with your toes in the sand at Flying Fishbone. We've eaten at every one.
Flying Fishbone, Savaneta, toes in the waterPlanning a sit-down dinner? The fine-dining rooms (Flying Fishbone, Papiamento, Quinta del Carmen and friends) take reservations, and most fill up in high season, so open each one and book a table early. The fish shacks and beach bars are walk-in.
Restaurant picks
Local Favorite
RomanticInternational Seafood · Savaneta
Flying Fishbone
World-famous for tables literally set in the water. Upscale seafood and international cuisine with your feet in the Caribbean Sea. One of the most romantic dining experiences in the Caribbean.
$$$$ · Open Daily, 5:30PM-10PM
BeachfrontInternational · Surfside Beach (near Oranjestad)
Barefoot Restaurant
Upscale dining on Surfside Beach with candlelight, sand between your toes, and the sound of Caribbean waves. The ultimate romantic beach dinner under the stars, minutes from Oranjestad.
$$$$ · Open Mon-Sat, 6PM-10:30PM
Fine DiningCaribbean Fusion · Noord
Madame Janette
Named after Aruba's fiery hot pepper, this garden restaurant serves innovative Caribbean-international fusion in a lush tropical setting. A locals' favorite for special occasions.
$$$ · Open Daily, 5:30PM-10:30PM
Fine DiningAruban-Continental · Noord
Papiamento Restaurant
Set in a beautifully restored 175-year-old cunucu house with a candlelit courtyard. One of Aruba's most acclaimed restaurants blending Aruban tradition with continental flair.
$$$$ · Open Mon-Sat, 6PM-10PM
BeachfrontHealthy/Breakfast · Palm Beach (Playa Linda boardwalk)
Eduardo's Beach Shack
The island's favorite healthy breakfast spot on the Playa Linda boardwalk at Palm Beach. Fresh smoothies, acai bowls, and wraps served with a view of the turquoise Caribbean.
$ · Open Daily, 8AM-5PM
BeachfrontSeafood · Savaneta
The Old Man & The Sea
Waterfront dining in Savaneta with incredible sunset views. Fresh seafood, grilled meats, and authentic Aruban hospitality in a relaxed setting by the old fishing pier.
$$$ · Open Daily, 11AM-10PM
Fine DiningMediterranean · Bubali, Noord
Quinta del Carmen
A historic 100-year-old Dutch colonial house transformed into one of Aruba's finest dining experiences. Mediterranean-influenced cuisine in an elegant garden courtyard.
$$$$ · Open Mon-Sat, 6PM-10PM
Hidden GemAruban-Caribbean · Noord
Gasparito Aruban Estate
Authentic Aruban-Caribbean cuisine served in a beautifully restored cunucu house surrounded by local artwork. A true taste of traditional Aruba.
$$$ · Open Mon-Sat, 5:30PM-9:30PM
Hidden GemStreet Food · Palm Beach (Playa Linda boardwalk)
Scott's Brats
Wisconsin-style bratwurst, sandwiches, wraps and fries at Playa Linda, with breakfast and lunch served right on Palm Beach.
$ · Open Mon-Sat, 8:30AM-2:30PM
BeachfrontBeach Bar/Seafood · Palm Beach
Bugaloe Beach Bar & Grill
Iconic over-the-water bar on a pier at Palm Beach. Live music, tropical cocktails, fresh seafood, and stunning sunset views make this the ultimate beach bar experience.
$$ · Open Daily, 11AM-11PM
FamilyDutch · Palm Beach
Linda's Dutch Pancakes
Authentic Dutch pancakes served all day in a cheerful, family-friendly setting. Sweet and savory options that transport you straight to Amsterdam.
$ · Open Daily, 8AM-3PM
Planned by locals
Wondering where to eat each night?
We're a local team that actually lives in Aruba, and the free planner lines up dinners, beaches, and tours from a few honest questions, in English or Dutch. Prefer to hand it over? Personal trip planning by our local team starts at $149.
On the menu
Must-Try Aruban Dishes
Keshi Yena
The national dish: Gouda cheese stuffed with spiced chicken, olives, raisins, and capers, then baked golden.
Pastechi
Deep-fried pastry turnovers with cheese or meat filling. Found at every bakery for $1 to $3. The perfect breakfast.
Pan Bati
Slightly sweet cornmeal pancake served as a side dish. A staple at Zeerovers and traditional restaurants.
Stoba (Goat Stew)
Slow-cooked goat stew with local spices. Rich, tender, and deeply flavorful, true Aruban comfort food.
Funchi
Aruban polenta made from cornmeal. A simple but satisfying side dish that accompanies many local meals.
Pica di Papaya
Aruba's famous hot sauce made from Madame Janette peppers and green papaya. Fiery and addictive.