If you haven’t yet treated yourself to a vacation in Aruba, I highly recommend it. The clear water, beach resorts, dining options, and nature-related activities feel never-ending—it’s the ultimate R&R getaway. I’ve already shared what I wore and all the best things to do, so only makes sense to dedicate a post to all of the restaurants in Aruba that seriously knocked me off my feet.
I’m a big believer that food is just as much part of the experience as everything else, and after trying these places for yourself you can see why! If you’re looking for the best dining experience—whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner, I’ve got you covered.
What To Eat In Aruba
With so many delicious options to choose from, nailing down your “must-visit” list can feel hard! To make it easier for you, I’ve compiled a list of where to eat in Aruba with along with some pictures of what my meals and drinks looked like. And if you still need some inspo, I have a list at the bottom of places that I wish we got the chance to visit but didn’t.
Best Breakfast In Aruba
Eduardo’s Beach Shack
Acai bowls? Smoothies? Fresh juices? Sign me up! If you’re craving breakfast and on the hunt for where to eat in Aruba, Eduardo’s Beach Shack didn’t disappoint. It’s located right on the beach at the Playa Linda Beach Resort, so you get incredible views and a treat. I got an Acai bowl as a mid-morning snack, but it would be a great breakfast place if you want to get onto beach early in the morning. Seriously SO GOOD.
The Dutch Pancake Bar
We stopped by The Dutch Pancake House on our last day and it was the best choice. We ordered way too much food (of course) but we loved it all. I’m more of a savory breakfast person, so I opted for the breakfast and walnut dutch pancake, and the boy got a strawberry banana chocolate one. We also got the little pancakes (which I can’t remember the name of, lol). We were debating between Diana’s Pancake House or Linda’s Pancake House, but the front desk at our hotel recommended this one instead. It’s located in the heart of the Renaissance Marketplace, which is lined with souvenirs and shops on the way to the airport. Get there early to avoid all the lines!
Best Lunch In Aruba
Zeerovers
When we were looking for where to eat in Aruba for lunch, our bartender actually told us about Zeerovers! He said it was a popular spot for good, local food—and he wasn’t kidding. This was hands-down our favorite place to eat in Aruba.. we even went here twice for lunch! The food is so fresh (you can see them taking the fish out of the water), cheap ($20 for plenty of food for two people AND leftovers) and SO DANG GOOD. Not to mention the view is 10/10. Thanks to the outdoor seating, you can see the fish swimming right under you as you eat on the pier. We had homemade cornbread, plantains, fries, and four different types of fish. Also fun fact: the fish is “the catch of the day,” so it’s different every time you go.
Moomba Beach Bar
We had drinks and lunch at Moomba Beach Bar. I got a crab sandwich and wasn’t super crazy about it (hence the lack of pictures, lol.) But the drinks were pretty good. Sunday night is supposed to be when it gets crazy and all the action happens, so make sure to plan for a Sunday if you want dinner and a show!
Passions on the Beach
I LOVED this beach bar for drinks—the Aruba Ariba’s specifically are bomb, you’ll have to try it for yourself and find out. I loved it so much that I went back multiple times a day during happy hour just so I could get those drinks!
Pelican Pier
Pelican Pier is a seafood grill located right on Palm Beach, and the views of the Caribbean Sea here are AMAZING. We got fish tacos, chips and guacamole, and a margarita drink with two beers in it (I think the name of it is “Summer Love”, but don’t quote me on that lol.) I highly recommend.
Rum Reef
This is another place we just got drinks at (I got a baby beach coolada—a twist on a Pina Colada which was super yum,) and the view was incredible. Drinks in an infinity pool overlooking Baby Beach? Yes please! It was such a cool experience.
Matthew’s Beachside Restaurant
We thought this place was going to be packed, but it surprisingly wasn’t bad. Located in a hotel, Matthew’s is directly on the beach. We got to sit in these cool chairs and enjoy the views while having some yummy food and drinks. I got the strawberry mojito (yum) and the lobster pasta dish. I finished it all because it was just too good not to!
Best Dinner in Aruba
Screaming Eagle
I had this restaurant on my list before we even got down to Aruba. It is right outside the hotel we stayed at, and across from Eagle Beach. The food was so creative and unique—I loved it. The cocktail I got was also super strong. We did “dinner in bed” here, which I definitely recommend. You literally sit on a bed (you’re separated by your neighbors by a canopy) as you eat dinner, how cool is that?
Kini-Kini Pool Bar
This pool bar was on-site at our hotel which made quick visits easy and convenient. I wasn’t super crazy about the food, but the drinks were good and cheap during happy hour! Happy hours were differently daily, but mostly 1-2pm, 4-6pm or & 6-8pm.
Arashi Beach Shack
Not going to lie, totally went here hungover, haha. But the fries are to-die for (so flavorful) and the shrimp was SO GOOD. The boy got chicken tenders, and those were good too (of course I had to sneak a bite!). This restaurant is right on Arashi Beach so of course the views were amazing.
Gianni’s Ristorante Italiano
In the action of Palm Beach is Gianni’s. We were craving Italian one night and stumbled across this gem right next to all the high-rise restaurants. I got a seafood risotto dish with shrimp, mussels, squid and some other things (can’t remember lol) but all of it was really good. The service was also on point here and the seats (at the high-tables) were sooo comfy. They even have tons of gluten-free options for everyone to enjoy. Definitely add this to your itinerary if you want a nice fine dining experience.
Where I wish we ate, but didn’t get the chance to:
- Lindas Pancake House
- Diana’s Pancake House
- Flying Fishbone
- Sopranos Piano Bar
- Barefoot
- Pinchos
- El Guacho
- Madam Jeanette’s
- Gelatissimo Bistro
- Bungaloe
- Salt & Pepper
- Yemanja (not adults-only but does have a policy regarding small children.)
- La Petit
- Big Mamas
- Red Fish Grill
- Charlie’s Bar
- Richardos
- Way Wahoo
- Driftwood
And that’s all there is to it! Visiting Aruba was such a dream, and as if the experiences and views weren’t amazing enough, the restaurants made it soooo much better. If you find yourself in Aruba, you 100% need to visit some of these places, you won’t regret it.
And if you do visit any of these restaurants, let me know what you got and how much you enjoyed it! I’d love to read all about it in the comments.
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