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Looking for authentic Aruban food? Check out these TOP 6 restaurants in Aruba for some of the best food you'll have on your Caribbean vacation!
Food can sometimes make or break a vacation. In between your natural cave pool adventures and relaxing on the pristine beaches, you will be ready to eat some delicious food in Aruba.
Aruba is a Dutch Island in the Caribbean. The official languages are Dutch and the local Papiamento language, but most Arubans also speak English and Spanish.
This should tell you that there is a nice mix of cultures in Aruba, and it definitely shows in their food options, as well. Aruba is a sort of melting pot of flavorful cuisine.
But what are the best places to eat in Aruba? After reading this article, you will be prepared with 6 must-try restaurants in Aruba so you will have one less thing to worry about when planning your perfect vacation to Aruba!
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Dutch pancakes are served sweet or savory and are not your average pancake. For starters, Dutch pancakes are the size of a full dinner plate, and thinner than a classic American pancake, almost like a crepe.
When in Aruba you have to make a stop at either Linda’s pancakes or Diana’s pancakes (or both, if you’re like us!)
1. Linda's Dutch Pancakes
Linda’s Dutch pancakes is located in Noord, Aruba and is open Monday through Saturday (closed on Sundays like Chick-fil-A).
They don’t accept reservations, so you will want to plan for the best time of day to visit Linda’s Dutch Pancakes.
From 8 am to 9 am, they aren’t too busy. But if you are coming anywhere between 9 am and 11 am, get ready to wait for a table since this is the busiest time to visit Linda’s Dutch Pancakes.
By the time 12 pm rolls around until 2 pm, they are less busy and you can enjoy a nice, leisurely brunch.
Besides Dutch pancakes, they serve delicious omelets, and French baguette sandwiches.
They also can make any of their Dutch pancakes gluten free upon request.
Our menu recommendations:
- For a sweet Dutch pancake option that is on the lighter side, try the pineapple, coconut, and coconut rum Dutch pancake. It is served with a shot of rum and powdered sugar, and costs $18.75.
- For a savory Dutch pancake option that will fill you up, try the bacon and cheese Dutch pancake that has perfectly melted Gouda cheese on top and costs only $11.50.
2. King Fred and Princess Diana FKA Diana's Pancakes Place
Diana’s Dutch pancakes is another exceptional Dutch pancake option in Noord, Aruba.
Diana’s pancakes are open Wednesday through Sunday (closed Monday and Tuesday), and are located at the historic mill next to the Marriott CourtYard.
In the morning they serve incredible Dutch pancakes for around $10 depending on the type of pancake you order, and in the afternoon they serve chicken dishes that cost about $20 per main course meal.
Their servers are very friendly and attentive, and we highly recommend paying King Fred and Princess Diana a visit!
Our menu recommendations:
- For a sweet Dutch pancake option, order the “Picasso” which has fresh fruit and powdered sugar.
- For a savory Dutch pancake option, order the pineapple-bacon Dutch pancake.
3. The Pastechi House
A pastechi is similar to an empanada and is known as Aruba’s national snack. There are a wide variety of fillings to try here.
Whether you’re a meat-lover, vegan or a vegetarian, there is a pastechi that you will fall in love with at the Pastechi House located in Oranjestad!
On your next visit to Aruba, be sure to stop by the Pastechi House and support this local, family-owned shop, serving up delicious mouth-watering pastechis!
We ordered 5 pastechis for only about $12! The Pastechi house opens Monday through Saturday at 7am.
Our menu recommendations:
- spanakopita pastechi
- chicken pastechi
- beef pastechi
4. CRAFT x LOLA
If you love a $1 taco Tuesday as much as we do, Craft x Lola is the spot for you in Noord, Aruba! Craft x Lola has special sauces that pair nicely with their menu offerings.
From the mild green salsa verde, smoky barbecue sauce, and Papaya hot sauce that brings an extra kick, they have the flavors that will keep you ordering more!
If you like spice, you cannot leave Aruba without trying their famous Papaya hot sauce, which goes absolutely great with the carnitas tacos at Craft x Lola!
Try out some of their half-priced cocktails during their daily happy hour from 5 pm to 9 pm. Check out their menu here.
Our menu recommendations:
- carnitas tacos
- chicken tacos
Be sure to go on Taco Tuesday to get these for only $1 each!!
5. The Old Cunucu House
If you are interested in trying authentic Aruban cuisine, check out The Old Cunucu House which opens every day at 11:30 am.
They have covered outdoor seating and gorgeous ambience.
Their live music adds a special touch of charm to your dining experience, and you can expect to spend around $25 per main entree.
We were able to walk in without a reservation, but if you want to plan ahead, you can reserve your table at the Old Cunucu House here.
Our menu recommendations:
- Aruban oxtail
- Coconut shrimp
6. Flying Fishbone
When you step foot into the Flying Fishbone, you are stepping foot into the most enchanting waterfront restaurant in Aruba.
The Flying Fishbone Aruba brings a unique on-the-beach dining experience as you gaze out to the clear blue ocean which is vibrantly lit up with glowing blue lights at night to really set the scene for a romantic dinner.
When you first walk in they ask you “sand or water?” You will be removing your shoes and either sitting in the soft white sands or in the warm Caribbean water.
We chose “water” and had the delight of having colorful fish swimming at our feet and watching the fish jump around in the water in front of us, really living up to the namesake of the “Flying Fishbone.”
Don’t forget to leave the long pants at your accommodation if you plan to sit in the water since your shins will likely be submerged in the Caribbean Sea at your table.
Leaving with sandy toes won’t be an issue because there is a foot washing station before you leave.
A fine dining experience at the Flying Fishbone in Savaneta, Aruba can cost about $100 for two people.
Although it is on the pricier side, it is the perfect on-the-beach restaurant for celebrating worthy special occasions. (I celebrated my 28th birthday here!)
The Flying Fishbone is open daily from 4 pm to 9pm. Be sure to make your reservation in advance here.
Our menu recommendations:
- grilled shrimp
- fish of the day
BONUS: Apotek Speakeasy
This article is all about food in Aruba, but this bonus recommendation gives you a taste of something different.
Imagine pulling up to what appears to be a traditional pharmacy, and the front door is locked so you ring the large, lit up doorbell.
Somebody from inside opens the door for you and welcomes you into this mystical place.
It is dark and foggy with moody blue spotlights inside. Smooth R&B is playing, and there’s a wall for “prescription pick up.”
Turns out the “painkillers” are actually shots of liquor and all the other prescriptions on the wall are pharmacy-inspired drinks! You’re at Apotek Speakeasy.
Let’s take a closer look into this place. For one, Apotek or “Apotheek” means apothecary in the Dutch language.
An apothecary is a pharmacy, chemist shop, or drug store. Now, hold that thought.
What is a speakeasy? Well, during the prohibition era, it was a lowkey building that sold alcohol illegally.
In modern times, a speakeasy is a (legal) bar that is disguised as a different kind of establishment.
Mix it all together, and you get Apotek Speakeasy, the only speakeasy in Aruba. And a must-try on your vacation!
Coming to Apotek Speakeasy during my time in Aruba was the perfect mix of two of my passions: pharmacy and travel. (Really three passions if you count having great-tasting cocktails as another.)
Even if you’re not a pharmacist, you are going to love it here! The vibes and specialty curated drinks (“remedies”) served in this speakeasy are unmatched.
Apotek Speakeasy is located in Oranjestad and opens at 6 pm Tuesday through Saturday. Each drink is around $11.
Food in Aruba
We went over 6 must-try restaurants in Aruba and a bonus speakeasy for you to try the next time you visit the “One Happy Island.”
For over 20 food recommendations and tips on how to save money on food in Aruba, get our 28-page Explore Aruba Travel Guide!
This Aruba guide is jam-packed with top recommendations on where to eat, what to do, and places to stay depending on your budget.
Wonderful article! The speakeasy sounds like a definite must do! Reading this got me hungry and ready to book a flight. Let me go get the itinerary so I can be well prepared. I don’t want to miss anything.
The speakeasy was one of my favorites for sure! Thanks so much for the support, and I hope you have an excellent trip to Aruba when you go!
Great suggestions, never been to Aruba but seem they have a good restaurant and love the night light. Thank you for sharing!
Aruba has lots of great options for food. I’d definitely recommend visiting one day!
Love trying new foods! Looks like you had a wonderful time trying all these places.
Makes me want to travel there too! It’s great to be able to eat from a melting pot of cultures. The Dutch pancakes look delicious. Thank you for sharing your recommendations.
Thank you for checking out this article 🙂 Trying all these restaurants in Aruba was such a fun experience and I’m sure you’ll enjoy if you do end up going to the island!
Wow, all of this looks amazing. Can’t wait to try these out. Guess I’ll have to book a flight soon!
Thanks for reading! You’ll love Aruba whenever you go 🙂