The island of Aruba is a common stop on many Southern Caribbean cruises. Although this tiny state is only a little over 69 square miles, it boasts many great restaurants that visitors from around the world come to eat at. The staff at CruiseExperts.com got together to compile a list of our favorite places to eat in Aruba. We hope that you’ll have a chance to check out at least a few of the following:
Carte Blanche – Visitors to Carte Blanche often say that having a meal here is sort of like attending a dinner party hosted by a Michelin starred chef. The restaurant offers an intimate experience and only seats 14 diners at a time. In the open kitchen, patrons will have the opportunity to interact with chef Dennis van Daatselaar as he prepares a five-course meal that is never the same each night. During the busy season, this place can fill quickly, so be sure to make to make a reservation as soon as you know you’ll be headed to Aruba. Please note that Carte Blanche does not take reservations for parties over four persons or admit patrons under 21.
Gasparito – If you’re looking for some authentic Caribbean dishes, Gasparito is the place to go.
Gasparito’s serves authentic Caribbean dishes. Photo courtesy of Gasparito’s.
Within this hidden gem, you’ll be treated to delicious family recipes like shrimp marinated in brandy and plantains served in a Creole sauce. The standout dish, however, is the Gasparito chicken. Although the restaurant’s owners won’t give away the exact recipe, ingredients include pineapple, white wine and pineapple juice.
Photo courtesy of Gasparito.
Interestingly, Gasparito is also an art gallery. While you dine, be sure to take a look at some of the pieces created by local artists.
Flying Fishbone – This restaurant rates as one of the top 5 places I’ve personally ever experienced. For the ultimate on-the-beach dining, this is it. Imagine dining literally on the beach, toes in the sand, soothing background music playing, watching the sun set over the bay, your table dimly lit by lanterns and tiki torches. The atmosphere is beyond compare.
The Flying Fishbone provides dinner on the beach. Photo courtesy of Kenneth Theysen of Timeless-Pixx.
And the food? Reflecting a marriage between European cuisine and Caribbean flair, their dishes are unforgettable. Serving delicious seafood selections and steak creations, it just doesn’t get any better than this! Located in the tiny fishing village of Savaneta, I recommend you make reservations well in advance to guarantee your table on the beach!
Photo courtesy of Kenneth Theysen of Timeless-Pixx.
Yemanja – Located in the center of Oranjestad, Aruba’s largest city, Yemanja offers various grilled meat, fish and vegetarian dishes. The restaurant was constructed out of two colonial buildings behind Aruba’s parliament.
Beef Carpaccio Bombe, Arugula, Thinly Sliced Raw Certified Angus Beef Tenderloin, Pesto, Old Amsterdam Cheese, Truffle Sauce & Balsamic Crème. Photo courtesy of Yemanja Woodfired Grill.
There is plenty of seating available and many visitors enjoy coming here because of its proximity to the cruise ship docks. The establishment’s most popular menu items include seared tuna and marinated rock lobster. Unlike many restaurants in the area, Yemanja is acutely aware of meeting the dietary needs of its patrons from around the world, offering plenty of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.
Enjoy the outdoor patio at Yemanja Woodfired Grill in Aruba. Photo courtesy of Yemanja Woodfired Grill.
Screaming Eagle – A Miami-style lounge bar, the Screaming Eagle is a unique restaurant with edgy interior design, comfortable and chic lounge area, trendy French-Fusion cuisine and a wine and cocktail list to create the mixture for those who dare now a days lifestyle.
Chef Erwin Hüsken of the Screaming Eagle in Aruba has received great praise for his artistry in the kitchen from world-renowned chefs. Photo courtesy of Kenneth Theysen of Timeless-Pixx.
Although you can eat inside at a table, you may want to try eating dinner relaxing comfortably on a bed, surrounded by sheer curtains, back well supported with pillows. Guests report this as a very special and romantic dining experience. Boasting one of the most original culinary experiences, many dishes are prepared expertly in front of you. Not necessarily a place to bring children, but definitely a unique dining experience for adults.
Eat your meal or just have dessert on a comfy bed. Photo courtesy of Kenneth Theysen of Timeless-Pixx.
If you’re thinking about embarking on a Caribbean adventure, call CruiseExperts.com today. Now is the time to plan your cruise vacation. We can help you choose the right ship and the right itinerary to take you where you want to go. The members of our staff love to travel and would be more than happy to provide recommendations on where to shop and eat.
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