10 Best Places To Eat On The Island Of Aruba

Aruba is one of our family’s favorite places to vacation. The island is truly beautiful with friendly people, perfect weather (it’s 85 degrees and sunny year-round), the best beaches, and great restaurants to indulge. We’ve been visiting the island for two decades and enjoy making it an annual family vacation destination with all it has to offer.

I’ve put together a list of my favorite restaurants on the island. If you plan to vacation in Aruba soon, these restaurants won’t disappoint!

10 Best Glamorous Places to Eat in Aruba

1. El Faro Blanco

Situated at the top of Hudishibana Hill right next to Aruba’s most famous landmark, the California Lighthouse is Faro Blanco Restaurant. Located at the highest point of the island, there is no other restaurant that offers such oceanic views. A popular destination for wedding party dinners and romantic date nights, Faro Blanco offers delicious Italian cuisine and impressive wines. It’s kid-friendly, family-friendly, and lovers friendly. If you go, be sure to make your reservation at sunset to enjoy the beautiful views of the sun setting over the ocean.

2. The Old Cununu House

Built 150 years ago, the Old Cununu House is otherwise known as the old countryside house. This great venue provides a local dining experience that is both historic and delicious. The menu includes yummy local fish dishes, chicken and pasta among many other international options that include steak, veal, and lamb entrees.

3. Gianni’s Ristorante Italiano

For more than 30 years, Gianni’s Ristorante Italiano has served guests and tourists with their amazing Italian dishes. Their signature dish is Spaghetti al Formaggio Parmigiano. The staff shaves off parmesan cheese from a giant cheese wheel brought out by staff members and then pours whiskey on it and sets it on fire! All at your tableside.  When the flames die down, they mix it with cooked spaghetti and combine it with the melted cheese. They also provide some of the best seafood on the island, steak and chicken entrees.

4. Le Petite Cafe

Le Petite Cafe is owned by a local Aruban family who takes great pride in stone grilling. For years they’ve been providing this service and their food is incredibly good! Also, something very rare, the staff encourages guests to bring their very own freshly caught fish! The restaurant is open for breakfast and guests who enjoy a good meal in the morning will also enjoy all you can drink tea and coffee.

5. Madame Janette Restaurant

Founded in 1999, Madame Janette’s has won multiple awards, including several “Restaurant of the Year” awards, and an award for Best Restaurant in the Caribbean by the Caribbean Travel and Leisure Magazine. The European Master Chef Karsten creates delicious dishes you will definitely remember like lobster ravioli, Chilean sea bass and what is known as “The Old Butcher Steak”.

6. Pinchos Grill & Bar

You may recognize this restaurant from the Bachelor a few years back. For a little over 15 years, Pinchos has been delivering fabulous meals to locals and guests on their main deck. The entire restaurant is surrounded by ocean and the ocean breeze will calm you as you enjoy unobstructed views of the sunset. Perfect for a romantic dinner, Pinchos is our go-to place each year. My favorite is the filet but they have a long list of wonderful entrees and desserts to choose from if you’re looking for something else.

7. Chalet Suisse

My first time at Chalet Suisse was 22 years ago! Since 1988, Chalet Suisse has been a must dine destination for both traveling couples and locals. The extensive menu includes high-quality dishes including fresh salads, seafood, imported meats from New York, and desserts made right there on the property. If you go, ask for the “Hafner” wine imported from Austria. You’ve never enjoyed a wine like this!

8. The Chophouse at Machebo

Located at the Machebo Beach Resort & Spa, the Chophouse at Machebo is a sleek venue, offering a sophisticated experience. This is definitely not a place where you wear your bathing suit and cover-up. I’m a filet lover and their filet is delicious! They also serve sirloins, a 14 oz Tomahawk and other impressive options.

9. Elements Restaurant

If you are planning a trip to Aruba, please make a reservation for Elements on the beach! This is an adult-only restaurant so no kiddos allowed. Acclaimed by TripAdvisor’s Travellers Choice Awards as one of the top 10 fine dining restaurants in the Caribbean. Elements offer oceanfront seating and fabulous wines. Meals are made with natural, organic ingredients in European style portions. Guests who are vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free have options as well.

10. MooMba Beach Bar & Restaurant

Put your toes in the sand and enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner at MooMba. No bathing suits allowed here. Even though it’s on the beach and just a quick walk from The Ritz and the Holiday Inn, bring clothes to cover up or else they won’t seat you. This is a must-visit place if you’re hungry after a long day tanning or swimming in the ocean. Kids and families are welcome but no need to dress up. It’s casual and inviting at the same time with perfect views of the Aruban sunset. What can you order? Seafood, Ceasar salad, pulled pork, BLTs, and escargot casserole to name just a few.

There you have it, my favorite Aruba restaurant destinations. Have you been to any of these? Do you have favorites to add to my list? Please leave a comment in the comment section below and share! Or, tag me on Instagram with your Aruba eats photos to keep me informed.  I’m always looking for glamorous places to dine when I travel!