Whether you're planning a trip to Aruba or are just curious, this list will give a good overview of some of the restaurants located across Aruba. Some restaurants excite us, and we cannot wait to revisit when in Aruba. They're also restaurants we recommend to friends, family, and readers. Others – well, they're a bit more of a question mark in our books. Without further ado – please see our list below (in alphabetical order) :
Craft – Terrace Café/Bar with a focus on American/ Mexican Cuisine
Her Take:
In the heart of Palm Eagle Beach, this was one of my absolute favourite places for lunch, brunch, or breakfast. The Egg Scramble Tacos featuring gouda cheese, tomatoes, and pico
de gallo all on a flour tortilla was an absolute hit in particular. We ate here a few times, and each time ordered tacos only – however, their menu has some great alternative options such as burgers, waffles, and bowls. (Also, look out for their Taco Tuesday deals, where each taco is $1 only).
His Take:
Craft is a sister bar to Lola – an authentic Mexican Taqueria. The great thing about that is an order can be placed from either of the two menus. I ordered the Korean Chicken and Buffalo Chicken Tacos. The Korean Chicken Taco has fried chicken, sriracha mayo, pickled onion, and soy chili glaze. Meanwhile, the Buffalo chicken tacos have panko fried chicken tossed in buffalo sauce, honey mustard, and shredded carrots. Let me be transparent in that tacos are a favourite food of mine, but there is no bias in this review. The sweeter Korean BBQ sauce
mixed with the spicy sriracha wasa fantasticg combination. Located directly on the boulevard of Palm Beach, right beside all the main shops and restaurants, this is a convenient location. We actually went back here twice and not only for the food but also for the atmosphere.
Overall, definitely a really great place with excellent prices especially considering its touristy location.
Eduardo Beach Shack – Quick Bites, Healthy Bowls & Smoothies
Her Take:
A favourite of mine was their Ocean Cold Pressed Juice which features pineapple, blue spirulina, lemon, and granny smith apples. I also recommend looking out for their pineapple smoothie bowls - a real pineapple filled with classic smoothie bowl ingredients and topped with coconut dust for that extra finishing touch.
His Take:
This was a trendy place on the beach with very long lines. The food here was always great and very healthy. Just make sure you stay at the front of the line if your name is familiar, like mine. With all the people around the shack, food mix-ups tend to happen quite frequently.
Gelatissimo Bus – Unique Dessert Experience
Her Take:
As the name describes, this is a double-decker bus on Palm/Eagle Beach serving gelato.
There is a large variety of flavours to choose from – some traditional and some fairly unique, like my favourite, black Hawaii. On top of gelato, you can also get popsicles, gelato sandwiches, and bonbons. For me, this was a must-visit after every meal (except maybe the steakhouses).
Yes, the line will be scary. However, it goes by relatively quickly and is oh-so-worth it.
His Take:
I know this may come as a surprise – but the gelato here is almost as good as if you were in Italy itself. The line to order can be quite long, and if you're going after the dinner rush, be prepared to wait.
There is some seating both indoors and outdoors – although not much. However, I really recommend sitting in the bus itself. Head upstairs to the top level of the double-decker bus to get the best experience and enjoy the 360-view overlooking the strip.
Giannis Restaurant Aruba – Fine Dining Italian Cuisine
Her Take:
Everyone we've talked to before this trip has recommended this restaurant. Personally, the appetizers and pizzas here are okay – but the shining star is their signature dish Italian Spaghetti al Formaggio Parmigiano. A giant wheel of Parmesan cheese is brought out, and whisky is poured into it. Once it is lit on fire, cooked spaghetti is tossed in the cheese. You won't be asking for more cheese once you order this dish, that's for sure.
My only concern with this place is that I'm not sure you'd be getting the same experience if you didn't order this signature dish (made in front of you). The food is good – but nothing to go crazy about.
His Take:
This is my third time going to this restaurant, which speaks for itself. The food here is good, but the main reason to go here is the experience of watching the pasta being made in front of you. One thing that I would really recommend is ordering a side of seafood or chicken to go with this pasta to dress it up a bit further. Reservations are a must for this place most days.
L.G Smith's Steak and Chop House – Fine Dining Steakhouse
Her Take:
Hands down one of the best steakhouses I've ever eaten at (and yes, I'm willing to even challenge Toronto’s Jacob's on that claim). The pork belly appetizer I got was a 10/10, and the steak – well, a clear 10/10 also.
Fun note – You have the option of ordering drinks from the regular bar or the moving cart. Although the drinks from the cart are a bit pricier than those at the bar, I must admit that it's fun to see your drink come to life right in front of you. Do note that the drinks are a bit more of a show as opposed to an art piece (e.g. Bar Chef Toronto).
His Take:
I ordered the Caesar salad (grilled) as an appetizer. The Cesar salad was delicious and came deconstructed. Also, we noticed that the sauce wasn't your classic Caesar sauce and took inspiration from Asian cuisine. Not what I expected, but pleasant surprise.
We shared a Tomahawk Steak for the main meal, which was cooked to perfect medium rare and melted in your mouth. The rendering was perfect, and it was incredibly juicy. I also appreciated that the steak came with a selection of salts, so you could choose what best suits your preference.
Finally, we did get dessert. Yes – I'm not a dessert person, but we were celebrating my birthday, and a special someone (cough cough) kept hinting at it. Ultimately, we selected the ice cream trio, which turned out to be three full ice cream cones – raspberry, masala, and chocolate. I ordered this dessert mainly because I've tried masala before and was curious to see how it would taste in ice cream form. I was disappointed because the masala flavor did not come through fully and was a bit milder than I expected.
Overall, I'm not ready to mark this as the best steakhouse I've ever been to – but it's definitely sitting comfortably in my top three.
Texas de Brazil – Brazilian Churrasco Cooking
Her Take:
Texas de Brazil is a traditional churrasco meaning that the team slow-roasts meats over open flames and then brings them over to each group's table, carving the meats to your plate in a show of skill. As churrasco's go, Texas de Brazil was really good. I loved the cornbread and also the selection of meats. I mean all kinds of meat – parmesan-crusted pork loin, leg of lamb, petite filet, sirloin, lamb, filet mignon wrapped in bacon, you name it. You're definitely not leaving this place hungry.
However, I would say that the salad bar didn't have as much variety as perhaps I'm used to from visiting similar places in Toronto.
In terms of the atmosphere – we were sited outdoors in the upstairs area, and it was enjoyable to watch the bustle of the busy main strip right below us.
Expert tip: If there is any meat in particular that you like, make sure to let the servers know. Some meats tend not to come around as often, so letting the servers know your preference helps ensure you get what you need.
His Take:
Where do I even begin. Texas de Brazil is one of my favourite places in Aruba and has a great variety of meats. If you're looking for a fantastic dinner and great service – look no further.
My particular favourites from the meat selection are the garlic steak, the picanha, and finally the lamb. I would also recommend ordering a Caparinha when you're here, as it really helps break down all the saltiness from the meat.
Expert tip: Make sure to flip your card to red when getting full otherwise, the servers won’t stop filling your plate with meat.
The Dutch Pancakehouse – Breakfast and Brunch with a focus on serving Dutch/European cuisine
Her take:
We went to Linda's during our day trip to Oranjestad and I have to say, this place
was a winner for me. I've had my first taste of Poffertjes back in Amsterdam and loved them. Ordering them at Pancakehouse was a no brainer decision. Also, a part of me was just curious – will this small café in Aruba live up to the best pancake restaurants in Amsterdam? Yes – yes, it did.
If you're unfamiliar with Poffertjes, these are Dutch-style silver dollar pancakes served with powdered sugar and butter on top. Yes, you read that description right - these really are just mini pancakes. But there is something inherently fun and exciting about eating these minis.
The Dutch Pancakehouse offers a wide selection of toppings on the menu – each of which can be paired with the traditional Dutch pancake or Poffertjes. I opted for the peach and Grand Marnier topping, which was perfect.
All in all, the café has fantastic food, is reasonably priced, and great variety.
His Take:
I ordered the traditional Dutch pancake, which is quite unique. (Think monster
crepe taking over your entire plate.) I paired the pancake with fresh strawberries and vanilla ice cream – the breakfast of champions, as I like to say.
Overall, I had a really good experience at this café and would definitely return here. Do note that the tables are positioned relatively close together, but it does give you a bit of a homey feel.
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