I don’t play when it comes to food, especially while on vacation; and Aruba did not disappoint. When we travel, seeking out exceptional dining experiences isn’t just a preference; it’s practically our mission. We will literally travel for food! Good food, at least. As a Brooklyn girl at heart now living in the suburbs, I’ve always appreciated how a stellar meal can elevate an entire vacation experience. Our recent getaway to Aruba proved to be the perfect blend of stunning beaches and unforgettable meals that satisfied this foodie’s heart (and stomach).
Seaside Splendor: The Absolute Must-Try Restaurants in Aruba
Pincho’s Grill & Bar: Sunset Magic on the Water
Listen, if there’s one place perfectly captures romance, ambiance, AND delicious food in Aruba, it’s Pincho’s. Situated right on the water, this place has the views, the food, the ambiance … everything. Truth be told, I wish we’d eaten here for my actual birthday dinner. Lesson learned for next time!
Our server, an Aruba native, made the experience even more special with his friendly banter and local insights. He even showed my 4-year-old how to feed the fish swimming beneath our overwater table, a memory she hasn’t stopped talking about. As night fell, the restaurant transformed with deep blue lighting illuminating the water below, creating this magical atmosphere that was somehow both romantic and family-friendly.
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We didn’t go all out on the food because we’d eaten earlier (major regret), but what we did have was phenomenal. I sipped on a Kir Royal while my husband enjoyed a potent caipirinha. The girls felt fancy with their Shirley Temples, complete with extra cherries because … vacation. Food-wise, the lobster bisque was perfection, and the seared tuna had that perfect rare center that melted in my mouth. We finished with carrot cake that even the kids claimed was “actually good”; high praise from my picky eaters.
Pro Tip: Make reservations well in advance for Pincho’s, especially if you want those prime sunset tables. This isn’t the spot you can just walk into during high season.
Aqua Grill: Seafood That Lives Up to the Hype
Before our trip, I read many great things about Aqua Grill, and now I understand why. I knew we were in for something special from the moment we walked in. The restaurant has this upscale yet welcoming vibe that worked perfectly for our family dinner.
Let me tell you about this meal. Everything was absolute perfection from the lobster bisque (yes, I have a thing for lobster bisque on vacation) to the grilled octopus and seafood pasta. I washed it all down with an Old Fashioned that was mixed to perfection. This is definitely not a “watching your budget” kind of place, but it’s worth every penny for the quality.
The Dutch Pancake House: Breakfast Goals
This breakfast spot ended up being an unexpected favorite! I took just my daughters here while my husband was dealing with JetBlue losing his luggage (a whole other story—poor man had no clothes for a full 24 hours).
The Dutch Pancake House offers amazing traditional Dutch pancakes, which are basically large, thin crepes loaded with toppings. That’s what my daughters had with fresh berries and bananas that were divine. If you’re used to thick, fluffy American pancakes, these are delightful changes that feel simultaneously indulgent and lighter.
The restaurant has this charming, bright atmosphere perfect for starting your day. It gets busy though, so go early!
Fisherman’s Hut: The Last-Minute Discovery
Sometimes the best finds are the ones you almost miss. We passed Fisherman’s Hut near our hotel (the Radisson Blu, check out my separate review) countless times before finally deciding to stop in on our last night. What a mistake waiting was!
This unassuming spot served some of the freshest seafood of our entire trip. The ceviche was exceptional: bright and citrusy, it was served with something similar to bammy (if you’re Jamaican, you know what I’m talking about).
But the real star was their creamy seafood soup, which was rich with local crab and perfectly spiced. My husband couldn’t stop talking about it.
The Misses: Keeping It Real
Because I promise to always keep it 100 with you all, I have to mention a couple of places that just didn’t hit the mark for us:
Smokey Joe’s: Save Your Calories
Despite its popularity, Smokey Joe’s was underwhelming at best. The food and drinks were so mid; truly a waste of calories when there are so many better options on the island. Nothing tasted particularly fresh or inspired, and the prices certainly didn’t match the quality.
CRAFT: Just Skip It
Based on some recommendations, I had high hopes for CRAFT, but the food tasted like it had been sitting around. Nothing had that fresh-made quality you expect, especially at their price point. There are too many amazing places to eat in Aruba to bother with this one.
Family-Friendly Dining Tips for Aruba
For my fellow mamas traveling with kids, here’s what you need to know:
- Most restaurants are accommodating to children, but places like Pincho’s and Aqua Grill benefit from reservations made well in advance
- Early dining (around 6 PM) is more family-friendly than later slots
- Most places are prepared to adjust spice levels or prepare simpler versions of menu items for picky eaters, ask!
Places on My “Next Time” List
We tried to eat everywhere, but even with my dedicated approach to food exploration, we couldn’t hit all the spots on my list. Next time in Aruba, I’m definitely checking out:
- Zeerover, where they serve fresh-caught Mahi Mahi right on the dock
- Two Fools and Bull for their curated wine pairing and 6-course meal (note: no kids under 18, so this would be a parents-only date night)
- O’Neil Caribbean: I’ve heard that their Jerk Chicken with Rice and Peas, Plantains, and mashed potatoes are legit and will satisfy your Caribbean food cravings.
My Top 3 Recommendations for Aruba First-Timers
If you’re heading to Aruba and need to prioritize your food experiences, here’s my must-try list:
- Pincho’s Grill & Bar for the perfect combination of ambiance, sunset views, and excellent food
- Aqua Grill for the seafood enthusiast who wants a fine dining experience
- Fisherman’s Hut for an authentic taste of local Aruban seafood in a casual setting
Aruba’s food scene truly offers something for every palate, from upscale dining to local hidden gems. While I expected the beaches to be the highlight of our trip, our culinary experiences elevated our vacation to something truly special.