36 Best Restaurants in Palm Beach and Noord, Aruba

Named after the plant tequila is derived from, this welcome addition to Aruba’s culinary scene is dedicated to showcasing authentic Mesoamerican flavors inspired by diverse regions like Oaxaca. Familiar-sounding dishes like tacos, tostadas, enchiladas, and fajitas come full of surprises like braised octopus, beef tongue, chorizo, and cotija cheese, and they also do a mean vegan taco. Signature cocktails are also creative with surprisingly authentic Mexican twists. The stand-alone bar and the restaurant are open to the public and resort guests, but reservations are recommended for dining.

Secreted away just off the main Palm Beach strip, seek out the hidden Buddha to find the twinkling lights that lead to an absolutely enchanting upscale Asian-fusion emporium with stunning decor and Aruba’s longest bar. Enjoy an eclectic selection of dim sum, sushi, and creative meat and seafood dishes that can be paired with sake, Japanese beer, and whiskey or a killer handcrafted cocktail from their expert mixologists. Vegan menu options are available, and they deliver, too.

Secreted away near the Barceló resort you’ll find a hip, laid-back tropical oasis of tiki-style huts and “bohemian” escapes with a focus on French and world cuisine, sometimes with a local Caribbean twist. It’s well worth seeking out for the cool vibe and eclectic choice of fare, ranging from raclette or ginger-and-honey duck to braised lamb or paella, with some creative vegetarian and vegan options thrown in. Weekdays are typically a soul-soothing experience with soft live music and low-key events, but Friday and Saturday nights are all about electro-lounge dance parties. Service is first-rate and fun.

Seeking to capture the quintessential hip experience, Brutto is trendy on steroids—think cocktails served in biodegradable plastic baggies with rubber duckies floating in them or grilled octopus millefeuille. But even though it's billed as Asian-modern fusion, they will appeal to the less adventurous with mains like glazed short ribs or Fish, Chips and More Chips. You can also order some pasta from their sister restaurant, Trattoria Lucca, next door. But it’s the open-kitchen sushi bar, live DJ, and cool vibe here that draws most people; they stay open till midnight. Later, hop into their glam dance club, The Office, under the same roof.

The cheery Ritz-Carlton breakfast spot known as Solanio takes on a whole new identity in the evenings as it transforms into Casa Nonna (meaning "grandmother's house"), dedicated to serving up authentic Italian cuisine. Service is exquisite (they even have a cocktail cart), and you can taste the care put into the handmade pastas and sauces. Don't miss the Mediterranean sea bass or grilled octopus for that real Italian coastal flavor, too.   Snag a table outside to catch spectacular sunsets and soft live music by the firepit.

Don’t let the rustic decor fool you: this is not your average Italian resort eatery, though it's an inviting choice for large groups. Da Vinci pulls out all the stops to present a seriously upscale, authentic, and creative menu of Mediterranean favorites. Tucked away in the Holiday Inn, it’s well worth seeking out for killer incarnations of osso buco, homemade pastas, and seafood served Italian-style, plus great vegan options. There's also a fabulous wine room with a surprisingly comprehensive selection of vintages from around the world. It's family-friendly, too, with a kids' menu and big communal tables for groups. Dining at Da Vinci Ristorante is included in the resort's all-inclusive program.

If you’re seeking something more pubby than clubby, sleuth out this casual and comforting spot tucked away on The Cove Mall's far corner, facing the Holiday Inn parking lot. It’s all about the beer and the bites here, as Fireson offers up their own craft beer and authentic Aruban comfort food like funchi fries with cheese, croquettes, and empanadas (pastechi's close cousin). They also serve homemade Angus burgers, lots of styles of wings, tacos, and quesadillas. This is Aruba’s first microbrewery, so it’s more about the beer than the fare, as good as it is, and these folks are fun, friendly, and really know their brews.

This gorgeously decorated emporium near the Old Windmill is awash in cherry blossoms and soft neon with ultra-modern accents and an exciting inviting feel, but the biggest surprise is the fusion of cuisines all under the same little roof. The menu features a mix of elegantly presented Japanese and Peruvian fare, with excellent sushi renditions as well. It’s unusual but it works. And of course, sushi platters are always great to share with the whole table. Delivery available, and vegan options available on request. 

The historic 200-year-old red windmill called De Olde Molen is a famous Aruba landmark, brought from Holland in 1960 piece by piece and then reconstructed to its original glory. It has housed many different venues for dining and imbibing over the years, but now it splits its time as Diana’s Pancakes, which serves up Dutch-style crepes in a variety of delicious styles during the day, and at night Chef Fred creates an eclectic choice of international dishes. After dinner, you can hop up to Fransje’s Bar on top for a superb panoramic view of Downtown along with craft cocktails and cold beer. There’s also a small souvenir shop.

Inspired by the 1974 Steve McQueen film Papillon, evident in the decor, the French- and Caribbean-inspired menu includes classics like frog’s legs, escargots, caviar, duck breast with passion-fruit sauce, and local snapper with grilled shrimp covered in creole sauce. Service is old-school stellar, and soft live music adds to the enchanting ambiance.

Unfettered sea views and stellar sunsets with tiki lights and lit-up palms make this the signature dining spot of Divi Aruba Phoenix. The menu offers Continental favorites with a Caribbean twist, and guests can enjoy fish, steak, and seafood beachside in the bistro or mere steps from the sea. Though well-appreciated by the resort’s regular time-share guests, it’s open to the public and often overlooked as a romantic toes-in-the-sand-style Palm Beach option.

Set in a beautifully restored 100-year-old mansion with a lovely outdoor courtyard, Quinta del Carmen's cuisine is best defined as modern Caribbean-Dutch. There are a few traditional Dutch favorites like cheese croquettes and mushrooms and cream; the watermelon salad is sweet, salty, and perfectly refreshing; and the sucade-lappen (flank steak stewed in red wine and herbs) has a depth of flavor that comes from hours in the pot. Or you can enjoy gourmet shareables, wines by the glass, sangria specials, and creative cocktails in the gorgeous Tapas Garden, which sprawls across the beautifully manicured lawns. Don't miss the interior stand-alone bar full of awesome antiques. Some vegan options are available, too.

After a very successful run on Eagle Beach, dynamic duo Chef Kelt Hugo Maat and his partner, sommelier/host Sebastian Kruisselbrink, decided to relocate their Senses Fine Dining chef’s table experience to Palm Beach—but with a twist. Now operating as the signature dining spot of the Radisson Blu Aruba, this new concept encompasses a dual space that includes the chef’s table in a dedicated walled-off corner and a classy a la carte restaurant that is open for lunch and dinner. They also have an inviting alfresco terrace overlooking the resort’s water circuit. The chef’s table seats 16 guests (for those 18 and older) and offers an 8-course dinner, with or without wine pairing. They also offer a unique luxury brunch chef’s table. The a la carte menu features high-end mains like tomahawk steak.

One of the latest dining emporiums to rejuvenate the old windmill quarter, this intimate chef’s table experience revolves around the well-known culinary skills and creativity of Chef Patrick van der Donk and his talented sommelier wife, Ivette. This dynamic duo has a legacy of operating fine dining establishments on Aruba under the Amuse brand, and now they invite guests into their latest venture. Guests dine at stand-alone tables as they enjoy French-inspired cuisine with a Caribbean twist. There's a maximum of 20 guests.

The crowning glory of all the options at The Cove Mall is this aptly named second-story bar and restaurant where a private elevator introduces guests to incredible vistas at any time of day. But it's not so much the view that draws the crowds here as it is the vibe---think private beach cabanas with killer mixologists behind the bar, and romantic tables for two scattered around a rooftop---and the food, which ranges from creative tapas and shareables like seafood towers and charcuterie boards to upscale mains like steak, lamb chops, lobster, and fresh fish. Don't miss the crispy fried Jerusalem artichokes or the blue crab and gnocchi.  Check out their Facebook page for many special events like Sunday Caribbean Brunch Buffet with DJs.

One of Aruba's very first forays into the chef's table experience, here you'll enjoy an intimate evening of culinary entertainment that plays like a fun dinner party with friends rather than something you pay for. At most,17 guests are assembled around the U-shaped communal dinner table for a five-and-a-half course creative gourmet adventure. The menu changes daily, and there's a selection of optional wine pairings available by the glass (regular $70, reserve selection $120). Meals are not vegan or vegetarian-friendly, and this is strictly an adults-only experience. Reservations are advisable at least a few weeks in advance, but there's now a wait-list option on the website.  Be sure to state any dietary restrictions in advance.

Aficionados flock here to enjoy a wide selection of seafood and fish in a New England–style decor. Dishes like smoked swordfish, Maine lobster, and grilled red snapper are top of the list, or try a bit of everything with the Fisherman's Pot. The fare is consistently well prepared and their extensive wine list is legendary, as is the size of their raw bar. A children's menu is available.

This rollicking beach bar by day morphs into a surprisingly romantic pop-up, toes-in-the-sand dining spot as soon as the sun begins to set—the sunsets rarely disappoint. Fresh fish and seafood are the specialty but meat lovers will be well sated with the excellent filet mignon and short ribs dishes. Soft live music adds to the enchanted seaside atmosphere.

A variety of German beers, schnitzel, and bratwurst presented in a true beer-hall setting are guaranteed to provide that Oktoberfest feeling. The hearty cuisine is paired with over 20 different types of beer by owners who take their imbibing seriously. With a bright blue exterior and pennants flapping in the breeze, the place is hard to miss, and it's fun, friendly, and lively.

Though this restaurant in the Ritz-Carlton is designed to replicate a New York–style steak house, if you're looking for a more Caribbean feel, opt for the ethereal dining room that leads out to a breezy garden terrace just steps from the sea for stellar sunset views that are unmistakably Caribbean. And though it's supposed to be all about the meat here, their very pricey but comprehensive seafood platter called The Royale is worth the splurge.

The legendary Champions Sports Bar has been totally reimagined into a replica of a colorful Mexican village square with a bar that features 100 different kinds of tequila, premium mescal, and killer margaritas. Endless complimentary nachos, salsa, and fixings are available out of the trunk of a vintage Volkswagen, and the menu, though limited, offers up creative versions of many well-known authentic Mexican specialties. You can still catch NFL games on TV.

Look for the giant black-and-white-striped booth in the interior courtyard of Paseo Herencia for some truly decadent delights. Specializing in alcohol-infused gourmet baked goods, particularly little Bundt cakes (no cupcakes here) that are infused with your choice of liquor-laden syrups, there are also specialty coffees, sweet or savory crêpes, waffle bowls, ice cream, and frozen yogurt, all available with “drunken toppings.”

This cheery little hut on Palm Beach is famous for its healthy and delicious fresh fruit and veggie juices, smoothies, bowls, kombucha, and creative vegan options. All of their specialties are free of additives and artificial substances. They also offer pickup and delivery.

At one of Aruba's most legendary Italian eateries, part of the fun is watching chef Vittorio Muscariello prepare authentic Italian regional specialties in his open kitchen. The staff helps you choose wines from the extensive list and recommends portions of hot and cold antipasti, risottos, and pastas. Those on a tight budget should stick to the pizza offerings. As you leave, pick up some limoncello (lemon liqueur) or olive oil at the gourmet shop.

The food at this rustic alfresco garden restaurant, named after the Scotch bonnet pepper called Madame Janette in Aruba, is surprisingly French-inspired with a classically trained chef. Though some dishes are infused with Caribbean flavors, especially fish and seafood, you’ll find a lot of classic French sauces served with the meats; their claim to fame in the past few years has been the quality of their beef, thanks to their own dry-aging chamber. The bar has Aruba's largest selection of specialty beers due to one co-owner's avid interest in craft brewing. Also popular here is their original Hungarian goulash soup and specialty schnitzels.

Best known as a beach party spot, this legendary hangout has good food and is a popular place for a seafront breakfast. Dinner under the giant palapa or on the beach is first-rate, as is lunch—particularly since it's the perfect place for people-watching along Aruba's busiest stretch of sand. The barkeeps are real showmen, and the resident mixologists make great signature cocktails.  Don’t miss the table-side flaming crème brûlée for dessert.

Since the mid-1990s executive chef Ligia Maria has delighted diners with delicious and authentic crioyo (local) cuisine in a rustic and cozy traditional cunucu (countryside) house. Try the house version of Aruba's famous keshi yena—chicken, raisins, olives, cashews, peppers, and rice in a hollowed-out Gouda rind—or thick hearty stobas (stews) of goat or beef. The fresh catch of the day with a choice of special sauces is a treat, and the stewed conch is also very good. There's live music some nights.

The Ellis family converted its 126-year-old manor into a bistro with an atmosphere that is elegant, intimate, and always romantic. You can feast in the small dining room, which is filled with antiques, or outdoors on the terrace by the pool. The chef mixes Continental and Caribbean cuisines to produce sumptuous seafood and meat dishes. Those seeking a bit of novelty can order one of the hot-stone dishes, which come to the table sizzling. Service is unhurried and the atmosphere is laid-back. The old home's living room was recently converted into an elegant speakeasy-style escape called Pappa’s Cigar Lounge, replete with private butler service and high-end spirits.

What started as a classic French restaurant has splintered into three distinct alfresco sections---French, Greek, and Italian---with separate menus and separate chefs but still under the same roof. So whether you're in the mood for frog's legs, moussaka, or pasta, this is the spot—plus there are wines from all three regions, too. They also offer a great Sunday brunch on special occasions like Mother's Day and on special request for large groups, and their legendary rotisserie chicken is also available to-go. 

Built around the concept of the Bushiribana gold mill ruins (the name means "ruins by the sea"), the Hyatt's signature restaurant offers up seafood specialties prepared with a fusion of Caribbean and Mediterranean flavors as well as excellent steaks and freshly prepared Italian dishes. This enchanting oasis is the consummate romantic setting, with a koi lagoon, waterfalls, and a rooftop bougainvillea garden; indoor and outdoor dining is available.