With nearly a hundred nationalities making up its population, Aruba has a diverse culinary landscape. Travelers can sate themselves chowing down on everything from local favorites to classic seafood dishes.
Pickled and curried foods are mainstays on the island, as well as options like Aruban goat stew and keshi yena (braised beef, chicken or pork baked with Dutch Gouda cheese).
Read on to discover local flavors on a culinary tour of some of Aruba’s best restaurants for foodies.
As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.
Flying Fishbone
Flying Fishbone was one of the first restaurants in Aruba to popularize on-beach dining, which means eating with your toes in the sand and palm trees above your head.
The restaurant’s location is ideal, in Aruba’s charming fishing town of Savaneta, and the cuisine deftly marries European flavors with Caribbean flair.
What to order? Try the Savaneta Seafood History, which includes a delicious variety of seafood served with rice, vegetables and curry sauce. The shrimp shiitake and blue cheese casserole is a local favorite, and another standout is the truffle tortilla stuffed with mixed vegetables, truffle and a creamy mustard sauce.
Gostoso Restaurante
A favorite with locals and travelers alike, Gostoso in Oranjestad has reasonable prices and a casual, intimate atmosphere. The dishes are a blend of Portuguese and Aruban cuisine. Some of the more popular offerings include chorizo and morcilla (Spanish blood sausage), espetada a la marinera (grouper kebabs) and cabrito stoba (goat stew).
Be sure to start with the cod fish appetizers or the conch, which is sautéed in butter and garlic or served in Aruban creole sauce.
Pinchos Grill & Bar
All of the tables at this casual grill and bar are set on the pier, giving diners stunning 360-degree water views. Located outside downtown Oranjestad, Pinchos Grill & Bar attracts people from all over the island.
Pinchos is an excellent spot for sunset drinks or a romantic dinner under the stars — there are a variety of flavorful tropical cocktails on offer — and favorite dishes include shrimp ceviche, citrus-marinated duck breast and espetada de mariscos (shrimp skewers).
BLT Steak
The Aruba outpost of BLT Steak Aruba features classic steak and seafood dishes, along with weekly specials that highlight local ingredients and Aruban flavors.
Be sure to sit on the patio, which offers amazing views of the water. Meat lovers can enjoy many different chops: Certified Black Angus and USDA Prime steaks and American and Japanese Wagyu beef, plus lamb and chicken. Don’t forget to leave room for the rich desserts.
Marina Pirata
Tucked along the southern shore in Savaneta, Marina Pirata prides itself on serving ultra-fresh seafood with amazing ocean views. Plenty of families frequent the eatery to enjoy its variety of Caribbean and international cuisine.
Indulge your taste buds with dishes like the lobster thermidor, fish fillet a l’orange and cream of oyster soup. If you don’t have time for dinner, at least stop by for a drink or some appetizers — the views are well worth it.
This article was published through a partnership with Marriott Vacation Club. Read the original story: Local Flavor: The Best Restaurants in Aruba on the blog.
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