Great Eating On-The-Go
Downtown Oranjestad
Out to shop ‘till you drop downtown? Fuel up early for retail therapy at The Dutch Pancake House in the Renaissance Marketplace. Their flapjacks are very different from American style pancakes, and they have the sweet little silver dollar-sized ones, too. After shopping, head back to the marina for a unique fast lunch. How about Cuban sandwiches and authentic hand muddled mojitos-to-go? You’ll find both at Cuba’s Cookin’. Later, head to The Paddock’s happy hour for drink specials, excellent Dutch snacks, and of course, Dutch pea soup. Or catch the sunset with a cold bucket of beer and creative small plates at The West Deck. If you want to stick around downtown to watch the twinkling lights of the cruise ships come and go with toes in the sand gourmet dining then head to Barefoot Aruba nearby on Governor’s Bay.
Eagle Beach
Plan to spend the day on Eagle Beach? Begin at Passions on the Beach right on the sand beside the famous Fofoti tree for their ‘Big Breakfast’ or grab some sensational smoothies and egg burritos to-go.
For lunch, head inland for a quick, but top-notch feast at Red Fish. They dish up local fish soup (sopi di pisca), fish croquettes, and fried fish, and all fare is straight from the boat to the plate since they also own Driftwood Charters.
For stunning sunset sea views, seek out elevated Horizons Lounge at Amsterdam Manor. Daily happy hours often include live music, and always include excellent Dutch snacks, creative cocktails, and interesting small plates. End your day for drinks and dinner at Rich’s Arubian Dish & Caribbean Delight beside the big, red Dutch windmill. They specialize in authentic South American and Caribbean fare. For a true taste of local opt for the dish called the “Aruba Flag”.
Palm Beach & Noord
There’s no need to settle for boring burgers all along this stretch of sand. How about a hearty local fried grouper feast with cocktails at Pelican Nest pier over the water? And forget plain old pizza when Lucca Aruba has the real deal artisan Neapolitan brick oven pies. (They even deliver right to the beach!) If you’ve been out watching windsurfers at Hadicurari, circle back to Madero Pool & Beach Grill at The Ritz-Carlton Aruba for Latin grill inspired fare, and don’t miss their incredible Madero Pop-Up Bar. They create handcrafted cocktails prepared to your desires and serve it to you in a souvenir coconut!
If you’re out past Palm Beach at Tres Tapi or Boca Catalina seeking to snorkel with sea stars and sea turtles, seek out the new Saliña Local Cuisine in Malmok when hunger hits. Enjoy authentic local fare like whole red snapper or Aruban seafood pizza in a picturesque poolside setting (Feel free to take a dip, too!). If you’re heading inland to explore rural Noord, bop into Bingo Bar & Restaurant for a hearty Dutch-style brunch of “uitsmijters”. On your way back, stop in for their lively Happy Hour for cold beer and lip-smacking authentic Dutch snacks like deep-fried meatballs called ‘bitterballen’. They serve hearty dinners there, too. Or visit historic Papiamento after 6 PM, where they serve old family recipes in their century-old Aruban country house. Craving fast, yet fabulous Mexican fare? Look for Primo Tacos & Burritos, a gourmet food truck located just a few minutes’ drive inland from the beach.
Out in the Outback…
If you’re going to see the cool tonalite rock formations of Casibari and Ayo you’re in for a double treat for eats. Mi Dushi Casibari offers up great takes on South American specialities like arepas, patacones, and empanadas. Near Ayo, the rocks with the ancient petroglyphs, Studio Murano Art has a huge eclectic international menu and free glass-blowing demonstrations provided by an Italian master artist on site.
If exploring Arikok National Park is the plan, stop by Ling & Sons Food Market to score all you need for a gourmet picnic like premade snack platters and a bottle of La Marca Prosecco. There are no food outlets within the park. You can also lunch there first at their ‘Hot Foods Buffet’ full of authentic Aruban specials before you hit the road.
San Nicolas & Baby Beach
Visit “Sunrise City” for the incredible outdoor art, but first stop by Kulture Cafe for specialty coffees, hearty breakfast options, and the Community Museum upstairs. After art, stop by legendary Charlie’s Bar for a famous “Boozer Colada” and more history. The interior is a living museum of their 80-some years of continuous operation. Then, head to Baby Beach. Rent snorkeling equipment from JADS Dive Operator if you don’t have your own, and later, enjoy fine fare and killer cocktails at their Rum Reef adult-only infinity pool (there’s a family-friendly snack spot there, too). •
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