Where to Eat in Aruba
Local Aruban dishes to try
Start with keshi yena, a comforting baked dish of spiced meat wrapped in melted Gouda cheese that reflects the island Dutch heritage. Pastechi, golden fried pastries filled with cheese, beef or fish, are the classic breakfast and snack you will see at every bakery and roadside stand. Fresh fish dominates menus, especially red snapper, mahi-mahi and wahoo, often served with funchi, a polenta-like cornmeal side, or pan bati, a soft Aruban pancake. Sweet tooths should try pan bollo and the local Aruba Ariba cocktail. Eating local is one of the best free things to do between beach days, and it is far better value than resort buffets.
Seafood shacks and fine dining
For an authentic and affordable meal, locals send visitors to Zeerover in the fishing village of Savaneta, where you order fried fish and shrimp by weight and eat at picnic tables right over the water. At the other end, Palm Beach and Oranjestad offer upscale steak and seafood restaurants, beachfront grills and rooftop bars, many with sunset views to match a catamaran cruise. Flying Fishbone in Savaneta is famous for tables set in the shallow sea, ideal for a special night. Reservations are smart for dinner in high season, especially on weekends and around the cruise schedule.
Eating on a budget
Aruba can be pricey, but you can eat well without resort prices. Bakeries and snack trucks sell pastechi and fresh juice for a few dollars, supermarkets in Oranjestad and Noord stock picnic supplies for beach days, and food courts in the malls offer quick local plates. Many beach bars run happy hours in the late afternoon, perfect before a sunset cruise. Lunch is generally cheaper than dinner at the same restaurant, so make your main meal midday. Tap water in Aruba is desalinated and safe to drink, which saves money on bottled water over a trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What food is Aruba known for?
Aruba is known for keshi yena, pastechi, fresh fish with funchi or pan bati, and Dutch-Caribbean fusion. Seafood is a highlight thanks to the island fishing tradition.
Is food expensive in Aruba?
Resort and beachfront dining is pricey, but bakeries, snack trucks, supermarkets and local fish shacks like Zeerover keep costs down. Lunch is usually cheaper than dinner.
Can you drink tap water in Aruba?
Yes. Aruba produces high-quality desalinated tap water that is safe and pleasant to drink, so you can refill bottles and avoid buying bottled water.