Aruba Fine Dining
It’s easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of restaurants that are walkable from the high rise hotels on Palm Beach. However, there are plenty of other delicious fine dining options to discover all over the island! From beach front dining with your toes in the sand, to garden settings under the stars, there are a wide variety of fine dining restaurants to pick from. So, without further adieus, here are my top recommendations for fine dining in Aruba.
Barefoot:
Known for elegant beach front dining in flip-flops, Barefoot truly lives up to it’s name! Enjoy excellent service and a truly scenic atmosphere on the beach. In my opinion, there is no better fine dining restaurant to watch the sunset from than Barefoot!
Enjoy unique flavor combinations and beautifully plated meals! Don’t miss out on my all time favorite appetizer… the goat cheese medallions- so yummy! Get ready for an unforgettable evening sipping cocktails on the beach with an unbeatable view of Aruba’s sunsets.
Location: L.G. Smith Boulevard 1, Oranjestad (Across from Talk of the Town Hotel)
Website: https://www.barefootaruba.com/
Wilhelmina:
Delicious food, elegant outdoor atmosphere, and excellent service- Wilhelmina has it all. Enjoy the modern, industrial indoor seating, or dine outdoors in their relaxing garden.
Chef Dennis creates the most delicious and unique flavor combinations. His fresh ceviche is to die for! And do your best to try to save room for dessert – the ‘Chocolate Gateau’ is totally worth the extra calories! Dinner at Wilhelmina is a must!
- For a special treat, you may also consider trying Chef Dennis’ Fixed Menu restaurant, Carte Blanche, which is located in the same building as Wilhelmina.
Location: Wilhelminastraat 74, lokaal 2, Downtown Oranjestad (Next to El Gaucho)
Website: https://www.wilhelminaaruba.com/
Elements:
Elements is a gorgeous beach front restaurant overlooking the white sands of Eagle beach. The location is perfect for viewing the sunset while enjoying a quiet and relaxing ambiance. If you are dining with a party of two, consider requesting a table in one of their gorgeous private cabanas. Enjoy a peaceful night with delicious food and a romantic ambiance! Keep in mind, Elements has a strict “+18 years or older” policy to ensure complete serenity!
Location: Beachside at the Bucuti and Tara Beach Resort
Website: https://www.elementsaruba.com/
Yemanja:
Experience a creative blend of Caribbean flavors combined with European flair. Yemanja has both indoor and outdoor seating. However, I always prefer dining on their cozy terrace decorated with torches and palm fronds- it’s a true oasis feel!
Yemanja’s food and service are both outstanding. The staff is attentive and accommodating. Enjoy delicious wood fire grill dishes as well as creative vegetarian options.
Location: Wilhelminastraat 2, Downtown Oranjestad (Near the Renaissance Hotel)
Website: https://www.yemanja-aruba.com/main/
Flying Fishbone:
Flying Fishbone is known for it’s beach side dining right on the water. In fact, several tables are set up directly in the ocean. It’s a unique dining experience dining while the gentle waves lap around your ankles. Enjoy a large selection of delicious seafood dishes as well as steak and vegetarian creations. Keep in mind, if you want to sit with your feet in the water, you must make reservations far in advance!
Location: Savanetta 344, Aruba
Website: https://www.flyingfishbone.com/
Note: The restaurants I mentioned above are all traditional fine dining establishments. If you would like to explore more exclusive fine dining restaurant options with fixed menus, click here.