Fixed Menu Dining
First off… what is Fixed Menu Dining?
Fixed Menu dining, also referred to as “Prix Fixe” dining, literally means “fixed price”. At most Fixed Menu dining restaurants, the chef will prepare you a multi-course meal of his/her choosing, and the price of the entire meal is already set ahead of time. Typically, you have no say as to what you are served, which is exciting! In my opinion, Fixed Menu dining is a unique, luxurious, pricey, and delicious fine dining experience.
Where can I try Fixed Dining in Aruba?
Fixed Menu dining restaurants are becoming more popular on the island of Aruba. My top three favorite Fixed Menu dining restaurants are Carte Blanche, Fred, and Senses. While each of these restaurants share the same “Prix Fixe” concept, they are all special in their own unique ways.
CARTE BLANCHE
If you’re really looking to splurge on an out of this world fine dining experience, Carte Blanche is a MUST. Indulge in a six-course chefs tasting menu, where dinner is cooked directly in front of you.
Chef Dennis and Maitre’d Glen are a dynamic duo when it comes to entertaining and serving you – they are true dinner party hosts.
Dennis and Glen interact with all of their guests throughout the evening while preparing and plating each of the courses. Did I mention these two will have you laughing all evening long? So sit back and relax as Chef Dennis creates exceptional dishes for you to enjoy, while Glen pours perfect wine pairings that complement each course. Not into wine? Glen also shakes up creative and delicious cocktails!
Keep in mind, there are only 14 – 16 reserved seats available, ensuring an intimate and interactive dining setting. I definitely suggest you make your reservation several months in advance! From start to finish, an evening at Carte Blanche is truly unforgettable!
Location: Wilhelminastraat 74, Oranjestad Aruba
FRED
Fred is another incredible fixed-dining restaurant on Aruba. Chef Fred is a master of his craft – cooking up decadent dishes for you to enjoy. You know Chef Fred means business; after all, the restaurant is named after him! As Fred creates each course, Tom pours tasty glasses of wine that further enhance Fred’s culinary flavors.
What stands out to me about Fred is that guests are encouraged to mingle with one other throughout the night. The atmosphere amongst fellow diners feels as though you are at a dinner party mingling with close friends.
At the end of dinner, you have the chance to chat with Fred and the rest of the guests on their open-air patio. It’s a relaxing way to end such a special evening. Once again, be prepared to pay premium prices for this fantastic dining experience. You can’t go wrong with Fred!
Location: Wilhelminastraat 18, Oranjestad Aruba
SENSES
Last but certainly not least, welcome to Senses- the newest Fixed Menu dining restaurant here in Aruba. Senses is another unforgettable culinary experience. Chef Kelt and Maitre’D Bas make an incredible team!
Chef Kelt is meticulous about each of the dishes he creates – they are truly works of art! Kelt incorporates unique flavor combinations while using the freshest ingredients, some of which come straight from his own garden at home. The flavors and artistry that Chef Kelt puts into the presentation of each course are unbelievable. As you enjoy Kelt’s delicious creations, you will also get to try the wine pairings carefully selected by Bas. Bas is extremely knowledgeable and informative about the wine pairings he selects. Throughout the night, Bas takes you on a “journey around the world”, explaining the details about where each wine originated from and why he chose to incorporate them.
Kelt and Bas are truly passionate about what they do. After spending a night at Senses, is clear to see the amount of time, effort, and creativity Kelt and Bas put into crafting such an incredible fine dining experience!
Location: L.G. Smith Blvd 55B, Eagle Beach, Aruba
My Fixed Menu Dining Tips:
- Each of these restaurants are very exclusive with limited seating (14-16 guests). I recommend you make your reservations for these restaurant at least four months in advance!
- These dinners last around three to four hours, so sit back, relax, and come hungry!!
- The menu as well as the price are fixed. The price you pay will depend on whether or not you include the wine pairing.