Island-Wide
Restaurants
Ponton
Hands down, my favorite pizza on the island is at Pizza Italia in Ponton. Chef David, who’s originally from Italy, serves up authentic Naples-style pizza that’s absolutely delicious. You can taste the love and skill in every bite.
While the pizza is the star, don’t skip the lasagna, the fresh-baked bread (seriously, to die for), and the tiramisu for dessert. Everything is homemade and bursting with flavor.
The vibe is casual with limited indoor and outdoor seating (no A/C), or you can order ahead via WhatsApp and grab it to-go. There’s on-site parking, making it easy to swing by.
Hours: Open 4 PM – 11 PM, closed Tuesdays.
Pro tip:
Say hi to Donovan while you’re there—he’s one of the friendliest people you’ll meet, and the service here is always just as good as the food.
Savaneta
This iconic venue offers the ultimate sunset dining experience!
Dine with your toes in the sand or even in the water!
Enjoy the golden hues of sunset and flickering tiki torches. With a versatile menu of seafood and meat options, it's perfect for indulging in culinary delights while enjoying nature's spectacle.
Plan and reserve well in advance. If you truly want to sit with your feet in the water, you may need to do a 4pm reservation.
If you’re craving comfort food with bold Latin flavors, La Graja is a local favorite you won’t want to miss. This casual chain eatery specializes in Peruvian-style rotisserie chicken—juicy, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned—along with other Latin staples like fajitas, fried yuca, and more.
With convenient locations in Savaneta, Oranjestad, and Noord, La Graja makes it easy to grab a quick meal wherever you’re staying on the island.
Our go-to order? The whole chicken with yellow rice—simple, hearty, and delicious enough to feed a group or make for the perfect takeout night.
Whether you dine in or take it to go, La Graja is a reliable, affordable, and tasty stop when you’re in the mood for something savory and satisfying.
Oped daily 11am-9pm
By Mangel Halto, this exclusive gem requires reservations for an unforgettable dining experience.
With no menu, Anna and Juan Carlos personalize your culinary journey based on your preferences. With only about 12 seats available, the intimate setting promises an extraordinary meal.
During our visit, we enjoyed crispy bread with dipping sauce, crispy fried calamari, a side salad, tantalizing tuna tartare, mouthwatering seafood pasta, and a delightful dessert.
Indoor and outdoor seating
Open for breakfast 8am-11am
and dinner 6pm-9pm
Reservations required
When you arrive at this magical spot, you’re immediately greeted by a burst of vibrant colors, lush foliage, and tropical plants so stunning they feel like a scene from a movie. The atmosphere sets the tone right away—peaceful, enchanting, and undeniably romantic. Tucked along the quiet southern coast of the island, this adults-only hidden gem offers next-level beachside dining with only about 10 intimate tables, making it feel incredibly special and exclusive.
The ambiance is dreamy—soft lighting, the sound of waves in the background, and that salty sea breeze floating through the air. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just in the mood for an unforgettable meal, this is the kind of place that makes a lasting impression.
Don’t leave without trying the steak or the lobster pasta—both are absolutely mouthwatering. And yes, it’s a bit of a drive (about 35 minutes south of Palm Beach), but once you’re seated under the stars with your toes in the sand, you’ll know it was more than worth the trip.
Outdoor beach seating
Dinner 530-10pm
Live acoustics on Sundays and Thursdays with Kriss Kross and Tuesdays and Saturdays live steel pan music with John Francis.
Zeerover is our ultimate favorite!
Imagine fresh seafood served on a pier with stunning views! Their specialty? Flash-fried seafood—lightly seasoned and served in baskets, it's irresistible.
Our usual order includes shrimp, fish filets (often Wahoo or Mahi Mahi), and fries.
This local gem is perfect for unwinding after a day at Baby Beach or Mangel Halto.
Whether for lunch or dinner, don't miss the breathtaking views—it's an experience to cherish!
Outdoor seating
Open daily for lunch and dinner 11am-9pm
Closed Mondays
San Nicolas
Step into Aruba’s history and grab a cold one at Charlie’s Bar, one of the island’s longest-standing and most iconic establishments. Located in San Nicolas, this legendary spot has been serving up ice-cold beers, strong cocktails, and hearty meals since 1941—and trust me, the vibes are as strong as the drinks.
What makes Charlie’s so unforgettable? The hilarious and sassy staff, of course. They’ve got stories, jokes, and enough attitude to keep you entertained from the minute you sit down. It’s all part of the charm—and half the fun!
The walls are covered in quirky memorabilia from around the world, and the place oozes character. Order something off the menu, or better yet, ask about the secret menu—yes, it’s a thing, and yes, it’s worth it.
Whether you’re stopping by for a cold Balashi, a delicious plate of shrimp scampi, or just the chance to say you’ve been to the Charlie’s Bar, this is one Aruba experience you won’t forget.
Indoor and bar seating. No ac, doors and windows are open.
Open daily for lunch 1130am-6pm
Closed Sundays
Sitting proud along the main road of San Nicolas, right next to the police station, El Gallo Rojo is a longtime local favorite serving up freshly baked goodness daily.
Whether you’re craving a delicious egg/cheese/ham sandwich, a juicy burger, or one of their famous donuts (yes, I’m still dreaming about them) or backed goods, this cozy spot delivers.
It’s casual, delicious, and full of island flavor—definitely worth a stop when you’re in the area!
Indoor seating, carry out
Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner
Open Daily 6am-9pm
On your way to Baby Beach, do yourself a favor and make a pit stop at Grote Berg Snack in San Nicolas—home of the best Johnny cakes on the island!
These golden, fluffy bites are stuffed to order with fillings like chicken and cheese (my go-to!), steak, ham, saltfish, spam, and more.
They also serve up tasty pastechis and have a daily lunch special available after 12pm—just call ahead to order.
It’s simple, local, and absolutely delicious. You’ll be dreaming about this goodness long after your beach day ends!
Carry out
Open daily 7am-3pm
Closed Sundays
Perched right above Baby Beach, Rum Reef is the ultimate spot for stunning views, laid-back vibes, and a seriously fun atmosphere. With open-air seating inside and an infinity pool overlooking Baby Beach, it’s one of the most unique hangouts on the island. (Heads up: it’s 18+ and you’ll need to be drinking/spending while in the pool.)
The menu has all your favorite bar bites—sandwiches, wraps, seafood, appetizers, and more—perfect for snacking between dips in the pool. Pair it with an ice-cold drink and you’re set for the afternoon.
The energy here is always high, with live music on select days and a super friendly staff that keeps the party going. Don’t miss the 1 PM poolside tradition when they go around pouring shots and getting everyone dancing—it’s a whole vibe!
Open daily from 10am-8pm
Santa Cruz & Ayo Area
Tucked away in Santa Cruz near the famous Fallen Natural Bridge, Huchada is a beloved local bakery that’s full of charm and flavor!
This cute spot is perfect for grabbing something sweet or savory on the go—think cakes, cookies, and fresh pastries warmed to perfection. But it’s more than just a bakery. They offer a full breakfast and lunch menu, plus pizza and ice cream too!
Whether you’re in a hurry or have time to sit and savor, Huchada has both indoor and outdoor seating so you can relax and enjoy your meal. It’s a must-visit for a delicious, local experience on the island.
Indoor and outdoor seating(Picnic tables), grab and go.
Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner
Open Monday-Saturday 6am-8pm
Sunday 7am-2pm
Conveniently located by the entrance to the national park, this spot is a perfect pitstop for some mouthwatering thin-crust pizza, juicy burgers, flavorful wings, or comforting lasagna!
With both indoor and outdoor seating options, the vibe is laid-back and super casual, making it an ideal spot to refuel and relax during your adventures.
Indoor (no ac) and outdoor seating
Open daily for lunch and dinner
10am-11pm
If you’re out exploring Aruba and need a shady spot to relax, Studio Murano Art is a must-stop. This unique place combines good food, cold beers, and plenty of island hospitality with a touch of artistry. Serving breakfast and lunch, it’s the kind of spot where you’ll instantly feel at home.
Not only can you sit back and enjoy a delicious meal—favorites include the curry chicken, oxtail, and handmade pizza—but you can also browse one-of-a-kind, handmade gifts perfect for loved ones back home.
And here’s the bonus: you can catch a free glassblowing demo while you’re there, or plan ahead and book a private workshop to try it yourself. You can read more about that HERE.
Whether you’re fueling up mid-adventure or looking for a laid-back local hangout, Studio Murano Art blends food, culture, and creativity in the best way.
Open daily 8am-4pm (Mondays close at 3)
Outdoor seating, some indoor seating, no ac
More Restaurants coming soon!
Outdoor seating and carry out, very casual
Open weekends only
Saturday 8am-3pm
Sunday 10am-3pm
Parking on site inside the gates or on the dirt road outside the gates
Saturdays there is a local farmers marker on site at the STR agricultural Farm from 8am-12pm. It's amazing. Fresh produce, fruit, frozen shrimp that is to die for delicious and HUGE for $20/lb, fresh lemonade, bread, sweets, sauces, and more!! Read more HERE!