Aruba Food

Dining in Aruba can be quite an experience

Culinary A-fare
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No two vacations - or vacationers - are exactly alike.  Some visitors enjoy filling their days with activities and island tours, while others like nothing more than to lie on the beach with their feet in the sand, their head in a book, and the sun on their back.  This difference in travelers certainly carries over into the realm of food.  Luckily, there are so many dining options available in Aruba that every guest will surely be able to find exactly what they are looking for.

The price of dining on Aruba is somewhat more expensive than on many other Caribbean islands, however, the wide range of restaurants found here means that there are plenty of options for every budget and vacation style. Travelers should have no problem finding moderately priced meals but are reminded that local specialties such as grouper, mahi mahi, and snapper will be more affordable, as they are more readily available on the island.

Vacationers should note that the Aruba Gastronomic Association (AGA) often offers special discounts to encourage travelers to sample the local cuisine. AGA's creative endeavors include a dine-around program. One of the best bargains includes five breakfasts or lunches and four dinners for $214(USD) per person. Contact the AGA at www.arubadining.com/aboutus for more information.

Diners will find that eating their meals at smaller local restaurants will provide not only a more casual dining experience, but an opportunity to eat like the locals.  These menus are typically more diverse than some of the more upscale restaurants, and include both local and international cuisine.  An average meal at one of these establishments should cost less than $15(USD) per person.  Meanwhile, fast food restaurants are becoming more and more popular in Aruba, allowing visitors to enjoy a little comfort food in an unfamiliar surrounding for the affordable price of between $5 and $10(USD).

Menus at some of the more moderate dining options in Aruba tend to reflect a more diverse array of options, with menus that reflect diners interested in international cuisine.  Even local dishes tend to have a bit of international flare at these locales.  The cost of dining in a moderately price restaurant will run between $20 and $30(USD) for dinner.

Upscale establishments are easy to find all over the island, a reflection of the culture's reverence for the tradition of fine dining. Some will specialize in one type of food or another, such as Mexican or Chinese, but many serve traditional gourmet tastes alongside more exotic local fare. Visitors should expect to pay more than $35(USD) per person for a meal at one of the more tony restaurants.

Regardless of whether vacationers are searching for a quiet, romantic dinner for two or an accommodating meal for the whole family, there are countless ways enjoy dining in Aruba.

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