Restaurants in Aruba

Aruba is an ideal vacation spot for all types of travelers. From romantic getaways to family trips, there's no shortage of fun for everyone. Of course, in the Caribbean they believe that mealtime should be no exception to this rule. Legendary hospitality and impeccable cuisine have made restaurants in Aruba truly unforgettable.

Restaurants around Aruba are very accommodating and the comfort of guests is usually their main concern. Most restaurants require only casual attire, allowing travelers to be comfortable at all times. Of course, bathing suits should not be worn into restaurants, although shorts and sundresses are usually welcomed. High-end restaurants in Aruba will occasionally require long pants, particularly for dinner or in the high season. If you are unsure about the dress requirements, feel free to telephone ahead and ask.

Restaurants on the island get extremely busy, particularly during the peak winter season. Consequently, vacationers are advised to make reservations well in advance to ensure that tables are available. Booking a table in advance can be made easy by such means as faxing reservations to restaurants before you even leave home. Hotels with concierge on staff should be able to give personalized recommendations and make reservations for their guests, as well.

Vacationers should also be aware that when the check is presented at a restaurant in Aruba, a service charge of 15 percent may have already been assessed. This is a gratuity for your servers and the staff who prepared your meal and if the charge is present, there is no need for additional tipping. If this charge is absent from your bill, the tipping standard here is around 15 to 20 percent, as in the United States. As always, guests should tip to reflect the quality of service.

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.

Many vacationers find that the most difficult part of eating in Aruba is choosing which restaurants they want to dine in.  That's why the Aruba Gastronomic Association came up with the Dine Around Program more than a decade ago.  The program allows travelers to purchase "Dine Around" gift certificates that deeply discount the cost of meals at some of the top restaurants on the island.  Dine Around packages can be purchased at the following rates:

Note that children between the ages of four and 12 pay half price.  Each meal includes one appetizer, one entrée, one dessert, coffee or tea, and service charges.

After a long day of sunning on the beach, swimming the ocean, exploring the colorful towns, or shopping for local crafts, hungry travelers will be delighted to discover that the food, service, and atmosphere found in restaurants in Aruba are deserving of their world-class reputation.