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An island like Aruba will surely engage all your senses.
It has panoramic ocean views, rushing waves, freshly scented sea air, warm sand for your bare feet… and delicious Caribbean cuisine, which will awaken your tastebuds! In addition to luxury resort restaurants and yummy fast-food spots, you’ll also find countless of-the-grid spots in Aruba – hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. The best-hidden restaurants in Aruba each offer a unique culinary experience, away from the crowds and mainstream tourism. But, if you’re up for a bit of a search (and adventure) these hidden gem restaurants in Aruba will serve mouthwatering local and fusion dishes in charming and intimate settings. Not sure where to start? We’ve rounded up some of Aruba’s hidden gems. Keep reading and get hungry!
Not a fan of the beaten path? Although Aruba’s culinary offerings include well-known downtown restaurants, you can also feast at one of its many hidden gems. Here, you’ll find tasty dishes (ranging from Keri Keri to surf ‘n turf), each mirroring the island’s diverse culinary heritage. These best-hidden restaurants in Aruba, often nestled in unexpected corners, add a dash of mystery and adventure to your dining experience. And we’ve rounded up our top 6. From seafront eateries to cozy downtown Aruba restaurants, these hidden gem restaurants promise a dining experience unlike any other.
“Breakfast by sunlight, dine by torchlight,” it states on the website of Passions on the Beach. Located in the Amsterdam Manor resort (and adjacent to the Caribbean Sea), Passions on the Beach is open daily from 7:30 AM to 11 PM, serving you breakfast (we recommend their Cuban Tortilla), lunch, and dinner (like their Calypso Shrimp), with a side of luxurious beach ambiance and a fantastic wine list. Better bring your lover, because Passions on the Beach is the perfect setting for your romantic evening.
Aqua Grill Aruba is like heaven for seafood lovers. Located in the heart of Palm Beach, the classy restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating between 5 and 11 PM daily. Unsurprisingly, Aqua Grill Aruba is mainly known for its luxurious seafood – serving everything from fresh oysters to crab cake and chowder. Settle in for an indulgent, seafood-filled night. Oh, and don’t forget to order a Coconut Flan for dessert.
Looking for something a little more laid-back than Aqua Grill? Then Red Fish Aruba might be the spot for you. Although often overlooked by tourists, this spot is a favorite amongst the island’s locals – and with good reason. Here, you’ll find fried shrimp, moci fish, calamari, and more – served in Red Fish Aruba’s signature white and red checked napkins and with a friendly vibe (not to mention for a friendly price). Located in the heart of Oranjestad, Red Fish Aruba is open Tuesday to Sunday from 11 AM to 10 PM. So drop by.
On the boulevard of Palm Beach, you can find Brutto Aruba (also known as Brutto Beach House). The intimate space seats a maximum of 180 guests and is open daily from 5 to 11 PM, with a Sunday brunch option from 10 AM to 4 PM. Yes, you’ll find seafood here – but not like the more classic seafood dishes found at Red Fish and Aqua Grill. Brutto Aruba’s menu is a nod to Japanese cuisine and includes a sushi and sashimi bar, as well as a selection of treats to share – think Osaki salads, tuna tacos, and much more.
Fancy something truly fancy? Sunset Grille Aruba is a hidden gem nestled inside the Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort – atop waterfalls and with fabulous views. You’re welcomed there between 5:30 and 10:30 PM daily, with resort-level service and a stunning sunset. Sunset Grille Aruba serves luxuriously accessible dishes, including an Aruban seafood risotto and a lobster bisque. It’s the perfect night to dress up posh and enjoy a romantic evening with your partner or friends.
Although the majority of Aruba’s cuisine relies on fresh seafood and greens, Elements Restaurant Aruba takes a veggie-forward kitchen to the next level. Although they do serve Aruban favorites like red snapper and spicy shrimp, their vegan menu is unparalleled on the island. Vegan mezze, avocado tartar, and marinated cauliflower will all taste delightful to anyone on a flexitarian, vegetarian, or vegan diet (or if you just simply love vegetables). You can find Elements Restaurant Aruba on the white-sanded Eagle Beach and are welcome there from 7 AM to 11:30 PM for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner.
We’re just getting started with the amazing effects Aruba has to offer. Dig into your trip details below to unlock a Caribbean experience that will fill you with sunshine and send you home with a happy afterglow that never fades.
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