Where to eat in Aruba

Where to Eat

For such a small island, Aruba has a surprising wealth and variety of restaurants, serving up everything from casual Caribbean favorites to international haute cuisine. If you're looking for local dishes, try the keshi yena (spiced meat stuffed into a Gouda cheese rind) or the stoba (a traditional stew made with conch, goat or other meat). The Aruba Gastronomic Association offers a Dine Around Program that grants visitors a set of coupons for meals at select restaurants for a fixed price; see ArubaDining.com.

El Gaucho, Aruba's best Argentinean restaurant, is located in an atmospheric old-town house on the east end of Oranjestad. Meats are the main draw here, including a truly enormous T-bone steak and the Pincho Torro Caliente, billed as " the biggest shishkebab ever served."

Foodies rave about Carte Blanche, where 14 diners each evening get to watch and interact with Chef Dennis van Daatselaar as he crafts a four- or five-course meal before their eyes. Maitre d' Glen Bonset is also on hand to offer wine suggestions and mix drinks. The experience is like nothing else in Aruba, and reservations are essential.

Try the legendary Pink Iguana at Iguana Joe's Caribbean Bar & Grill, a concoction of frozen strawberries, pineapple, rum and coconut cream. Or throw back a Balashi, the local brew. On the menu are a variety of sandwiches, salads and Caribbean specialties.

Located near the airport, Marandi can be a little tricky to find -- but the romantic atmosphere and the views of the sun setting over Laguna Bay are worth the effort. The menu showcases a variety of meat and seafood dishes. Reservations are recommended.

Pinchos Grill & Bar, an outdoor eatery, is casual but chic. There's a funky bar lit with Starbucks-esque lamps, and seating for diners along the perimeter with fabulous views of the water -- the restaurant is actually located out on a pier under-lit by twinkling blue lights. Grilled meats round out the menu.