Arubans tend to eat their main meal at lunchtime, so feel free to follow suit and save money by trying the lunch menus at the better restaurants. Be sure to try such Aruban specialties as pan bati (a mildly sweet bread that resembles a pancake) and keshi yena (a baked concoction of Gouda or Edam cheese, spices, and meat or seafood in a rich brown sauce). On Sunday you may have a hard time finding a restaurant outside a hotel that’s open for lunch, and many restaurants are closed for dinner on Sunday or Monday. Reservations are essential for dinner in high season.

What to wear

Even the finest restaurants require at most a jacket for men and a sundress for women. If you plan to eat in the open air, remember to bring along insect repellent— the mosquitoes sometimes get unruly.

Caribbean Cuisine

Gasparito Restaurant & Art Gallery

You can find this enchanting hideaway in a cunucu (country) house in Noord, not far from the hotels. Dine indoors, where works by local artists are showcased on softly lighted walls, or on the outdoor patio. Either way, the service is excellent. The Aruban specialties— pan bati, keshi yena— are feasts for the eye as well as the palate. The standout dish is the Gasparito chicken; the sauce recipe was passed down from the owner’s ancestors and features seven special ingredients, including brandy, white wine, and pineapple juice. (The rest, they say, are secret.) Gasparito is an AGA Dine-Around member. | Average main: $ 25 | Gasparito 3 | Noord | 297/ 586– 7044 | www.gasparito.com | Closed Sun. No lunch |

Gostoso

Locals adore the magical mixture of Portuguese, Aruban, and international dishes on offer at this consistently excellent establishment. The decor walks a fine line between kitschy and cozy, but the atmosphere is relaxed and informal and outdoor seating is available. The bacalhau vinaigrette (dressed salted cod) is a delightful Portuguese appetizer and pairs nicely with most of the Aruban dishes on the menu. Meat lovers are sure to enjoy the Venezuelan mixed grill, which includes a 14-ounce steak and chorizo accompanied by local sides like fried plantain. | Average main: $ 23 | Caya Ing Roland H. Lacle 12 | Oranjestad | 297/ 588– 0053 | www.gostosoaruba.com | Reservations essential | Closed Monday |

Passions on the Beach

Every night the Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort transforms the area of Eagle Beach in front of the hotel into a magical and romantic beach dining room. Tiki torches illuminate the white sand, and the linen-covered tables are within inches of the lapping water. Dine on imaginative dishes that are as beautiful as they are delicious. The huge tropical watermelon salad presented in a watermelon half is refreshing and whets the appetite with a slight chili heat. In this “reef cuisine,” the main courses lean toward seafood, though meat lovers also are indulged. After dinner, relax with your toes in the sand and enjoy the best show that nature has to offer over signature cocktails. | Average main: $ 32 | J.E. Irausquin Blvd. 252, Eagle Beach | Eagle Beach | 297/ 527– 1100 | www.passions-restaurant-aruba.com | Reservations essential |

Ruinas del Mar

Locally cut limestone walls, lush gardens, black swans and falling water make this one of the most stylish restaurants on the island. Try to get a seat near the torch-lit koi pond. The food is good, not exceptional, but the surroundings make this establishment well worth a visit. The Sunday champagne brunch buffet is a wonder and may be the best bet in terms of price. A 15% service charge is added to your check. | Average main: $ 39 | Hyatt Regency Aruba Beach Resort & Casino, J.E. Irausquin Blvd. 85 | Palm Beach | 297/ 586– 1234 | No lunch. No dinner Sunday |

Delicatessen

DeliFrance

If there’s a breakfast haven in Aruba, this is it. Skip the usual hotel routine, and head over to this popular deli for a selection of freshly baked bagels and egg dishes galore. DeliFrance is also an excellent choice for lunch, when you can choose from dozens of sandwiches— fillings ranging from the comforting (ham and cheese) to the downright unusual (steak tartare). Save room for one of the hearty desserts, such as sugar waffles with whipped cream and strawberries or a French apple turnover. For java lovers, the coffee alone may be worth the trip. Takeaway sandwiches are a great idea for a hotel room snack later in the day. | Average main: $ 11 | Certified Mega Mall, L.G. Smith Blvd. 150 | Druif Beach | 297/ 588– 6006 | www.delifrance-aruba.com | No dinner |

Eclectic Cuisine

Buccaneer

Imagine you’re in a sunken ship where sharks, barracudas, and grouper swim past the (rectangular) portholes. That’s what you can find at Buccaneer, a restaurant dominated by a 10,000 gallon aquarium and where each table has its own individual aquarium. The chefs prepare passable but not especially noteworthy fare. The catch of the day is usually a safe bet. The interior and exterior theme park feel and kitsch makes this place great for those with kids but may prove to be a bit too much for those without. The restaurant has been operating for over 30 years and participates in AGA’s Dine-Around program. | Average main: $ 29 | Gasparito 11 C | Noord | 297/ 586– 6172 | www.buccaneeraruba.com | Closed Sunday | No lunch |

Carpe Diem

Beautifully presented food, great service and wonderful ocean views all make this establishment a worthwhile dining choice. Even though the large dining space is open to the ocean, the whimsical interior design provides an equally smile-inducing distraction. The tuna and salmon tartare is an appetizer worth ordering, and the catch of the day in a lemon herb sauce never disappoints. Instagramers should have their camera phones as the courses arrive. The restaurant is on the marina opposite the Renaissance. | Average main: $ 28 | L.G. Smith Blvd 11 | Oranjestad | 297/ 562– 3499 | www.carpediem.aw | Closed Sunday |

Marandi

This seaside restaurant is simultaneously cozy and chic. Tables are tucked under a giant thatched roof by the water’s edge. The emphasis here is on Caribbean-influenced dishes using only fresh fish. Popular options include mushroom risotto and the fresh catch of the day. There’s a good selection of wines on offer and the waiter will happily suggest the perfect pairing for every course. This is a popular place for romantic occasions and deservedly so. If possible book an early dinner and have sunset cocktails while watching the sun go down and the neighborhood fish swimming about right next to your table. The location is a bit out of the way but worth it for the view and excellent food. Mosquitoes can be a problem depending on the time of year, so bring repellent with you or ask the server. | Average main: $ 26 | Bucutiweg 50 | Oranjestad | 297/ 582– 0157 | www.marandi-aruba.com | Reservations essential | No lunch |

Papiamento

The Ellis family converted its 126-year-old manor into a bistro with an atmosphere that is elegant, intimate, and always romantic. You can feast in the dining room, which is filled with antiques, or outdoors on the terrace by the pool (sitting on plastic patio chairs covered in fabric). The chefs mix continental and Caribbean cuisines to produce sumptuous seafood and meat dishes. Those seeking a bit of novelty can order one of the hot stone dishes, which come to the table sizzling. Service is unhurried, so don’t come here if you’re in a rush. | Average main: $ 32 | Washington 61 | Noord | 297/ 586– 4544 | papiamentoaruba.com | Reservations essential | Closed Monday | No lunch |

Pinchos Grill & Bar

Built on a pier, this casual spot with only 16 tables has one of the most romantic settings on the island. At night the restaurant glimmers from a distance as hundreds of lights reflect off the water. The restaurant’s name comes from the Spanish word for a skewered snack so there are always a few of those on the menu. Guests can watch as the chef prepares delectable meals on the grill in his tiny kitchen while owners, Anabela and Robby, keeps diners comfortable and happy. The fish-cakes appetizer with a pineapple-mayonnaise dressing is a marriage made in heaven. The bar area is great for enjoying ocean breezes over an evening cocktail, and there is live entertainment every weekend. Many visitors consider a visit to Pinchos an essential part of the Aruba experience. | Average main: $ 24 | L.G. Smith Blvd. 7 | Oranjestad | 297/ 583– 2666 | No lunch |

Qué Pasa?

This funky eatery serves as something of an art gallery– restaurant where diners can appreciate the colorful, eclectic works of local artists while enjoying a meal or savoring a drink. The terra-cotta outdoor spaces are illuminated by strings of lights. Inside, jewel-color walls serve as an eye-popping backdrop for numerous paintings. Despite the name, there isn’t a Mexican dish on the menu, which includes sashimi, rack of lamb, and fish dishes (they are especially good). Everything is done with Aruban flair, and the staff is helpful and friendly. Save room for one of the delightfully comforting desserts, such as a brownie with ice cream. The bar area is fun, too. | Average main: $ 22 | Wilhelminastraat 18 | Oranjestad | 297/ 583– 4888 | www.quepasaaruba.com | No lunch |

Ventanas del Mar

Floor-to-ceiling windows provide ample views across the lovely Tierra del Sol golf course and beyond to rolling sand dunes and the sea off the island’s western tip. Dining on the intimate terrace amid flickering candles inspires romance. Sandwiches, salads, conch fritters, nachos, and quesadillas fill the midday menu; at night the emphasis is on seafood and meat. Crispy whole red snapper in a sweet-and-sour sauce and crab-and-corn chowder are specialties. The restaurant is an Aruba Gastronomic Association VIP member. | Average main: $ 32 | Tierra del Sol Resort | Malmokweg | 297/ 586– 7800 | www.tierradelsol.com/en | Closed Sunday. Apr.– Nov |

European Cuisine

Madame Janette

Named after a local chili pepper (and not a local temptress), this restaurant seems haunted by the spirit of Auguste Escoffier. Large portions and cream sauces are well represented on the menu, and hollandaise and cheese sauces abound. Presentation is an essential part of the dining experience here, and entrées rise majestically off their plates. The best part is that everything tastes as good as it looks, so those looking for a more traditional but exquisite meal will be very pleased. Try the lamb or beef rotisseries with one of the special sauces; if you’re in the mood for something lighter, there are tasty salads. For an overwhelming finish, top off your meal with a sundae that billows over the edges of a massive champagne glass. Savor each course in the outdoor pebble garden, where tabletop candles cast a soft glow. Note that you may feel a bit hot in the outdoor area given the relative lack of breezes. | Average main: $ 33 | Cunucu Abao 37 | Cunucu Abao | 297/ 587– 0184 | www.madamejanette.info | Reservations essential | No lunch | Closed Sunday |

Papillon

Despite being inspired by Henri Charrière’s escape from Devil’s Island, the food here couldn’t be more removed from bread and water. The owners use the famous story as a metaphor for a culinary journey to freedom as classic French cuisine is transformed with Caribbean flair. There are whimsical prison touches throughout the restaurant and especially in the washrooms. The menu includes classics like beef bourguignon but isn’t afraid to offer more adventurous dishes such as a standout crispy duck breast served with passion fruit and chocolate. Whatever you order, you’ll find the presentation is always impeccable. | Average main: $ 32 | Irausquin Blvd. 348A, The Village | Palm Beach | 297/ 586– 5400 | www.papillonaruba.com | Reservations essential |

International Cuisine

2 Fools and a Bull

Friends Paul and Fred have teamed up to offer an evening of culinary entertainment that’s more like a fun dinner party than a mere dining experience. Guests are assembled and introduced to one another. Then the evening’s meal is explained before everyone sits down at the U-shape communal dinner table for a five-course culinary adventure. The menu changes daily and there’s a selection of suggested wine pairings available by the glass. This isn’t a cheap eating-out experience, but it’ll certainly be a cherished memory of Aruba. This is one of the few restaurants on the island where reservations are advisable at least a few weeks in advance. TIP Be sure to state any dietary restrictions in advance. | Average main: $ 90 | Palm Beach 17 | Noord | 297/ 586– 7177 | www. 2foolsandabull.com | Reservations essential | Closed weekends |

Windows on Aruba

Sunset views over the greens to the ocean beyond, live music, and impeccable service make this restaurant in the clubhouse of the Divi golf course one of the most romantic spots on the island. Menu items include the usual seafood and meat assortment but are exquisitely prepared and beautifully presented. The cauliflower and truffle soup— an excellent starter— reveals an understanding of turning simple ingredients into a complex taste experience. This is one of the better choices for a special evening out on the island. | Average main: $ 36 | Divi Village Golf Resort, J.E. Irausquin Blvd. 41 | Druif Beach | 297/ 730– 5017 | www.windowsonaruba.com | Reservations essential | No lunch weekends |

Seafood

Aqua Grill

Aficionados flock here to enjoy a wide selection of seafood and the largest raw bar on the island. The atmosphere is casual, with a distinctly New England feel. Things can get a little noisy in the open dining room, especially when kids are underfoot (which is often), but a few sips of wine from the extensive list should help numb the effect. Maine lobster and Alaskan king crab legs are available, but why try the usual fare when you can order the Fisherman’s Pot, which is filled with scallops, monkfish, and other seafood? The wood grill serves up great low-cal dishes, including mahimahi. There are cheaper restaurants that serve better-prepared seafood meals on the island, but the variety of offerings here sets it apart. The restaurant is an AGA VIP member. | Average main: $ 32 | J.E. Irausquin Blvd. 374 | Palm Beach | 297/ 586– 5900 | www.aqua-grill.com | No lunch | FAMILY |

Flying Fishbone

This friendly, relaxed beach restaurant is well off the beaten path in Savaneta, so be sure to have a map in the car. You can dine with your toes in the water or enjoy your meal on the wooden deck. The emphasis here is on fresh seafood— beautifully presented on colorful beds of vegetables— but there are good choices for landlubbers, too. The shrimp, shiitake, and blue-cheese casserole is a tried-and-true favorite kept on the menu to keep the regulars happy. This place pulls a crowd year-round. TIP Arrive early for dinner to get a good table nearer the water. | Average main: $ 34 | Savaneta 344 | Savaneta | 297/ 584– 2506 | www.flyingfishbone.com | Reservations essential |

Steakhouses

El Gaucho Argentine Grill

Faux-leather-bound books, tulip-top lamps, wooden chairs, and tile floors decorate this Argentina-style steak house, which has been in business since 1977. The key here is meat served in mammoth portions (think 16-ounce steaks) with a range of sides. A welcome feature is a children’s playroom, which allows adults to dine while the kids are entertained with videos and games. Be warned, though: even with the kids out of sight, the noise level can still be a bit high in this busy restaurant. | Average main: $ 40 | Wilhelminastraat 80 | Oranjestad | 297/ 582– 3677 | www.elgaucho-aruba.com | No lunch Sunday |

French Steakhouse

You can hear someone say “ooh-la-la” whenever a sizzling steak is served here. People come from all over the island, which means the lines are often out the door. Classical music plays in the background as the friendly staff serves hearty meat entrées, fresh tuna or grouper, and some vegetarian dishes. A five-course prix-fixe option is available seven nights a week. This eatery participates in AGA’s Dine-Around program. | Average main: $ 30 | Manchebo Beach Resort, J.E. Irausquin Blvd. 55 | Manchebo Beach | 297/ 582– 3444 | www.manchebo.com/steakhouse | No lunch |

L.G. Smith’s Steak & Chop House

A study in teak, cream, and black, this fine steak house offers some of the best beef on the island. Subdued lighting and cascading water create a pleasant atmosphere, and the view over L.G. Smith Boulevard to the harbor makes for an exceptional dining experience. The menu features high-quality cuts of meat, all superbly prepared. The casino is steps away if you fancy some slots after dinner. | Average main: $ 37 | Renaissance Aruba Beach Resort & Casino, L.G. Smith Blvd. 82 | Oranjestad | 297/ 523– 6195 | www.lgsmiths.com | No lunch |