Aruba

Eating out in Aruba

Aruba is well-known for its restaurants and nightlife. Befitting its multicultural heritage, Aruba offers a variety of ethnic cuisine and styles from traditional Italian and French fare to more exotic Argentinian and local Aruban delicacies. Authentic local dishes you are likely to encounter include pan bati (Aruban pancakes), calco stoba (conch stew), and keri keri (grated stewed fish).

Gourmet

Papimiento is set in an old plantation house in the country and offers island and Continental cuisine at its most imaginative. Enjoy the beautiful garden setting. Noord.

Highly Recommended

Gasparito features original island fare. The works of local artists hang on the whitewashed walls as this top-notch Aruban restaurant does double duty as an art gallery. Gasparito 3.

Local Flair

Mi Cushina means "My Kitchen" and is housed in a historically authentic building. The food, music, and original artifacts take you back to Old Aruba. Cura Cabai.

Romantic

Le Petit Café transports you to a tiny Italian village with its ancient "Romancing the Stone," method of cooking over hot stones. Sample wonderful steak and seafood entrees prepared without fat or oils. Dine inside or out on the plaza terrace and, best of all, Thursday is "honeymoon night" when couples get a free bottle of wine! Emmastraat 1.

Going party in Aruba

After the sun goes down, experience a whole new side of Aruba. Test your luck at one of the island's 11 casinos, a few of which are open 24 hours, or check out the bar and club scene which really comes to life during Spring Break. Nightly entertainment includes gaming action, water ballets, fashion shows, limbo and fire dances, steel bands, and discos. For those who prefer a more subdued evening, there are nightly cocktail parties, quiet strolls on the beach, and al fresco dining and drinks.

Aladdin Theater

Stages a variety of cabaret shows including Broadway musicals. Several casinos feature Las Vegas-style shows and many hotels host entertaining theme nights.

Crystal Casino

One of Aruba's most sensational and ornate gaming houses features a variety of table games and slot machines including a new intimate private salon hosting baccarat and high-stakes blackjack.

Seaport Village

Discover a casual gaming atmosphere, gourmet dining, outdoor cafés, shops, bars, and Desire, Aruba's most popular disco.

Tattoo Party Cruises

A memorable night of dancing and dinner under starry skies. As the midnight hour tolls, take the plunge off Tattoo's wild rope swing!.

Cuba's Cookin'

A 100% authentic Cuban experience in a restored 1877 cunucu home. This energetic neighborhood restaurant also features live Cha-Cha-Cha and La Trova music for an all night party!.

Kukoo Kunuku (Bar Hopper Tour Bus)

Head for favorite party spots like Arashi Beach and other local hangouts to enjoy champagne sunsets and have a jammin' night on the town aboard this colorfully hand-painted, open-air bus.

Common events in Aruba

New Year's Day

An official holiday celebrated with midnight fireworks and firecrackers which, according to local legend, ward off evil spirits. Local musicians known as "Dande" stroll the streets singing good luck songs to greet the new year. January.

Carnival

Starts two weeks before Lent and is the biggest event of the year. On the Sunday before Lent, the Grand Parade showcases Aruba at its colorful best, while other festivities include a children's carnival, street dancing, and the crowning of the Carnival Queen. Aruba's Carnival celebration is the world's 3rd largest after Brazil and Trinidad. February.

Queen's Day

Honors Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands and includes many island-wide events such as parades, music festivals, kite flying contests, and sportings. April.

St John's Day

Celebrates a successful harvest and includes folk dances and music. June.

Aruba Reef Clean Up Project

A beach clean up program held to increase public awareness of the need to protect the island's fragile marine environment. July.

Deep-Sea Fishing Tournament

Prestigious competition held at the Aruba Nautical Club. October.

International Catamaran Regatta

Sailors from around the world descend on Aruba to compete. November.

Christmas and Boxing Day (26th)

Traditional island holidays featuring seasonal delicacies, family gatherings, and exchange of gifts. December.

Bon Bini Festival

Every Tuesday evening, the Fort Zoutman Museum welcomes new arrivals on the island with food, dancing, folklore, and local arts and crafts. Year-Round.