The Old Cunucu House offers a genuine taste of Aruban tradition, both in its cuisine and its atmosphere. Set in a rustic building that reflects the island’s heritage, the restaurant features both indoor and outdoor seating, giving guests the choice between a cozy dining room and a breezy open-air experience.

The menu showcases authentic Aruban flavors, with hearty dishes prepared in a home-style manner. We began with the Escargot, a classic preparation baked with garlic, fresh herbs, and butter—rich, aromatic, and well-executed. The Fiesta Arubiano Sampler followed, a delightful assortment of local snacks including fishcakes, cheese pastechis, meatballs, and squid, all served with a flavorful Creole sauce. For our main courses, we tried the Cabrito Soba, a stewed goat dish served with rice, vegetables, and dumplings, and the Rab’i Baca Stoba, a traditional oxtail stew prepared Aruban-style with the same accompaniments. Both entrées were tender, deeply seasoned, and full of character.

Service was warm and welcoming, reflecting the island’s renowned hospitality, though there was one curious moment—after ordering a martini, we weren’t permitted to have a second one, which seemed a bit odd. Despite this, the overall experience was enjoyable. The restaurant feels slightly worn and could benefit from a bit of refreshment, but that doesn’t take away from its charm or authenticity.

Prices were reasonable, portions generous, and the food exceeded our expectations. The Old Cunucu House is a family-friendly spot and a worthwhile stop for anyone wanting to experience genuine Aruban cooking in a relaxed, local setting. We would gladly consider returning.

Rating 7.8/10

Oak Restaurant & Bar is a hidden gem tucked away in a quaint neighborhood of Aruba, known for its flavorful steaks, fresh seafood, and creative appetizers. The atmosphere is cozy both indoors and outdoors, striking a balance between relaxed comfort and refined dining. While some may find the pricing on the higher side, the quality of the food, drinks, and service makes it well worth the experience.

From the moment you arrive, the service leaves a lasting impression. Both the host and servers greeted us warmly with genuine smiles and were attentive, friendly, and very knowledgeable about the menu and drink offerings. The restaurant features an extensive selection of cocktails and wines, making it easy to pair a drink with every course. We started our evening with pineapple martinis, which were bright, refreshing, and set the perfect tone for what was to come. Complimentary fresh-baked bread was served to the table, adding a personal and welcoming touch to the meal.

The menu showcases a fusion of international flavors with South Caribbean influences, with a special emphasis on grilled meats and seafood. The appetizers we tried highlighted both creativity and balance in flavors:

• Spicy Shrimp and Clams – perfectly sautéed in a creamy, garlicky sauce with just the right amount of heat, paired with Aruban polenta for a comforting finish.
• Goat Cheese and Mango – crispy deep-fried goat cheese paired with a silky mango-wasabi dressing, offering a delicious contrast of rich, tangy, and sweet flavors.
• Coconut Shrimp – baked in a luscious coconut rum sauce that was both sweet and savory, delivering a tropical flair that captured the island’s spirit.
• Lamb Chops – which were tender, juicy, and beautifully grilled. They were served with perfectly charred vegetables and oven-roasted potatoes, making for a hearty and satisfying entrée.
• Dessert was a decadent chocolate brownie topped with creamy vanilla ice cream and drizzled with chocolate sauce, ending the evening on a sweet, indulgent note.

What makes Oak truly memorable is not just the food, but the entire dining experience. The combination of a welcoming atmosphere, warm service, carefully crafted cocktails, and a diverse range of dishes ensures that each visit feels like a culinary journey. Whether you’re looking for a romantic evening or a special night out with friends, Oak Restaurant & Bar delivers on all fronts. Definitely worth a visit!

Rating 9.3/10

Koal is truly a foodie’s dream and a culinary gem in Aruba. This intimate chef’s table experience offers just one seating a night for 16 guests, making it a unique and personal evening. The atmosphere is fun, relaxed, and engaging—perfect for anyone who loves to watch culinary artistry unfold right before their eyes.

Chef Albert and Tom are wonderful hosts, with Chef Albert preparing and plating each dish in front of the group. The five-course menu is creative, beautifully presented, and bursting with flavor. Each course was exceptional, especially when paired with thoughtfully selected wines.

Our menu featured:

• Foie gras with charcoal brioche, pomegranate gel, toasted hazelnut, and local herbs
• Asparagus soup with black garlic sourdough crumble, charred asparagus, and herb oil
• Salmon mosaic with miso broccoli purée, dashi beurre blanc, flying fish roe, and seaweed crisp
• US Tenderloin with truffle potato foam, pickled mushrooms, chicken jus, and cured egg yolk
• Lemon parfait with citrus meringue, lemon curd, and caramelized white chocolate

The evening begins with cocktails in the courtyard before moving to the table for the first three courses, followed by a short break, and then finishing with the main entrée and dessert. Every dish was stunning in both flavor and presentation, and the wine pairings elevated the experience even further.

We’ve tried many chef’s tables in Aruba, but Koal stands above the rest—it’s absolutely fabulous. We cannot recommend it highly enough and will be back every year!

Rating 9.5/10

Bentang Bali is an Indonesian restaurant in Aruba that delivers bold, flavorful, and authentically prepared dishes. Portions are generous, prices are very reasonable, and the setting is warm and inviting with a nicely decorated, relaxed atmosphere. While the bar is on the smaller side, it offers a decent selection of drinks to complement the food.

The service was a true highlight—our waiter Marlon and waitress Rachel were outstanding. Both were exceptionally friendly and went above and beyond to make us feel welcome.

Interestingly, we were the only customers dining that evening, which gave the experience a somewhat unusual and almost eerie feel. Still, the quality of the food quickly won us over. We started with the Conch Garlic served with mixed greens, lemon, and butter—simple yet very tasty. The Chicken and Pork Dumplings were also excellent. For mains, the Gulai Kambing (goat meat, bone-in) was the star of the night – it was rich and aromatic, cooked in Bali spices and paired with steamed rice. The Beef Rendang  was tender, flavorful, and perfectly cooked in coconut milk and herbs, served with sweat steamed rice.

Every dish was satisfying, and the experience was unlike any other we’ve had in Aruba. Bentang Bali is a hidden gem that deserves more attention—we will definitely be back.

Rating 8.7/10

Akira Back is a Japanese steakhouse perched atop the St. Regis Hotel, offering stunning city views that set the stage for an elevated dining experience. The food is flavorful, beautifully presented, and paired with attentive service and a well-stocked bar.

The indoor space feels a bit cold, but the outdoor terrace has a chic, vibrant, and lively ambiance that makes it the place to sit. Our waitress was especially helpful, guiding us through the menu with excellent recommendations.

While portion sizes lean small and prices are on the higher side (as expected at the St. Regis), the dishes themselves are memorable. We started with the Wagyu Taco, bursting with flavor from bulgogi beef, roasted tomatoes, and ponzu. The Yellowtail Carpaccio was fresh and bright, complemented by roasted jalapeño salsa and blood orange soy. The Kimchi Fried Rice stood out as one of the best we’ve had—smoky, rich, and balanced with bacon, kimchi, vegetables, and egg. The Half Lobster Tail, stuffed with truffle potato foam and finished with crispy sweet potato, mango papaya, and hot sauce reduction, was indulgent and beautifully executed.

For dessert, the Chocolate in a Cup was the perfect finale—a decadent mix of Nutella, banana foam, and vanilla bean ice cream that hit all the right notes.

Overall, Akira Back delivers a chic rooftop experience with bold, creative flavors—best suited for those who don’t mind paying a premium for ambiance and quality. We would definitely return!

Rating 8.6/10

Bingo is a welcoming local spot in Aruba that offers both indoor and outdoor seating. Inside, it feels warm and cozy, complete with the charm of a fireplace TV on the wall, while the outdoor area is airy and surrounded by greenery, though it does overlook the parking lot.

The service is excellent—staff are attentive and genuinely aim to please. The menu is impressively diverse, complemented by a solid cocktail list and a good wine selection. Portions are generous, with the nice option of ordering half portions on many dishes. Dinner begins with freshly baked rolls served with butter, which were very good.

For appetizers, the Shrimp à l’Escargot stood out as one of the most flavorful starters I’ve ever had—pan-fried shrimp baked in herb and garlic butter, finished au gratin with gouda cheese. The Chorizo Mozzarella Melt was another hit, featuring Spanish sausage baked with mozzarella, tomato sauce, and a basil dressing—rich and full of flavor.

For mains, the Grouper was excellent—perfectly pan-fried and paired with lobster sauce and mashed potatoes. The Bingo! Brochette offered a choice of marinated chicken, beef, or pork skewers; I opted for the beef. It came with peanut sauce (not my favorite), a fresh mixed salad, and curly fries.

Overall, the meal was very satisfying—flavorful, well-prepared dishes in a relaxed, friendly setting. We will definitely return to Bingo on future visits to Aruba.

Rating 8.3/10