17 Amazing Aruba Restaurants On the Beach and Over the Water

Aruba Restaurants On the Beach

We’ve gathered the best Aruba restaurants on the beach that you won’t want to miss on your next trip to paradise. But the truth is, all the restaurants in Aruba are amazing and have similar cuisine, so you’d be hard-pressed to find a bad place. Add in the feeling of sand between your toes and the sound of soft waves breaking on the shore, and you’re in for an incredible dining experience.

1. Flying Fishbone ($$$)

Flying Fishbone is a restaurant where you can dine with your feet in the actual water! It’s been labeled as a ‘tourist trap’ as of late, but it got that way for a good reason. We personally don’t believe it’s a tourist trap — we think it’s just so magical that everyone who visits Aruba wants to try it, so the restaurant has done its best to add more tables and accommodate the high demand.

We’ve actually met the owners and have eaten at Flying Fishbone many times because one of our favorite places to stay in Aruba is right next door — Coral Reef Beach Apartments. The food is incredible, the ambiance is unique, and it’s far away from the touristy side of the island, which only adds to its appeal.

You can reserve a table in the water for their opening time of 4:00 pm only. If you want to dine later than that, you’ll need to have a bit of luck to score a table that sits directly in the water. It is possible though! You can also ask to wait for a table in the water once you arrive, although you may be waiting much longer than the other guests.

We’ve sat both in the water and in the sand, and both are equally magical, so if you can’t score one right in the water, don’t let it deter you from trying this restaurant. To make a reservation you can fill out an online request here or call +297 584 2506.

2. The Old Man and The Sea Restaurant ($$$)

The Old Man and The Sea Restaurant is an adults-only restaurant found right next to Flying Fishbone in Savaneta. This restaurant is part of Aruba’s only overwater bungalow resort, called Aruba Ocean Villas, which is one of the most coveted places to stay in Aruba! We recently dined here and we think it’s the most romantic restaurant on the island, hands down.

The restaurant is set up on the beach, except for one magical table that sits over the water on a private deck. Resort guests can reserve this table at no additional cost, but others will need to pay a whopping $100 reservation fee to sit here. And while that fee may seem steep, this spot might just be the most romantic dining spot in the world. If you’re not a guest, you can call +297 584 3434 or email info@arubaoceanvillas.com to request a reservation on the private dining deck. For regular dining, you can reserve your table here.

But trust us, even without this private dining area, you’ll have an amazing and romantic meal. Our table was on the beach shore, right on the edge of the water, and the ambiance was spot on. We highly recommend this place for couples looking for a fairytale dining experience. The food is great, the setting is intimate, and there’s not a child in sight. It’s perfection.

💣_{Antisocial Tourist Tip — If you do book the private dining table over the water, be sure to ask if a personal serenade can be included. We witnessed a waiter grab a guitar and perform a song for the couple dining here, and it looked like such a magical moment for them. This would be a great place for a proposal, too!}

3. Passions on the Beach ($$$)

Passions on the Beach is a pop-up restaurant that’s put on by Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort on one of Aruba’s most beautiful beaches, the famous Eagle Beach. This restaurant is set up every evening in the very same spot where many tourists spend the day sunbathing and swimming. The entire area is transformed from a lively beach scene to a romantic restaurant from 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm each night.

Passions on the Beach is known for being one of Aruba’s most romantic restaurants on the beach, and it’s often compared to a rival restaurant called Barefoot, which we’ll talk about more below. We do agree that Passions is very romantic, especially as the sun goes down, and the tiki torches are lit up along the shore.

The menu is quite small, although the selection is just as you would expect from an Aruba restaurant — fresh seafood, surf and turf, and Caribbean flavors. It is one of the more expensive dining options on this list, but the ambiance more than makes up for the price of dinner. For reservations, you can call Amsterdam Manor’s Concierge at +297 527 1118 or email them at Concierge@AmsterdamManor.aw. But the simplest option is to book your table online here.

💣_{Antisocial Tourist Tip — The restaurant recently changed their dining linens from white to blue. If you’re looking through pictures of this restaurant, you may notice white linens in most of the photos. It is the same restaurant as we’re showing above! The blue linens are just very new.}

4. MooMba Beach Bar & Restaurant ($$)

MooMba has a reputation as a party spot, and while this is valid, we think there’s a misunderstanding about the difference between MooMba’s restaurant and MooMba’s bar. The restaurant is a legitimate beachfront restaurant with delicious food and a family-friendly atmosphere. The bar, which is right next door, is a completely separate establishment that really comes alive at night.

The environment at MooMba is definitely busier than many of the other restaurants on this list because it’s surrounded by beach bars, volleyball courts, watersports, and so much more. But it’s still a great spot to dine on the beach, especially if you want to catch some live music and have a few drinks after dinner.

MooMba’s restaurant is known for their pinchos, which are grilled skewers of meat, shrimp, or veggies. The pinchos are served right on a skewer with a fresh bowl of salad, french fries, and your choice of dipping sauces. They also have huge burgers, fresh seafood options, and a massive selection of drinks. You can make a reservation here.

5. West Deck ($$)

West Deck is one of Aruba’s restaurants on the beach that we find ourselves going back to time and time again. The food is just so good! The layout’s a bit hard to explain though, so we’ve included a video above to help paint a picture.

The tables and chairs with a view of the ocean are found on a raised deck, so they are not set up in the sand. But the restaurant also has a second area that is in the sand, off to the side of the deck, with a partial view of the ocean. We prefer sitting on the deck.

West Deck is a casual dining place, and reservations are not required, but they are encouraged if you want a seat on the deck at dinner time. You can make a reservation online here.

6. Barefoot Restaurant ($$$)

Barefoot Restaurant is a popular choice for those looking for a romantic restaurant on the beach, and it’s often compared to another restaurant on this list, called Passions on the Beach. And while both restaurants truly are very similar, Barefoot often has better reviews for food, while Passions on the Beach has better reviews for ambiance.

In our opinion, you can’t go wrong with either choice, but we do think Barefoot’s setup isn’t quite as romantic as Passions. But it’s always more crowded — and that’s because of the amazing food. Barefoot’s menu is twice the size of Passion’s, and it’s filled with delicious choices from blackened Mahi Mahi to truffle basted tenderloins to perfectly seared scallops.

The restaurant is located on the south end of Oranjestad’s Surfside Beach, right before the airport. It’s open every day of the week from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Reservations can be made by calling +297 588 9824 or emailing eat@barefootaruba.com. 

7. Elements Restaurant ($$$)

Elements Restaurant is an adults-only restaurant on the beach located at the highly-rated Bucuti and Tara Beach Resort. This restaurant has a small but mighty menu and with an emphasis on healthy portions and organic ingredients. The restaurant is set up on an open-air deck, and they also offer private dining on smaller secluded decks closer to the shore.

For those interested in their private dining experience, it’s US $195 per couple and includes a 6-course meal served under a private beach palapa. The menu is fixed, but you will actually have several set menus to choose from. To make reservations for private dining, you can call +297 583-1100 ext 3 or email elements@bucuti.com. For standard reservations, you can book online here.

8. Atardi ($$$)

Atardi fits the bill for anyone looking for an Aruba restaurant on the beach that is simple and straightforward! Similar to Passions on the Beach, Atardi is set up like a pop-up restaurant each night. The popular beach spot transforms into a romantic restaurant from 7:30 pm to 11:30 pm. Atardi is part of Aruba’s high-rise resort area — it’s located at the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino.

Atardi is a great choice if you’re looking to dine with sand between your toes right up against the water. The menu is simple but impressive, serving up everything from lobster tails to macadamia-crusted grouper. And they’ve made a big impression with one of their desserts – the coconut cake — so be sure to try it. It is worth noting that their portions are incredibly small though, but delicious nonetheless.

Reservations are strongly encouraged, especially because their dinner service doesn’t begin until 7:30 pm, which is the popular time to dine in Aruba. You can make a reservation online here.

9. Matthews Beachfront Restaurant ($$)

Matthews Beachfront Restaurant is a beachfront restaurant that’s part of the Casa del Mar Resort in Aruba. The restaurant is located right in the center of the resort, with the property’s pool on one side, and the ocean on the other. The main dining area at Matthews is set up on a patio, so the tables and chairs are not in the sand.

Matthews does offer dining in the sand, but only with advanced reservations. This option is offered every day of the week except for Tuesdays from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The dining in the sand is a private dining experience with a fixed menu. The cost is US $185 per couple.

The food at Matthews ranges from casual lunch fare to fine-dining dinner entrees. The food does have mixed reviews. The Casa del Mar is also a timeshare property, so the property has themed nights that the restaurant often participates in, such as karaoke nights, date nights, and tapas nights. They also have all-you-can-eat-ribs every Tuesday.

To make reservations, you can call +297 588 7300 or you can book online here. You can also email them at info@matthews-aruba.com. Just be sure to let them know if you’re interested in the private dining in the sand, which does need to be arranged in advance.

10. Ricardos Restaurant & Bar ($$)

Ricardos Restaurant & Bar is a beachfront restaurant that’s part of the Aruba Beach Club Resort, which is a timeshare property. The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor dining, with the outside tables and chairs set up on a raised deck overlooking the water. For dinner service, they set up a few additional tables right on the sand.

Ricardos has a pretty impressive menu with a huge variety to choose from for both lunch and dinner. They also offer all-you-can-eat ribs on Mondays and all-you-can-eat grouper on Wednesdays. They also have karaoke nights on Thursdays and live entertainment several nights each week. For reservations, you can call +297 587 0760 or you book online here.

11. Water’s Edge Restaurant & Bar ($$)

Water’s Edge Restaurant & Bar is part of the popular Costa Linda Beach Resort, one of the best resorts on Eagle Beach. The restaurant is located right in the center of the resort, and if we’re being honest, it’s set up quite far from the shore, with an obstructed view of the ocean. But the tables are still set up on the actual beach, so technically, it makes the list!

The restaurant does have both indoor and outdoor dining. The menu is a good size and has plenty of things to choose from and a large variety of side dishes. The price is also more reasonable compared to some of the other restaurants on this list. They also play live music nightly, which is nice.

Water’s Edge serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Their dinner service begins at 5:00 pm. Reservations are not required but are encouraged. You can make reservations by emailing water@setarnet.aw or you can book online here.

12. Reflexions ($$)

Reflexions is not just a beachfront restaurant, it’s a whole vibe! It almost feels like a day club. They have a pool for paying guests and you can rent beach beds, umbrellas, and even private terraces right along the beach. They have an extensive cocktail menu that you can order food and drinks from at any time. And at night, they serve dinner right on the beach as the sun goes down.

You can book your day experience or dining reservation by calling +295 594 8831 or online here. You can also email them at reflexionsaruba@gmail.com.

13. Pureocean Beachside Dining ($$)

Pureocean Beachside Dining is a beachfront restaurant in Aruba and it’s part of the Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort. This restaurant can also be found at the Divi properties in Barbados, Bonaire, and St. Maarten. The tables are set up right in the sand and the breezy palm trees and colorful string lights create a fun atmosphere.

The food here is reasonably priced for the quality and they’re one of the only restaurants in Aruba where you can find seafood mac and cheese! They’re open Thursday through Monday from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm. For reservations, you can call +297 586 6066 or book online here.

Aruba Restaurants Over the Water

14. Zeerovers ($)

Zeerovers is a classic Aruba restaurant and it should not be missed! It’s located in Savaneta, near Flying Fishbone and Old Man and the Sea. It sits right on the water’s edge, with a large deck full of picnic-style tables and a smaller deck with additional seating that extends over the water.

Zeerovers does not take reservations and often has a line that extends well into the parking lot, so you may need to arrive with some patience. We waited over an hour to order during our first visit, but luckily we didn’t have to wait nearly as long on our second and third visits. Although there have been times we’ve stopped by, only to leave immediately after seeing the long line!

Zeeover’s menu is as simple as it gets and lists just “fish, shrimp, fries, plantains, and cornbread” in the local language. You’ll order from the counter (this is where the line forms), where you’ll let the cashier know how many pieces of fish and shrimp you want, and they’ll charge you by weight. The fish being served changes daily, as it’s always the day’s local catch. Be sure to order the fries and plantains, and ask for some homemade tartar sauce and marinated onions too!

After you’ve ordered, you’ll receive a number and you can go grab a seat by the water and watch the chef fry up your order in the outdoor kitchen. A server will stop by with paper plates and utensils and then again once your order is ready. All baskets are served fried with limes and a sprinkle of magic dust, which is to die for.

15. Bugaloe Beach Bar & Grill ($$)

Bugaloe Beach Bar & Grill is an overwater restaurant located on the south end of Palm Beach, in between two very popular Aruba resorts — the Riu Palace Aruba and the Hilton Aruba. Bugaloe serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and has an awesome menu with everything from burgers and quesadillas to perfectly grilled Mahi Mahi and garlic shrimp.

Bugaloe is often mixed up with another overwater restaurant a few hotels down, called Pelican Nest Seafood Grill, which we’ll talk about more below. But if we’re being honest, we’d pick Bugaloe over Pelican Nest any day. Not only is the food better, but they also have live music daily from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm and again from 10:00 pm to 11:00 pm, in addition to daily food and drink specials.

Bugaloe is one of only two restaurants on this list that does not take reservations (unless your party has more than 10 people), so it is first come, first served. They also host private events and can cater to up to 250 guests, making it a great option for a destination beach wedding. For more information on having an event here, you can request a brochure by emailing info@bugaloe.com.

16. Pinchos Bar and Grill ($$)

Pinchos Bar and Grill is an overwater restaurant found on the south end of Oranjestad’s, on one of Aruba’s lesser-known beaches, Surfside Beach. They identify as a casual yet chic grill and bar and everything is lit up at night by candlelight, creating a romantic ambiance. You won’t find any fried food on the menu here (well, except for french fries)! Everything is simply grilled to perfection.

For reservations, you can call +297 583 2666 or email reservations@pinchosgrillaruba.com. You can also reserve a table online here.

17. Pelican Nest Seafood Grill ($$)

Pelican Nest Seafood Grill is one of the more popular Aruba restaurants on the water because it’s located right in the center of Palm Beach. It’s a colorful and casual open-air eatery located on the Pelican Pier, which is also the base for several watersport activities and boat tours.

Admittedly the food here can be hit or miss, but we think it all has to do with what you order. Every fresh fish meal we’ve gotten at Pelican’s has been a 10/10 for us. They also have a house-made hot sauce that is incredible!

The Pelican Nest Seafood Grill is open daily from 11:30 am to 11:00 pm.  Lunch reservations are usually not needed, but dinner reservations are encouraged. You can book a table here or by calling +297 586 2259.

Tips for Dining on the Beach in Aruba

• Dress code — Aruba sets the bar for seamlessly blending high-end dining with flip-flops and casual wear. That said, the only thing you really can’t get away with for some of the nicer restaurants on this list, is showing up in your swimsuit. Casual clothing and flip-flops are always welcome.
  
• Flies — Aruba is a very windy island, so flying insects are not a common problem there. The exception to that is from the hours of 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm when all the flies in the area get together and dedicate two solid hours to harassing diners on the beach. If you don’t want to spend your entire meal guarding your food from these pesky flies, wait until closer to 7:00 pm to eat. They mostly disappear after that time.
  
• Starches & Carbs— One thing’s for sure, it’s hard to avoid carbs in Aruba! Many dishes come with both french fries and rice, and several restaurants don’t even offer a vegetable side. While we typically limit carbs back home, we embrace them fully when in Aruba.
  
• Tap Water — Aruba has some of the best tap water in the world, believe it or not. Their water actually exceeds the highest quality standards possible set by the World Health Organization. It’s so good that you won’t even find bottled water available at most restaurants. They serve ice-cold tap water automatically. And it tastes amazing!
  
• Vegan Food — Aruba has a surprisingly large selection of Vegan options at many restaurants. Since we’re not vegan, we haven’t explored much of that world, but we’ve noticed that many of the restaurants on the island have a Vegan section on their menus.

Final Thoughts: Aruba Restaurants On the Beach

There are so many amazing Aruba restaurants on the beach to choose from, all with incredible views, delicious food, and the perfect tropical setting. And Aruba’s cuisine is so fresh, vibrant, and simple, too — they really highlight healthy and natural ingredients and tropical flavors.

Our favorite casual restaurants on this list are Bugaloe, West Deck, and MooMba. Our favorite fancier restaurants are Flying Fishbone, The Old Man and The Sea, and Atardi. But really, you can’t go wrong with any of the restaurants here!

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