Restaurants
BelSomehouseBBQ
https://www.belsmokehouse.com/
We all have those nights when the sun and sand has zapped our energy and we resign to a night in, ordering take-out. Look no further than BelSmokehouse BBQ, hands down one of the best BBQ spots in Aruba and honestly, one of the best I've been to anywhere. The meat is phenomenal: smoky, tender, and packed with flavor in every bite. Whether you go for the ribs, brisket, or a combo, you simply cannot go wrong. What makes it even better is how much you get for the price, incredible value for the quality on your plate. Don't let the food truck setting fool you; this place is the real deal. If you're in Aruba, make the trip. You won't regret it.
Eduardos
https://eduardosbeachshack.com/location-hideaway-current
My love for Eduardo’s is unhinged. Obsessed would be an accurate description. Eduardo's Hideaway is hands-down my favorite spot in Aruba. Tucked away from the main tourist crowds, it has a relaxed, tropical vibe that makes you want to stay all day. The food is fresh, healthy, and absolutely delicious. You can have the luxury of feeling like you are indulging while feeding your body with the nourishment it needs to survive a day in the sun. The staff is warm and welcoming every single time, and the whole atmosphere just feels like paradise.
While all the locations are great my favorite is the Hideaway. I can't visit Aruba without stopping here (multiple times). 10/10, can't recommend it enough!
Aruba Experience
Aruba Experience Café is one of my favorite stops on the island. It's set in a gorgeous, lovingly restored heritage house over 150 years old, and the location is absolutely beautiful, a totally different vibe from the touristy beach strip. The Venezuelan food is the real star here: fresh, authentic, and full of flavor. It's the kind of meal that makes you want to come back before you've even finished eating. Add in the warm, welcoming staff and the charming setting, and you've got a must-visit. Don't skip this place if you're anywhere near downtown Oranjestad!
Grab and Go
IburoStar
https://www.iberostar.com/en/hotels/eagle-beach/joia-aruba-by-iberostar/
One of the best perks of staying here is having the JOIA Aruba by Iberostar right next door. We walk over to their Star Café almost every morning; great coffee, a relaxed atmosphere, and the perfect way to ease into a beach day without ever needing the car.
And definitely treat yourself to their spa! It's gorgeous, peaceful, and genuinely worth it. Bonus: as our guest, you'll get a discount at the spa, just mention code OCEANIA365 when booking. The staff is friendly and welcoming to condo guests, so don't be shy. Make the coffee walk part of your morning routine. You'll thank us later!
La Tavola
https://anatebeach.com/services/
La Tavola by Anaté is unlike anywhere else in Aruba. You may find yourself sitting among a group of strangers from the Netherlands and Georgia one evening at La Tavola’s communal tables. Not feeling adventurous? Enjoy a table to yourself. This tiny family-run gem feels less like a restaurant and more like being welcomed into someone's home, because that's essentially what it is. Ana and Juan Carlos cook and serve everything themselves from a small ever changing menu, tailoring the meal to what you love. The result is some of the freshest, most heartfelt food on the island. The garden setting is intimate and charming, and the hospitality is second to none. It's a little off the beaten path, but that's part of the magic. Make a reservation (WhatsApp works) and go. This is the kind of meal you'll still be talking about long after your trip ends.
Les Cappuchinas
https://www.instagram.com/lescappuchinascafe/
Les Cappuchinas is one of those places that just makes you happy. Tucked in the heart of Oranjestad, it's a fun, beautifully styled café full of feminine touches, every corner is photo-worthy, and every plate comes out in bright, gorgeous colors. It's truly an Instagrammer's heaven, but the best part is the food tastes as good as it looks: a creative fusion of Asian and Caribbean flavors you won't find anywhere else on the island. The pistachio bombon latte alone is worth the trip, absolutely dreamy. Whether you're stopping in for brunch or an afternoon pick-me-up, this playful little spot delivers. Don't forget your camera!
Lingon and Sons
Ling & Sons is a solid choice for stocking up in Aruba. It's clean, well-organized, and has a good selection of fresh produce, bakery items, and familiar American and Dutch brands. The staff is friendly and it's a convenient stop, especially if you're staying near Oranjestad. For us it's a runner-up to Super Food Plaza, which has a bigger selection but Ling & Sons absolutely holds its own and is worth a visit, especially if it's closer to where you're staying. Reliable, pleasant, and gets the job done.
Super Food
https://www.superfoodaruba.com/
Super Food Plaza is our absolute go-to in Aruba, and it ruins all other grocery stores for you. The fresh-made stroopwafels right in the store are reason enough to visit and the Dutch almond cookies? I'm completely in love. Every trip, we stock up on cheese, olives, and meats for beach picnic days, plus snacks for the condo. The fruit is fresh and beautiful, the juice selection is great, and they even carry kombucha from Eduardo's (our favorite local spot!). It's clean, huge, well-stocked with both American and Dutch products, and just a pleasure to shop in. Grab bites to enjoy in the condo or down at the beach!
