6 Must-try Places in Aruba

Bon bini! Between the clear, turquoise colored water, the friendly locals, and of course, the delicious food, there are many reasons why Aruba is nicknamed, “One Happy Island”. While I’ve been to many tropical destinations, none quite linger in my mind the way Aruba does. I’ve put together a short list of must-try foods and activities to help you plan your future trip.

Paddleboards overlooking Caribbean water

1. Azzuro Ristorante Italiano

Being Italian myself, I am very selective when it comes to Italian cuisine. Azzuro did not disappoint. Along with a beachfront view, Azzuro offers a delicious variety of food and drinks. Something unique to this restaurant is the Spaghetti al Formaggio Parmigiano dish. Our table got this as an appetizer to share and it was a great way to start our meal. The pasta is tossed with sauce inside a whiskey flambeed wheel of parmigianio cheese. The smokey flavor combined with the sauce and basil made it impossible not to go back for seconds. If they had given us the entire cheese wheel, it’s quite possible we would have tried to eat that too. For an entrée, I ordered their squid ink pasta with an array of seafood. It was my first time having squid ink and I was pleasantly surprised! The seafood was cooked to perfection and I can confidently say this dish was my favorite on the island.

2. Eduardo’s Beach Shack

We became frequent customers at Eduardo’s the moment we took our first bites. While this beach shack was tiny, their menu offered a wide variety of cold pressed juices, poke bowls, and our favorite, smoothie bowls. There’s nothing quite like enjoying a bowl of blended fruits layered with your choice of toppings, all while under an umbrella, admiring the ocean from steps away. This was the perfect start to our morning routine.

Smoothie Bowl

3. Scott's Brats

Not far from Eduardo’s stood Scott’s Brats, another small shack on the beach. They offered breakfast sandwiches, drinks, and of course, bratwurst. I went with a non-traditional brat called, Doc’s Brat, which came with cream cheese, peanut butter, and jalapenos. To kick it up a notch, I added fresh pineapple. All I have to say is don’t knock it 'til you try it because it was delicious! I’m still waiting for them to officially add my creation to the menu.

4. Aruba Watersports center

Once you’ve fueled up from lunch, it’s time for an activity that was the highlight of our trip; a catamaran snorkel cruise on the Arusun with Aruba Watersports Center. During this cruise, you’ll be provided with snacks, cocktails, festive music, and an amazing and knowledgeable staff. We went to two different locations for snorkeling. The first was to a shipwreck dating back to WWII and noted as one of the largest in the Caribbean. The second location was closer to shore and allowed us to swim and dive with some of the most beautiful schools of fish I’ve ever seen. This was an unforgettable way to spend the afternoon and one I highly recommend during your stay.

5. The Flying fishbone

If you’re looking for a unique dining experience, The Flying Fishbone is worth visiting. They give an entirely new meaning to “oceanfront dining” by placing their table IN the water (complete with a personal shoe rack). Their beautifully plated dishes were equally as tasty. Being the pasta lover that I am, I got the Seafood Pasta, filled with a variety of different fish. Everything was fresh and flavorful. Although seafood was an obvious choice for me, they had plenty of options for meat lovers as well. For dessert, we ordered the Baked Alaska, which was flambeed at our table, adding to the experience.

Shoe Rack

This restaurant was a bit longer of a drive from the capital but in turn was less crowded with tourists. Remember to make reservations in advance, especially if you want the water tables, as they are in high demand. The best time of day to go is around sunset to ensure you experience the fantastic view to its fullest.

Sunset at Flying Fishbone

6. Sopranos Piano Bar

Now that you’re satisfied from a delicious meal, it’s time to enjoy Aruba nightlife! One of our favorite stops was Sopranos Piano Bar. This casual, open-air bar was filled with jubilant guests, all singing along with the entertainer of the night. Sopranos offered a wide range of music and took requests from the audience. The wine and beverage list was extensive and the bartenders were amazing and friendly. The vibe was exactly what we were looking for and we went numerous times during our trip. I highly recommend stopping in and once you do, you won’t want to leave.

Whether you're looking for a relaxing stay on the beach or a week of adventures, there are countless wonderful things to experience and visit while in Aruba. The locals do an excellent job of making you feel welcome and taken care of. I look forward to returning one day and reliving our amazing time spent there. Until then, Aruba!

Sunset hotel views

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