Aruba may be best known for its beautiful beaches and perfect weather, but venture off the sand and you’re sure to be amazed by an incredible set of new and exciting things to do. Enjoy your luxurious getaway and indulge in all the best Aruba has to offer.
Lima Bistro
Weststraat 2 Oranjestad, Aruba
With an elegant cooking repertoire that preserves all the comforts of traditional Peruvian cuisine, Chef Teddy strips down each dish at Lima Bistro to its essence: flavorful and memorable.
Explore the best of both worlds, where Lima meets Oranjestad in a fine casual dining setting. As soon as you enter the dining room you are greeted by a star, swaying elegantly in the middle of the room, embracing its purpose as the glowing centerpiece.
Growing up in Lima, Chef Teddy’s mother would always remind him of a special star, one that shines brighter than all, illuminating the way home. Polaris, the North Star, is his way of saying welcome home to all culinary explorers. The warm indoor and outdoor décor invites guests to roam and find the perfect spot where they feel the most comfortable. The open kitchen is meant for family and friends to gather around, so feel free to grab front row seats to fresh quality ingredients fused into unexpected compositions.
Caya House
J.E. Irausquin Blvd 372, Noord, Aruba
The name “Caya” means “street-calle” in Papiamento/Spanish. Marco Muscariello from Hostaria Da Vittorio grew up on the same street where Caya is located. Partnering with Carlos Yagua, they had a vision for a new escape to touch the streets of Aruba.
Marco and Carlos renovated this traditional “Cunucu” house into the modern culinary, mixology experience that it is now. They meticulously studied all interior and exterior designs in detail, to ensure that their guests will feel at home.
At Caya, guests enjoy delicious food and indulge in the art of crafted cocktails, where mixologists modernize signature classics and create unforgettable memories via their artistry. The culinary menu showcases bold flavors from all over Latin America, featuring dishes like Ceviche De Chicharron, covered in leche de tigre; Asado Negro, consisting of short ribs served in black roasted sauce; and their signature Glazed Pork Belly covered in potato foam.
Bohemian
J.E. Irausquin Blvd 83 Unit 1, Noord, Aruba
Tucked away in an outdoor Tropical Garden in the heart of Palm Beach, blending French Riviera charm with a New York Soho red brick industrial feel, this bar, restaurant, and lounge offers a unique experience in Aruba.
Weekly live acts and DJs provide the vibe and turn the restaurant into dinner party straight from Miami Beach or the South of France.
French dishes made by French chefs include classics like Foie Gras, French Goat Cheese, Charcuterie and cheese boards, steak tartare, and various beef and lamb cuts. Fresh fish are brought in on regular basis from local fisherman, the most famous being the whole grilled red snapper with Provence herbs and olive oil. Just add a bottle of Domaine Ott or a Jeroboam of Torpez rosé et voila!
Pepe Margo
Wilhelminastraat 46, Oranjestad, Aruba
Located in Wilhelminastraat, this distillery used to be the home to Catarina Margarita (Margo) Arends. It is one of the oldest buildings in Oranjestad. After two years of restoration, it is now home to state-of-the-art equipment used to produce local alcohol and spirits. The building still has the original tiles, walls, and wood fixtures. It is an homage to the late Catarina. Inside, it’s nice and cool because of the thick walls, and the Aruban breeze can be felt throughout.
As producers of Aruba’s first ever distilled gin and aged rums, Pepe Margo’s primary goal is to create products that are truly Aruban, while delivering a unique experience in its distillery. The distilled gin, expressed in the art of distilling gin in the “London Dry Gin” style, utilizes a blend of herbs and botanicals grown in their own garden. This fusion of locally sourced ingredients creates an unparalleled flavor and experience unique to Aruba.
Pepe Margo’s rum is truly unique and groundbreaking. It is the first-ever molasses-based rum to be fermented and distilled in Aruba. The rum is aged in ex-bourbon barrels, enhancing its flavor and character. The aging process ranges from one year for young rums to an indeterminate duration as they pioneer Aruba’s first-ever fermented, distilled, and aged spirits.
Pepe Margo was born in 1905 and lived a long and full life, passing away in 1995. Her story coincided with the major economic, political and historical developments in Aruba’s history. Drawing parallels between the two, the Pepe Margo Distillery personifies the best of Aruba and aims to celebrate the Aruba’s history and customs in a way like no other. Enjoy a distillery tour to witness the creation of Aruban rum and gin and experience the vibrant spirit and pioneering legacy of Aruba.
Papiamento
Washington 61, Noord, Aruba
Aruba’s most upscale restaurant is located inside a historical Aruban cunucu house. The Ellis family welcomes you to their 175-year-old authentic Aruban manor house for an exquisite dining experience in lush tropical gardens, by the pool or in elegant, air-conditioned dining rooms. Tour the hundred-year old Aruban home with a collection of rare Dutch-style antiques, and the impressive wine cellar before or after dinner. Choose from a selection of fresh seafood and delicious meats with a touch of Aruba, like their famous oyster soup or keshi yena (stuffed Gouda cheese).
House specialties include Eduardo’s seafood pot, a handmade clay pot filled with seafood, fines herbs and garden vegetables. Mahi-mahi, lobster, lamb chops, medallions of tenderloin and Caribbean shrimp are served on a hot stone. Seafood selections include oven-broiled filet of red snapper topped with shrimp and scallops; kebabs of skewered lobster, shrimp and fish, and fruits de mer á la crème. All mouthwatering good.
You can fly direct to Aruba aboard United Airlines from NYC/ Newark ( EWR ), Chicago ( ORD ), Houston ( IAH ) and Washington Dulles (IAD). To book your flight, click here.
