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84°F / 29°C
(Passing Clouds. Warm.)
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Oranjestad, being the most populous of Aruba's regions, is home to a wide variety of dining options, drawing on cuisines from all over the world.
Of all the major Caribbean islands, Aruba is closest to mainland South America. In light of that fact, a number of South American regional cuisines have gained popularity in Aruba. At Cafe Bahia, you'll find a bevy of Brazilian specialties. At El Gaucho, Argentine culinary artistry is the name of the game.
Mexico is not too far away either, so Mexican food is easy to find in Aruba.
Of course, Aruba is an island so stunningly beautiful that proximity and convenience have little to do with folks' reasons for coming here. Europeans make that great trek across the Atlantic regularly, to frolic on the island's sunny shores. Similarly, European cuisine has made the trip here as well. Chez Mathilde is a prime example of this phenomenon, providing its patrons with a mouth-watering taste of French tradition.
While Europeans might feel at home at Chez Mathilde, Americans might fit right in at Scandals, a rustic bistro-style restaurant that recalls the Mediterranean influenced contemporary menus of California and New York.
If so much highfalutin globe hopping is more than you bargained for, Oranjestad is also populated by plenty of island-style casual-dining spots, full of happy people, exotic cocktails and familiar (but sometimes Aruba-fied) pub grub. Moomba Beach Bar & Restaurant is a great place to sip drinks and scarf food outdoors in view of beautiful people and beautiful sunsets. Iguana Joe's Caribbean Bar & Grill offers a similar experience, this time indoors. The Waterfront Crabhouse focuses on top-notch seafood, offering lobster specialties and crab legs by the truckload–without forgetting the laid-back attitude and brightly colored cordials.
Beyond the Oranjestad city limits, lots more possibilities await:
Palm Beach
The Aruban fixation on the steakhouses of Argentina and Brazil is in full force in Palm Beach, Amazonia Churrascaria and Texas de Brazil Churrascaria being the leaders of the pack.
Continuing the international theme of dining in Aruba, Palm Beach is also home to Casa Tua, an inviting Italian joint trafficking in pizza, pasta and a host of traditional specialties not necessarily familiar to the average joe.
Also pushing the boundaries of familiarity is Aqua Grill, an internationally renowned contemporary seafood kitchen where you can order Asian-influenced dishes right alongside those of New England and Central America.
Like Oranjestad, Palm Beach has no shortage of less formal establishments–places where you can guzzle your beverage and cut loose. Fishes & More won't let you down (the "more" referring perhaps to their intoxicatingly lengthy menu of innovative cocktails). The Tortuga Bar & Grill is even looser, affording diners and drinkers the opportunity to eat and drink right on the beach, under the sun or the stars, watching the waves crash or the sun set.
Eagle Beach
The lingering remnants of European colonialism are still in evidence in Eagle Beach - in the best way possible. As was made clear, there are steakhouses aplenty in Aruba, but Manchebo is one that adheres strictly to French tradition. Nearby Le Dôme presents French cuisine as well, but is less steak-obsessed and also incorporates influences from Belgium (land of buttery crustaceans and yeasty beer).
Noord
This area is home to a trio of establishments that speaks to the astonishingly wide variety of clientele present on the island. Papiamento, located in an actual Aruban manor, will surely appeal to visitors seeking an authentic island experience. The cuisine at Ventanas del Mar is first rate, but the place is located on a golf course, so it clearly caters to a specific demographic. Then there is the Blackhog Saloon, a family-oriented entertainment complex complete with a Harley Davidson show, mini golf, batting cages and smokin, hot barbecue.
San Nicolas
In San Nicolas, the culinary emphasis seems to be on leisure. Meals are not overwrought and fancy. Concepts are barely there. What you can count on is dependability and comfort. No-nonsense The Promenade, breezy Brisas del Mar, and the friendly Charlie's, are just a handful of perfectly pleasant cantinas.
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