My family and I love visiting Aruba in the fall, right when it starts to feel cold here in the northeast; it’s become a little family tradition that we look forward to each year. During our last visit, we spent 4 nights at the Hyatt Regency Aruba, and had a great stay.
When we travel, we try to stay healthy, enjoy local cuisine, and stick to a budget, all while wrapping it into an authentic and unique experience. If that sounds like you (and especially if you love fresh seafood and nice views), you will also love some of my favorite restaurants on the island!
Best For Romance: The Flying Fishbone
If you’re traveling as a couple or perhaps craving just a date night alone when the kids are asleep, a great place to consider is The Flying Fishbone, which is about a 30 minute taxi ride from the high-rise hotels in Palm Beach. Open daily from 5-10 pm, reservations are definitely required in advance, and the popular seatings times are around 6 pm, or right at sunset.
This place has KILLER sunset views and is extremely romantic and scenic. If possible, try to request a table right at the edge of the water, so you can dine with your toes in the water. We have only dined here once a few years ago, but it was a really nice and special experience.
Photo credit: Flyingfishbone.com
Best Cheap Beach Eats: Carlito’s Sports Beach Bar
I give all the credit in the world to reader Laurie for this place, whom I met up with during my last visit this past fall. All of these years, I can’t believe I walked passed Carlito’s without knowing how much of a hidden gem this place is! Laurie and I met up for mojitos (2 for $10, all the time), and they honestly were the best I’ve had on the island!
From that day forward, Carlito’s was our go-to spot for lunch for my family everyday. The fried-fish platter lunch was delicious, huge, and very affordable. Located near the Playa Linda resort pier, this is a sweet-spot place to have lunch without paying inflated prices at the hotel restaurants.
Best Healthy Snacks: Eduardo’s Beach Shack
If you’re looking for a break from alcohol, a quick pick-me-up or perhaps even a refreshing and healthy breakfast alternative (especially if breakfast is not included in your hotel stay), stop by Eduardo’s Beach Shack for healthy smoothies (protein too), acai bowls, and even vegan options.
Located right on the beach pathway near the Playa Linda resort, it’s a perfect place to recharge after a morning run or mid-day stroll. There’s nothing like a healthy refresher on a hot day. In my experience, they tend to make more smoothie for you than what you pay for, and kids can sip the “leftovers” in their own cups ;).
Photo credit: Eduardo’s Beach Shack
Freshest Seafood: Wacky Wahoo’s
Saying I love seafood is an understatement. My rule of thumb is to seek out as much fresh seafood as I can when I traveling to places surrounded by water. After visiting Aruba 5 times, I finally found my go-to place for fresh, delicious seafood that doesn’t require a taxi to get there.
I highly recommend Wacky Wahoo’s, which is a quaint little place, and is about a 5-10 minute walk from most of the Palm Beach high-rise hotels, including the Hyatt Regency Aruba. Every day they offer an extensive selection of “catch of the day” seafood options, and everything is made from scratch and made to order. The sangria here is phenomenal too, so I highly recommend you order a pitcher with dinner. This place is becoming increasingly-popular, so reservations are a must, but you may get lucky like we did when we walked in after 9 pm!
What are your favorite restaurants in Aruba? Anything we should try for next time?
Hi Angelina,
My family & I love Aruba as well and already booked our next trip there for next Thanksgiving. One of our favorite restaurant is Taste of Belgium. They have great European dishes, including awesome steak frite and if your timing is good mussels when in season. My kids rave about their spaghetti Bolognese. And they have a 2 for 1 happy hour before 7:00pm on some great Belgian beers.
Michael
Thanks for the shout out Angelina :) It was great meeting you and sharing our favorite mojito spot. Glad you made it to Wacky Wahoo as well – we love the fish selection there :) We will have to go back to try Flying Fishbones. Maybe we will see you in the fall ;) Have a fantastic 2017 !!
Hi Angelina, my family was in Aruba for the past 9 days for the first time staying at the Hyatt. It was a fabulous time. We stopped at Carlitos a couple of times for lunch and to watch the football games. The prices and company was perfect! We were also able to get an early dinner at Wacky Wahoo and it is everything that you state in the article. I recommend those 2 spots for anyone visiting Aruba!
Carlito’s has been our go-to drink spot for years when walking the beach path casino hopping. One remarkable place that should be on everyone’s list is Baby Back Grill located downtown @ Caya Betico Croes. Full rack of ribs, 1/2 Chicken, 2 lbs side salad & soda for about $20 plus entertainment. Also the best steak on the Island is El Gaucho. It is not overrated, the steaks are that good. Also located downtown on a back street @ Wilhelminastraat 80.
I forgot the name, but there’s an Italian place across the Hilton in that big shopping center that makes the most amazing prosciutto pizza (and I’m not a huge pizza fan). Wacky Wahoo’s was recommended by a couple of locals but we just didn’t have any time to make it, so glad to hear you liked it.
Ypu are referring to Amore Mio Pizzera Napoletana; a great recommendation!
Family value also!