The Best Restaurants in Southern Aruba
Local Favorites & Hidden Gems Worth The Drive
Image Courtesy of Aruba Ocean Villas
The Best Restaurants in Southern Aruba
Local Favorites & Hidden Gems Worth The Drive
Image Courtesy of Aruba Ocean Villas
If you’re willing to drive a little farther south, you’ll discover a completely different side of Aruba.
No high-rise hotels.
No chain restaurants.
Just fresh seafood, Caribbean flavors, waterfront dining and family-owned restaurants locals have loved for years.
Here are my favorite places to eat in Southern Aruba.
Zeerover
📍 Savaneta
Aruba’s most iconic seafood shack, loved by visitors and locals alike. Order fresh fish or shrimp by weight, grab your own drinks, and enjoy your meal right above the water.
My tip: They open at 11 AM. Arrive around 10:45 AM to beat the line.
Must try
Fresh catch
Shrimp (peeled on Sundays)
Plantains
Tartar sauce (yummy)
Flying Fishbone
📍 Savaneta
Famous for dining with your feet in the water, Flying Fishbone is one of Aruba’s most romantic restaurants. Sunset is magical here and the atmosphere alone makes it worth the drive south.
Good to know
Dinner only
Feet in the water table only reservable at 4PM. After that, first come first serve
Reservations strongly recommended
Arrive early for sunset
Marina Pirata
📍 Savaneta
A true waterfront classic with marina views and a laid-back atmosphere. Marina Pirata has been a favorite for years thanks to its fresh seafood, friendly service and relaxed vibe.
Must try
Whole red snapper
Coconut Shrimp
Shore platter
Marina special
Aruba Ocean Villas
📍 Savaneta
Even if you’re not staying here, Aruba Ocean Villas is worth a visit. Start your day with a gorgeous breakfast, enjoy a leisurely lunch, or reserve a romantic dinner over the water. The atmosphere is simply magical and one of the most unique dining experiences in Aruba.
Good to know
Breakfast, lunch & dinner available
Over the water & beachside dining
Perfect for a special occasion
O’Niel Caribbean Kitchen
📍 San Nicolas
Homestyle Caribbean cooking at its finest. Expect generous portions, warm hospitality and flavorful dishes that keep both locals and visitors coming back.
Must try
Oxtail
Jerk chicken
Rice and peas
Kamini’s Kitchen
📍 San Nicolas
A Caribbean institution serving authentic Guyanese flavors. Kamini’s Kitchen is simple, colorful and packed with flavor. One of the best places to experience Aruba’s multicultural food scene.
Must try
Curry
Stews
Quesillo (!)
Mama Brown’s Soup To Go!
📍 San Nicolas
If you want to eat like a local, this is the place. Mama Brown’s Soup is a beloved takeaway serving homemade Caribbean soups. Owned by Sandra, the mother of Aruban baseball star Xander Bogaerts, this humble spot is known for its rich flavors, generous portions, and authentic home-cooked meals.
Must try
Homemade oxtail soup
Traditional Caribbean soups
Daily local specials
Kulture Kafe
📍 San Nicolas
Kulture Kafe is a cozy breakfast/lunch and coffee spot in the heart of San Nicolas. Known for its excellent coffee, fresh breakfast options, and laid-back atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to start your day before visiting Baby Beach or wandering through Aruba’s street art capital.
Must try
Breakfast and lunch
Great coffee
Outdoor terrace
Charlie’s Bar & Restaurant
📍 San Nicolas
Part restaurant, part museum. Charlie’s is one of Aruba’s most iconic places, filled with decades of memorabilia and stories. A must-visit for the atmosphere alone.
Good to know
Iconic local bar
Casual dining
Historic atmosphere
Battata Beach Bar & Food
📍 Savaneta
A relaxed beach bar with ocean views, delicious cocktails and surprisingly good food. The perfect stop for lunch or after a day at Baby Beach.
Must try
Steak
Seafood
Cocktails at sunset
