Dining Archives - ARUBA TRIP TIPS

Dietary Choices: Vegan, Vegetarian & Gluten-Free Dining in Aruba

June 24, 2015July 6, 2016admin

Healthy is the new SEXY!

As a six day a week vegetarian I’m always thinking ahead, hoping I’ll healthy find an abundance of healthy choices at my travel destination. Sometimes I luck out and find a feast of fruits and vegetables and sometimes if I’m just barely lucky it’s a convenience store banana. I can’t say it stresses me out, but it tends to be the last thing I consider as I zip my luggage shut and dash to the airport. After impatiently counting off the days, all I want to do is just relax and stop thinking about what to bring, what to wear, which places to go to, what the currency is and so on..I think you get the idea!

The beauty of Aruba is that there are restaurants to cater every dietary need, be it vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and even the “steak connoisseur.” It’s great to be adventurous and try the local cuisine or experiment with foods you’ve never heard of before, but some of us need to find a little bit of home when we travel. Here in Aruba we’ve got you covered and not just blah! versions of meat-free dishes—we’re talking truly gourmet selections. The atmosphere is also your choice, whether you want casual in flip-flops or trendy upscale, it’s truly up to you.

In the past, the options for vegetarianism and beyond seemed pretty limited. We’re becoming enlightened as a species and realizing many truths in these Aquarian times–our footprint and legacy does matter. We’ve learned that the way we treat ourselves, the animals and our planet has repercussions. In a recent Anthony Bourdain episode on another island paradise, Hawaii, residents of Molokai spoke of ‘AINA—the love and respect for Mother Earth as a source of all beauty and health. I see a similar spirit in Aruba—love of the sea and the land that is their wellspring of abundance. Protection of animals and choices to minimize harm—to self, to other creatures, to home….it’s always a joy to find liked-minded souls in my travels.

I traveled recently to Aruba with a family member who is a “carnivore” with dietary needs. Our first night on the island, I was exhausted after the flight and was content to have a granola bar in my hotel room and pass out. He would have nothing of it and dragged me to local steak establishment—enter the lion’s den…lol! Politely I suppressed the voice inside me yelling “there’s nothing here for me to eat!” The restaurant was cool, welcoming and beautifully lit—but I was still skeptical. As I entered, to my surprise, I was met but the biggest bounty of healthful, vegetarian dishes in a vast salad bar ringing the center of the room!—I’d hit the “mother lode” !

I was surrounded by a beautiful array of spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, tofu, hearts of palm, rice dishes, yucca and all the blessings of the earth in a cool, inviting celebration!

The chill air, the beautiful colors of the heavenly food …I was refreshed, I was in Aruba!

And I can say wholeheartedly that Aruba gets it! Healthy is the new SEXY here!

My advice to everyone who reads this article and views the list of restaurants below is to contact the restaurants directly ahead of your trip to see what they have to offer, their price range and proximity in which they are located from your hotel.

Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free Restaurant List Aruba

June 24, 2015September 28, 2015admin

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List Compiled by Bill M.

List of Restaurants known for serving
Gluten free food, Vegan and Vegetarian Dishes:

Please see below a list of restaurants that would be able to accommodate your dietary needs. Please, be advised, it is best for you to call or email ahead of your travels to ensure the following restaurants offer meals that suit your dietary needs.

What restaurants have a gluten free menu or food?

Cilo City Lounge Aruba (Offers a gluten free menu) http://www.cilo-aruba.com/
Menus http://www.cilo-aruba.com/menu.php?pageid=Mg
Contact: Info@cilo-aruba.com or http://www.cilo-aruba.com/contact_us.php?pageid=MTA=
Phone: 297-588-7996
Address: Renaissance Marketplace, Oranjestad, Aruba

Flying Fishbone
http://flyingfishbone.com/
Menu http://flyingfishbone.com/menu.php
Contact: info@flyingfishbone.com
Phone: 297-584-2506
Address: Savaneta 344, Savaneta, Aruba

Gianni’s Ristorante Italiano (Has gluten-free pasta)
http://www.giannisgroup.com/#!giannis/ctyl
Menu http://www.giannisgroup.com/#!giannis-menu/cjj6
Contact: info@giannisgroup.com
Phone: 297-588-2599
Address: Palm Beach 51 Noord, Aruba

Le Petit Cafe
http://www.lepetitaruba.com/
Menuhttp://lepetitaruba.com/menu.html
Contact: http://lepetitaruba.com/reservations.html
Phone: 297-586-4046
Address: LG Smith Blvd. Linda Beach Resort Orangestad, Aruba
(situated between the Hyatt Regency Resort and Playa Linda Beach Resort)

Linda’s Dutch Pancakes & Pizza
(Gluten free Pizza, Pancakes, bread and more)

Home

Gluten free menu http://www.lindas-aruba.com/gluten-free/
Menu http://www.lindas-aruba.com/menu/
Contact: lindasaruba@gmail.com
Phone: 297-586-3378
Address: Palm Beach, 3 6-D, Noord, Aruba

Mango Restaurant at Amsterdam Manor
http://www.mangos-restaurant-aruba.com/
Menu http://www.mangos-restaurant-aruba.com/menu.php
Contact: foodandbeverage@amsterdammanor.aw
Phone: 297- 527- 1125
Address: J.E. Irausquin Boulevard 252, Oranjestad, Aruba

Palms Restaurant Located at the Hyatt Regency
(Supposedly has a separate Kitchen for Gluten Free items)
http://aruba.hyatt.com/en/hotel/dining/PalmsRestaurant.html
Lunch Menu
http://aruba.hyatt.com/content/dam/PropertyWebsites/regency/aruba/Documents/all/Hyatt-Regency-Aruba-Lunch-Menu-Palm-January-2015.pdf
Dinner Menu
http://aruba.hyatt.com/content/dam/PropertyWebsites/regency/aruba/Documents/all/Hyatt-Regency-Aruba-Palms-Dinner-Menu-Palms-January-2015.pdf
Contact: adventure.concierge@hyatt.com
Phone: 297-586-1234 ext. 37
Address: J.E. Irausquin Blvd #85, Palm Beach, Aruba, Dutch Caribbean

Passions on the Beach
http://www.passions-restaurant-aruba.com/
Gluten free menu https://ambr.r.worldssl.net/downloads/Passions-gluten-free-menu-01.pdf
Contact: passions@thebeach.aw
Phone: 297-527-1129
Address: J.E. Irausquin Blvd 252, Oranjestad, Aruba Across from the Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort

Texas De Brazil http://www.texasdebrazil.com/locations/aruba/palm-beach/
Menu http://www.texasdebrazil.com/menu/overview/
Contact: http://www.texasdebrazil.com/contact-us/
Phone: 297-586-4686
Address: J.E. Irausquin Blvd 382, Palm Beach, Aruba 382

Tony Roma’s Aruba

Home

Menu http://tonyromasaruba.com/the-menu/
Contact: http://tonyromasaruba.com/contact/
Phone: 297-586-7427
Address: L.G. Smith Blvd. #230. Noord

Yemanja WoodFire Grill
http://www.yemanja-aruba.com/
Contact: yemanja@setarnet.aw
Phone: 297-588-4711
Address: Wilhelminastraat 2, Oranjestad, Aruba

What restaurants have Vegan food?

Amuse Bistro

Home

Menus http://www.amusearuba.com/menu/
Contact: reservation@amusearuba.com or http://www.amusearuba.com/contact-us/
Phone: 297-586-9949
Address: At hotel Playa Linda
J.E. Irausquin Boulevard 87, Aruba

Azzurro
http://www.giannisgroup.com/#!azzurro-ristorante-italiano/c1vtzMenu
Menus http://www.giannisgroup.com/#!azzurro-menu/cxdj
Contact: http://www.giannisgroup.com/#!contact-azzurro/cklr
Phone: 297-586-4123
Address: J.E. Irausquin Blvd 87 Palm Beach, Aruba
Casa Tua (2 locations) http://www.casatuaaruba.com/
Arawak Gardens link to menus

Casa Tua – Arawak Gardens

Contact: http://www.casatuaaruba.com/contact-us/
Phone: 297-586-8470
Address: Arawak Garden J.E. Irausquin Blvd 370, Palm Beach

Renaissance Marketplace
link to menus http://www.casatuaaruba.com/casa-tua-renaissance-marketplace/
Contact: http://www.casatuaaruba.com/contact-us/
Phone: 297-583-1990
Address: Renaissance Market Place, Oranjestad, Aruba

Elements Restaurant at Bucuti & Tara Beach Resorts
• Aruba’s Adult-Only Beach Resort
http://www.bucuti.com/resort-info/dining
Menu http://www.bucuti.com/sites/default/files/pdf/2015/ELEMENTS%20DINNER%20MENU%20rev.pdf
Contact: concierge@bucuti.com
Phone: 297-583-1100 ext.112
Address: L.G. Smith Boulevard #55B, Eagle Beach, Aruba, Dutch Caribbean

The Magic Mushroom Kitchen https://www.facebook.com/THEMAGICMUSHROOMKITCHENARUBA
Contact: https://www.facebook.com/THEMAGICMUSHROOMKITCHENARUBA
Phone: 297-630-4811
Address: Seroe Blanco, Oranjestad, Aruba

Moomba’s
http://moombabeach.com/component/
Menus
http://moombabeach.com/component/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=28&Itemid=39
Contact: moombabeach@arubawineanddine.com or http://moombabeach.com/component/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=24&Itemid=36
Phone: 297-586-5365
Address: JE Irausquin BLVD 230, Aruba

Palms Restaurant Located at the Hyatt Regency
http://aruba.hyatt.com/en/hotel/dining/PalmsRestaurant.html
Lunch Menu
http://aruba.hyatt.com/content/dam/PropertyWebsites/regency/aruba/Documents/all/Hyatt-Regency-Aruba-Lunch-Menu-Palm-January-2015.pdf
Dinner Menu
http://aruba.hyatt.com/content/dam/PropertyWebsites/regency/aruba/Documents/all/Hyatt-Regency-Aruba-Palms-Dinner-Menu-Palms-January-2015.pdf
Contact: adventure.concierge@hyatt.com
Phone: 297-586-1234 ext. 37
Address: J.E. Irausquin Blvd #85, Palm Beach, Aruba

Tandoor the Indian Grill House
http://www.tandooraruba.com/
Menus http://www.tandooraruba.com/mainmenu.html
Contact: info@tandooraruba.com or http://www.tandooraruba.com/contact.html
Phone: 297-586-0944
Address: The Indian Grill House C-6, South Beach, Aruba

Tulip
http://www.tulip-restaurant-aruba.com/
Menu https://mvceaglebeach.r.worldssl.net/downloads/Tulip-Caribbean-Brasserie-Menu-01-2014-15.pdf
Contact: tulip@mvceaglebeach.aw
Phone: 297-587- 0110
Address: J.E. Irausquin Boulevard 240, Oranjestad, Aruba
At the MVC Eagle Beach property located next to Chalet Suisse

Yami Yami Restaurant
Phone: 297-587-0062
Address: Bubali 69 C Aruba

Yemanja Woodfire Grill
http://www.yemanja-aruba.com/
Contact: yemanja@setarnet.aw
Phone: 297-588-4711
Address: Wilhelminastraat 2, Oranjestad, Aruba

What restaurants have Vegetarian food?

Barefoot
http://barefootaruba.com/
Menus http://barefootaruba.com/index.php?page=menu
Contact: eat@barefootaruba.com or http://barefootaruba.com/index.php?page=contact
Phone: 297-588-9824
Address: L.G. Smith Boulevard 1, Oranjestad, ARUBA
at surfside beach, across from the talk of the town hotel

Linda’s Dutch Pancakes & Pizza
(Gluten free Pizza, Pancakes, bread and more)

Home

Gluten free menu http://www.lindas-aruba.com/gluten-free/
Menu http://www.lindas-aruba.com/menu/
Contact: lindasaruba@gmail.com
Phone: 297-586-3378
Address: Palm Beach, 3 6-D, Noord, Aruba

Papillon French Restaurant
http://www.papillonaruba.com/
Menu: http://www.papillonaruba.com/menu/Menu-Juni-2014-Papillon.pdf
Contact: reservations@papillonaruba.com
Phone: 586 54 00
Address: Irausquin blvd 348 A
located across the street from the Radisson

Passions on the Beach
http://www.passions-restaurant-aruba.com/
Menus https://ambr.r.worldssl.net/downloads/Passion_menu_Jan_01_2015.pdf
Contact: passions@thebeach.aw
Phone: 297-527-1129
Address: J.E. Irausquin Blvd 252, Oranjestad, Aruba
Across from the Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort

Taj Mahal
http://www.tajmahalaruba.com/
Menu http://www.tajmahalaruba.com/
Contact: query@tajmahalaruba.com
Phone: 297-588-4494
Address: Havenstraat 36, Lokal 1-B
Oranjestad, Aruba

Yemanja Woodfire Grill
http://www.yemanja-aruba.com/
Contact: yemanja@setarnet.aw
Phone: 297-588-4711
Address: Wilhelminastraat 2, Oranjestad, Aruba

LE PETITE CAFÉ: A UNIQUE STONE GRILL RESTAURANT

August 22, 2014January 5, 2015admin

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Welcome to Le Petit Cafe
by Amalia Reyes

Although “Petit” may mean small to those who know french, this restaurant is one that is capable of leaving a large and lasting impression on anyone who stops in-whether it be for a bottomless cup of coffee or tea or for Le Petit’s signature stone grilled meals…you will certainly be nothing short of impressed.

Located in front of the breath-taking Playa Linda Beach Resort on the Northwestern shores of Aruba, this quaint little restaurant has been serving their guests since 1980; providing authentic, family-owned quality food and service to both land lovers and beach combers alike.

Being a family owned business for two generations, it comes as no surprise that Le Petit is all about customs and traditions, even dating back to Ancient Egypt! A true feast combining virtually all of your senses, Le Petit provides you with a hot stone (Be careful! The stone is said to be a sweltering 600 degrees!) on which you may either cook items offered on the menu or, with a day’s notice, Le Petit will prepare an item that is not already on the menu. You may also bring your own food/fresh caught fish to cook as well! Not only is “romancing the stone” one of the healthier/more unique ways to dine on the island, but it is also fat-free and absolutely mouth watering! Can you say winning? (Say it with us..WINNING!). Items that are offered to be grilled on hot stones can be viewed here.

If however you are looking for an inexpensive breakfast where you can eat as much as you want for $9.95 go no further! From 8:00 AM Till 11:00 AM you can get the following:

Omelette (w/ Ham, Cheese, Onions and Green pepper) scrambled Eggs sunny side up, Eggs over easy, Poached Eggs and Boiled Eggs are served with the following:
Bacon, Sausage, Fruit of the day, Home made Potatoes, Pancakes, toast, Orange Juice, Coffee and Tea. Half off for Children under 10 years of age.

Dinner is served from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM nightly, and reservations can be made online or at +(297) 586-4046.

For more information feel free to visit their website: http://lepetitaruba.com

We hope you’ll enjoy your unique dining experience as much as we did! Bon Appétite Aruba!

The Cuisines of Aruba

July 28, 2014October 10, 2015admin

Dining

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Read more of Susan Campbell (@suectravel) on Twitter
Aruba articles via Island Gourmet on the island or online: www.nightspublications.com or @nightspub on Twitter

List Of Aruba Restaurants
DUTCH
Etcafé The Paddock
Bingo! Cafe & Restaurant
The Dutch Pancakehouse

EUROPEAN
Bavaria
Taste of Belgium
Las Ramblas
Pincho’s Grill & Bar
French Steakhouse
Windows On Aruba
Barefoot
Amuse Bistro
Chalet Suisse

MEDITERRANEAN
Ike’s Bistro
Casa Tua
Kono Pizza
La Trattoria El Faro Blanco

ASIAN/EAST INDIAN
Sushi-Ya
House of Japan
Ginger
Blossoms
Hopi Bon
Benihana Aruba
Kambal Bar and Restaurant
Tandoor
Taj Mahal

NORTH AMERICAN
Burgers & Burgers
Dushi Bagels
Senior Frog’s
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
L.G. Smith Steak & Chop House
Hard Rock Cafe

CARIBBEAN/CONTINENTAL
Cuba’s Cookin
Hadicurari
Fishes and More
Driftwood
Flying Fishbone
Matthew’s Beachside Reastaurant
Waka Waka

SOUTH AMERICA
Mantuano’s Restaurant & Bar
El Gaucho
Texas de Brazil

ARUBA’S OWN FLAVORS
Papiamento Restaurant

Ruinas Del Mar – Four Star Dining Under The Stars

June 20, 2014August 29, 2015admin

Dining

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by Gina L.

Ruinas del Mar (Spanish for “Ruins by the Sea.”) is a very elegant dining option located at the Hyatt Regency and is known as their signature restaurant. The outdoor patio is embraced by a tranquil lagoon and surrounded by a wall of indigenous Calichi limestone reminiscent of an old Spanish fortress, hence it’s name.
A truly romantic setting for four star dining under the stars against a gorgeous candlelit backdrop . The surrounding grounds of Ruinas and the Hyatt are so serene that you will think you’ve entered Nirvana….landscaped gardens, whispering fountains and a cascading waterfall soothe your soul, all the while friendly Black swans and Koi swim gently around in the peaceful lagoon which embraces the dining patio.
A meal on a cloud could only surpass such a setting.

The candlelit tables and cozy ambiance makes the perfect setting for a very romantic dinner. The dishes are very tasty but can be a bit pricey. Please keep in mind that the outdoor dining is more for couples seeking a romantic meal. The restaurant also offers indoor dining with plenty of seating and more suited for families which also offers pleasant surroundings and a generous amount of air conditioning.

Carlito’s Sports Beach Bar

June 19, 2014October 9, 2015admin

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Concept/Writing/Research: Bill M. Writing/Editing: Gina L.

Carlito’s Sports Beach Bar:
Located between the Holiday Inn and Playa Linda Hotel on the beach Boardwalk/pathway.

This hidden little jewel is nestled between the Holiday Inn and the Playa Linda along the beach path that stretches behind most of the High rise hotels. This cozy little bar has been around for about 2 years and offers a beautiful sunset view by the beach while you kick back a pina colada or two w/ some friends or that significant other. There is a menu to select bar food that’s not only tasty, but extremely reasonable. They have wide screen TV’s to enjoy whatever game may be on or if you drank enough courage you can choose a song to sing from the Karaoke DJ, who’s there once a week, to thrill your friends, tourists or locals with your talent. For you cigar enthusiast, did I forget to mention that they also sell Real Cuban Cigars**? Yes, they are legal here (see note) and they have a variety to choose from…So puff away! Their Happy Hour starts around noon time, lasts fairly long and deals are pretty good. You can purchase 2 Pina Coladas and other 2 for 1 offers that are very competitive. Probably, one of the more important things they have now introduced is beach side service. Sorry, folks but for whatever reason both the Holiday Inn and Playa Linda at the moment do not have waiters or waitresses who come on the beach to take your order….But guess who does?…..That’s right our friends from Cariltos Beach bar offer prompt and courteous service ordered from and delivered right to your Cabana. There’s nothing wrong with getting up and waiting on line and waiting for your order from the Holiday Inn beach bar if that’s how you want to spend your vacation. Like many of us, I work pretty hard and being catered too on the sand without having to exert any needless energy is what vaycay is all about, isn’t it?

**Note: ~~U.S. Citizens still are not permitted to partake/purchase Cuban Cigars even away from home.~~ While the law still forbids….HOORAY ! Looks like those Cubans may come to a cigar shop near you in the not so distant future—amazing no?!
Sorry guys but in the meantime you can always get bucket of Balashi instead….Glad to see you smile again!

Soprano’s Piano Bar An Offer You Won’t Refuse…

June 19, 2014June 20, 2014admin

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This Bar is a lot of fun and is known for it’s lounge like atomosphere. They have seating both indoors and booths outdoors. The owner of the Establishment is a very talented piano player who engages her audience or patrons with song requests that she cleverly performs in a comedic fashion that’s worth checking out. On occasion other entertainers make their debut. The crowd is mostly adult ranging from mid to upper 20’s thru the 50’s and sometimes older. Yes, the name and decorations inside the place are consistent with the Godfather and movies alike, but not to worry this joint is not a hangout for any “ Goodfella’s” just tourist looking for a good time.

Le Petite Café A Unique Stone Grill Restaurant

June 19, 2014June 20, 2014admin

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Located in front of the Playa Linda Hotel about 2 blocks away from the Holiday Inn. This quaint little restaurant has another location in the center of Orangestad as well. For those of you looking for an inexpensive breakfast where you can eat as much as you want for $9.95 go no further. From 8:00 AM Till 11:00 AM you can get the following:
Omelette (w/ Ham, Cheese, Onions and Greenpepper) scrambled Eggs sunnyside up, Eggs over easy, Poached Eggs and Boiled Eggs are served with the following:
Bacon, Sausage, Fruit of the day, Home made Potatoes, Pancakes, toast, Orange Juice, Coffee and Tea. Half off for Children under 10 years of age.

They are also known for their method of healthy, fat-free cooking on a Hot Stone at your table! This applies to their dinner menu not breakfast. Please checkout their website for more info:

Texas de Brazil Authentic Brazilian Churrascaria

June 19, 2014June 22, 2014admin

Dining

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Texas de Brazil-Palm beach Aruba

Is a dining experience you will not forget. This is one of Aruba’s premier steak houses located by the high rise hotels closest to the Playa Linda and the Holiday Inn. This Churrascarias authentic Brazilian and American flavors combined offer a variety of delicious and mouthwatering seasoned cuts of meat that range from skirt steak, flank steak, sirloin, filet mignon, bacon wrapped filet mignon to sausage, chicken and lamb. They also offer a 30+ dish buffet that some vegetarians may find as an appealing alternative. The high profile ambience and professionalism of the staff lends to the experience. Don’t forget to inquire about the desserts they will complete this slice of heaven. For those folks with disabilities there is an elevator that is used to take anyone to the 2nd floor where the restaurant is located on. Make sure to ask them in advance about their pricing, especially if you have young ones. This is a steak lover’s paradise indeed!

Moomba’s Beach Bar & Restaurant Voted Best Beach Bar In The World by CNN

June 15, 2014June 20, 2014admin

Dining

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Probably one of Aruba’s best kept secrets and Hidden treasures. This charming little oasis is located on the beach hidden out of sight between the Holiday Inn and the Marriot nestled among the Divi trees….