When in Aruba make sure you try a Dutch Pancake, they come sweet & savory so there is something for everyone. There are a few places around the island that specialize in Dutch Pancakes. Since you can easily pack on those calories on vacation, my friend, Shanam, and I stuck to our 2 meals a day rule. This worked out well since both of us would roll out of bed around 10 AM and then enjoy the view from our balcony with a cup of coffee. We would then head to the beach to work up an appetite and then grab brunch or lunch somewhere. After eating we would then head back to the beach and pool for another 3-4 hours followed by a 3 course dinner. As you can see, 2 meals a day worked out quite nicely in terms of cost and calories. Here are a few places to check out in Aruba that are perfect for daytime.
1. Palms Restaurant @ The Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort
Excellent lunch option with a great view! Good food and value, you will leave satisfied. The Chocolate Molten Cake is a must!
Entrees:
Blackened Fish Taco β delicious flaky grouper topped with guacamole, cabbage, pico de gallo in a flour tortilla. Although the grouper was tender, it could have used a little more seasoning in terms of spice. A side of chips and salsa was a nice touch.
Meyer Natural Angus Burger β Shanamβs dish, cooked to perfection. I canβt comment since I donβt eat red meat, however she loved it and it looks good. The side of fries were perfectly crisp.
Dessert:
CafΓ© Latte β excellent, creamy.
Coffee β good & hot.
Chocolate Molten Cake β this dessert right here is reason enough to dine at the Palms. The cake was rich, cakey, and chocolaty served with a side of creamy vanilla ice-cream. Decadent!
LOCATION: J.E. Irausquin Blvd #85, Palm Beach, Aruba
RESTAURANT REVIEW: Palms Restaurant Menu
COST: $$
CUISINE: Caribbean
VERDICT: 4 / 5
Located on Palm Beach, the Palms is an excellent lunch option for those staying at the Hyatt or nearby. You honestly canβt go wrong with the food here, everything was really good, especially the Chocolate Molten Cake - I still reminisce about it.
Food: Very Good | Drinks: Good | DΓ©cor: Casual/Outdoors/Breezy | Service: Very Good | Value: Good
2. Lindaβs Dutch Pancakes and Pizzas
A must do in Aruba for the variety of Dutch Pancakes that come in both sweet & savory flavors.
Drinks:
Coffee β regular coffee for me which was good, kinda small though.
CafΓ© Latte β the latte was pretty light, Shanam requested a shot of espresso for which she was charged.
Entrees:
Brie, Walnuts & Honey Dutch Pancake β I was a bit wary the Brie may be pungent, but it was perfectly mild. Melted Brie over walnuts cooked inside a Dutch Pancake, top it with honey, this pancake was beyond delicious with elements of sweet and savory.
Vegetarian Omelet β Shanam was in the mood for an omelet, very well made, the flavored bread & butter was the best part though.
LOCATION: Palm Beach 6-D, Palm Beach, Aruba
RESTAURANT REVIEW: Lindaβs Dutch Pancakes & Pizza Menu
COST: $
CUISINE: Dutch/Cafe
VERDICT: 4 / 5
Lindaβs Pancakes isnβt in the touristy part of town, and so youβll need to drive or cab it. I do recommend checking this place out just for the Dutch Pancakes, especially the Brie, Walnuts & Honey Pancake which can easily be split between 2 people. I wouldnβt bother ordering an omelet here, definitely do the Dutch Pancakes!
Food: Very Good | Drinks: Good | DΓ©cor: Outdoors/Average | Service: Average | Value: Good
3. Taste of Belgium (CLOSED)
Nice dΓ©cor, slightly upscale with reasonable prices. Come here for breakfast, dessert, or a light snack. The fancy coffee here is a must!
Drinks:
Coffee β solid cup of coffee that is served with a side of Evaporated Milk, a standard in Aruba, along with a shot of espresso and whipped cream. Delicious!
CafΓ© Latte β excellent, creamy, also with a shot of espresso and whipped cream.
Belgian Pancakes β decent, light, but there really wasnβt much flavor going on here. Letdown.
Frites β perfectly crispy!
LOCATION: Palm Beach Plaza, Suite 101-102, L.G. Smith Blvd 95, Noord, Aruba
RESTAURANT REVIEW: Taste of Belgium Menu
COST: $$
CUISINE: Belgian
VERDICT: 3.5 / 5
Our first meal on the trip. We wanted to eat a little just to hold us over until dinner. This place is great for breakfast, desserts, or just a snack.
Food: Good | Drinks: Very Good | DΓ©cor: Casual/Modern | Service: Average | Value: Good
4. Altamar
New Mediterranean spot that I didnβt dine at, but itβs a great option for dessert. This will be on my list next time I visit Aruba.
Drinks:
Coffee β very good.
CafΓ© Latte β also very good, probably the best latte on the trip.
Tiramisu al Mascarpone β mascarpone cream and coffee lady finger. Not your typical Tiramisu in cake form, but rather in a cup. Although the Tiramisu was delicious, it was very creamy, but I also prefer it that way. This particular Tiramisu may not be everyoneβs cup of tea.
LOCATION: JE Yrausquin Boulevard 382 | La Hacienda Mall, Palm Beach, Aruba
RESTAURANT REVIEW: Altamar Menu
COST: $ (desserts); $$$-$$$$ (meals)
CUISINE: Italian/Mediterranean/Seafood
VERDICT: 4 / 5
Altamar serves Mediterranean food, but unfortunately we just decided to stop here for some dessert for a little pick-me-up. I have a feeling the food at Altamar will be really good, on my list the next time I visit Aruba.
Food: n/a | Drinks & Dessert: Very Good | DΓ©cor: Outdoors/People Watching | Service: Very Good | Value: Good
5. Lobby CafΓ© @ Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino
The perfect cup of coffee at the end of a wonderful trip!
Drinks:
CafΓ© Latte β excellent latte for Shanam.
Coffee β robust, solid cup of coffee.
Egg & Tomato Sandwich on a Croissant β this sandwich was so satisfying and delicious, it helps that Shanam and I were starving, but still. Of course, the croissant made it buttery too.
LOCATION: L.G.Smith Boulevard #101, Palm Beach, Aruba
RESTAURANT REVIEW: Lobby CafΓ© Menu
COST: $
CUISINE: Sandwiches/Coffee
VERDICT: 4 / 5
Our last meal on the trip and due to lack of time we ended up eating at the Lobby CafΓ© at the Marriot. Sometimes we overlook places that are right in our hotel. I wish I had taken advantage of the coffee at the Lobby CafΓ© Marriott. The coffee here was just perfection!
Food: Very Good | Drinks: Excellent | DΓ©cor: Casual | Service: Very Good | Value: Good
Other Lunch Recommendations
Smokey Joe's
Moomba Beach Bar & Restaurant
Salt and Pepper
La Vista
Question: Have you been to Aruba? If so, what places do you recommend for lunch/brunch?
Pam says
Looks like a lot of great food... the Brie, Walnuts & Honey Dutch Pancake has me drooling!
honeywhatscooking says
That Dutch Pancake was so delicious.. so unique!
Anna and Liz Recipes says
What a great and informative post! I have never been to Aruba but heard so much about it. Palm beach has our hearts for many years. Thank you for all your recommendations on where to grab a bite! And your photos are stunning!
honeywhatscooking says
Aruba is very nice, beautiful beaches, a mustdo! π
victor cate says
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Dixya says
i want some dutch baby with brie, walnuts, and honey now!!!
honeywhatscooking says
Yeah baby.. you would love it. So unique.
Parita says
I have a serious travel itch right now! All of this food looks incredible π
honeywhatscooking says
You're so close to the Caribbean and live in vacation land. π
Kitchen Riffs says
I just got back from vacation, but nothing as exciting as Aruba. Wow, you must have had a terrific time. Now I need to go. π Fun post -- thanks.
honeywhatscooking says
Awww.. thanks. Vacation is fun no matter where, it's the people that make it more fun!
reshma says
No vacation is complete without some yummy food! Looks like you had a great time!
honeywhatscooking says
Yes, food and hotel makes the vacation IMO! Thanks.
must see in ireland says
Such an outstanding share ! Tasty food is surely important and part of a great time especially when you are on vacation !
honeywhatscooking says
Yeah, thanks!
jhiane says
I will have to try some of these restaurants when I make a trip out to Aruba . The hotel looks nice and I love the view from the hotel
honeywhatscooking says
Yes, you have to. The food is good. π
Lilly says
Great food review! Thanks
honeywhatscooking says
Thanks.