Cafes, Brunch & Lunch in Palm Beach | Aruba

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 – 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 – Shanam’s dish, cooked to perfection.  I can’t comment since I don’t eat red meat, however she loved it and it looks good.  The side of fries were perfectly crisp.
Dessert:
Café Latte – excellent, creamy.
Coffee – good & hot.
Chocolate Molten Cake – 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 can’t 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 | Décor: Casual/Outdoors/Breezy | Service: Very Good | Value: Good




2. Linda’s Dutch Pancakes and Pizzas 
A must do in Aruba for the variety of Dutch Pancakes that come in both sweet & savory flavors.
Drinks:
Coffee – regular coffee for me which was good, kinda small though.
Café Latte – the latte was pretty light, Shanam requested a shot of espresso for which she was charged.
Entrees:
Brie, Walnuts & Honey Dutch Pancake – 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 – 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: Linda’s Dutch Pancakes & Pizza Menu
COST: $
CUISINE: Dutch/Cafe
VERDICT: 4 / 5
Linda’s Pancakes isn’t in the touristy part of town, and so you’ll 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 wouldn’t bother ordering an omelet here, definitely do the Dutch Pancakes!
Food: Very Good | Drinks: Good | Décor: Outdoors/Average | Service: Average | Value: Good




3. Taste of Belgium (CLOSED)
Nice décor, slightly upscale with reasonable prices.  Come here for breakfast, dessert, or a light snack.  The fancy coffee here is a must!
Drinks:
Coffee – 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!
Café Latte – excellent, creamy, also with a shot of espresso and whipped cream.
Belgian Pancakes – decent, light, but there really wasn’t much flavor going on here.  Letdown.
Frites – 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 | Décor: Casual/Modern | Service: Average | Value: Good




4. Altamar
New Mediterranean spot that I didn’t dine at, but it’s a great option for dessert.  This will be on my list next time I visit Aruba. 
Drinks:
Coffee – very good.
Café Latte – also very good, probably the best latte on the trip.
Tiramisu al Mascarpone – 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 everyone’s 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 | Décor: Outdoors/People Watching | Service: Very Good | Value: Good




5. Lobby Café @ Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino
The perfect cup of coffee at the end of a wonderful trip!
Drinks:
Café Latte – excellent latte for Shanam.
Coffee – robust, solid cup of coffee.

Egg & Tomato Sandwich on a Croissant – 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 Café 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 Café 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 Café Marriott.  The coffee here was just perfection!
Food: Very Good | Drinks: Excellent | Décor: 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?