Do Aruba restaurants require reservations?

Reservations are strongly recommended at popular Aruba restaurants, especially in peak season (December–April). Book 2–3 days ahead; 1–2 weeks for fine dining.

How much does eating out cost in Aruba?

Local spots: $10–25/person. Mid-range restaurants: $30–60/person with drinks. Fine dining: $80–150+/person. Tipping 10–15% is expected (check if already included).

Do Aruba restaurants accept USD?

Yes — US dollars are universally accepted in Aruba. Most restaurants accept major credit cards. The AWG/USD exchange rate is fixed at 1.79.

What food is Aruba known for?

Aruba is known for fresh seafood, keshi yena (stuffed cheese), pan bati (cornbread), fresh-caught fish at Zeerovers, and diverse international cuisine from Italian to Indonesian.

Driftwood Restaurant Aruba: Rustic Seafood in Oranjestad Since 1980

Driftwood Restaurant Aruba has been serving locally caught fish and Caribbean classics in Oranjestad since 1980. It is a genuine island institution. In addition, Driftwood Restaurant is well-reviewed. Browse our guide to the best restaurants in Aruba. Read reviews on TripAdvisor.

About Driftwood Restaurant

The rustic interior feels lived-in and real — wooden walls, fishing nets, maritime artefacts. It has one of the most loyal customer bases of any restaurant in Aruba. Furthermore, the secret is simple: fresh fish, honest cooking, and a warm welcome every time. That formula has not changed in over four decades.

What to Order at Driftwood Restaurant

The fresh catch changes daily — red snapper, grouper, wahoo, mahi mahi. Everything is cooked simply and served with proper Aruban sides. For example, the fish soup is a house speciality and consistently excellent. The banana flambé has been on the menu since day one. It remains one of the best desserts in Oranjestad.

Tips for Your Visit

Driftwood is in downtown Oranjestad. Easy to reach from Palm Beach by taxi. However, book ahead for weekends. Dress casually — the rustic atmosphere expects nothing more.

Practical Information

Address: Klipstraat 12, Oranjestad, Aruba
Phone: +297 583 2515
Hours: Dinner Monday–Saturday from 5:00pm
Price range: $$
Reservations: Recommended

Plan Your Visit to Aruba

Aruba is one of the most popular Caribbean destinations. In addition, the island offers year-round sunshine, calm waters, and a wide range of activities. Whether you are visiting for the beaches, the food, or the nightlife, Aruba has something for everyone. Furthermore, the island is located outside the hurricane belt, making it a safe choice throughout the year.

Getting Around Aruba

Renting a car is the best way to explore Aruba independently. However, taxis and buses are also widely available. Moreover, many attractions and restaurants are accessible on foot from the main hotel areas. As a result, getting around the island is straightforward and affordable for most visitors.

Check-in

Check-out

Adults

Children

Driftwood restaurant aruba: rustic seafood in oranjestad sin - Aruba 2026 guide

✈️ Search Flights & Hotels to Aruba

We earn a small commission from bookings at no extra cost to you.

Driftwood restaurant aruba: rustic seafood in oranjestad sin: Complete Aruba Guide for 2026

Aruba has over 200 restaurants covering every cuisine and budget. The local Aruban dishes to try include keshi yena (cheese stuffed with spiced meat), fresh barracuda, conch soup and pan bati (cornbread). The island’s mix of Dutch, South American and Caribbean influences makes the food scene surprisingly diverse. Fine dining is concentrated on Eagle Beach and Palm Beach. Local and budget eating is best in Oranjestad and San Nicolas. The Zeerovers fish fry in Bushiribana is a must-visit for the freshest seafood at the lowest price — queues are long but move fast. Most restaurants don’t require reservations except at the top fine-dining venues.

Practical tips for 2026: Book tours and activities at least 24-48 hours in advance. Hotel rates are lowest in May through early December. Direct flights from the US East Coast typically run 3.5-4.5 hours. The island uses the US dollar — no currency exchange needed for American travellers. Aruba has no sales tax on most tourist services. For the best Aruba experience, combine beach time with at least one boat tour and one land-based excursion.

🎟️ Browse All Aruba Tours on Viator →

4,000+ reviews · Free cancellation on most · Best price guaranteed

🏨 Compare All Aruba Hotels on Agoda →

100+ hotels · Free cancellation on most · Best price guarantee