Frequently Asked Questions

Reservations are recommended for popular restaurants, especially during Aruba’s busier seasons. The island’s high tourist season runs roughly from mid-December through mid-April, coinciding with winter holidays and spring break. If you’re visiting in the high season, particularly around Christmas/New Year’s, Carnival time, or Easter, it’s wise to book your dinner reservations well in advance.

In the off-season and slower months, you can be more spontaneous. A lot of eateries will have open tables or only short waits, especially for lunch or at casual spots. For a small party (2–4 people) dining on a random weeknight, you probably can get by with same-day reservations or even just walking in at many establishments. That said, if you have your heart set on a particular restaurant or are celebrating a special occasion, it doesn’t hurt to reserve a day or two beforehand just to be safe (restaurants appreciate it, and you get peace of mind). Large groups should definitely reserve in advance whenever possible, to ensure the restaurant can accommodate your party.

Making a reservation is simple! Just find the restaurant you’re interested in and click the ‘Reserve Now’ button. Your request will be sent directly to the restaurant, and they’ll usually respond within 24 hours after checking availability. If you don’t receive a reply, feel free to contact us and we’ll be happy to help.

No, credit card information is not required to submit a reservation request. Most restaurants won’t ask for it either. However, for large groups or during especially busy times, some restaurants may request this to prevent no-shows.

No registration is needed. You can book a table quickly and easily without creating an account.

It depends on the season and the restaurant’s popularity. During Aruba’s high season, mid-December to mid-April, and around major holidays like Christmas, New Year’s, and Carnival, we recommend booking well in advance, especially for popular spots.

Dining in Aruba is a mostly casual affair. ‘Island casual‘ is the norm at the majority of restaurants, during the day, it’s perfectly fine to wear shorts, t-shirts or sundresses, and in the evenings nice shorts or lightweight pants and polo or blouse will do for most establishments. Only a handful of high-end restaurants or fine dining venues encourage a slightly smarter dress, but even these remain relatively relaxed by international standards. In general, beachwear and swimsuits should be kept to the beach or pool. In essence, dress neat and comfy, and you’ll be welcome just about everywhere.

You can expect warm, friendly service in Aruba’s restaurants, generally delivered with a laid-back island vibe. Aruban hospitality is genuine, servers will almost always greet you with a smile and often speak multiple languages (including English) to make you feel at home. The pace of service, however, tends to be more relaxed and unhurried than some visitors might be used to. You’re on ‘island time‘ in Aruba, so dining isn’t meant to be rushed; it’s normal for meals to take a bit longer and for waitstaff to give you space to enjoy your food and company. Don’t hesitate to wave your server over or politely ask for the bill when you’re ready, as it’s common in Aruba for the check to be brought only once you request it (a sign that they don’t want to rush you out).

Absolutely. Aruba is very family-friendly, and you’ll find kids welcome in almost every restaurant. Many places have kid’s menus or will happily adapt dishes for younger tastes, and the ambiance island-wide is relaxed enough that you never have to worry about bringing children along. Nearly all Aruba restaurants are kid-friendly, offering a welcoming environment, and often extras like high-chairs, coloring books, or just an upbeat vibe that keeps children happy. Dining out in Aruba with family is convenient and comfortable – the island prides itself on being One Happy Island for guests of all ages.

Yes, many restaurants (and resorts in particular) offer catering services or will host special events with customized menus. If you’re planning a group event like a wedding reception, corporate dinner, or family reunion, you’ll find plenty of options to dine in style. Most of the large resorts have dedicated catering teams. If you have a favorite restaurant, it’s worth asking if they do catering – you might be surprised. Overall, Aruba is well-equipped for group dining: whether you utilize a hotel’s catering department or hire a restaurant team to cook for your group, you and your guests will be well taken care of. Just be sure to reach out in advance to arrange the details, and the restaurants will happily bring the party to you.

Tipping in Aruba is appreciated but not obligatory. In many restaurants, a service charge may be added to your bill. This charge is shared among the staff and is not a direct gratuity to your individual waiter. Because of that, if you receive excellent personal service, it’s common to leave an additional tip on top. Many visitors will round up the tip to bring the total gratuity to about 15 – 20% of the bill, similar to U.S. standards. If no service charge is included, then tipping around 15% for good service (or a bit more for truly outstanding service) is customary. The general guideline: reward great service as you feel comfortable.

Yes! Many restaurants offer seasonal specials or limited-time menus throughout the year. We do our best to gather and showcase these on our specials page, be sure to check it regularly for the latest offers.

We’d love to have you on board! Just reach out to us and we’ll guide you through the steps to get listed.

Restaurants that partner with us provide more details, photos, and booking options. Others are listed as a courtesy to our visitors, so the information may be limited.