
Driftwood Restaurant Aruba
Driftwood Restaurant offers an authentic taste of Aruba with incredibly fresh, owner-caught seafood and a unique catch-and-cook experience in a charmi...

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Driftwood Restaurant Aruba

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Driftwood Restaurant offers an authentic taste of Aruba with incredibly fresh, owner-caught seafood and a unique catch-and-cook experience in a charming driftwood setting.
"Exceptional place, food and service! All I can say is just wow!!"
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended as the restaurant is popular and can get very busy.
Try the Catch of the Day
Experience local flavors with the fresh catch, often prepared Aruban-style with a spicy creole sauce.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Seafood, Caribbean
Price
$$$
Phone
+297 583 2515
Address
Driftwood Building, Klipstraat 12, Oranjestad, Aruba
Website
driftwoodaruba.com/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Catch of the Day
Savor the freshest seafood, often caught by the owners themselves, prepared Aruban-style or to your preference.

Unique Catch-and-Cook Experience
Embark on a deep-sea fishing excursion and have your catch expertly prepared by the chef.

Rustic Driftwood Ambiance
Dine in a cozy, rustic atmosphere adorned with driftwood, where guests can even leave their mark.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended as the restaurant is popular and can get very busy.
Try the Catch of the Day
Experience local flavors with the fresh catch, often prepared Aruban-style with a spicy creole sauce.
Ask for Recommendations
Servers are happy to offer personalized suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
Add Papaya Hot Sauce
Enhance your fish soup or other dishes with the house-made papaya hot sauce.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended as the restaurant is popular and can get very busy.
Try the Catch of the Day
Experience local flavors with the fresh catch, often prepared Aruban-style with a spicy creole sauce.
Ask for Recommendations
Servers are happy to offer personalized suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
Add Papaya Hot Sauce
Enhance your fish soup or other dishes with the house-made papaya hot sauce.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Driftwood Restaurant is celebrated for its exceptionally fresh seafood, with many highlighting the "catch of the day" as a standout. The rustic ambiance and friendly service contribute to a memorable dining experience, though some note it can be a bit pricey for the portion sizes. Overall, it's considered a must-visit for seafood lovers in Aruba, especially for those seeking an authentic local feel.
"Driftwood was amazing. Everything screams Aruba and the food was so good. Their catch of the day is fantastic (but so as other stuff on the menu). Definitely make reservation in advance though. We saw a lot of people waiting when we were done."
Mei Mei Chan
"Food was delicious and staff were very nice. I had a reservation for 8 but they were able to accommodate me earlier. The place is cozy and feel like home."
Suany Gomez
"Driftwood Restaurant is a great establishment with a welcoming ambiance. The food was good. The crab cakes were definitely our favorite item here. Would surely come back for them as they were simply sublime. Do ask for the hot sauce as it was amazing with the crab cakes and the other items. The sangria was well made. The service was friendly, courteous, and attentive. Restaurant patrons were able leave writings on the walls to commemorate their visit and etch themselves into the establishment. Very cool aspect. Would definitely recommend when in Aruba."
Aninda Z
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The restaurant's owners are fishermen who often catch the seafood themselves, ensuring exceptional freshness. They specialize in dishes like Atlantic king crab and Caribbean lobster.
Yes, Driftwood offers a catch-and-cook experience. You can go on a deep-sea fishing excursion with Driftwood Charter Yacht and have your catch prepared by the chef.
It is highly recommended to make reservations in advance, as the restaurant is very popular and often has a waitlist.
The restaurant features a rustic, nautical-themed ambiance with natural driftwood decor. Guests can even carve their names into the walls.
Popular appetizers include escargot, crab cakes, and garlic bread.
The 'catch of the day' is often recommended to be served Aruban-style, which means pan-fried and topped with a spicy creole sauce.
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Thanks to its robust offerings, Driftwood is widely considered the best seafood restaurant on the island. Here, marquee dishes range from Atlantic king crab to Caribbean lobster, while standard options include coconut-battered shrimp and the catch of the day, often hauled in from the sea by the restaurant’s owner. For an even fresher meal, opt for the catch-and-cook experience: Driftwood Charter Yacht offers deep-sea fishing excursions, after which the house chef back at the restaurant will prepare whatever you’ve caught.
Restaurants in Oranjestad and Environs
Opened in 1986, this rustic nautical-themed restaurant is owned and operated by the Merryweather family. It's justifiably famous for serving up the freshest catch of the day caught by the owners themselves. Typically they recommend the fresh fish be served Aruban-style for the best local experience (that means panfried and topped with a spicy creole sauce).
seafood restaurants in aruba
and Amazing." 2. Irausquin Boulevard 370, Arawak Garden across from Barcelo Resort in Palm Beach Fresh seafood restaurant owned and founded by local fisherman "Herbert Merryweather" also founder of world famous Driftwood Restaurant Aruba. Hi Everyone! Reflexion's Beach Bar & Restaurant. . Get directions. Together with local talent, they contribute to the island's rich offering when it comes to superb restaurants. I LOVED the fish and the spaghetti made in the Parmesan bowl. Add a tropical drink and enjoy the view in a laid-back, breezy atmosphere. Bugaloe Beach Bar juts out into the ocean on a pier at Palm Beach, the perfect spot to stop in for lunch or a drink while hanging out on the sand. Dine with your feet in the soft white sand and the soothing sound of the gentle waves caressing the shore. Grilled Fish $28.50. We heard about LionFish Snack Aruba from a local and had to try. Add a tropical drink and enjoy the view in a laid-back, breezy atmosphere. International, Seafood. Castaways Bar. Lima Bistro Ocean Z Restaurant 560 reviews Closed Now Caribbean, Seafood $$$$ Menu "Best Upscale Caribbean and Seafood in N." The restaurant is specilized in seafood, all prepared the Latin American way. El Gaucho Restaurant serves a variety of tempting dishes, featuring quality Argentine steaks, tender and juicy, charcoal-grilled to perfection. The Barcelo Aruba is an upper-middle-range all-inclusive resort located on busy and beautiful Palm Beach. . "Beautiful sunset and delicious dinner!. ". Why LionFish? . BOOK YOUR TABLE NOW Our Chef - Jovani Rangel Driftwood Seafood Restaurant Aruba He started his culinary journey at an early age of seventeen in the hospitality industry in Venezuela where he was born and raised. Reserve your Christmas Party or family gathering at restaurantbuccaneer@gmail.com or call us at 297- 586-6172 Prices for this 3. Caribbean, Bar ₹₹ - ₹₹₹ Menu. Although there are many options for upscale waterfront dining in Aruba, if you . This open-air beachside restaurant is just a few steps from both the sea and . Best Seafood Restaurant Aruba Our Menu Starter AWG 16.00 Oyster Soup AWG 14.00 Calamari Fritti fried squid with marinara sauce AWG 12.25 Fish Soup AWG 16.00 Oyster Soup AWG 14.00 Calamari Fritti fried squid with marinara sauce AWG 12.25 Fish Soup AWG 16.00 Oyster Soup Deep Fried AWG 57.50 1 LB Fresh Shrimp cleaned and deveined AWG 52.50 It is a very popular dish in the Netherlands. Fred Royal Aruba Wilhelminastraat 18 Oranjestad, Aruba (297) 565 2324 Helmed by Chef Roy Engelen, this cozy restaurant in Oranjestad entices guests with its ambrosial 5-course meals. The award-winning chef's philosophy of combining classic seafood dishes . 507 reviews Closed Now. If you go as a vegan in Aruba pizza, falafel, lasagna, banana cake, banana pie, pasta, and more are available at Green Food Restaurant. 2. "Amazing chef and amazing sushi". Get all you want with our buffet option, or pick and choose your . "Wonderful Surprise". About Red Fish Aruba. Opening time Saturday 12:00 pm - 7:30 pm . Ruth's Chris Steak House. Atardi is a signature seafood restaurant in Aruba. . There is an emphasis on seafood, but they also focus on pork and only the best cuts of beef. Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat Beach Bites. "Wonderful Surprise". View about Seafood Restaurants in Savaneta, Aruba on Facebook. Solanio, which is one of the top Italian restaurants in Aruba, offers al fresco dining for both lunch and dinner. Screaming Eagle Restaurant. OceanZ Restaurant 537 reviews Closed Now Caribbean, Seafood $$$$ Menu "Best Upscale Caribbean and Seafood in N." "BEST SEAFOOD PAELLA EVER!!!. This open-air beachside restaurant is just a few steps from both the sea and .
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To enhance your taste buds especially for the seafood lovers you can visit Driftwood Aruba Seafood Restaurant for the perfect evening surrounded by the lovely ambiance where we offer personalized services by cooking your catch of the day from the Caribbean Sea to make your dining experience a memorable one. The variety of the fish is vast and Atlantic game fish are abundant. You can also try your luck in best offshore deep sea fishing in Aruba from a wide variety of fishes namely Sailfish, Blue Marlin, Barracuda, Tuna, Wahoo, King Fish, Sharks, Amberjack, Bonito and Black & Yellow Fin Tuna to Marlins at fresh fish restaurant in Aruba, as your fresh catch will be prepared in five different ways served with the perfect accompaniments which include white rice, baked potato, vegetables, funchi (corn-meal), pan Bati (local cornbread) and fried plantains, savour the exquisite dishes and enjoy your evening.
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The Seafood Restaurant Aruba offers a blend of vivid imagination and exceptional palate of rich tasting seafood which is inspired in style and locally sourced in creation from best chefs of these restaurants. They are always at work to amuse your taste buds in a myriad of ways with their culinary skills. Pan Fried Scallops, Light Spicy Shrimps, Lobster & Shrimp Pasta, Tenderloin & Shrimp, etc are some of the varieties of seafood that these restaurants in Aruba like to offer to their customers.
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Located in the heart of downtown Oranjestad, Driftwood is one of the oldest standing restaurants in Aruba, and for good reason!. They serve great seafood and traditional Aruban delicacies in a rustic ambiance of their natural driftwood dining room, making for a true local dining experience. PS – Driftwood has their very own fishing charter, so as you can imagine, what they catch is what you can expect to find on your plate, now that’s sea-to-table goodness!
seafood restaurants in aruba
Fresh Seafood Restaurant owned and founded by Local Fisherman "Herby Meryweather" also founder of World Famous Driftwood Restaurant. Thankfully, these … A very cozy place with a very Peruvian-style decoration, an ideal place to start with a pisco Sower and order a mixed seafood cebiche and very fresh fish and continue with a sautéed beef tenderloin. Our prime cuts and freshly-caught seafood are the stars of our menu, complemented by flavorful sides.
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Located in the heart of downtown Oranjestad offering great seafood and typically Aruban delicacies in the rustic ambiance of the natural driftwood dining room. Furthermore all dishes are prepared with an Aruban touch and accompanied by pan bati, our famous Aruban corn bread. Enjoy the freshest fish, biggest shrimp, or the most succulent Caribbean lobster amid the rustic ambiance of the natural driftwood dining room.
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This restaurant has specialized in seafood since 1986 and all seafood served in the restaurant is actually caught daily by the owner. The Aruban style dishes have kept diners returning to enjoy the ambient natural driftwood dining room together with the mouthwatering cuisine prepared by a talented local chef. The menu includes traditional Aruban dishes, the freshest fish, biggest shrimp and most succulent lobster.
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Have an authentic seafood dining experience at Driftwood Restaurant, situated in the characteristic downtown Oranjestad. This comfortable downtown restaurant has a long tradition (35 years) of serving the freshest fish, the biggest shrimp and the most succulent Caribbean Lobster. Known for its authentic flavors, the restaurant has earned a stellar reputation as one of the top seafood destinations in Aruba.
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Famous for its fresh catch of the day, Driftwood offers an authentic Aruban seafood experience. As the restaurant’s name implies, its interior is adorned with driftwood, nautical decor, and fishing nets, providing an immersive marine-themed atmosphere. The chefs take pride in preparing traditional Aruban dishes, particularly those featuring the freshest fish, straight from the ocean to your plate.
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Authentic Aruban seafood doesn't get any fresher or better than the fare at this rustic restaurant tucked away on a side street. Keeping with its name, this cozy venue is full of gnarled driftwood posts and slats laced with ship lanterns and Captain Nemo underwater helmets. The owner wakes up early every morning, hops on his boat, and stalks the coast for your dinner.
How to Plan Your Trip to Aruba
Uncle Tony’s Pizza (located on the property) was one as well as The West Deck (absolutely delicious and one of my favs), Red Fish (also very good for fresh seafood), Driftwood (one of the best restaurants), Arashi Beach Shack, Pelican Nest Seafood Grill (part of the excursion and very good), The Old Fisherman, Moomba Beach, and Big Mama’s Grill (San Nicolas).
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Driftwood Restaurant is an Aruban gem, renowned for its seafood-centric menu that sources the day’s catch from local fishermen. The rustic, nautical décor adds to the restaurant’s cozy charm, making it an ideal spot for seafood lovers. Signature dishes include fresh-caught grouper, red snapper, and lobster, all expertly prepared with local herbs and spices.
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Since 1986 Driftwood is a reliable seafood-driven restaurant, hidden behind the main street of downtown Oranjestad. Traditionally prepared, super-fresh seafood is the draw here - the owners catch their own every day. Broiled Caribbean lobster is always a solid choice, but the fresh catch of the day, prepared to your liking, is really the standout.
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This restaurant doesn’t have a beach or an amazing view, but what it does have is a variety of authentic Aruban seafood. It’s also just a 2 minute walk away from the Renaissance so it’s quite convenient if you are staying there as well. This is where I tried the most delicious fish soup, as well as a grilled to perfection mahi-mahi.
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Klipstraat 12, Oranjestad (Monday to Saturday 5 to 10.30pm). Driftwood Restaurant in Downtown Oranjestad is one of the best Aruba restaurants for seafood. It’s owned by a local fisherman who personally catches all their fresh fish of the day, unless you opt, as we did, to catch your own dinner with a deep-sea fishing experience.
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The walls were plastered with driftwood and it felt like a being on a ship with steering wheels as lamps (minus the sea sickness)!. I ordered the chicken with tropical citrus sauce and wish I had the recipe for that sauce!. Josh tried the Aruban meal - fresh catch of the day with potato and veggies.
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And though some well-established venues are easy to find like Yemanja Woodfired Grill, Driftwood, and L.G. Smith’s Steak & Chop House, there are many hidden dining gems. Seek out places like Maroc for wine and tapas, or fine dining at Wilhelmina and their chef’s table, Carte Blanche, next door.
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I was absolutely blown away by the playfully delicious seafood dishes at Driftwood Restaurant in Aruba. From the freshly caught fish to the succulent shrimp, every bite was an explosion of flavor. The restaurant's relaxed and beachy atmosphere only added to the overall dining experience.
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A favorite among locals and tourists alike, Driftwood Restaurant is known for its fresh seafood and rustic charm. The menu features a variety of fish and shellfish dishes, all prepared with a Caribbean twist. In addition, grilled red snapper and the seafood platter are standout options.
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Open from Monday - Saturday from 5 - 9.30 pm, closed on Sundays. Top authentic seafood restaurant on Aruba with plenty of indoor seating, renowned among locals and fervent Aruba travelers. Not only for the unique wooden interior, but for the authentic Aruban dishes and seafood.
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**The best Seafood Restaurant in Aruba is at your service when you go on a fishing trip with us. If you want, we can make reservations for you at the restaurant after you catch a fish. They will cook it for you in 5 different styles, complete with delicious side dishes.
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Known for its authentic seafood by locals and long time visitors alike, Driftwood is a great spot for casual down-to-earth fare. It is also a viable choice if you have a family in tow. You can also go deep sea fishing and catch your own fish – we love this!
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A favorite of the locals, the calm waters of Mangel Halto are perfect for skimming on stand-up paddleboards and snorkeling. It’s a beautiful reef with colorful fish, and a guided drift snorkel lets you swim easily along with the current to see it.
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Curious about the back story of the fish on your plate?. Owner Herby can give you the full play-by-play, since he's the one in charge of the fishing. Fisherman by day, Herby's catches are on the plate by night.
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While filled with a lot of tourists, this is the type of restaurant you can bring the whole family to and not break the bank. With entrees like Pan-fried fish or the lobster tail/filet mignon, the menu has something for everyone.
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Next, it’s time to list Aruba’s best authentic seafood restaurant. Driftwood Restaurant specializes in serving fresh seafood from the Caribbean Sea. It uses original recipes and serves the fresh catch of the day.
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This is the only restaurant in Aruba that’s on our list and isn’t located on the water. We loved seeing a bit of downtown here though. And we loved checking out a place that’s not quite as well-known.
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It is a small and intimate, family-owned and operated hotel, known for its beautiful and tranquil setting, excellent service and comfortable accommodations.
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Indulge in fresh seafood at Driftwood or enjoy Aruban specialties at Zeerovers before joining a cooking workshop at The Kitchen.
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