Romance on the Menu by Susan Campbell Steal away with your significant other to canoodle tête-à-tête at these very special spots. Barefoot in the sand, secreted away inside a sophisticated enclave, or glammed up to the max in a trendy gourmet hot spot, we guarantee you’ll always find romance on the menu at these first-rate dining establishments.
Seaside enchantment in the sand
The only thing more romantic than long walks together on a beautiful beach is dining surfside by tiki torchlight with your bare toes touching in the soft white sand. The soothing sound of gentle waves and the brilliance of the stars in a tropical night sky set the stage for a night to remember forever. Aruba has many beachfront dining options, each with their own individual appeal. And if you reserve early enough in many of these retreats, you’ll also be treated to a spectacular sunset over the sea. For playing footsie under the table with bare toes, Barefoot Aruba offers creative cuisine right on Surfside Beach, and their covered dining area is carpeted in sand – perfect for couples in love. Pureocean at the Divi Aruba Phoenix Resort offers tables on the beach as well, and they have intimate private seaside dining options with their three-course Romance Menu. The Hyatt Regency Aruba has also set aside some tables in the sand for couples seeking intimate beach dining as part of their Pampered in Paradise menu that includes a three-course dinner with champagne. And private palapa dining is very romantic and popular with honeymooners or those seeking to propose. The Old Man & The Sea at Aruba Ocean Villas in Savaneta has one such private palapa pier over the water that will instantly
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attract couples in love. They have tables on their private beach, but it’s a very tiny boutique property, so reserve well in advance to avoid disappointment. Alluring alfresco & heavenly hideaways
If you’d prefer that your sandals and stilettos remain on solid ground but still seek a dining spot close to the sea, Pinchos Grill & Bar is situated on its own sparkling private pier with underwater lights that allow you to see the colorful tropical fish swimming right by your table. Matthew’s Beachside Restaurant at Casa del Mar is mere steps from the surf and affords epic sea view vistas, while the Sunset Grille at the Hilton Aruba is aptly named for its nightly show and seduces couples with gourmet food as well. And now, you’ll find upscale casual fare at the new Allegra Bistro at Courtyard by Marriott Aruba; choose a table by the lovely lit garden facing the ethereal glass wall for the best privacy. If you’re dressed to the nines and seeking an inside escape, then Windows on Aruba offers a classic upscale and sophisticated vibe with a panoramic glassed-in view. But if an indoor, casual, more nautical theme is to your liking, then legendary Driftwood is the place for fresh fish and seafood lovers. And though Aruba is famous for its fresh fish and seafood, couples who are passionate about red meat are more than E
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well accommodated at many top establishments like Ruth’s Chris Steak House, L.G. Smith’s Steak & Chop House, and The Chophouse – all classy indoor locations with air conditioning should you need to cool down a bit from your steamy attraction to one another! For couples seeking vegan and vegetarian fare, Aruba has undergone a massive plant-based food revolution over the last few years, and today, the choices are legion and very creative. Just ask. Places such as Ike’s Bistro at the Manchebo Resort have developed entire stand-alone vegan menus beyond their regular specialties. The international language of love
Why not feed each other amazing tidbits from around the globe at some of Aruba’s finest international restaurants? Discover amore at Casa Nonna, the Ritz-Carlton Aruba’s signature Italian enclave, or become transported into a laid-back New York state of mind at their BLT Steak that also boasts amazing sunsets. Da Vinci Ristorante in the Holiday Inn Resort serves up amazing authentic Italian, and they have a private nook where couples can enjoy it away from families and groups.
For Cuban cuisine, killer mojitos, and sultry live Latin music every night, Cuba’s Cookin’ is the place to be in the Renaissance Marketplace. And as the saying goes, “French is the language of love,” your taste buds will surely fall in love at Papillon Restaurant that specializes in French cuisine classics with a Caribbean fusion twist. And it’s not just the meat that sizzles at El Gaucho Argentine Grill, the entertainment is also pretty hot with meandering guitar players softly serenading you. Have you ever been to a dreamy escape that combines the cuisines of Peru and Japan? You’ll find this quixotic and exotic experience at the new Nikkei Sushi Bar in the alfresco Cove Mall. For international and distinctly Aruban fare, a visit to the lush garden poolside terrace of Papiamento Restaurant is a must. Or enjoy the laid-back live entertainment at Fusion Restaurant Wine & Piano Bar where you and your significant other can savor an eclectic range of international food, tapas-style shareables, and fine wines by the glass. And don’t forget to ask about special “lovers’ menus” for two wherever you go because many spots offer them but don’t always present them on their regular menu. E
Exquisitely unique venues
Aruba has some unique dining venues where passions can be fueled by food and wine. You’re bound to turn the libido level up a notch if you head to Screaming Eagle where you can dine privately in a gorgeous canopied bed. And the epic faux ruins and wonderful water circuit at Ruinas del Mar make it a perfect choice to kindle romance. Or sleuth out Quinta Del Carmen’s fabulous courtyard behind a beautifully restored mansion for an ideal location to celebrate your mutual adoration for each other with fine cuisine. You can also enjoy the enchanting liquid fireworks show in Paseo Herencia’s courtyard while you share a sensuous cheese fondue with wine for two at Melt Away Aruba. Hit the road with your significant other to experience a very special tour by Kukoo Kunuku called Wine on Down the Road with champagne toasts and a wine and tapas tour with a certified sommelier on board their party bus. Quinta Del Carmen
Looking to get starry-eyed upon the sea? Embark on a dreamy starlit dinner cruise onboard Monforte III. You may also opt for a combo of a sunset sail with Pelican Adventures and after enjoy a seaside three-course dinner at Pelican Nest Seafood Grill, their restaurant right on the water. And who says you must do all your romantic dining in one place? You might want to plan a progressive dinner to experience as many delights as you can in one night. Choose one restaurant for an appetizer, another for a main course, and finish up somewhere else for an extravagant dessert. For a great preview of the downtown dining options, sign up for Fusions of the World Food Tour with Aruba Walking Tours. Aruba is one big happy romantic island. So, get out and get closer over some fabulous dining adventures. The tropical sun shouldn’t be the only thing that makes your holiday here hot and steamy! K Barefoot
Papiamento Restaurant
Romance onboard the Monforte III Luxury Cruise Matthew’s Beachside Restaurant
Pampered in Paradise beach setting at Hyatt Regency Aruba
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Clockwise from top left, photos courtesy of Papiamento Restaurant, Matthew’s Beachside Restaurant, and Hyatt Regency Aruba
Clockwise from top left, photos courtesy of Quinta Del Carmen, Barefoot, and Monforte III Luxury Cruise
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