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With its year-round sunny skies, warm breezes and culinary riches, the Dutch Caribbean island of Aruba is made for romance. No wonder it’s a magnet for couples in love – every night is naturally date night!
From fantasy private dinners and Valentine’s Day celebrations to intimate hideaways to pop the question and enchanting spots to rekindle memories on a milestone anniversary, Aruba has a wealth of options for romantic dinners on the beach.
Not sure where to start? I’ve got you covered.
After decades of exploring the dining scene and other top things to do in Aruba for Fodor’s Travel Guides and specialty publications such as Aruba Nights, Island Gourmet and MyArubaGuide, I’ve scouted out the island’s dreamiest spots for romance.
Here’s my carefully curated, alphabetical list of the most romantic restaurants in Aruba on the beach (and overwater) where the ambiance is just as captivating as the cuisine.
1. Atardi Restaurant – Pop-Up Romantic Dinner on Palm Beach
The ambiance is romantic and the cuisine celebratory at Atardi at the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino which magically pops up out of nowhere on Palm Beach each evening at 6 pm, just in time for the sunset.
Kick off your shoes, sip some champagne, and enjoy menu standouts such as coriander-infused lobster tail and slow-cooked short ribs with foie gras sauce.
Add some sweet heat at the end with flambéed devil’s food cake. Soft live music adds to the magic.
🌟 Insider Tip: Reserve in advance for sunset dining as there are limited tables. Cashless.
As their name suggests, Barefoot, an enchanting little seaside enclave minutes from downtown Oranjestad on Governor’s Bay Beach, invites you to dine basically shoeless.
In fact, even the floor of their giant palapa dining area is intentionally made of soft white sand.
But it’s the little tables seafront that offer the most romantic dining here, surrounded with tiki torches and colourful lit palms that compete with the colourful lights of the cruise ships coming and going in the near distance.
The vibe is tongue in cheek creative casual with upscale options, killer craft cocktails, and an impressive wine list.
Specialties not to miss are lobster bisque with vanilla froth, the Romance of the Sea combo of grouper, snapper and mahi with lemon-garlic sauce, and their slow-stewed ossobuco.
End with a playful ‘Snickers Cheesecake’ with hazelnut ice cream.
3. California Lighthouse – Dining with Epic Views
For an unforgettably romantic dinner in Aruba, enjoy panoramic views across the northwestern coastline of Aruba from your perch at the top of the California Lighthouse.
This is one of only two lighthouse dining experiences in the world!
There are just two seatings a day for this unique private dining opportunity.
The “chasing the sunset” seating (for two) is from 6pm to 8pm while seating for “under the stars” dining (also for two) takes place from 8:15 pm to 10:15 pm.
Choose from the 3-course dinner or a charcuterie board. Both include a bottle of wine.
🌟 Pro Tip: This exclusive experience can only be booked through Aruba Walking Tours.
4. Elements – Adults-only Romantic Dining on the Beach
While the four private cabanas on Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort‘s pristine beachfront are reserved during the day for the guests, at night they become available to the public for a romantic dinner on the beach from their signature Elements restaurant.
This dreamy intimate culinary experience for two on famous Eagle Beach is offered at a set price.
It includes wine or champagne, choice of appetizer, main course, dessert and tea, coffee or espresso.
There are two seatings per evening –sunset or moonlight — and the entire resort is adults-only so there won’t be boisterous children to distract from the steamy mood.
A vegan menu is also available. (Elements is one of the best places for vegan food in Aruba), vegetarians, and for those who require gluten-free fare.)
🌟 Insider Tip: If you’d rather have a daytime date there, they host a very romantic Sunday brunch, too. Cashless.
5. Flying Fishbone – Dine with Your Feet in the Water
Set on the waterfront in the quiet fishing village of Savaneta, Flying Fishbone offers an intimate setting for romance.
It becomes even more enchanting if you opt for one of the tables at the waters’ edge where you can actually dine with your feet right in the water.
With natural ingredients such as a night sky filled with sparkling stars, flickering lanterns, tables draped in fine linen and underwater lights showcasing the fishes at your feet, it is very special.
But the tables in the sand for barefoot canoodling are also enticingly romantic.
Enjoy the local treasures from the sea by ordering the Savaneta Seafood History – a variety of seafood bathed in rich curry sauce.
For an impressive dessert, opt for the classic Baked Alaska flambéed at your table.
🌟 Pro Tip: Reservations are a must for tables in the water. There are very few and only available if you opt for a 4 pm seating.
6. Passions on the Beach – Romantic Dining on Eagle Beach
The name says it all for those seeking toes-in-the-sand dining on Eagle Beach, Passions on the Beach.
Amsterdam Manor’s signature restaurant sprawls along one of the highest-rated stretches of sand on the planet, home to the famous Fofoti trees (the twisted trees you see on so many Aruba posters).
Go local to start by ordering some authentic Aruba fish soup, then opt for the Treasure of the Sea Passions Platter of Caribbean lobster tail, shrimp laksa, barramundi plus local sides and sauces.
As your evening dinner on the beach progresses, the spectacular sunset over the sea gives way to tiki torches by the tables and twinkling lights in the trees.
For dessert, it must be the Passions Surprise for Two special – a chef’s choice trio of decadent desserts served with a fiery sparkler.
🌟 Insider Tip: Ask for a table at the furthest end of the stretch away from the entrance for more privacy and unfettered sea views. Cashless.
7. Pinchos Grill & Bar – Swoon-Worthy Overwater Dining
One of the most romantic restaurants in Aruba — an episode of ABC’s The Bachelor was even filmed here — this chic bar and grill just outside of downtown Oranjestad is set on a gorgeous pier.
The boardwalk is aglow with twinkling lights but you can even see colourful tropical fish swimming beneath the water due to their underwater lights.
When it comes to delicious dining, Pinchos Grill & Bar specializes in grilled meats. Be sure to try the Maple Bourbon Cowboy Pincho a hearty skewer of chorizo, beef and pork tenderloin and chicken.
Other standout dishes on the menu include twin Caribbean lobster tails served with a refreshing pineapple-curry mayo.
🌟 Insider Tip: A lovers swing makes the ideal place to pop the question if you’re looking for a place to propose on Aruba.
For other great spots to enjoy cocktails with a view, check out our picks for the Top 10 Beach Bars in Aruba.
8. pureocean – A Toes-in-the-Sand Secret
One might never notice this little seaside oasis offering toes-in-the-sand romantic dining tucked away on the property of the Divi Phoenix Beach Resort that faces the opposite direction of most high-rise hotels on busy Palm Beach.
But pureocean is well worth seeking out.
With simple little white wooden tables on a pristine white sand beach affording an
entirely different ocean vista of this typically busy tourist area under lovely lit palms and cresting a calm stretch of sea, it’s a truly special find.
The menu, though small, is eclectic in world cuisine offerings, think specialties like truffle ravioli, Tomahawk pork chops, pan seared grouper beurre blanc, and stuffed portobello for vegetarians.
And the soft live music at this hideaway romantic restaurant in Aruba is bound to get you up swaying barefoot in the sand with your significant other in no time, too.
🌟 Insider Tip: For an extraordinary outing, begin with a couple’s massage under the nearby beach palapa provided by the resort’s excellent spa Pure Indulgence.
9. The Old Man & the Sea – A Polynesian-Style Paradise
For the ultimate romantic dinner in Aruba, head to the Old Man & The Sea, a unique South Pacific experience at Aruba Ocean Villas‘ luxurious boutique resort in Savaneta.
There’s nothing quite as unforgettable as enjoying a fine meal surrounded by crystal clear waters.
A handful of tables is set in the sand on a pristine private beach surrounded by lovely lighting steps from the waves.
In the past, the private overwater cabana on its own pier was reserved for resort guests. But they’ve added a second palapa that can be reserved for non-resort guests for an additional fee.
Interested? Book far ahead as they’ve become one of the most popular places to propose in Aruba!
The menu is ever-evolving and features creatively-prepared fresh seafood (such as lobster à la vodka), Angus beef and appetizers such as the hotel’s deservedly famous keshi yena appetizer, a delicious traditional local dish.
Soft live music and tiki torches add to the enchantment.
🌟 Insider Tip: One of Aruba’s top boutique hotels, it’s strictly adults-only.
10. Unforgettable Private Beach Dining at Aruba’s Top Resorts
Many of Aruba’s top resorts and hotels will set up a private table for dining right on the sand, complete with a specially curated menu from their signature restaurants—all for one all-inclusive price, often with wine or champagne to toast the moment.
The perfect way to celebrate a romantic occasion in unforgettable style!
Some have various options like the Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort and Casino that has a dedicated ‘sunset concierge’ to arrange it. The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba also offers private dinners catered from their legendary dining rooms.
For a romantic dinner on Palm Beach, Holiday Inn Resort Aruba also offers a few stand-alone tables for two on a lovely beach beside their Seabreeze dining spot.
🌟 Insider Tip: Private beach dinners at the hotels are not always well advertised. Ask your concierge if they can arrange one. Chances are good they can.
Other Romantic Culinary Experiences
Picnic Aruba – Romantic Picnic on the Beach
This luxury pop-up picnic concept service has taken the island by storm.
It’s very popular for proposals and honeymoons, but it can also make for a fabulous romantic dinner!
Picnic Aruba will take care of all the details. You simply show up and enjoy an awesome feast and a private moment in paradise.
Choose from breakfast, gourmet, signature grazing, or even vegan menus.
Pick You Up Aruba – A Unique Beachfront Experience
How about feasting on a finely curated charcuterie board with bubbly, wine, or a cold bucket of beer in the back of a beautifully tricked-out pickup truck with twinkling lights and music for old school style romance?
Pick You Up Aruba gives you a choice of four different gourmet packages set on a wild beach location where you can enjoy a sunset over the sea and then stretch out in cozy blankets in the back of the truck to stargaze.
Sound dreamy? It is.
🌟 Pro Tip: This unique outing also makes for a great buddy adventure or girls getaway. Why not gather a group of friends to kick back and celebrate a special occasion tail-gate style with some dancing in the sand? Choose your own playlist too! (Max. 4-6 people.)
Private Cabanas on Flamingo Beach – A Romantic Splurge
One of the most romantic things to do in Aruba is to spend a day on adults-only Flamingo Beach in a private cabana. It’s ideal for a couples’ escape, luxury splurge, or honeymoon celebration.
Renaissance Private Island Aruba (and the private cabana rentals) are available exclusively for in-house guests at the Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort.
But non-guests can also visit the island for a fee. Check out our post on how to get a Day Pass to Flamingo Beach on Renaissance Island .
Aruba Sunset Sails and Dinner Cruises
Aruba offers countless ways to set sail for romance, from elegant sunset dinner cruises with gourmet dining to lively Happy Hour sails featuring cocktails, appetizers, and breathtaking views.
Whether you’re toasting to love on a luxury catamaran or sipping champagne as the sun dips below the horizon, a sailing experience along Aruba’s stunning coastline is pure magic.
This Aruba Sunset Cruise with Appetizers and Drinks gets top reviews.
Other Romantic Getaways You’ll Love
FAQs
Aruba has lots to offer couples beyond romantic walks along its beautiful beaches. Sharing a spectacular sunset on Eagle Beach, sipping cocktails by tiki torchlight at a private dinner on the beach or gourmet dining in a centuries-old mansion are just a few of the romantic pastimes for couples. Aruba is one of the most popular Caribbean islands for destination weddings, honeymoons and anniversaries for good reason!
Smart casual is acceptable for nice restaurants in Aruba. You can wear chic shorts and sandals at most places for dinner but a high-end dinner out is a great opportunity to dress up. Formal attire is not required.
This post was originally published in 2019 but was substantially updated with new research by Aruba expert and Contributing Editor Sue Campbell in January 2025.
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