Where to Eat in Curaçao
Curacao's cuisine is the result of a blend of Spanish, Dutch, African, and Asian culinary traditions. This makes the food in Curacao very diverse and full of flavor.
Below is a list of about 20 recommended restaurants for when you want to enjoy a good meal during your stay in Curaçao.
In Willemstad
IGUANA CAFÉ
One of the favorite restaurants of tourists and locals alike, where you can enjoy delicious appetizers and the most delicious piña colada cocktail on the island. The panorama of colorful monumental houses and passing ships is unsurpassed. The restaurant has a Latin touch to make you feel at home.
Where is it? 13 Handelskade, Punda
See more:
https://www.facebook.com/iguanacafecur
ZUS DI PLAZA @ PLAZA BIEU MARKET
The Best Local Food
A flea market with several small restaurants, where you can eat together with the local inhabitants. Arriving from the main market, Zus di Plaza is the last restaurant, on the left hand side.
Here you will find local dishes such as kid and beef stew, the famous Giambo, an okra soup with mixed meat that has a slimy texture. You'll either hate it or love it. I don't like it very much. Instead, I always go for fresh fish and delicious pumpkin pancakes (for dessert).
Where is it? On Ryuterkade, next to the main market, in Punda
See more: https://www.facebook.com/people/Zus-di-Plaza-Curacao/100064172317199/
LA BOHEME
This charming spot is owned by a Chilean family. Make yourself at home and enjoy an arepa, a wrap, a burger, or a delicious milkshake in a cozy atmosphere. It’s also a great spot for people-watching in the heart of Punda.
Tip:
Have dinner on Thursday nights during "Punda Vibes," when there's live music in town and a great atmosphere.
Where is it? 4 Columbiastraat, in Punda.
See more:
THE CAPTAIN
This restaurant is located below the popular De Gouverneur restaurant, overlooking Handelskade in Punda. However, at "The Captain" you pay a fraction of the price you would pay at the "De Gouverneur".
The Captain specializes in steaks, burgers, and fresh tuna every day.
Tip:
The Angus burger. The burger has a pleasant smoky flavor, and the fried onion rings add a crunchy touch. On Fridays, there's happy hour from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Where is it? 9E Ruivilleweg, in Otrobanda
ROZENDAELS
Rozendaels, now located in a modern building, offers an extensive menu featuring international dishes and local specialties such as beef and fish stews.
Tip:
If you want to try an authentic Dutch Caribbean dish, try Keshi yená, which literally means “stuffed cheese.” You’ll be served a plate of Gouda cheese stuffed with chicken, raisins, and vegetables.
Where is it? Penstraat 35, across from the Avila Beach Hotel.
See more: https://www.facebook.com/Rozendaels/
MOSA CAÑA BAR & KITCHEN
At this trendy, high-end restaurant, you can share Latin/Caribbean-inspired tapas-style dishes, such as ceviche, tacos, and rum-glazed ribs.
Where is it? Penstraat 41-43
FORT NASSAU
Located in an old 18th-century fortress, it offers a nearly 360-degree view of Willemstad and its harbor. As you climb the stairs leading to the restaurant, you can already feel the special charm of this historic place.
Tip:
Ask for a table on the terrace and arrive before sunset to enjoy the best views.
Where is it? Fort Nassauweg.
BARIO FOOD YARD
Before you go inside the restaurant, take a moment to admire the colorful graffiti on the walls. It’s the perfect spot for some Instagram photos. Inside the restaurant, they’ve set up a mini food court with food trucks (service windows) serving all kinds of snacks. It’s a nice place to have a few drinks and grab a bite to eat with friends.
Tip:
Every Thursday, you can sign up for a guided tour of Otrobanda with Kurt, starting at the Bario Hotel. The price is $10 per person, and you can reserve a table for lunch at Barrio Urban Streetfood after the tour.
Where is it? De Rouvilleweg, Otrobanda.
Restaurants in Downtown Willemstad
NUMBER TEN
You can dine indoors or on the cozy patio. This restaurant has something for everyone. Our recommendations: the Green Egg salmon club sandwich and the breakfast burrito. Delicious coffee and pastries.
Recommendation:
Number Ten is a favorite among locals and tourists alike, so it's a good idea to make a reservation. Closed in the evenings and on weekends (it's not a restaurant for dinner).
Where is it located? Santa Roosaweg, 10
TONY ROMA'S
A pleasant place to have lunch or dinner at any time of day in the open air, open from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM, 7 days a week. There are daily specials and an affordable lunch menu. Tony Roma’s is famous for its delicious ribs. Daily happy hour from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Recommended: Shrimp pasta in Alfredo sauce and fillet medallions; To drink: Tony Roma's signature cocktail: Curaçao rum punch. A huge glass that you can't lift with just one hand.
Where is it? Schottegatweg Oost, 171
CHOPSTIX SUSHI
Chopstix has been the locals’ favorite sushi restaurant for years. You can eat inside or outside on the patio. The menu is extensive and the portions are generous. Try the crispy Curaçao roll, wrapped in salmon and fried in a sweet tempura batter.
Where is it located? St. Roosaweg, 33
See more:
https://www.facebook.com/chopstixsushi
Restaurants in Piscadera
TOMATOES
The best sunset with the best pizza
The tables, with a direct view of the ocean, are the perfect spot to enjoy a thin-crust pizza while watching the boats go by at sunset.
Recommendation:
If you're not quite ready to head back to the hotel after dinner, stop by the neighboring seaside restaurant, Pirate Bay, where you can enjoy a delicious cocktail with your feet in the sand.
Where is it? Piscadera Bay
See more: https://www.facebook.com/TomatoesCuracao
FISHING
The best fish on the island
It's only open Friday through Monday.
There is a reason why the lines are long at this fishmonger's. The fish is very fresh, delicious and affordable. The concept is simple: You decide the type of fish you want to order and the size of the portion. Then, you order the fish and the side dishes of your choice at the counter. They serve you a drink at another counter and you wait at the table until your food is brought to you.
Tip: Try the medium-rare yellowfin tuna served with a sesame seed crust, soy sauce and wasabi. You will not be disappointed.
Where is it? Piscadera Bay
Restaurants on Mambo Beach Boulevard
PIZZA MARE ITALIAN RESTAURANT
The best Italian food and a great atmosphere
You'll also find gluten-free options here.
Where is it? Mambo Beach Boulevard
See more: https://www.facebook.com/pizzamare
THE GREEN HOUSE
The best breakfasts and lunches (including vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free options)
Greenhouse originally started as a Lebanese food restaurant, but has expanded its options considerably, with an extensive menu with all kinds of international dishes. Still, Greenhouse is the place to go on the island for Lebanese food.
Where is it? Mambo Beach Boulevard
Restaurants in Jan Thiel
ZANZIBAR BEACH & RESTAURANT
Good value food in one of the best tourist areas of Curaçao.
Especially famous for its pizzas.
Recommendation: If you’re looking for a more relaxed experience, don’t come on Saturdays, since Zanzibar’s happy hour is one of the most popular on the island. It’ll be hard to find parking on a Saturday. Looking for a more chic atmosphere? Papagayo Beach Club is right on the beach. Here you can enjoy a more elegant dining experience, with beautiful views of the Caribbean Sea.
Where is it? Jan Thiel Beach
Restaurants in Westpoint
EETCAFE BY BUURVROUW
This restaurant is easily recognizable by its large palapa. The restaurant opens at 2:00 p.m. for lunch and dinner. There’s an extensive menu; our favorites are the salad with goat cheese croquettes and the barbecue chicken pizza with garlic sauce.
Where is it? Via Westpoint, near Groteberg
KOMEDOR KRIOYO - LANDHUIS DOKTERSTUIN
Another favorite spot to sample local dishes, such as beef stew, goat, and fish.
Recommendation:
If you go on a Sunday, arrive early, around noon, because it gets crowded later.
Where is it? On Westpoint Road, before you reach Barber, on the left-hand side.
SHELTER ROCK PARADISE
This is a special place that’s completely off the beaten path, on a side road between Soto and Lagun. The restaurant offers a beautiful view of the countryside and features décor with antiques and artwork. Shelter Rock specializes in local cuisine. Its Friday “coconut night” is very popular (reservations are required). The coconuts are stuffed with chicken and seafood and heated for hours over hot coals.
Where is it? Flip 17
SOL FOOD
In addition to pizza, the American owners serve fish, steaks, and salads. It’s only open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. If you’re coming to Westpunt specifically for this restaurant, be sure to make a reservation. The patio is small and fills up very quickly.
Where is it? On the way to Kalki Beach at Sunshine Getaway Curaçao in the town of Westpunt
See more: https://www.facebook.com/Sol-Food-at-Sunshine-Getaway-Curacao-245884928763809
