Photo by Bottom photo courtesy of Barefoot Aruba. Facing page photo by Can Stock Photo
Date-Night Diningby Susan Campbell
On this island every night can be date night since there are so many dreamy and
downright sexy places to share a meal together. So get all decked out in your most
seductive duds and set out to explore Aruba’s canoodling culinary spots.
Soul mates in the sandThe only thing that is more romantic than
long hand-in-hand walks together on a beautiful
beach is dining tête-à-tête together surfside by
tiki torchlight with your bare toes touching in
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 with tables in the sand, each with their
own individual appeal. And if you reserve early
enough, in many of these spots you’ll also be
treated to a spectacular sunset over the sea.
These fine dining establishments are typi-
cally known for their gourmet specialties, which
include some or all of the following: fresh catch
of the day, seafood, meat specialties, compre-
hensive wine lists, and signature dishes and
drinks. You’ll find them on beautiful beaches
dotted all over the island. Barefoot Aruba offers
elegance in flip-flops on Surfside Beach, while
Simply Fish at the Marriott Resort is one of the
top fish and seafood restaurants on the island.
Flying Fishbone, near the quaint fishing village
of Savaneta was the first toes-in-the-sand dining
locale. Sunset Beach Bistro at the Divi Phoenix
Resort livens things up with live music nightly.
Some resorts offer special lover’s dinners in
very private surroundings, these include the
Hyatt’s Footprints Beach Grill, with only five
tables, and the private palapas at the Bucuti &
Tara Resorts. (Reserve well in advance for these
two.) For a sweet finish to your beachside E
Barefoot Aruba
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Top photo by Pavel Losevsky. Bottom photo by Pierre Arsenault
soiree, Passions on the Beach at Amsterdam
Manor on Eagle Beach offers the Passion Sur-
prise dessert for two.
Sizzle inside, surfside, or alfrescoIf you prefer your sandals and stilettos re-
main on solid ground but still seek a dining spot
close to the sea, this island has many magical
spots of that ilk as well. Pinchos Grill & Bar is
situated on its own sparkling private pier and
is so romantic that it was chosen to host one of
The Bachelor’s rose ceremonies. Then there is
lovely Driftwood for fresh-fish lovers where
they will cook up your very own catch if you
go on one of their deep-sea fishing outings.
Romantic Matthew’s and trendy Pure Beach
are also steps from the sea and the surf, and La
Vista provides amazing sea vistas from inside and
out. There are all kinds of alfresco options – like
lovely French-inspired Amuse Bistro along the
strip next to the highrise hotels – that are just
perfect for people-watching while you cuddle.
In fact, you might want to plan a progressive
dinner along this lively street to experience as
many spots as you can in one night. Choose one
for an appetizer, another for a main course, and
end at the court yard of the beautiful colonial-
style Paseo Herencia Mall for dessert and to
watch the wonderful waltzing waters show. If
you’re dressed to the nines and seeking an inside
escape, then Windows on Aruba offers an über-
upscale and sophisticated vibe with a pano-
ramic glassed-in view. Or hide away in your own
dimly lit corner amidst 7 West’s modern neon
decor. And though Aruba is famous for its fresh
fish, lovers who are passionate about red meat
are well accommodated at top establishments
like Ruth’s Chris Steak House, L.G. Smith’s Steak
& Chop House, and French Steakhouse – all
classy indoor spots with air conditioning should
you need to cool down a bit from your steamy
attraction to one another! E
Pinchos Grill & Bar
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Top photo by Andrey Popov. Bottom photo by Famke Backx
Love around the worldFeed each other amazing tidbits from
around the globe at some of Aruba’s finest inter-
national restaurants. Discover amore at Italian
La Trattoria El Faro Blanco or Sole Mare, or
how about some Cuban cuisine, killer mojitos,
and sultry live Latin music at Cuba’s Cookin’?
Asian delights abound at Sushi-Ya, and if you
want to curry more favor with your special
someone, treat them to some hot Indian cui-
sine at Taj Mahal or Tandoor. For international
and distinctly Aruban fare, a visit to the lush
garden terrace of Papiamento is a must; it’s one
of the most romantic enclaves on the island.
Share unique experiencesAruba has some unique dining venues
where passions can be fueled by food and wine
as well. You are bound to launch the libido le-
vel up a notch if you head to Screaming Eagle
where you can actually dine in a gorgeous ca-
no pied bed. Or you can embark on a dreamy
sunset dinner cruise aboard Mi Dushi or with
Red Sail Sports, De Palm Tours, and Pelican
Adventures. And if you really want to make a
grand entrance as a couple, then float above the
waves by whirlybird to touch down at Ventanas
del Mar, the award-winning signature restau-
rant of Tierra del Sol’s Golf Club on the island’s
northwestern tip via Aruba Heli-Tours’ Fly &
Dine option.
Last but not least, don’t forget to ask about
special “lovers’ menus” for two wherever you
go because many resorts and establishments
offer them, but don’t always present them on
the regular menu. K
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