2 Best Restaurants in Aruba

Inspired by the 1974 Steve McQueen film Papillon, evident in the decor, the French- and Caribbean-inspired menu includes classics like frog’s legs, escargots, caviar, duck breast with passion-fruit sauce, and local snapper with grilled shrimp covered in creole sauce. Service is old-school stellar, and soft live music adds to the enchanting ambiance.

Those still mourning the loss of two of Aruba’s most beloved old dining spots—Chez Mathilde and Le Dome—can dry their eyes, because some of the original players of those establishments have teamed up to create the same type of classic French experience in Downtown Oranjestad. Expect impeccable personal service and classic French fare like tournedos au poivre (beef in red wine) and coq au vin, but vegan options can also be requested on site.