Driftwood Restaurant Aruba – Downtown Favorite for Fresh-Caught Seafood

Atmosphere & Story

A few blocks from Oranjestad’s harbor, Driftwood feels like stepping onto a fisherman’s boat deck—weathered driftwood beams, netting, and nautical artifacts set the tone for a proudly Aruban operation. Owner and fisherman Herby Merryweather brings in the daily catch himself, so everything on the menu comes straight from local waters before sunset tables fill with island residents and savvy travelers.

From Dock to Dinner Plate

The kitchen leans into traditional recipes: creole sauces simmered with tomatoes and peppers, garlic butter infused with Pernod, and Cajun rubs that balance heat with tropical sweetness. Mains arrive with local sides like pan bati, funchi, fried plantains, mixed vegetables, and your choice of rice or a baked potato—a full Aruban spread in one sitting.

Cold & Hot Starters

• Shrimp Cocktail – Jumbo local shrimp with house cocktail sauce.

• Coconut Shrimp – Deep-fried in sweet coconut batter with tangy dipping sauce.

• Sea Scallops – Grilled and finished with bright pesto.

• Crab Cake – Jumbo lump crab, seaweed salad, sweet-and-sour drizzle.

• Escargot in Garlic – Baked in rich garlic butter.

• Calamari Fritti – Crispy rings tossed with fresh herbs.

• Mixed Chef’s Salad – Choose creamy garlic, blue cheese, or a classic vinaigrette.

Soups & Chowders

• Fish Soup – Golden Aruban broth with vegetables and fresh catch.

• Seafood Chowder – Creamy medley of shrimp, clams, squid, and fish.

• Onion Soup – Baked with melted Gouda on top.

Shrimp Favorites

• Shrimp in Garlic – Sautéed in Driftwood’s signature garlic butter over linguine or with island sides.

• Breaded Shrimp – Crisp fried and served with tartar sauce.

• Shrimp in Creole Sauce – Mild tomato-based creole style.

• Curried Shrimp – Creamy Caribbean curry with gentle heat.

• Blackened Shrimp – Cajun spices balanced by peach sauce.

Fresh Catch of the Day

• Aruban-Style Pan-Fried Fish – Lightly seasoned, finished with creole sauce.

• Grilled Fish – Served with vinaigrette for a bright finish.

• Breaded Filet – Golden and crunchy with tartar sauce.

• Fish in Garlic – Pan-fried with white wine, Pernod, and garlic.

• Blackened Fish – Cajun spice rub with sweet peach sauce.

Lobster & House Specials

• Broiled Caribbean Lobster – Simply grilled with butter and lemon.

• Lobster Thermidor – Chunks baked with Gouda, peppers, mustard, and Parmesan.

• Land and Sea Kebab – Lobster, shrimp, and tenderloin skewers.

• Driftwood Special – Lobster tail paired with filet mignon or jumbo shrimp.

• Captain’s Mix – Lobster tail, scallops, shrimp, and calamari with island sides.

• Seafood Pasta Alfredo – Catch of the day, shrimp, scallops, clams, and lobster over linguine.

• Chilean Sea Bass – Coconut-curry glaze or Cajun blackened with peach sauce.

• Broiled Salmon – Butter and wine to a perfect medium.

Landlubber Plates

• Filet Mignon (6 oz. or 8 oz.) – Grilled tenderloin with mushroom sauce.

• Black Angus NY Strip – 12 oz. steak with green pepper sauce.

• Rack of Lamb – Rosemary grilled with mint sauce.

• Grilled Chicken – Tropical orange glaze.

• Chicken Parmesan – Breaded cutlet baked with marinara and cheese over linguine.

Drinks & Hospitality

Pair your meal with tropical cocktails, chilled wines, Balashi or Chill beer, and dessert coffees. Friendly staff keep service relaxed and attentive, and the vibe stays lively without feeling rushed—ideal for families, friend groups, and seafood fans chasing an authentic taste of Aruba.

Good to Know

• Location: Driftwood Building, Klipstraat 12, Oranjestad—steps from the cruise port.

• Hours: Dinner nightly; call ahead for seasonal lunch seatings.

• Dress Code: Resort casual—shorts and sundresses welcome.

• Reservations: Recommended, especially on cruise ship days.

• Perfect For: Seafood lovers, families, groups looking for local flavor, travelers eager to support a fisherman-owned restaurant.

Why Visit

Driftwood’s “catch it today, cook it tonight” philosophy, hearty island sides, and homey downtown setting make it a must-stop for anyone craving true Aruban seafood traditions without the fuss.