Faro Blanco Restaurant – Iconic Italian Dining Beside California Lighthouse

Atmosphere & Story

Sitting high on Hudishibana hill at the base of Aruba’s California Lighthouse, Faro Blanco delivers more than dinner—it’s a postcard-worthy experience. For 20+ years this family-run landmark has served authentic Italian cuisine with warm Aruban hospitality, drawing locals and travelers for sunset views across the island’s untouched northwestern coast. The terrace becomes a front-row seat to golden-hour skies, while the indoor dining room (a restored stone house) channels classic trattoria charm.

Signature Experience

• View & Venue – The only restaurant boasting this lighthouse perch; perfect for sunset proposals, anniversaries, and photo-worthy celebrations.
• Culinary Heritage – Chef-driven recipes honor Italian traditions with seasonal Caribbean touches.
• Extensive Wine Cellar – Thoughtfully curated labels from Italy, France, Argentina, and beyond.
• Special Events – Ideal for weddings, private dinners, and group celebrations with a built-in panoramic backdrop.

Antipasti & Shareables

• Tagliere di Salumi e Formaggi – Charcuterie board of spianata, bresaola, primosale pistachio, and more (for two or four).
• Calamari all’Arrabbiata – Tender calamari and baby octopus in tomato-white wine sauce with olives and chili.
• Focaccia al Rosmarino – Oven-warm rosemary flatbread.
• Mozzarella di Capri – Buffalo mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fresh basil.
• Arancini di Riso – Crispy risotto balls with melted mozzarella and peas.
• Crespelle Certosina – Shrimp-mushroom crêpes baked with béchamel and Parmigiano.
• Carpaccio di Polpo & Manzo – Octopus with salmon roe, or truffle-kissed beef carpaccio.
• Cozze al Forno – Herb-crusted mussels baked to golden perfection.
• Polpette di Carne – Beef-pork meatballs in house marinara with mascarpone.
• Calamari Fritti – Lightly battered rings with signature marinara.

Soups, Salads & Risotto

• Minestrone alla Faro Blanco – Vegan-friendly medley of garden vegetables and pasta.
• Insalata Cesare – Classic Caesar tossed in house dressing with Parmigiano shavings.
• Risotto del Faro – Arborio rice brimming with clams, mussels, shrimp, octopus, and basil in seafood broth.

Pastas, Seafood & Land Favorites

• Coda di Aragosta con Ravioli – Lobster tail with house-made ravioli in brandy butter sauce.
• Salmone alla Faro Blanco – Salmon in cherry tomato, mushroom, and white wine sauce.
• Filetto di Spigola Gratinata – Sea bass gratin with seafood medley over pumpkin purée.
• Gamberoni Speciale “Pachi e Machi” – Breaded jumbo shrimp honoring the owners’ grandparents.
• Pollo alla Parmigiana – Crispy chicken cutlet baked with mozzarella and marinara.
• Pollo alla Vodka – Grilled chicken tossed with fettuccine in pink vodka sauce.
• Lombata di Vitello – Bone-in veal chop with mushroom sauce and mashed potatoes.
• Costolette di Agnello – Baby rack of lamb baked or grilled with rosemary.
• Filetto ai Funghi Porcini – Certified Angus filet wrapped in bacon with mushroom sauce.
• Ossobuco di Vitello – Slow-braised veal shank served with risotto Milanese.

Good to Know

• Location – Hudishibana 3, Noord (at California Lighthouse).
• Hours – Dinner nightly; call ahead for sunset seatings.
• Dress Code – Resort elegant (smart casual attire).
• Reservations – Recommended, especially for terrace or sunset views.
• Perfect For – Romantic dinners, destination weddings, and Italian cuisine lovers seeking a scenic setting.

Why Visit

Faro Blanco combines Aruba’s most famous views with refined Italian classics and heartfelt service. Arrive before sunset, toast with Prosecco, and savor handmade pasta as the lighthouse lights your table—this is quintessential Aruba dining.