Flying Fishbone Aruba – Toes-in-the-Sand Dining Since 1997
Atmosphere & Story
Long before on-the-beach dining became an Aruba must-do, Flying Fishbone set the standard. Tucked along Savaneta’s crescent bay—about 20 minutes south of the resort strip—this fisherman-town gem invites you to dine barefoot under swaying palms and tiki torches. As the original beach dining pioneer, Chef and Owner Pieter Bastian and team blend European technique with Caribbean flair, serving guests right at the shoreline while the tide gently kisses the sand. Sunset seatings glow in shades of orange and pink; later in the evening, stars shimmer over the water as lanterns illuminate a relaxed yet polished scene.
Culinary Philosophy
The kitchen celebrates fresh seafood sourced daily from local markets, premium cuts of steak, and inventive vegetarian plates. Classic French techniques layer with Caribbean ingredients—think lemongrass sauces, tropical salsas, and fragrant curries. Every plate arrives artfully presented, making the meal as photogenic as the backdrop.
Start with Chilled Favorites
- Caesar Salad – Romaine, Parmigiano, croutons; add grilled shrimp or chicken.
- Shrimp Cocktail – Jumbo shrimp with Dutch-American cocktail sauces.
- Caprese Salad – Pesto-marinated tomatoes, mozzarella, garden greens.
- Peruvian Ceviche – Citrus-marinated catch with orange segments and ginger.
- Tuna Tataki – Wakame salad, sesame dressing, wasabi mayo.
- Pata Negra – Spanish jamón with cornichons, olives, and artichoke hearts.
Warm Appetizers & Soups
- Calamari Fritti – Lightly battered rings with marinara basil sauce.
- Fish Cakes – Golden crisp with spicy tartar.
- Artichoke Carpaccio – Warm hearts topped with goat cheese and honey-walnut dressing.
- Escargots de Bourgogne – Garlicky indulgence served with toast.
- French Onion Soup – Emmental-topped classic.
- Fisherman’s Soup – Fish bouillon brimming with shrimp, mussels, and catch-of-the-day pieces.
Seafood Signatures
- Grilled Shrimp – Skewered black tiger shrimp, herb risotto, lemon garlic butter.
- Fish of the Day – Chef’s preparation with seasonal vegetables and signature sauce.
- Savaneta Seafood History – Legacy platter with fresh seafood, rice, vegetables, and curry sauce.
- Lobster or Shrimp Casserole – Blue-cheese shiitake sauce over fluffy mash.
- Salmon – Finished with creamy lemongrass sauce and garden vegetables.
- Scallops Florentine – Pasta, spinach, and Parmesan cream.
- Seafood Pasta – Scallops, shrimp, mussels, calamari, and daily catch in marinara.
Land & Vegetarian Choices
- Chicken Portobello – Truffle mushroom sauce over pasta.
- Surf & Turf – Angus tenderloin with shrimp, truffle mash, and red wine sauce.
- Maple Leaf Duck Breast – Linguine with sesame glaze.
- Skirt Steak – Served with truffle mashed potatoes.
- 10 oz Beef Tenderloin – Angus filet with mushrooms and red wine reduction.
- Roasted Lamb Rack – Ratatouille, truffle mash, and sweet onion sauce.
- Beef Teriyaki Skewer – Tenderloin over basmati and bok choy.
- Pasta Portobello – Creamy truffle mushroom sauce for a satisfying vegetarian entrée.
Desserts Worth Saving Room For
- Chocolate Ravioli – Warm chocolate-filled pasta with poached pear and ice cream.
- Crème Brûlée – Bourbon vanilla custard, crisp sugar lid.
- Baked Alaska – Flaming tableside finale with house-made ice creams.
- Apple Pie – Served warm with vanilla sauce and ice cream.
- Chocolate Brownie & Mousse – Duo of decadence with pistachio ice cream.
Wine & Cocktail Pairings
Flying Fishbone’s cellar features Old World and New World wines curated for seafood and steak pairings. Signature cocktails include citrus-forward spritzes, craft martinis, and island-inspired rum creations. Ask the team for pairing tips—they love guiding guests through the menu.
Good to Know
- Location – Savaneta 344, Savaneta (south coast fishing village).
- Hours – Dinner nightly, 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. (sunset reservations fill quickly).
- Dress Code – Resort elegant; shoes optional once you hit the sand.
- Reservations – Essential; request beach tables when booking.
- Perfect For – Romantic evenings, celebratory dinners, and travelers exploring beyond the hotel strip.
Why Visit
Flying Fishbone pioneered Aruba’s toes-in-the-sand fine dining—and still delivers the island’s most magical beach dinner. Between the tide lapping at your feet, the artful cuisine, and a starry-night setting, every visit becomes a highlight reel moment.