Olivia Mediterranean Restaurant – Refined Mezze in Downtown Oranjestad

Atmosphere & Story

Chef Dennis van Daatselaar—of Carte Blanche and Wilhelmina fame—opened Olivia in 2022 right next door to his flagship restaurant on Wilhelminastraat. The open-air courtyard glows with lanterns, lush greenery, and modern Mediterranean decor that feels both trendy and intimate. Couples, foodies, and celebratory gatherings escape the high-rise crowds to indulge in an evening of artfully plated dishes and polished hospitality.

Mediterranean Kitchen, Aruba Flair

Executive Chef Dennis van Daatselaar and Chef de Cuisine Witghol Wilrose craft a menu inspired by Greece, Italy, Morocco, Lebanon, Spain, and southern France. Expect house-made focaccia, bold spice blends like ras el hanout and za’atar, and seafood pulled from nearby waters. Vegetarian, gluten-free, and pescatarian options abound, all plated with the finesse of a European tasting menu.

Signature Appetizers & Salads

• Fattoush Crudités – Romaine, chard, tabbouleh, sumac onions, pita crisps, asparagus, mint, lemon vinaigrette.
• Horiatiki Salata – Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumber, feta, kalamata olives, and red wine vinegar.
• La Insalata alla Cesare – Elevated Caesar with Parmesan crisps and toasted pita.
• Carciofi Olivia – Roasted baby artichokes with lemon, parsley, and spinach.
• Jubn Almaeiz Falafel – Goat cheese falafel, red beet, harissa, and guindilla oil.
• Confite Pomodorini & Gamberetti – Confit tomatoes, shrimp, anchovies, labneh, za’atar, and frisée.
• Mudakhan Baramundi & Baba Ganoush – Smoked barramundi, chickpeas, cucumber noodles, and chermoula.
• Risotto au Fenouil – Pernod-laced risotto with fennel, tarragon, and asparagus.
• Tortellini Calabasa – Pumpkin-filled pasta with mushrooms, hazelnuts, and brown butter.
• Escargots á la Bourguignonne – Classic garlic butter escargots served with Olivia’s focaccia.

Seafood & Vegetarian Entrées

• Branzino Filet – Roasted red beet hummus, gnocchi, broccolini, lemon beurre blanc.
• Pulpo alla Griglia – Barramundi, grilled octopus, shrimp, eggplant, and lobster bisque.
• Dukkah Seabass – Saffron-dukkah crust, pumpkin mousseline, cabbage, harissa oil.
• Garidas Saganaki – Shrimp baked with ouzo, tomatoes, feta, and sourdough.
• Dorado Intero – Whole grilled dorado with sauce vierge, asparagus, and polenta.
• Kusat Muhamasa – Stuffed zucchini with feta, couscous, pearl onion mousseline.
• Psimeno Brizola Kounoupidiou – Ras el hanout cauliflower steak with za’atar popcorn.
• Ravioli Ripieni – Eggplant caviar-stuffed ravioli with muhammara and roasted vegetables.

Meat Selection

• Kotopoulo tou Oura – Grilled chicken breast, wild rice, feta, pistachio, chickpeas, and chive oil.
• Gyros Kotopoulo – Chicken gyros with fattoush salad and house tzatziki.
• Piadakia me Tzatziki – Whole rack of marinated lamb chops with couscous and baked eggplant.
• Filete de Falda – Grilled skirt steak with papas bravas, roasted romaine, and romesco.
• Short Rib Tajine – Slow-braised beef short rib with Ras el Hanout spices and vegetable tajine.
• Mousaka “Olivia” – Layers of eggplant, potato, ground beef, tomato, and béchamel.

Desserts & Drinks

• Dame Blanche la Provence – Vanilla ice cream with Callebaut ganache and caramelized nuts.
• Tiramisu – Mascarpone, espresso caramel, red wine figs, and orange tuile.
• Baklava – Walnuts, honey, and homemade honey ice cream.
• Crème Brûlée Catalana – Lemon tart with Italian meringue, berries, limoncello ice cream.
• Olivia’s Twist on Affogato – Frangelico, Baileys, Kahlua, vanilla ice cream, cinnamon stick.

Complement your meal with Old World wines, craft cocktails infused with Mediterranean botanicals, and post-dinner digestifs.

Good to Know

• Location – Wilhelminastraat 74, Lokal 2, Oranjestad.
• Hours – Dinner nightly; closed Mondays.
• Dress Code – Resort elegant (collared shirts, dresses, smart footwear).
• Reservations – Essential; book 2–3 weeks out for peak season.
• Perfect For – Romantic dinners, culinary travelers, and special occasions seeking refined Mediterranean flavors.

Why Visit

Olivia delivers a transportive journey across the Mediterranean without leaving Aruba. Thoughtful service, chef-driven plates, and an enchanting courtyard make it one of Oranjestad’s most coveted dining reservations.