Papiamento Restaurant Aruba – Garden Dining in a Historic Cunucu House

Atmosphere & Story

Set within an Aruban cunucu home dating back to 1886, Papiamento surrounds diners with antiques, family heirlooms, and a shimmering pool framed by tropical gardens. The Ellis family has welcomed guests here since 1983, blending Dutch hospitality with island warmth while longtime staff guide you through every course.

Dutch Heritage with Caribbean Flavor

The menu showcases time-honored family recipes—think keshi yena baked under Dutch cheese—alongside Caribbean seafood, prime cuts, and creative vegetarian dishes. Every plate is crafted for leisurely dining under the stars or within the antique-filled dining rooms.

Appetizers Worth Sharing

• Tuna Tartare – Hand-cut tuna tossed with lime, sesame oil, wasabi mayo, and toasted seeds.

• Shrimp Chipotle – Oven-baked shrimp with smoky dried peppers, tequila, and sour cream.

• Hooiberg Salad – Iceberg wedge with local tomatoes, cucumber, lime, and fresh herb vinaigrette.

• Oyster Soup – Aruba-style oyster chowder enriched with cream.

• Escargots & Mushrooms – Sautéed in garlic-herb butter, a nod to European roots.

Seafood & Land Specialties

• Romanesco Grouper – Pan-broiled grouper with sun-dried tomatoes, basil, garlic, and olive oil.

• Cazuela – Caribbean shrimp and rock lobster stewed in coconut milk and island spices.

• Neptune – Rock lobster, mahi-mahi, and shrimp finished with lemon butter.

• T-Bone Favorite – Flame-grilled bone-in steak baked with Gorgonzola au gratin.

• New Zealand Lamb Chops – Marinated in red wine and dried herbs, served with chimichurri.

Drinks & Experiences

Explore the extensive wine cellar, linger in PAPPA’s Cigar Lounge, or sip signature cocktails by the pool. The Ellis family is on-site nightly, ensuring every detail—from wine pairing suggestions to dessert recommendations—is handled with personal care.

Good to Know

• Location: Washington 61, Palm Beach (Noord), Aruba.

• Hours: Dinner nightly; reservations strongly recommended.

• Dress Code: Resort elegant—collared shirts, sundresses, smart sandals.

• Perfect For: Romantic garden dinners, wine lovers, and culinary travelers seeking a sense of place.

Why Visit

Dining at Papiamento is like stepping into Aruba’s living history. Between the lush courtyard, century-old furnishings, and a menu honed over generations, every visit becomes a story you’ll share long after the evening ends.