Qué Pasa Restaurant & Winebar – Artful Dining in Historic Oranjestad
Atmosphere & Story
Since 1992, Qué Pasa has welcomed diners into a lovingly restored 18th-century merchant house on Wilhelminastraat. Walls decorated with local art, intimate dining rooms, and glowing candlelight create a warm, bohemian vibe that attracts locals, visiting foodies, and international artists. Chef Julián and his kitchen team balance global flavours with local ingredients, while Manager Denilson and the front-of-house crew treat every guest like family. The restaurant’s in-house sommelier is always ready with thoughtful pairings from a wine list spanning Europe, the Americas, and boutique producers.
Starters & Soups
- French Onion Soup – Slow-caramelized onions baked with gratinated cheese crouton.
- Creamy Seafood Soup – Mixed seafood, saffron, house-baked croutons.
- Tuna & Shrimp Aguachile – Sweet-and-sour cucumber, coriander, pickled radish.
- Local Catch Ceviche – Mango, crispy tortilla, lime, red pepper.
- Beef Carpaccio – Arugula, truffle mayonnaise, pine nuts, Parmesan.
- Steamed Dumplings – Chicken filling with scallions, sesame, chili sauce.
- Smoked Tuna Tartare – Teriyaki gel, wakame, grilled watermelon.
- Burrata – Tomato salad, tomato tartare, grilled bread.
- Chef’s Platter – Let Chef Julián surprise the table with seasonal bites.
Mains & Specialties
- Miso Salmon – Stir-fried vegetables, steamed rice, sesame seeds.
- Mahi Mahi & Shrimp – Grilled mahi with creamy shrimp risotto, bimi, puffed tomatoes.
- Barracuda Fillet – Dutch potatoes, ratatouille, creamy garlic sauce.
- Tuna Steak (Tataki Style) – Steamed rice, Szechuan vegetables, sweet-and-sour sauce.
- Truffle Risotto – Poached egg, mixed mushrooms, grilled asparagus.
- Rack of Lamb – Dutch potatoes, grilled zucchini, chimichurri.
- Grilled Ribeye 14 oz – Steak frites with homemade garlic butter.
- Filet Mignon 8 oz – Haricots verts in bacon, potato mousseline, green peppercorn sauce.
- Steak & Lobster – Black Angus tenderloin with lobster tail, hollandaise, vegetables.
- Grilled Flank Steak – Dutch potatoes, mushrooms, glazed carrots, bearnaise.
Sushi Bar Highlights
- Rainbow Roll – Salmon, tuna, avocado, wakame, cucumber.
- Wilhelmina Roll – Spicy tuna tartare, truffle oil, soy paper, crispy potato.
- Que Pasa Roll – Salmon, tuna, kanikama, cream cheese, cucumber.
- Dragonfly Roll – Shrimp tempura, mango, cream cheese, salmon salad.
- Tiger Roll – Flamed salmon, asparagus, yuzu teriyaki, avocado.
- Shrimp Lovers Roll – Tempura roll topped with shrimp salad and honey mustard.
- Flamed Beef Roll – Beef, bell pepper tempura, cilantro crème.
- Smoked Tuna Nigiri – Flame-kissed, massago, sriracha mayo.
Desserts
- Lava Cake – Malibu pineapple, white chocolate mousse, ice cream.
- Strawberry Mousse – Blueberries, red fruit sauce, vanilla ice cream.
- Cheesecake – Lime-mint sauce, passionfruit gel, cookie crumble.
- Hazelnut-Chocolate Pie – Salted caramel, hazelnuts, orange sorbet.
- Grand Dessert – Chef’s selection of four sweet creations.
Cocktails & Wine
Pair the menu with sangria, Spanish Mojitos, Sparkling Blossoms, Spicy Mango Mules, or an expertly stirred Negroni. The wine bar offers guided pairings of chilled whites, bold reds, and sparkling sips tailored to your evening’s courses.
Good to Know
- Location – Wilhelminastraat 18, Oranjestad (steps from the harbor and cultural district).
- Hours – Dinner nightly; brunch-style lunches on select days (check social media for updates).
- Dress Code – Smart casual; resort wear with a touch of flair fits the ambiance.
- Reservations – Recommended via quepasaaruba.com or WhatsApp; walk-ins welcome at the bar.
- Parking – Street parking nearby; short stroll from Renaissance Mall.
- Perfect For – Date nights, wine-loving friends, art enthusiasts, and travellers seeking an intimate downtown dining experience.
Why Visit
Qué Pasa blends art, wine, and global cuisine into a memorable night out. Whether you’re craving sushi, steak, or a chef’s tasting, you’ll find passion on every plate and a “bienvenido” that keeps you coming back.