The Old Cunucu House Aruba – Historic Aruban Comfort Food in Palm Beach

Authentic island recipes, a 150-year-old farmhouse atmosphere, and hospitality that greets you like family—this Palm Beach landmark has been sharing Aruba’s culinary story for decades.

Atmosphere & Story

Walk through the bright blue doorway into a lovingly restored cunucu (country) house from the late 1800s. Coral-stone walls, mahogany shutters, and vintage photographs set a cozy tone, while the breezy veranda offers front-row sunset views. Whether you dine in the candlelit dining room or under the garden palapa, every corner feels like a chapter from Aruba’s past.

Island Classics Made From Scratch

Heirloom recipes simmer all day in the kitchen—think stews with slow-cooked meats, fresh-caught seafood, and home-style sides prepared the old-fashioned way. Every entrée arrives with pan bati, funchi, and rice with beans so you enjoy the full criollo spread on a single plate. Vegetarian and gluten-free adaptations are easy; simply ask the team for their favorite tweaks.

Menu Highlights

• Keshi Yena – Baked Gouda stuffed with spiced chicken, olives, capers, and raisins.

• Cabrito Stoba – Fall-apart goat stew finished with tomatoes, garlic, and island herbs.

• Fresh Catch – Local fish fillet grilled or pan-seared with creole sauce and citrus butter.

• Caribbean Shrimp & Lobster – Garlic-herb butter, sweet plantains, and garden vegetables on the side.

• Quesillo – Silky caramel custard that regulars order before their entrée.

Drinks & Hospitality

Pair your meal with an ice-cold Balashi beer, a glass from the approachable wine list, or a tropical rum cocktail. Staff remember names, celebrate milestones, and share fun tidbits about each dish—and on select evenings, live steel-pan music adds an unmistakably Aruban rhythm.

Good to Know

• Location: Palm Beach 150, Noord—five minutes from the high-rise resorts.

• Hours: Lunch and dinner daily; live music on select nights.

• Dress Code: Island casual—dressy shorts, sundresses, and sandals welcome.

• Reservations: Recommended for dinner, especially December through April.

• Perfect For: Couples planning an authentic date night, families celebrating together, and travelers building an “only in Aruba” food itinerary.

Why Visit

This family-owned landmark has welcomed locals and visitors since 1973. The recipes, stories, and smiles you’ll encounter here are the kind of memories that stay with you long after the last bite of keshi yena.