Wilhelmina Restaurant – Upscale Speakeasy Dining in Oranjestad

Atmosphere & Story

Step through the gate at Wilhelminastraat 74 and you enter a romantic city garden where string lights, palms, and a chic speakeasy vibe set the tone for an unforgettable evening. Since 2015, Chef Dennis van Daatselaar (of Carte Blanche fame) and Chef de Cuisine Leon de Leeuw have transformed this downtown hideaway into one of Aruba’s most coveted dinner reservations. Located across from Gerrit Rietveld City Park and minutes from the Renaissance resort, Wilhelmina blends old-world elegance with island warmth—perfect for anniversaries, culinary travelers, and anyone seeking chef-driven cuisine beyond the hotel zone.

Culinary Philosophy

The menu is a love letter to international flavors enriched with Caribbean ingredients and techniques. Certified Angus beef, Surinamese kingklip, local seafood, and house-made pastas headline nightly, supported by a deep wine list and crafted cocktails. Dishes rotate with the seasons, showcasing premium ingredients sourced from Europe, South America, and the Caribbean.

Appetizers & First Courses

• Lobster Bisque – Wild-caught shrimp, daikon cress, and a whisper of sour cream.
• Brussels Sprouts Caesar – Dutch organic romaine, Parmesan Reggiano, croutons, and signature Caesar dressing.
• Gorgonzola Salad – Mesclun greens, apricots, pine nuts, and red beet vinaigrette.
• Wilhelmina Salad – Wild shrimp, edamame, radish, lemon crème fraîche, and bacon bits.
• Homemade Kimchi Salad – House-fermented Napa cabbage with mushrooms, edamame, and teriyaki.
• Tomato & Goat Cheese – Trio of tomatoes, basil oil, grapefruit, goat cheese, and cucumber foam.
• Ceviche “Carte Blanche Style” – Citrus-cured fish with peppers, ginger, and cilantro.
• Shrimp & Watermelon – Seared shrimp, cucumber noodles, wasabi mayo, and pork popcorn.
• Wilhelmina’s Ravioli – Braised beef short rib, foie gras, mushrooms, truffle balsamic.
• Shrimp Ravioli – Ricotta-riche pasta paired with lobster bisque sauce.
• “Funghi” Risotto – Truffle-forward with portobello, shiitake, and porcini sauce.
• Balchi Pisca – Aruban fish cakes with lobster and Madame Jeanette aioli.

Seafood & Vegetarian Highlights

• Catch of the Day #1 – Pan-seared fish, shrimp, funchi, cucumber curry chutney.
• Catch of the Day #2 – Fillet with sweet pea mousseline, Dutch potato, smoked butter sauce.
• Catch of the Day #3 – Fish with black-and-white rice, Brussels sprouts, carrot-ginger dressing.
• Kingklip & Chorizo – Surinamese seabass with saffron-chorizo crust and lemongrass sauce.
• Gamberetti Pasta – Homemade pasta, shrimp, garlic, basil, and Parmesan.
• Shrimp, Escargots & Seabass – Corvina fillet layered with escargots, shrimp, and Provençale bread.
• Simply Truffle – House tagliatelle in a luxurious truffle cream.
• Goat Cheese Falafel – Middle Eastern inspiration over warm tomato carpaccio.
• Cabbage Malfouf (Vegan) – Stuffed cabbage cannelloni with couscous, cauliflower rice, and ras el hanout.

Meat Selections

• Chicken & Mushroom – Truffle potato mousseline, Madeira sauce, and watercress.
• Braised 1855 Short Ribs – Five-hour braise with truffle cabbage and crispy polenta.
• Indonesian Roasted Pork – Slow-cooked in Indonesian spices with shrimp pasta and papaya chutney.
• Certified Angus Filet Mignon – Celery root puree, roasted onion, red port wine sauce.
• New Zealand Rack of Lamb – Grilled loin, BBQ ribs, sweet pea cream, and polenta croutons.

Desserts & Nightcap

• Chocolate Gateau – Dark chocolate ganache with blueberries and vanilla ice cream.
• Wilhelmina’s Cheesecake – Citrus-kissed cheesecake with caramel crust.
• Crème Brûlée – White chocolate custard with caramelized sugar.
• Lemon Tart – Italian meringue, candied orange, berries, and limoncello ice cream.
• Dame Blanche – Vanilla ice cream with Callebaut ganache and caramelized nuts.

Pair dinner with sommelier-selected wines, artisanal cocktails, or a digestif enjoyed at the intimate bar.

Good to Know

• Location – Wilhelminastraat 74, downtown Oranjestad.
• Hours – Dinner Tuesday through Sunday (6 p.m. – 11 p.m.; last seating 9 p.m.). Closed Mondays.
• Dress Code – Resort elegant: collared shirts, dresses, and smart footwear encouraged.
• Reservations – Essential; book via wilhelminaaruba.com or email reservations@wilhelminaaruba.com.
• Perfect For – Culinary enthusiasts, romantic evenings, and milestone celebrations.

Why Visit

Wilhelmina Restaurant blends white-glove service with island soul—delivering creative plates, impeccable wines, and a speakeasy garden ambiance that lingers long after the last bite. It’s a must for travelers seeking an upscale dining experience rooted in Aruban hospitality.