A new chapter in Jewish life on the island of Aruba has begun with the opening of Piccolo, a high-end kosher steakhouse located inside the Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa and Casino. Offering contemporary dining in an elegant setting of jewel-toned greens and soft whites, Piccolo is the island’s first year-round upscale kosher restaurant, fully certified by Chabad-Lubavitch of Aruba.
“This is more than just a kosher restaurant—it’s a statement,” said Rabbi Ahron Blasberg, who leads Chabad Aruba alongside his wife, Chaya. “Now, Jewish residents and visitors can enjoy fine dining without compromising their values. It’s about making kosher accessible and elegant.”
A Culinary Turning Point for Jewish Visitors
Until now, many observant Jewish travelers had to bring their own kosher food to Aruba. The launch of Piccolo changes that, offering a welcoming space where families and individuals can enjoy delicious meals while also connecting with the local Jewish community.
Aruba has long been a favorite destination for vacationers, with generations of families returning annually to timeshares and vacation homes. Now, Jewish visitors have more options than ever to observe dietary laws while enjoying the island.
Piccolo is the latest in a series of kosher food developments in Aruba. Earlier in 2024, Chabad Aruba also introduced a kosher pizza stand near the Hyatt’s beachfront—further expanding dining choices for observant travelers.
Building Jewish Life on the Island
Chabad Aruba began modestly in 2013, hosting small Shabbat gatherings. Over a decade later, the community has grown to include about 150 Jewish residents, along with a Hebrew school, day camp, mini kosher grocery, and daily religious services.
“This restaurant is helping people rediscover the joy of keeping kosher while traveling,” said Rabbi Blasberg. “We’ve had people change their vacation plans just to dine at Piccolo once they learned about it.”
Rabbi Levi Bisk, part of the Chabad Aruba team with his wife Mimi, emphasized that Piccolo has also become a gathering place. “Before, people only met at shul, which could feel formal. Now, they meet over a meal in a warm and open setting—it’s building community in a whole new way.”
A Community on the Rise
The opening of Piccolo isn’t the only exciting development for Aruba’s Jewish population. The community is eagerly anticipating the grand opening of a new mikvah in the coming months, adding another essential service for Jewish life on the island.
“We’re proud to provide everything—from kosher food to a mikvah and shul—for both locals and visiting snowbirds,” Rabbi Blasberg shared. “Every week brings new faces—returning friends and first-time visitors who are welcomed into our growing community.”
Welcomed by the Wider Community
Jewish visitors are embracing the new dining experience. Maureen Bogoroch-Ditkofsky, a Toronto resident who winters in Aruba, praised the restaurant’s inclusive impact.
“It gives kosher travelers the chance to enjoy the culinary scene like everyone else,” she said. “You’re no longer limited to eating at home or bringing food from abroad. You can go out somewhere elegant. It feels like Aruba is truly embracing us.”
With its upscale ambiance and religious integrity, Piccolo represents more than just fine dining—it symbolizes the thriving presence of Jewish life on Aruba, blending tradition, community, and modern hospitality in one unforgettable experience.
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