From fine dining to beach picnics, discover why Aruba is the Caribbean’s best island for plant-based food.
As a vegan traveler, you’re probably used to watching your vacation companions dive into gourmet feasts while you’re stuck with fries and side salads. But be prepared for a completely different experience in Aruba!
Over the past few years, Aruba’s chefs have built an outstanding reputation for responding to the global shift in dining requests, with mixed groups of vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores all coming together to seek out the best food possible. In Aruba, plant-based plates are often the most exciting dishes on the menu, and everyone is excited to try them, not just vegans.
As the Founder of Vegan Aruba, I’m proud to guide you through Aruba’s vegan-friendly dining scene. From high-end tasting menus to beachside picnics, here’s where to find the food that everyone will be talking about long after the vacation ends.
The Chef’s Table: A World-Class Experience at Infini
If you are seeking a dining experience that rivals the culinary hotspots of Amsterdam or Copenhagen, Infini is an essential reservation. Located near Eagle Beach, the atmosphere here is sleek, dark, and undeniably sophisticated.
Seated at the intimate counter wrapping around the open kitchen, you become part of the action as Chef Urvin Croes and his team present each dish with a detailed explanation of local sourcing and flavor profiles.
What makes Infini truly special is its commitment to parity. They do not cut corners for plant-based guests. While some fine dining establishments simply subtract ingredients for vegans, Infini creates a “mirror image” of their traditional menu, ensuring you experience the same complexity, technique, and texture as your neighbors.
Infini’s menu changes seasonally and books up in advance, so make sure to reserve your spot as soon as you plan your trip, and indicate your request for the vegan menu when booking.
The Highlights:
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The Journey: An 8-course tasting menu that feels like edible art. I recently dined next to a guest who described the main tofu course as “the best tofu he had ever tasted,” a testament to the kitchen’s mastery of flavor.
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The Pairings: The sommelier can offer a curated vegan wine pairing to complement every course, so don’t hesitate to ask.
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The Finale: You won’t be left with a simple fruit plate. The meal concludes with two impressive desserts, ensuring the experience remains decadent until the very last bite.
Classic French-Caribbean: Papillon
Located in “The Village” across from the Hilton in Palm Beach, Papillon brings a classic French bistro vibe with a Caribbean twist. Whether you choose the quiet, intimate interior or the lively, classy courtyard, the setting is perfect for a slow, European-style dinner.
For a mixed group of diners, Papillon is a dream. The staff has been extensively trained to understand that offering vegan options is not a trend but a core service value.
The Highlights:
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The Bread: Request their house-made vegan bread served with a zesty chive dipping sauce to begin your vegan experience as soon as you’re seated!
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French Classics Reimagined: You don’t have to miss out on the staples of French cuisine. The Mushroom Escargot uses earthy, savory mushrooms to perfectly replicate the rich garlic-herb butter of the original.
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The Crossover Hit: You have to try the Vegan Crab Cakes. These have become a legend at the restaurant, and they’re listed on the vegan menu as both an appetizer and main, but the fun fact is that they were so popular and delicious that the chef added them to the main menu for everyone to enjoy, in place of their traditional crab cakes!
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The Main Event: For a dish that looks as good as it tastes, order the cheezy Red Beet Risotto from the vegan menu. It arrives in an incredible vibrant purple color, offering a rich, creamy texture that satisfies that comfort-food craving perfectly.
Trendy & Social: CAYA House
If you are looking for the island’s “hotspot,” CAYA House delivers a “Tulum-meets-Oranjestad” aesthetic. With lush greenery, dim lighting, and a vibrant energy, it is the ultimate place for a stylish dinner that transitions effortlessly into late-night cocktails.
The menu here is a creative fusion of Latin and Asian influences, bringing whole-food ingredients to life in unexpected ways.
The Highlights:
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Must-Order Dish: The Caribbean Black Bean Hummus is a conversation starter. It features a unique ceviche made from house-pickled kombucha “scoby,” a brilliant, probiotic-rich ingredient that mimics the texture of seafood perfectly.
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Drink Pairing: My personal favorite is the Raspberry Mule, a refreshing mocktail that pairs beautifully with the spices of the food.
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Dessert: Order the “Brownie Love” to share with the table. It’s a homemade vegan brownie topped with chocolate mousse, a rum-coconut foam, and a berry compote. It is pure indulgence that everyone will want a bite of.
Casual Chic: Poke Ono
For a fresh and fun lunch or dinner, Poke Ono is reshaping the sushi scene. They are one of the few spots in the Caribbean serving Vegan Zeastar, a plant-based tuna and salmon alternative with a startlingly realistic texture.
If you are traveling with friends who love sushi, this spot ensures nobody compromises.
The Standouts:
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Try the “Walk on Rainbow” Roll, which features spicy NoTuna and NoSalmon. For a play on textures, the “Peace & Love” Roll combines marinated tofu, roasted sweet potato, peanut sauce, and crispy onions. It is finished with their house-made olive oil “caviar,” delivering a burst of flavor in every bite.
Poke Ono currently has two convenient locations on the island:
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Eagle Beach Area: Located in the lobby of the Azure Beach Residences, perfect for a lunch stop after a morning at Eagle or Palm Beach.
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Downtown Oranjestad: Located in the Renaissance Marketplace, great if you are shopping downtown or staying at the Renaissance.
Unique Experiences
Dining in Aruba isn’t confined to four walls. To truly embrace the island lifestyle, you must dine on the sand and sea!
Picnic Aruba: Imagine arriving at a secluded beach at sunset to find a luxury picnic set up just for you. Their “Vegan Picnic” package removes all the guesswork. It begins with a Welcome Cocktail and a plant-based charcuterie board featuring vegan cheeses and roasted chickpeas. The meal flows into BBQ jackfruit tacos, pasta with meatballs, and hearty main course platters featuring plantain tofu lasagna, lentil croquettes, and truffle mashed potatoes. Dessert is a Piña Colada Cheesecake made from tofu. It is a zero-waste luxury experience that connects you with nature. They specialize in proposals, anniversaries, and any other celebratory experience you can think of, so go ahead and treat yourself and your loved ones to a once-in-a-lifetime island memory!
Monforte Luxury Cruise: Set sail on the Monforte III for their spectacular three-hour dinner cruise. You’ll experience a four-course meal with a view of Aruba’s coastline, where you can watch sea turtles glide through the turquoise water below and the California Lighthouse light up above. The Monforte offers a fully vegan experience from appetizers through dessert, so make sure to request this when you make your reservation. This luxury dinner cruise includes a welcome prosecco, as well as unlimited premium drinks.
As a vegan or plant-curious traveler, come to Aruba with an open mind and an empty stomach, because this island is ready to surprise you in all the best ways. On our happy vegan-friendly island, the dining scene is a culinary adventure that everyone can enjoy!
