Must-Try Vegan Food in Aruba: Top Dishes and Restaurants

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Aruba is the most re-visited island in the Caribbean…and with good reason! It’s located outside of the hurricane belt, boasts near-perfect weather year-round and is home to many of the world’s most beautiful beaches. 

But it has another attraction many people don’t know about. You won’t believe all the fabulous vegan restaurants, vegan-friendly resorts and delicious vegan food in Aruba! 

 

I’ve been writing about this beautiful paradise for about six years now. In the beginning, I could hardly find a restaurant that offered vegan options aside from salad.  

Now, I can hardly keep up with all that’s new in the world of plant-based dining in Aruba! 

So whether you’re vegan, vegetarian or a flexitarian interested in eating less meat, here are the top vegan-friendly stops you don’t want to miss on a visit to One Happy Island:

1. Solanio, the Ritz-Carlton, Aruba

Earlier this winter, I visited  Solanio restaurant while staying at the Ritz-Carlton Aruba. I was really glad I made it down for brunch. Because to my surprise, Solanio had just released a brand new vegan menu the week before. Chef Djurick was proud to show off his newest creations.

I opted for the apple cinnamon pancakes and the tofu scramble with house made vegan bacon. We were truly impressed with the taste of these dishes, especially the fluffiness of the pancakes and the fact that vegan pizza is available for lunch. Other restaurants at the Ritz-Carlton will soon be adding new vegan options as well.

Also commendable is that the beach and pool areas at the Ritz-Carlton have multiple reef-friendly sunscreen stations. We felt incredibly spoiled in our personal beach cabana which had a full-sized bed, a mini fridge, and our own server who rode a Segway with a tray full of drinks!

Insider Tip: In the evening from 6-10 pm, Solanio turns into Casa Nonna, which serves an absolutely delicious vegan chocolate cake for dessert. You have to ask your server about it though — it’s  a secret menu item and is not listed.

2. Da Vinci Ristorante at Holiday Inn Beach Resort and Casino

Holiday Inn now also offers an all-inclusive option, but all-inclusive resorts can often be tricky for vegans. At first, the transition offered few plant-based options but they’ve diligently worked on it.

Over the last few years it’s been amazing to watch the Holiday Inn become a truly vegan-friendly resort in Aruba.

Da Vinci Ristorante, their wonderful Italian themed dinner restaurant, now has several great vegan choices on the menu. Chef Aldwin’s Risotto di Barbabietola Arrosto, made from roasted beet root, and the vegan chocolate mousse are must-trys.

I also love the authentic Italian setting of Da Vinci Ristorante. They have an enormous wine selection and it’s a perfect spot for a fancy night out.

3. Puro Café, Holiday Inn Resort Aruba 

Puro Café, located in the hotel lobby of the Holiday Inn offers Puro Fairtrade coffee and all types of snacks, including ice creams and sorbets. Their new menu includes pre-packaged vegan bowls, tofu wraps, and even a chick’n sandwich.

I took my sandwich with me to enjoy by the pool with an iced coffee. Food from the cafe is all part of the all-inclusive package, so be sure to try them out if you visit.

Set on one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful beaches, it’s an ideal setting. I’m so pleased with the steps Holiday Inn has taken to become a vegan-friendly resort.

4. Aruba Ocean Villas, Savaneta

Without a doubt, Aruba Ocean Villas is the most Instagrammable resort you will ever find. Everywhere you look, Osyth, the creative mastermind behind it all, has constructed a uniquely beautiful scene to strike a pose in. 

But the thing I love most about this place is how private it is. After a busy week on Palm Beach, we usually spend a few days at the Villas and it almost feels like we’re on a totally different island.

Chef Jeff always goes out of his way to make everyone happy, and he does it with a smile. Upon our last visit, he offered some delicious vegan breakfast quesadillas with avocado filling.

The following day we had some tasty homemade arepas (authentic Venezuelan sandwiches) filled with fried veggies. For dinner, we were offered a delicious veggie stir-fry and then a hearty tomato pasta.

Meals are served outside on the beach, or out on a private pier overlooking the water. There’s only one pier table, so reservations are mandatory. Aruba Ocean Villas is happy to accommodate special diets with notification in advance.

Insider Tip: Ask Wendel, local bartender and guitar player extraordinaire, for one of his famous margaritas!

5. Cuba’s Cookin’ at Renaissance Marketplace – Vegan Food and More 

En route from Palm Beach to Savaneta where the Aruba Ocean Villas are located, we always stop in downtown Oranjestad to see what’s new. Of course, we never miss a chance to visit Cuba’s Cookin’. They have always offered great live music and authentic Cuban cuisine.

Recently, they’ve amped up their menu to add a whole new vegan menu. Highlights include several new vegan appetizers and entrees. I was delighted to try the plantain pizza medallions, which were crispy and sweet and topped with vegan cheese and veggies. I added a dollop of guacamole on each, because avocados make my world go round.

The vegan dinner menu also includes tropical salad with tofu cutlets, portobello ribs in BBQ sauce, tofu ropa vieja, a Cuban Chinatown pot and more. Be sure to stop in for a refreshing mojito along with the great vegan food.

6. purebeach and pureocean, Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort

Another of our favourite places to stay on the island is Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort. It’s also one of the best places for vegan food. During our recent visit, for breakfast and dinner, we ate at pureocean. For both meals, the chefs prepared something special for my arrival.

Here, it’s always good to alert the food and beverage team in advance so that the kitchen can prepare. I was very excited to see vegan LightLife bacon included with a huge bowl of fried veggies, tropical fruits, and multi-grain toast with peanut butter.

During the day we also enjoyed lunches at purebeach, where we were able to sip cocktails at the swim-up bar and enjoy lunch in the pool! They serve a great veggie burger made with couscous, squash, sweet potato and carrots. Just ask to hold the mayo!

Discover more great places for cocktails in Aruba’s Top 10 Beach Bars   

For dinner, the pureocean kitchen went off the menu to make an incredible vegan eggplant lasagna and spinach strawberry salad. They even remembered to include vegan butter for the bread.

I enjoyed the rest of the lasagna for lunch the next day as we had a full kitchen and fridge in our suite. I really appreciated the effort from the food and beverage team at Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort to accommodate vegan diners. 

7. Beach Bar Aruba, Druif Beach 

Right across the street from the Divi Golf Village on beautiful Druif Beach is the new Beach Bar Aruba, the perfect place to grab a Beyond Meat Burger with vegan cheese and caramelized onions while enjoying a spectacular surfside setting.

Everyone who is anyone knows that Beyond Meat is the best veggie burger on the market in terms of taste and texture. 

So, what more could a girl ask for? How about live bands and a great house DJ and award-winning craft cocktails to set the mood? They’ve got that, too!

(Note: This beach bar is not part of any of the Divi All-Inclusive packages. It’s open to the public as a stand-alone establishment.)

Pro Tip: Follow Divi Resorts online to keep an eye on their legendary contests and 50% off sales for all-inclusive packages! 

8. Eduardo’s Beach Shack, Palm Beach

Aruba’s favourite juice and smoothie bar, Eduardo’s Beach Shack is a tiny little place on Palm Beach. You can easily spot it by the crowds of people lining up in their bathing suits to get a taste of their smoothies, bowls and meals.

Lucky for me, it’s a very short walk on the beach from the Holiday Inn Resort Aruba, where we always stay for a few nights. I have never missed a stop in at this cute little spot on any trip to Aruba, because they have some of the most delicious organic smoothie bowls I’ve ever tried.

Another must-try at Eduardo’s is the vegan waffles topped with fruit with Cocowhip. I was pleased to see that Eduardo’s has also added a café for the caffeine fiends among us.

9. Ike’s Bistro at Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa

Located on serene Eagle Beach, Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa is a landmark hotel that turned their focus to health and wellness holidays a few years ago.

They have one of the largest seafront yoga and Pilates palapas on the island, offer daily classes and lots of health-conscious food and drink on site as well. They also have their own on-site herb garden.

When it comes to fine cuisine, poolside Ike’s Bistro is just one of the exciting restaurants on this property. There, they’ve not only added new plant-based options, but now offer an entire stand-alone vegan menu beyond their regular fare. (To find it click on the Ike’s Bistro online, click menus and scroll down to special menus beneath the main dinner one.

It’s comprehensive with appetizers, soups, mains and desserts, and they also offer a 3-course vegan chef tasting menu, with or without wine.

Unique plant-based dishes — such as lychee ceviche and cauliflower steak — push the boundaries of creativity in a way that would have been unheard of just a few years ago.

10. Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba, Palm Beach

Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba is a colourful, newly-renovated property across the street from Palm Beach. I had the pleasure of staying here last year for a few nights with my mom. It’s one of the best boutique hotels in Aruba. 

This is not a beachfront property, but there is a beautiful spot on the beach for Boardwalk Boutique Hotel guests a mere two minute walk away.

While enjoying the beach, Boardwalk Boutique Hotel guests can enjoy food and beverage service from the Ritz-Carlton Aruba at a discounted rate.

What’s even more exciting, is that room service is provided by Eduardo’s Beach Shack. Boardwalk Boutique Hotel has also recently added a pickup window for breakfast, lunch, smoothies and more, all from Eduardo’s!

For guests in their villa, they’ve also introduced a new floating brunch, an unforgettable experience for honeymooners. 

Check rates and availability at Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba on Booking.com.

11. One Happy Bowl (Renaissance Marketplace) – A Top Vegan Restaurant in Aruba

I’ve written about this new vegan restaurant in Aruba before but love to mention it again because One Happy Bowl is just such a great lunch spot for the health-conscious.

As one of Aruba’s only all vegan and gluten free restaurants, it has been very well received by the local community. I love the flexibility in options this restaurant gives, as you can build your own happy bowl.

Start by choosing a base such as rice or quinoa, pick your protein from tofu, tempeh, or black eyed peas patties. You then have the tough decision of choosing four toppings from interesting options like watermelon tuna or mango, then add a sauce (hello creamy siracha).

Add a final touch such as local sprouts and you’re ready to eat. The possibilities are endless!

Worth Noting: One Happy Bowl has just earned their Aruba Quality Seal award of excellence! Congrats.

12. Bucuti Elements, Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort

When you’re on the prowl for an organic restaurant with a breathtaking view of the sunset, look no further. Elements is situated on one of the prettiest sections of Eagle Beach, and is surrounded by white sand and high palms.

Elements Restaurant has been leading the way in vegetarian/vegan-friendly dining for years; Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort is well known for its eco-conscious sustainable practices.

Their “adult only” policy makes a dinner setting all the more romantic — it’s one of the best choices for  Date Night in Aruba.

And, for those who looking to experience their Private Romantic Dining package, guests can reserve a palapa by the sea which includes a full vegan 6-course menu as well as a bottle of wine.

If you’re planning to propose, this might just be the perfect spot. Be sure to try the gnocchi delight and the grilled pineapple with coconut sorbetto for dessert.

13. Yemanja Woodfire Grill, Oranjestad

When it comes to vegan food, Yemanja Woodfire Grill is one of those places that just gets it: exciting atmosphere and creative taste. It’s a short walk from the cruise terminal and should definitely be added to everyone’s list of top places to eat in Oranjestad. 

They are able to accommodate all types of diets, and this is somewhere that everyone can enjoy. Yemanja is known for paying close attention to detail with their diverse menu and artistic plating. And no worries about the dress code – smart casual and you’re good to go.   

Must-try dishes include the cauliflower steak, stuffed Portobello mushrooms and the vegan BBQ platter. Gluten-free options are also available.

14. Fishes and More, Palm Beach

While Aruba, and the Caribbean in general, are well-known for their seafood, sometimes seafood restaurants leave out vegan options as it can sometimes be tricky to master.

But not at at Fishes and More! People are absolutely raving about the incredible vegan food here – especially the appetizers and mains. I actually had someone sitting near me on a flight from Aruba tell me about it.

Local vegan activist and restaurant consultant, Meredith Marin (featured in the photo) has spent the last few years teaming up with restaurants like this to make truly epic vegan creations.

With offerings such as lychee ceviche, watermelon tuna and Portobello shrimp tempura in the seafood platter, Fishes and More is not to be missed.

15. Po-Ké Ono, Eagle Beach

Hawaiian food on Aruba? Why not get the best of both worlds? Fun fact: the name Po-Ké Ono is partially inspired by Po from Kung Fu Panda, which also happens to be Chef Urvin Croes’ nickname. He’s also the owner of the acclaimed White Modern Cuisine.

This new restaurant is fun and vegan-friendly, offering delicious sushi and poke bowls. Be sure to try the flower power roll, which includes the unbeatable combo of sweet potato and avocado with spicy mango.

Or the vegan poke made with shiitake mushroom, tamari poke dressing, marinated beets, avocado, and mango. I have not had the chance to try this yet but I cannot wait for next time!

16. Green Food Service, Orange Plaza Mall

Another great vegan option, Green Food Service is a little off the beaten path (located in Orange Plaza Mall, Italiestraat 50) but definitely deserves some love!

It’s well worth checking out for lunch if you are staying at Divi Village Golf and Beach Resort. This local business has many wonderful vegetarian and vegan options on the menu, such as lasagna with homemade cashew “cheese” and spelt bread.

Best of all, their prices are very affordable! So you can treat yourself without feeling guilty.

17. Infini Chef’s Table, Blue Residences, Eagle Beach

Coming to a happy island near you … a very special experience is about to start happening at Infini within the Blue Residences luxury vacation rentals on Eagle Beach.

Starting this March, Chef Urvin Croes will be launching his new vision of a chef’s table in an intimate setting (20 people max.) It will also feature a nightly 8-course vegan menu and vegan cocktail pairing!

You heard it here first, folks.

You Might Also Like These Other Posts by the Vegan Vacationista: 

• Top Things to Do in Bonaire for First-time Visitors 
• Insider’s Guide to the Best Vegan Restaurants in Victoria, BC
• Best Vegan Food in Honolulu

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