Oranjestad by Day & Night: Your Guide to Aruba's Capital
The complete Oranjestad guide: shopping and sightseeing by day, restaurants and nightlife after dark. Plus the best tours starting near downtown
Driftwood Building, Klipstraat 12, Oranjestad, Aruba
CuisineSeafoodAruban
Price per personAWG 40 to 120About US$ 22 to 67
Opening hours6 days a week · from 5 PM
ReservationsBook onlineor call the restaurant
Fresh Seafood and Authentic Aruban Flavors in Downtown Oranjestad
Driftwood Restaurant is a classic seafood restaurant in Aruba, located in the heart of downtown Oranjestad. Since opening in 1986, Driftwood Restaurant has become a well-known favorite for visitors who want to enjoy fresh fish, local flavors and a warm island atmosphere during their vacation in Aruba.
The restaurant is especially known for its fresh catch of the day, with fish caught daily by the owner and prepared in different styles by the kitchen team. Guests can enjoy seafood favorites such as grilled fish, fish in garlic, blackened fish, shrimp, Caribbean lobster, seafood pasta and surf and turf.
The cozy interior is inspired by natural driftwood from Aruba’s rugged north coast, creating a relaxed and welcoming setting for dinner. Whether visitors are planning a romantic evening, a family dinner or a flavorful night out in Oranjestad, Driftwood Restaurant offers a true taste of Aruba.
What to expect
• Fresh seafood in downtown Oranjestad
• Fresh fish of the day caught daily by the owner
• Authentic Aruban-style seafood dishes
• Popular choices such as grilled fish, fish in garlic, blackened fish, shrimp, Caribbean lobster and surf and turf
• A cozy restaurant interior inspired by natural driftwood
• A warm and welcoming atmosphere for couples, families and groups
• A menu with seafood favorites and meat options
• A great dinner spot after exploring Oranjestad
• A long-standing local reputation in Aruba
Insider tip
Ask about the fresh catch of the day for the most authentic Driftwood Restaurant experience. The fish can be prepared in different styles, including Aruban-style, grilled, garlic or blackened - perfect for visitors who want to taste fresh local seafood in Aruba.
More than just a restaurant
Driftwood Restaurant is connected to Driftwood Fishing Charters, giving visitors the chance to enjoy a unique sea-to-table experience in Aruba. Guests can head out on a deep sea fishing trip, catch their own fish and later have it prepared by the chefs at Driftwood Restaurant.
This makes Driftwood Restaurant more than a dinner location. It is a place where fresh seafood, local fishing traditions and Aruban hospitality come together in the heart of Oranjestad.
AddressDriftwood Building, Klipstraat 12, Oranjestad, Aruba
A must try! In fact my family wants to come back here again this week!!! The food took a little while but it was definitely worth the wait! The atmosphere is like an old school seafood restaurant and the staff were super friendly. I was so impressed by the quality of food that it felt like a Michelin star restaurant! Will most certainly be recommending this little gem!
DRIFTWOOD - VERY GOOD to EXCELLENT, We had Onion Soup, Crab Cake, Wahoo Fish, mixed vegetables (skimpy portion of medley), baked potato, chocolate cake. All would be recommended! Absolutely superb service from start to finish. Staff kept our glasses full and continuously checked to see if we needed anything as we enjoyed our delectable meal. We would return.
Donny was an amazing server! He recommended our appetizer and meal, scallops coconut shrimp and moosey with garlic sauce and everything was STELLAR!!! We will be back! This is a MUST have for travelers!!!
This was an amazing experience eating here. The staff was amazing and attentive and friendly. They cooked our catch three different ways it was amazing. The coconut shrimp and crab cakes were delightful. A wonderful must visit place in Orangestad ♡
One of those places that are on tourists itineraries, but it's actually amazing. It's a family business and it's run very well! Amazing food, service and atmosphere. If you want some authentic Aruban cuisine and seafood, look no further. We are lucky they had a table, but it can get very busy so maybe try to make sure you have a reservation.
Local tips from our team
The complete Oranjestad guide: shopping and sightseeing by day, restaurants and nightlife after dark. Plus the best tours starting near downtown
Discover Aruba’s diverse culinary scene with local food, fresh seafood, international restaurants, and must-visit dining spots across the island.
Savor unforgettable meals at Aruba’s top restaurants with breathtaking views. Explore the island’s best dining spots and plan your perfect culinary escape.
Uncover top summer experiences in Aruba, from pristine beaches to exciting tours and local favorites. Plan your trip and explore the island’s best adventures.
Experience the Aruba Effect as you uncover why so many travelers return for more. Explore unique island adventures and plan your unforgettable Aruba getaway.
The best parties in Aruba: bars, clubs, party buses and bachelorette ideas. Where to go out tonight, from Palm Beach to Oranjestad.
How would you like to book your table?