What to Eat in Curacao with the BEST Beach-Front Restaurant Tips

What should you eat in Curacao? I’ve got a great list of restaurant suggestions for you below, along with the most iconic dishes from the island.
My family has visited Curacao multiple times, and we love to try out new foods and new restaurants. There is some really yummy food on island that takes its influence from Caribbean and Dutch people.
Depending on the time of year you visit, you may get lucky and have access to food that is only offered once or twice a year.
For example, Oliebollen & Stollen is only available around Christmas and the New Year. They stop selling Oliebollen about a week after Jan 1st. Oliebollen is a Dutch Donut, made with or without raisins covered in powered sugar. Yum! Stolen is a heavy sweet bread made with dried fruits and nuts.
Paasstol is very similar to the Christmas Stollen, but it changes it’s name in the Spring. This is a Dutch influenced Easter bread. It’s a sweet bread filled with dried fruits and almond Paste. There are many local bakeries who make this special treat!
What to Eat on the Island of Curacao
Wondering what to eat in Curacao? I’ve listed items below that are popular or unique to the island with a brief description of each.
Everyone has heard of the Blue Curacao liquor, and you’ll find it on most menus around the island. Blue Curacao along with it’s many colored counterparts are distilled right here on the island!





What to Eat in Curacao that is Unique to the Island


The Best Beach-Front Restaurants to Eat at in Curacao
Where should you eat in Curacao? There are some BEAUTIFUL beach and water front restaurants in Curacao offering the most amazing food. There are so many great options, that it might be hard to decide what to eat in Curacao! I hope this list helps narrow it down for you.
We have been lucky enough to get to sample several of these amazing locations during our visits!



I’ve rounded up all the favorites from locals and travelers alike below:
- De Visserij Piscadera – an unpretentious, casual waterfront restaurant serving freshly caught seafood from Friday-Monday only. Try the Lionfish Ceviche.
- Karakter Curacao – a waterfront restaurant serving yummy food all day, everyday. Be sure to try a giant slab of Apple Pie (see photo above).
- Koraal Rooftop Terrace – enjoy upscale dining with amazing waterfront views in the evenings. Try their Sushi Saturdays.
- Perla Del Mar Curacao – enjoy unique seafood dishes along family-friendly options at this waterfront restaurant in downtown Willemstad on the Punda side. Stop by for live music on Saturdays from 7-10pm.
- Ocean House 19 Curacao – step into this beautiful water themed restaurant for some upscale dining options with amazing views of the Willemstad Harbor. Try the Grilled Tenderloin or Garlic Conch for something unique.
- The Gentlemen @ Sea (De Heeren @ Sea) – is a casual waterfront restaurant open to hotel guests and the public offering breakfast, lunch and dinner. Try the Curacao Pumpkin Pancakes for something a little different.
- Olas Y Copas – is a romantic seafront restaurant located near the Aquarium. There are lots of raw options, along with some amazing signature cocktails. Try the Octopus Carpaccio & Una Noche En Curacao beverage.
- Brisa Do Mar – a waterfront, family-friendly restaurant located in Jan Thiel. It’s the perfect place to try Stoba which is a stewed meat dish unique to Curacao.
- Playa Forti Restaurant – a clifftop (Amazing Cliff-Diving + Snorkeling Here), waterfront restaurant located in Westpunt. Enjoy homestyle cooking like burgers and seafood at this family friendly restaurant. Try the Keshi-Yena here, a dish unique to Curacao.
- Niffo Huts – casually eat right on the sand here by the salt flats (salinas) of Sint Michiel. This is where you’ll find some traditional Dutch food like Kroket, bitterballen, along with yummy pizza and pasta. Try the Salchipapa; french fries smoothered in various sauces.
- Bij Blauw – located just outside of downtown Willemstad you can eat right on the beach here. Delightful, healthy food options at breakfast, lunch and dinner. Indulge in the delicious Lamb Shank for an upscale dinner, or try their yummy smoothies for casual lunch.
My Favorite Restaurants to Eat at in Curacao
Here are some of my family favorite restaurants that we frequent when we visit the island of Curacao in the Caribbean! These are not beach or water-front.





- Pasawa Box Eatery – this is a permanent multi-food-truck site, except the food trucks are not on wheels, but all in funky shipping containers. Lots of different street food options and drinks to try here. Family friendly, with a fun atmosphere and live music on the weekends.
- Hongxin Restaurant – has really fresh, yummy tasting Chinese food if the mood strikes you. You’ll find this casual restaurant just off Caracasbaaiweg heading towards Jan Thiel.
- The Don Street Restaurant – is a casual-dining food truck, with outdoor seating and amazing BBQ. Once you get your order there are lots of sauces to choose from to enhance your BBQ, I recommend getting the pink sauce.



- Number 10 – This is a great (smart-casual) breakfast and lunch restaurant. Great for things like, waffles, fish tacos, and giant hamburgers. Cocktails are superb! This place fills up quickly, and you definitely need reservations.
Unique Places to Eat in Curacao
- Cascada Rooftop Bar + Kitchen – is stunning rooftop restaurant in the heart of Willemstad. Beautiful views of the water and 360° view of the city. Offering amazing tapas and quirky cocktails in this laid-back, smart-casual restaurant. Kids welcome!




- Shelterrock Paradise – here you’ll get a show and dinner with a casual, homestyle cooking atmosphere. You can even arrange dance lessons before dinner starts. This place is very unique! I recommend the Friday Coconut Dinner. This special meal consists of slow roasting meat and veggies inside of coconuts, which are cooked on an open coal fire in the ground all day. This is on the west part of the island, but worth the drive!



- De Gouverneur – this upscale two story quayside restaurant has a fantastic view of the Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge (very nice at night, see below). One of the best locations to try Keshi Yena or Stoba on the island. Book ahead for quayside seating.
Pro Tip: If you find your stomach a little upset from all the new and exciting flavors, I recommend grabbing a Mauby drink from a local grocery store. Mauby is made from the bark of the Colubrina genus tree, and aids in digestion. Just be warned that it has a strong bitter aftertaste. It’s best to be sipped slowly.

Places To Stay in Curacao
There are some beautiful places to stay in Curacao! Many Airbnb options, along with VRBO. There are also plenty of great boutique hotels and larger resorts.
Given the choice, I personally, would choose to stay near Willemstad. My family has stayed on both the West side of the Island (Cas Abao), along with the East (Jan Thiel). My preference is to stay somewhere closer to the action of Willemstad. You’ll never run out of things to do in the city, and most of the amazing restaurants on this list are located centrally.
Budget Option ($): Bed & Bike Curacao Jan Thiel


Located on the eastern side of the island, close to downtown Willemstad and only 1.5 miles from Tugboat Beach is this colorful, highly rated active resort. Free bike rentals available, guest swimming pool, and shared kitchen facilities. At $100/night, the price can’t be beat. >> Book the Bed & Bike Right Here <<
Mid-Range Option ($$): Curacao Avila Beach Hotel


Located a stones throw from downtown Willemstad, this resort is one of the TOP places to stay in Curacao. Travelers absolutely rave about the service here. Offering nightly seafood specials in the restaurant after a day of swimming in the private hotel lagoon, or playing a round of golf. >>> Book Avila Right Here <<<
Luxury Option ($$$): Saint Tropez Boutique Hotel


This stunning boutique hotel is located in the picturesque and colorful Pietermaai area, with gorgeous infinity pool right on the ocean front. Guests may stay in a One Bedroom Apartment with a Balcony, or Duluxe King Suites with a Sea View. Why not book half board and sit down down to a fresh island breakfast every morning! Book the Saint Tropez Boutique Hotel Here <<<
FAQ
Let’s dive into some of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to dining out in Curacao! Or jump over to my other post about the 9 Most Unique & Memorable Things to do in Curacao.
What Should I Wear to Dinner in Curacao
This of course really depends on the restaurant. In the above list, I’ve mentioned if something is upscale (dresses, or dress shirts are preferred), family friendly & casual (casual dress is fine; tshirt and shorts).
It is really quite warm in Curacao – almost all of the time. I’ve rarely needed a sweater at night, and definitely never required a coat. Personally, I even find it hard to wear long pants. Loose, flowy dresses are perfect for dinner, or smart shorts and a nice top are also great. Men could wear khaki shorts, and a nice shirt.
Always choose cotton over polyester to help you feel cool in this hot, humid climate.
What is the Best Beach-Front Restaurant in Curacao
My personal favorite beach-front restaurant in Curacao has to be Bij Blauw. I loved their fresh tasting ingredients and unique cocktails. It’s fresh food that you can feel good about eating.
My favorite time of day to visit Bij Blauw is at lunch time so that you can sit under the canopy; beachside, and watch all the boats and jet skis going by on the water. The waves can be pretty incredible here too!





What is Punda Vibes in Curacao
Punda Vibes happens on Thursday night (every week). It is dedicated to making the Punda area of downtown Willemstad a vibrant destination for singles, couples AND families. Line up for a famous mojito at the Worlds Best Mojito Bar, or a smoothie next door at La Boheme Curacao if you’re a non drinker.


Take a stroll around to see traditional dancers in the square, or head towards the waterfront to stroll the beautiful Handelskade, see the Queen Emma Bridge lit up at night, or leave a lock at the Punda Love Hearts.

We love stopping for a gelato at Cielo Gelato & Pizza and getting some pictures infront of the giant Curacao sign.
Book a table in advance to take advantage of the fun atmosphere at Cascada Rooftop Bar + Kitchen with a live DJ, and the best seat in the house for the PUNDA FIREWORKS at 8:15pm every THURSDAY EVENING!
Is Curacao Safe
Curacao has been ranked as one of the safest countries in the world to travel to. You must of course always exercise caution in any foreign country because crimes of opportunity happen.
There are some considerations to take to ensure your trip is a safe and pleasant one.
Where to find Tamarind Juice, and Oliebollen
I loved trying the super fresh Tamarind Juice from the farmers market at the Landhuis Daniel. They hold this traditional Antillean Market the second Sunday of every month. Sometimes it can be really hard to find information about this market, so I would recommend following the Landhuis Daniel Facebook page.
Oliebollen can only be found around Christmas time. We found fresh Oliebollen at a food truck on 268 Caracasbaaiweg which was absolutely amazing, I definitely recommend this spot.
You can also find it at a food truck outside of the supermarket Goisco, and the Zuikertuin shopping mall. You can also special order from bakeries around Christmas-time.
Conclusion
Anytime my family visits a new location, trying the local cuisine is a must. Curacao is a fascinating place food-wise because of the different cultural influences.
You have the freshest seafood, lovingly prepared with a Caribbean flair, but then you can settle in for some comfort foods like bitterballen hailing all the way from The Netherlands.
If I had some advice to offer a new traveler to Curacao, I would tell them to sit back and relax at any restaurant destination you choose. You are now on Island Time! That means that food and service might be a little slower than you’re used to in Western cultures.
Don’t worry though, it’s all part of the wonderful experience that is the Caribbean island of Curacao.

Bon Bini (Welcome!)
Enjoy your holiday!
Tanya
My family loves trying out local food wherever we go too and the food in Curacao looks delicious. I had tamarind juice in Mauritius and loved it!
I clicked on this because I had absolutely no idea what kind of thing you can eat in Curacao – and omg, it looks like there are some fabulous options! What a treat. It’s kind of cool that they’ve added Lionfish to the menu to help remove it as an invasive species! I’d be really curious to try that.
p.s. Totally unrelated but thank you for your help a while ago with whale watching. We took my mother in law a couple of weeks ago and it was INCREDIBLE!
Lionfish? I never would have thought of eating that. The food looks very filling.
Curacao looks beautiful and the food looks amazing. It’s good to know there’s plenty of family friendly places, that’s important to find when traveling!
Love this post! The food suggestions are on point—especially the local dishes like Keshi Yena. And those beach-front restaurant tips? Exactly what I needed to make the most of a trip to Curacao. Thanks for sharing all these awesome spots
Ohh my, Curacao is quite a beautiful gem. With the colorful houses by the water, the fact that its safe, great food, and fun, I’d really love to go to Curacao to experience it all. Thank you for sharing the tips.
Love this post! I definitely want to go to Curacao to experience Punda Vibes! What a blast!
Wowww so many places to eat in Curacao! I love reading these food guides because they always give me great ideas for my own trips!
Hello! Are there many fast food restaurants on Curacao?