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Curaçao’s culinary scene has become seriously cosmopolitan in the past few years. Though you can still find places to get traditional, local dishes like iguana soup, keshi yena (seasoned meat wrapped in cheese and baked), and goat stew, the emerging generation of chefs has really raised the bar. Caribbean meets international with a side of nouvelle cuisine or farm-to-fork organic offerings. All combine for a cornucopia of tastes and flavors that meet world-class standards. And the range of locations where you can enjoy these creations is as eclectic as the fare. You’ll find romantic toes-in-the-sand surf-side spots, family-friendly air-conditioned emporiums, lush countryside gardens, and unique historic sites like forts and plantation houses all hosting diners. For authentic local-style lunches drop by the Old Market in Punda; or after the nightclubs, seek out one of the late-night snack trucks (truki pan) for cheap, yet satisfying, eats. Many beach bars also have fabulous fare for less than you’d expect to pay. But for the most part, fine dining will cost you what it’s typically worth, especially since almost every kind of food on this island needs to be imported from elsewhere.
What to Wear. Dress in restaurants is almost always casual (though beachwear isn't acceptable). Some of the resort dining rooms and more elegant restaurants require that men wear jackets, especially in high season; ask when you make reservations.
Jutting out over the ocean at the Avila Beach Hotel, this legendary perch is famous for its sea views, its hearty Caribbean-focused dinner fare, and its Thursday night live jazz and blues shows. If you dine out on the deck Thursdays, you might see the Punda Vibe's fireworks over the water in the distance.
Recently redecorated with an awe-inspiring mural by famed local artist Francis Sling, Kome serves up creative fusion fare. The menu is divided into small (chiki) and big (grandi) plates, with dishes ranging from grilled octopus and chicken and waffles to Cuban ropa vieja. A constant effort to source locally has led to surprising results on the regularly changing specials menu. Their small terrace outside is the place to be for a more romantic setting.
Incredible aromas waft from the open-air kitchen of the Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort's signature restaurant, where Chef Hortencia surprises with fabulous fusions of local and international flavors. Set on a hill beside the golf course and affording stunning sea views, Shore is a trendy lunch spot that morphs into a lively yet romantic dinner enclave. The restaurant also has a children’s menu.
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