Adventures in Dining: Curacao

by Tammie Thompson

Dining in Curacao can be an adventure. We found the food to be fresh and fabulous. No need to worry about "tourista" - water on Curacao is fresh and food clean. There are a variety of dining options around the island. Here are but a few that we discovered.

Even the kids enjoyed the variety of fish, meats and veggies. Cheeses were "to die for". We discovered frozen fruit drinks (kind of like our smoothies without the abundance of sugar) - and were hooked. Desserts were plain - and best avoided - except for the ice cream - incredible! We found dining on Curacao to be expensive. Meal prices ranged from $15 to $25 US.

Sea Side Restaurant: Adjacent to Breezes Resort
The Sea Side Restaurant is literally a trailer with an open-air patio that serves incredible food. They cook everything to order (and it took a while). My son reports that this is the best Mahi Mahi he has ever had. Semi reasonable.

Mambo Beach: Sea Aquarium Beach
We loved the setting - right on the sand next to the Seaquarium beach. Great ambiance - and excellent food. They feature specials nightly (Hot Wok Night, Japanese, BBQ Buffet, etc.). Moderate

Rumours: Loins Dive & Beach Resort
Open-air restaurant and bar overlooking Seaquarium beach. Great for Happy Hour as kids can play on the beach while you have a beer or cocktail. Hardwoods and palms seaside create compelling atmosphere. Shrimp was excellent. Kids meals available. Moderate

Blues Beach Bar & Restaurant: Avila Beach Hotel
Gorgeous setting on a pier overlooking historic Avila Beach Hotel. We hit the Thursday Night Jazz Fest where local jazz musicians play Latin jazz and blues. Perfect romantic setting. You might want to leave the kids with a sitter or "kids club" for this one. Food had mixed reviews. Music was excellent. Expensive

Jaanchi's: Westpunt
Jaanchi's is an adventure in dining. At the tip of the island, it's pretty much the only game in town. The owner greets you with the daily menu as well as a few jokes. It's the setting that attracts several tour buses each day. Open windows with exotic birds flapping about, stuffed chickens, a wall mural of Curacao - interesting fare - all make for an adventure. We tried fried iguana (tastes like chicken - not!) and some other local specialties. Kids loved it. Without a printed menu you're at a disadvantage - ended up being quite expensive - but they'll always remember the iguana! Expensive

Iguana Café: Punda
Speaking of iguana - this outdoor café looks out at the pontoon bridge and the Otrobanda area. It's a great spot for some lunch and an afternoon of people watching. I loved my crab sandwich, kids were happy with their frozen treats and U.S. French Fries, and though we didn't participate - it's a chance to get your photo taken with a live iguana. Inexpensive/Moderate

Munahana: Breezes
You've got to be a guest at Breezes to eat at the Munahana - but it's worth a note as a family adventure in dining. Japanese cuisine including sushi and tempura, plus noodles, steak, chicken, fish and shrimp cooked right at the table. Kids loved it - even tried the sushi.

For more info see Destination Curacao here.

For more dining options see www.curacao-tourism.com.