7 Kid-Approved Places to Eat in Aruba 

Finding Food That Everyone Loves 

If you’ve ever planned a family trip, you know that food can make—or break—the day. Between swimming at the beach, naps at the hotel, and sightseeing, finding meals that everyone enjoys (especially your picky eaters) can become a big deal.

During our week in Aruba, we learned that Aruba makes it easy to find food that the entire family will enjoy. From smoothie cafés and beachfront meals to mini Dutch pancakes that are fun to eat, this island has options that delight both kids and adults.

Here’s our list of kid-approved places to eat in Aruba, including what our family loved most, what to order, and a few helpful tips for making mealtimes smoother while you’re traveling.

1. The Organic Bodega Café – Smoothies, Sandwiches & Coffee

If your family loves fresh food and a relaxing atmosphere, you’ll adore The Organic Bodega Café. This casual, laidback spot quickly became our go-to for breakfast and light lunches.

Our kids loved their French toast and scrabbled eggs, while we appreciated the organic ingredients and espresso bar. The café is located on the second level of a women's clothing boutique. We experienced quick service, and a laid-back vibe perfect for little ones who wiggle through meals. The boys loved people watching from the balcony, seeing shoppers down below, pretending they were spies.

Parent Tip: They also have a small grocery section with local snacks and natural sunscreen—great for refueling before a beach day.

What to Try:

• Acai bowl or tropical smoothie

• Chicken wrap or tuna sandwich

• Cappuccino for the grown-ups

• Avocado toast

Helpful Travel Picks:

• Insulated water bottles for kids – keeps drinks cold all day

• Travel-sized hand sanitizer – for easy clean up before eating

2. The Dutch Pancake House – Breakfast (or Brunch)

Located in downtown Oranjestad, The Dutch Pancake House is famous for serving up thin, crepe-style pancakes bigger than the plates they’re on. The menu has dozens of toppings—from Nutella and bananas to ham and cheese—making it a fun place to eat for everyone!

The restaurant is bright, casual, and fast-paced—great for families who don’t want a long sit-down meal but still want something special. Our kids shared the mini pancakes and still couldn’t finish them! Now, most mornings back at home, we make mini pancakes to reminisce about our time in Aruba together.

Parent Tip: Go early! The Dutch Pancake House fills up fast, especially on weekends.

What to Try:

• Apple cinnamon pancake

• Cheese and bacon Dutch pancake (for savory lovers)

• Fresh orange juice

Helpful Travel Picks:

• Lightweight foldable silicone travel bibs – great for syrupy breakfasts

• Wet Wipes – because pancakes + kids = sticky everything!

• Mini First-Aid Kit – compact for your day bag

3. Paddock Aruba – Waterfront Dining with Views & Pigeons

Yes, pigeons! Our kids thought Paddock Aruba, right along the waterfront, was one of the most entertaining lunch spots on the island. It’s casual, a bit quirky, and has a menu full of kid-friendly classics—pizza, burgers, fries, and grilled chicken.

We loved sitting outside watching cruise ships come and go while the kids giggled at the pigeons wandering near the tables. The breeze was so relaxing and the adult beverages were a delicious treat mid-day!

Parent Tip: Bring a small pack of wipes and maybe a few snacks to tide little ones over—service can be relaxed, island-style.

What to Try:

• Thin crust pizza (simple, classic, delicious)

• Chicken fingers or grilled chicken sandwich

• Local Balashi beer for the adults

Helpful Travel Picks:

• Travel high chair – handy to convert any chair into a high chair for toddlers at restaurants

• Wet Wipes – keep hands clean and wipe down surfaces before eating

• Snack Spinner with Compartment Dispenser – keeps snacks from spilling everywhere

4. Eduardo’s Beach Shack – Quick, Fresh & Perfect for a Beach Break

If you’re near Palm Beach, don’t miss Eduardo’s Beach Shack. It’s not a sit-down restaurant—more like a bright beach hut serving smoothies, fruit bowls, and wraps.

It’s an excellent stop between swimming and shopping, and everything is made fresh. Even our picky eater loved the mango smoothie and Nutella acai bowl.

Parent Tip: Bring your own water bottles and wet wipes—beach hands and smoothie bowls are a messy combo!

What to Try:

• Acai bowl with granola and banana

• Tropical smoothie with pineapple, coconut, and mango

• Chia pudding for something cool and light

Helpful Travel Picks:

• Compact Cooler – keeps leftovers and drinks cold on the go

• Collapsible Silicone Bowls – perfect for fruit and snacks

• Wet Wipes – makes cleanup easy

5. Local Store Aruba – Burgers, Wings & Relaxed Vibes

If you’re craving something hearty after a beach day, Local Store Aruba is your place. It’s known for juicy burgers, flavorful wings, and local beers—but they also have plenty of kid-friendly options.

Our boys shared the chicken tenders and fries while we enjoyed the island-style burgers. The casual vibe and outdoor seating made it easy to unwind as a family.

Parent Tip: Come early for dinner—parking can be limited and it gets busy after sunset.

What to Try:

• “Local Burger” with cheese and onion rings

• Chicken wings with sweet chili sauce

• Kids’ chicken tenders

Helpful Travel Picks:

• Cooling Towels – Aruba heat + outdoor dining = lifesaver

• Compact Fan – helps during warm evenings

• Reusable wet/dry bag – perfect for messy kids’ clothes

6. Noord Pastry Aruba – Sweet & Savory Treats

If your kids (or you!) have a sweet tooth, Noord Pastry Aruba is a must-visit. This charming bakery is tucked away in Noord and feels like a cozy European café with a Caribbean twist.

From flaky croissants to warm chocolate muffins and cake pops, everything is baked fresh daily. The staff is very kind and patient—our kids couldn’t decide between pastries, and they offered small samples to help them choose.

It became our favorite stop for breakfast on the go or an afternoon treat after the beach. The apple turnovers and empanadas were so good we went back twice!

Parent Tip: Go early for the best selection—popular items sell out by mid-morning!

What to Try:

• Chocolate croissant or almond pastry

• Ham-and-cheese roll for a savory option

• Cappuccino or iced latte for adults

Helpful Travel Picks:

• Reusable snack containers – perfect for storing pastries on the go

• Mini cooler bag – keeps pastries fresh on beach days

• Stainless steel travel coffee mug – enjoy your coffee warm on the move

7. Pizza Samba – Cozy Dinner & Sunset Views (One of Our Favorite Places to Eat in Aruba!)

When it comes to easy, kid-approved dinners, Pizza Samba is a gem. This charming, straw-roof restaurant serves wood-fired pizza, pasta, and gelato — all in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.

We stopped here after exploring Seroe Colorado and it was the perfect ending to the day. The kids devoured their cheese pizza while we enjoyed the warm evening breeze and twinkling string lights.

And the Black Hawaii gelato (dark chocolate, coconut, and charcoal) might just be my favorite ice cream flavor of all time! Plus we tried a Brazilian soda called Guarana Antarctica, which is also our new all time favorite soda!

Parent Tip: Go right before sunset for a magical dinner atmosphere.

Helpful Travel Picks:

• Clip-on stroller fan – keeps little ones cool outdoors

• Wet Wipes – for pizza sauce emergencies

• Bug Repellent Spray - since it's outdoor seating

Bonus: Easy At-Home Meals for Families

If you’re staying at a villa or VRBO, plan to eat in a few times! Aruba’s grocery stores like Super Food Plaza and Ling & Sons have everything from fresh produce to ready-made meals.

We made pasta, tacos, and even a small Thanksgiving lunch during our stay. Having access to a kitchen meant less stress and more flexibility when the kids were tired.

Helpful Travel Picks:

• Spice Containers – perfect for travel cooking & saves you from having to buy an entire container of seasoning

• Reusable silicone food bags – reduce waste and pack snacks

• Compact knife sharpener – rental kitchens often need one!

Good Food & Great Memories

Traveling with kids often means balancing adventure with comfort — especially when it comes to food. On our family trip to Aruba, we discovered that the island isn’t just about turquoise water and white-sand beaches; it’s also full of kid-friendly cafés and restaurants that make family dining easy and enjoyable. With smoothie cafés, waterfront restaurants, pizzerias, and sweet and savory pancakes, there’s something for every appetite and personality.

We hope you enjoy this list of places to eat in Aruba & kid-friendly cafés as much as we did on our vacation. These spots delivered good food and even better memories.

Until the Next Adventure,

Jess