Curaçao's food scene mixes Dutch, African, Latin American and Caribbean influences, and it shows on the menus. You can eat goat stew at a market counter for lunch and grilled catch of the day by the sea for dinner. Below are well-established places to eat across the island, from local classics to special-occasion restaurants. Opening hours change, so check current hours or book ahead before you go.
Where to eat
Plasa Bieu (Old Market)
A covered food hall of small kitchens serving goat stew, fried fish and funchi at long shared tables. Lunch only, closed Sundays.
Jaanchie's Restaurant
Family-run since 1936 and known for its spoken "walking menu", fresh fish and iguana stew. Mainly lunch; check it is open before driving out.
Gouverneur de Rouville
Restored 18th-century mansion with a balcony looking across the harbour at the Handelskade; local and international dishes.
Fort Nassau Restaurant
Casual fine dining in an 18th-century hilltop fort with a 360-degree view over the city. Book ahead for sunset.
Kome
Popular, lively spot (Kome is Papiamentu for "eat") with creative dishes built on local ingredients. Reservations recommended.
BijBlauw
Breezy seafront restaurant in Pietermaai, good for a long lunch or dinner looking out over the water.
Landhuis Daniel
Shady terrace at a plantation house dating from 1711, on the road to Westpunt; a handy stop on a west-coast day.
Number Ten
Cheerful breakfast and lunch café at Landhuis Bloemhof, just outside the centre. Weekdays; book ahead.
Zanzibar Beach & Restaurant
Lively beach club on Jan Thiel Beach with stone-oven pizza, grills and sunbeds; busy at weekends.
Karakter
Relaxed beach lounge and restaurant at Coral Estate on the west coast, open from breakfast to dinner.
Brisa do Mar (Pop's Place)
Low-key seaside spot a few minutes from Jan Thiel, loved for local fish dishes and a laid-back crowd.
Eating like a local
For local food, lunch is the time: Plasa Bieu and many small "snèks" serve their best dishes at midday. In the evening, look out for truki pan, the food trucks that serve grilled meat, fries and sandwiches late into the night around Willemstad. Our guide to Curaçao food explains what to order, from keshi yena to pastechi.
Practical tips
- Paying: cards are accepted at most restaurants; carry cash for food trucks and market stalls. Prices may be listed in guilders or dollars.
- Tipping: check the bill for a service charge; otherwise around 10% for good service is appreciated.
- Getting there: Pietermaai and Punda are walkable; for Fort Nassau, Jan Thiel or the west coast you will want a car or taxi. See getting around.
- Combine it: pair lunch at Jaanchie's or Landhuis Daniel with a day on the beaches of Westpunt.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I try local food in Curaçao?
Plasa Bieu (the Old Market) in Punda is the classic lunch spot for local dishes. Jaanchie's in Westpunt is the island's best-known traditional restaurant.
Do I need to book restaurants in Curaçao?
For popular dinner restaurants such as Fort Nassau or Kome, yes, especially in high season. Market stalls and beach bars are walk-in.
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