This cozy cafe on the corner is a true hot spot in the already buzzing Noord district of Aruba. The secret of Cafe 080 may have to do with the Dutch owners' idea of combining authentic Dutch specialties like kroket (deep fried beef croquettes), fricandel (sausage specialty) and patat (fresh cut fries) with ice cold Heineken (or any local beer), a totally laid-back atmosphere and - best of all - as-good-as-it-gets local prices! With only three main courses a day, which include three variations on the traditional homemade hotchpotch with meat and gravy, Cafe 080 aims to keep it simple and satisfyingly good.

Zeerover means Sea Pirate, but for locals it's synonymous with ice cold beer and seafood at reasonable prices. With fresh off-the-boat fare, a laid-back atmosphere where you order from a window and eat outside, this cozy seafood shack in the heart of fishing village Savaneta is a haven for fresh catches of the day. The baskets of fried fish and jumbo shrimps are paired with local side dishes such as "pan bati" (Aruban pancakes), "funchi" (hearty cornmeal cake or fritters) and "banana hasa" (fried plantain). Grab a table on the wooden deck, play a game of domino with new friends while waiting for your order or just purchase fresh fish to go, if you want your catch grilled or steamed at home. These pirates only dig into the deep-fried.

This cozy little restaurant is in an old Aruban house with the works of local artists decorating the walls. Sit outside for a light snack and enjoy the live music, or stay inside for a full meal. Caribbean specialties rule the day here. Try conch stew or keshi yena - Dutch cheese stuffed with beef, chicken or seafood. The signature dish of the house is the Gasparito Chicken; seven ingredients including wine, brandy and pineapple juice marinate the chicken and keep it tender and juicy. All meals are served with the restaurant's famous pan bati (Aruban-style cornbread). Smart-casual attire. Reservations suggested.

There was a collective sigh of relief when hospitable owner Varella Inocencia and her mom, chef Luisa (The Queen!) found a new home for The Queen's. Though significantly different in style from the restaurant's original downtown location, the high rise setting conveys a bigger stream of island visitors and locals to the spirit and coziness of the Aruban cuisine. Local starters, inspired cocktails and Aruban specialties are served on the second level of Palm Beach Plaza. Appetizer highlights include the typical Cuminda di lama Tempera (pickled seafood with fresh local herbs) and fish cakes served with Creole sauce. And for a pleasant participatory experience, try one of the crowd-pleasing Mama Stews.

A visit to downtown Oranjestad just isn't complete without a rendezvous with The Old Fisherman, which focuses on local seafood and Aruban dishes, but also includes international options like US Black Angus Tenderloin and Seafood Linguini with Marinara or Alfredo sauce. Locals love this spot, especially for lunch and breakfast. So, prepare to feel a bit crammed and jammed. The tiny dining room is decorated with nautical items, fishing gear and many memorable photos of Aruban fishermen. The seafood courses are named after some of these local sea heroes and list interesting plates of sauteed conch called Jan Semeleer or a Claudio Wolf - a whole red snapper grilled, fried or any way you like. The beverage list features local beers, classic cocktails and the regular soft drinks. For a special non-alcoholic beverage, ask for a refreshing glass of 'awa di lamoenchi' (home-made lemonade).

The Peruvian kitchen is known for its large variety and taste, blending distinct traditions and cultures like Spanish, Incan, African and Asian cuisines. For beginners, the curious, the hungry, or the more seasoned foodies: the only authentic Peruvian restaurant in Aruba serving traditional dishes like spicy Ceviche and Aji specials (seafood delicacy prepared with yellow chile pepper), is located in one of the most monumental streets in Oranjestad, the Wilhelminastraat. Although the draw is not its fancy looks, Delimar is a favorite place for many locals and tourists who appreciate big flavor, fresh seafood, and friendliness at a reasonable price.

In a small, yet smart space in the busy Oranjestad neighborhood, chef and owner Jose Do Nascimento returns to his Portuguese roots and serves up a fresh and flavorful menu. Gostoso, which translates to "palatable" in Portuguese, gives meaning to its name by offering a variety of local seafood, and Aruban, Portuguese and International dishes, passionately crafted to indulge the most discriminating foodies. House specialties such as the Criollo Sushi Roll for two with plantain, crab and a spicy home-made sauce; the most tender Lenga Stoba (Beef Tongue) ever; and Portuguese style Bacalhau (salted codfish) keeps this establishment on the radar of those with adventurous palates. Venture into dessert territory and meet the Quesillo di Coco (coconut flan) or stick to the ever-satisfying chocolate cake.

Zuzuroh Italian-Greek Taverna is a small home-style restaurant behind the La Quinta Resort at Eagle Beach. There are two families that keep this buzz going: Evert and Margarita, and chef Bas (Sebastian) and his wife, who all want to share their favorite Mediterranean recipes to the growing group of first-time and repeat customers. By introducing the freshest homegrown and homemade ingredients and a small group of dedicated staff members, this hidden kosmima (gem) represents fusion at its best. For a complete introduction to Greek cuisine and lifestyle, order and share the Greek Style Family Platter to savor traditional dishes like Moussaka, Tzatziki, Gyro and Souvlaki. It's all smashingly good!

Cunucu means "countryside" or "small plantation" in Papiamento, and although that's not where this traditional Aruban house is situated nowadays (due to the island's progressive urbanization), the original thick plaster walls and tile floors remind us of Aruba's good old times. Have a pre-dinner cocktail on the patio out front then move indoors to savor traditional seafood soup or a wide range of local delicacies like fish cake, pastechi (pastry filled with Dutch cheese) and fried plantain served on a big plate. The fresh catch of the day with Creole sauce is an excellent choice, but to indulge your preference for meat, try the goat stew Aruban Style. Funchi (cornmeal side dish) or pan bati (hearty Aruban pancakes) accompany most meals and are both island favorites.