More people are finding their way to Aruba in 2026. LATAM Airlines now flies daily from Lima, Porter Airlines added direct routes from Canada, and Wingo launched a seasonal connection from Barranquilla, Colombia. That uptick in flights lands travelers in the middle of a quietly evolving food scene — one where a Caribbean-first cider bar and a boutique Spanish tapas spot have recently opened at the same Palm Beach hotel. This article covers what’s new at the table and what travelers should know before they book.
Blu Tap Cider at Radisson Blu Aruba is described as the Caribbean’s first dedicated cider bar.
Aruba’s 2026 dining scene adds real variety — a cider bar and a Spanish tapas boutique in one hotel — but the airport is mid-renovation and tourism policy may shift. It’s a good moment to visit for food, with the caveat that construction and evolving rules could affect your timing.
Food-focused travelers
Radisson Blu guests
Return visitors
| Dining Experience | Type | Location | Open |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blu Tap Cider | Cider bar | Radisson Blu Aruba | 2026 |
| Don Esteban Gourmet | Spanish tapas | Radisson Blu Aruba | Daily noon–8 PM |
| 2026 food scene overall | Evolving island-wide | Aruba | Ongoing |
Blu Tap Cider
The first place to check on a food-focused visit to Aruba in 2026 is Blu Tap Cider.
It operates inside the Radisson Blu Aruba and bills itself as the Caribbean’s first dedicated cider bar. That alone makes it a draw for anyone tired of the same rum-and-beer rotation. The bar pours a rotating selection of ciders, offering something lighter and less sweet than what most island bars stock. It’s a small shift, but it signals how Aruba’s beverage scene is branching out.
If your group includes someone who doesn’t drink beer or cocktails, this spot gives them a proper option — not just a wine list that was an afterthought. The setting inside the Radisson Blu is polished but relaxed, and the bar staff can talk through the cider styles they have on tap.
Don Esteban Gourmet
A few steps from the cider bar, Don Esteban Gourmet opened its first boutique location at the same hotel.
This is Spanish tapas with a focus on Jamón Ibérico de Bellota — the acorn-fed ham that’s a benchmark of Spanish charcuterie. The restaurant serves daily from noon to 8 PM, which makes it a viable lunch or early dinner stop. It’s not a full-production dinner house; the boutique format keeps the menu focused, so you’re getting cured meats and well-executed tapas rather than a sprawling menu that tries to do everything.
For travelers based at Radisson Blu, this is the most convenient new option on site. If you’re staying elsewhere on Palm Beach, it’s a short walk or taxi ride. The noon opening means you can make it a midday break — order a few plates, share them, and head back out without losing a full afternoon.
Don Esteban Gourmet closes at 8 PM daily — earlier than most dinner spots in Aruba. If you want a later meal, plan for a second stop elsewhere or visit for lunch instead.
The 2026 Dining Landscape
These two openings sit inside a broader shift in how Aruba welcomes visitors.
The Radisson Blu has become a mini dining hub on Palm Beach, but the rest of the island’s food scene is also evolving. New flights from LATAM, Porter Airlines, and Wingo mean more travelers from South America and Canada — and with them, more demand for diverse cuisine. That’s part of why a cider bar and a Spanish tapas spot make sense here now.
The airport is in the middle of its Gateway 2030 expansion. As of May 2026, post-security shops and restaurants on the right side are closed during the rebuild, though relocations to other gate areas are in place. Self bag drop has been added in the U.S. check-in hall, and pet relief areas have expanded. These changes should speed up departure processing once you know where to go, but the closure of some concession stands means fewer food options airside during construction.
On the policy side, the Aruba Chamber of Commerce’s 2026 Business Event called for more controlled tourism growth. Possible outcomes include cruise caps or stricter short-term rental rules. No laws have passed yet, but travelers should monitor these developments — they could affect availability and pricing in coming seasons. Local officials are also phasing e-scooters off public roads, so if you were planning to rely on scooters for getting around, have a backup plan.
Post-security dining options at Reina Beatrix International Airport are reduced during the Gateway 2030 rebuild. If you’re flying out, eat before you get to the airport or check which gate-area concessions have reopened on your travel date.
Navigating Aruba’s Dining Scene in 2026
The main friction point for food-focused travelers this year is the airport construction and the concentration of new dining at one hotel. Here’s what to factor in.
Airport logistics
The Gateway 2030 expansion is a long-term project that will eventually improve the terminal. Right now, it means fewer places to grab food after security. The self bag drop in the U.S. check-in hall speeds up check-in, so you can spend more time at the gate or in a relocated concession rather than waiting in line.
Where the new dining is
Both Blu Tap Cider and Don Esteban Gourmet are at Radisson Blu Aruba on Palm Beach. If you’re staying there, you have easy access. If you’re based elsewhere, plan a visit to that stretch of the beach — it’s a short drive from most hotel zones, and you can pair it with a walk on Palm Beach afterward.
Policy changes to watch
The tourism growth debate is ongoing. No concrete caps or rental rules are in effect yet, but the conversation is active. For a 2026 trip, check the latest from the Aruba Tourism Authority before booking accommodations to avoid surprises with short-term rental availability.
- Two new dining spots at Radisson Blu — a cider bar and a Spanish tapas boutique — add fresh options to Aruba’s food scene in 2026.
- The airport is under construction through the Gateway 2030 expansion, with reduced food options post-security and improved self bag drop in the U.S. check-in hall.
- Tourism policy discussions could lead to cruise caps or rental restrictions — monitor changes before booking.
Before You Go — Aruba Dining
Are the new dining spots at Radisson Blu open to non-guests?
Yes. Both Blu Tap Cider and Don Esteban Gourmet are open to the public. You don’t need to be a hotel guest to eat or drink there.
What’s the best time to visit Don Esteban Gourmet?
Lunch, between noon and 2 PM, gives you the full tapas menu without the early dinner rush. It closes at 8 PM, so don’t plan a late dinner there.
Is the airport construction causing delays?
Not major delays, but the closure of right-side shops and restaurants means fewer options once you’re through security. Allow extra time to find relocated concessions. The self bag drop helps speed up check-in.
Should I worry about the e-scooter phase-out?
If you planned to rent an e-scooter for getting around, yes — they’re being phased off public roads. Taxis, rental cars, and ride-shares remain the standard options.
What if I want more food variety beyond the hotel zone?
Aruba has a strong food truck scene, floating markets, and local eateries in Oranjestad. The new openings at Radisson Blu are worth a stop, but they’re not the only game in town.
Fresh Flavors, Shifting Ground
Aruba in 2026 offers a genuine reason to book a food-focused trip — the cider bar and tapas boutique are real additions, not just hotel filler. The airport construction is a temporary inconvenience, and the policy debates are worth watching, but neither cancels out the fact that the island’s dining scene is getting more interesting. For a deeper look at where to eat beyond the hotel zone, check out Aruba’s floating food markets for another angle on fresh island dining.
References
Things to Do in Aruba. “Aruba 2026: New Flights, Restaurants & Travel Guide.” 2026. ↗
Radisson Blu Aruba. “Blu Tap Cider & Don Esteban Gourmet.” 2026. ↗
Reina Beatrix International Airport. “Gateway 2030 Expansion.” 2026. ↗
If you’re still planning your Aruba dining itinerary, a few other guides on this site round out the picture. The sunset dining scene pairs well with fresh seafood, while Aruba’s top-rated food trucks offer a more casual, mobile alternative. For plant-based eaters, the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants cover ground the new Radisson Blu spots don’t. And if you want to cook some of that local produce yourself, authentic Aruban cooking classes take you behind the stove.
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