Explore Kosher Dining at Hyatt Regency Aruba
Just off the white sand of Palm Beach, inside the Hyatt Regency Aruba, a new kosher dining option has opened that changes the game for observant travelers. Piccolo, the first full-service kosher steakhouse in Aruba, now offers year-round fine dining in a setting that feels more Upper West Side than Caribbean. Piccolo is part of the Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa and Casino and is open to both hotel guests and the public. This article walks through what to expect, what’s on the menu, and how to plan a visit that works for a family like ours.
Piccolo is the first full-service kosher steakhouse in Aruba — open year-round inside the Hyatt Regency.
If you’re wondering whether a kosher steakhouse in the Caribbean can deliver the same quality as a New York City spot, the short answer is yes. Piccolo’s menu leans classic steakhouse with Mediterranean touches, and everything from the chopped salad to the braised short rib is made from scratch. The restaurant opened in April 2025 and currently operates on a walk-in basis, with online reservations opening May 5. Our family stopped by during a recent trip, and I’ll share what worked for us.
| Spot | Known For | Price Range | Best Time | Key Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Piccolo Steakhouse | First kosher steakhouse in Aruba; premium meats, scratch-made sides | Fine-dining pricing (around $50–80 per person) | Dinner (sunset views from the Hyatt) | Reservations start May 5 — walk-ins accepted until then |
If you’re still weighing where to stay on the island, this interactive map of Aruba’s hotels and rentals makes it easier to compare distances to Palm Beach and the rest of the island.
Piccolo Steakhouse: A New Standard for Kosher Aruba Dining
Piccolo is located inside the Hyatt Regency Aruba, steps from the pool and beach. The dining room uses soft lighting, plush seating, and a polished design that makes it feel like a special occasion spot. For observant travelers who previously had to rely on seasonal pop-ups or bring their own meals, this year-round restaurant is a genuine upgrade.
Our family sat down on a Thursday evening. The hostess seated us quickly, and the service was attentive without being fussy. Lily ordered the Caesar salad, which she said was the best she’d had all trip, and Ethan went straight for the grilled steak frites. The braised short rib was tender enough to cut with a fork — a crowd-pleaser for adults.
If you’re deciding between Piccolo and the seasonal Akimori pop-up (which has returned for winter 2026), Akimori offers Japanese-style kosher dining but only during Yeshiva Week and winter break. Piccolo runs year-round, so it’s the more reliable option for non-holiday travel.
What to Order
From the launch menu, the grilled steak frites with chimichurri and the braised short rib are the standouts. The chopped salad uses heirloom tomatoes, cucumber, parsley, and focaccia croutons — a fresh start before the heavy meat. The Caesar salad is classic and well-executed. If you’ve got room, the scratch-made desserts are worth trying, though the menu may change seasonally.
Go for dinner around 6:30 p.m. — you’ll catch the sunset from the Hyatt’s beachfront terrace before your table is ready. The restaurant is currently walk-in only, so arriving early avoids a wait.
Piccolo’s menu is limited to roughly a half-dozen main dishes. If you’re traveling with kids who don’t eat steak or salad, you may want to supplement with snacks from your room. The Hyatt Regency also has a kosher-friendly breakfast option (self-catered), but no other kosher meals on-site.
One thing to flag: all meats are kosher, but the restaurant does not have a separate dairy section. The kitchen is meat-only, so don’t expect a cheesecake or milk-based dessert. Sorbet or fruit-based options may appear in the future.
For a deeper look at Aruba’s dining scene beyond the resorts, check out our guide to family-run eateries that showcase authentic Aruban flavors — a nice complement to the upscale kosher experience.
Practical Tips for a Kosher Steakhouse Visit
Planning a meal at Piccolo involves a few logistical details that can make or break the experience. The table below compares Piccolo to other kosher options in Aruba so you can decide what fits your trip.
| Option | Availability | Price Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Piccolo Steakhouse | Year-round | $$$ | Special dinner, fine dining |
| Akimori Pop-Up | Seasonal (winter break) | $$ | Japanese kosher, casual |
| Self-catering | Always | $ | Budget families, strict diets |
Reservations and Walk-Ins
As of April 2025, Piccolo is accepting walk-in diners only. Online reservations open on May 5 through the Hyatt’s dining portal. If you’re visiting before that date, aim for an early dinner (6:00–6:30 p.m.) to avoid a wait. During peak season (December–April), expect a full house.
What to Bring
Since the restaurant is inside a resort, dress code is smart-casual. A light jacket helps for the air-conditioned dining room. We brought a Samsonite leather backpack to carry water bottles, sunscreen, and a change of clothes for the kids — it fits under the table and has a dedicated laptop compartment if you need to work while waiting. The restaurant doesn’t have a dedicated kids’ menu, so consider bringing a few snacks for picky eaters.
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Dietary Options and Limitations
Piccolo is a meat restaurant with no dairy options. All dishes are kosher under reliable supervision (the restaurant’s hechsher is managed by the Chabad of Aruba, which also oversees other kosher operations on the island). If you have specific kashrut questions, ask the staff. The menu is expected to evolve, so check the Hyatt’s website before you go.
Piccolo’s kitchen is entirely meat. If you’re looking for a dairy or pareve meal elsewhere in Aruba, the Chabad center offers a small kosher market with pre-packaged items. For a broader look at local food culture, read our article on authentic Aruban eats and cultural experiences.
Before You Go: Kosher Dining in Aruba Questions
Is Piccolo open year-round?
Yes. Unlike pop-ups that only appear during winter break, Piccolo is a permanent restaurant within the Hyatt Regency. It should be open whenever you visit.
What’s the price range?
Expect fine-dining prices — roughly $50–80 per person for a main course and a side. The portions are generous, so you may not need appetizers. The current menu doesn’t list prices online, but the Hyatt’s dining page should have updates.
Can I walk in without a reservation?
Yes, until May 5, 2025. After that, online reservations are recommended. Walk-ins may still be accepted at the host’s discretion, but having a booking avoids disappointment.
Are there other kosher restaurants in Aruba?
Beyond Piccolo, there’s the seasonal Akimori pop-up and the Chabad-run kosher market. The market offers pre-packaged meals and staples. For a full list, check the YeahThatsKosher article for updates.
Is the restaurant kid-friendly?
Yes, but there’s no kids’ menu. The Caesar salad and steak frites are simple enough for most children. The restaurant is quiet and upscale, so it’s suitable for a family dinner if your kids are comfortable with a sit-down meal. We brought a small coloring book and crayons in the Samsonite backpack to keep them occupied.
Why Aruba Now Works for Kosher Travelers
For years, Aruba was a destination where observant Jewish families had to plan around limited kosher options — bringing coolers, relying on Chabad, or timing visits around seasonal pop-ups. Piccolo changes that equation. It’s not a compromise; it’s a genuine fine-dining restaurant that happens to be kosher, in a beachfront resort that already caters to families. Our evening there felt like a real treat, not a logistical workaround. If you’re considering an Aruba trip and wondering whether the kosher dining scene can support it, our guide to Aruba’s unique desserts might give you another reason to book that flight.
References
YeahThatsKosher. “Now Open: Aruba’s First Kosher Steakhouse at the Hyatt Regency.” 2025. ↗
YeahThatsKosher. “Akimori Returns to Aruba for Winter Break 2026 w/ Expanded Kosher Dining.” 2026. ↗
Looking for more Aruba dining inspiration? Our article on Aruba’s hidden speakeasy dining gems offers a fun, off-the-beaten-path option, and the guide to the Natural Pool (Conchi) pairs well with a post-adventure dinner. If you’re interested in the culture behind the food, fishermen’s tales and maritime heritage give context to the island’s culinary traditions.