Curaçao is a place that surprises you at every turn. It’s not just postcard-perfect beaches, though they are amazing. What I loved most was how much life there is beyond the resorts. Young people are coming back and opening really cool spots, like bars and restaurants that feel like they belong in New York or Barcelona. The island’s culture is a rich mix, with African-Caribbean roots and a strong Dutch influence. This blend shows up everywhere, especially in the food. We found so many delicious things to eat, from old-school favorites to modern takes. It’s a fantastic destination that offers so much more than just a pretty view.
Taste of Local Flavors
One of the first places we sought out was Jaanchie’s, deep in the green part of the island, about 40 minutes from the capital. It’s been around since 1936 and feels like stepping back in time. You don’t find a menu here. Instead, Jaanchie himself comes to your table to tell you what he’s cooking that day. He always suggests trying the iguana, which is stewed with rice, beans, and plantains. It’s rich and flavorful, definitely different but worth trying if you’re adventurous. If iguana isn’t your style, they also offer tasty chicken, beef, and seafood dishes. The whole setting is charming, with old maps on the walls and hundreds of little yellow birds fluttering around the feeders. It felt like a true taste of traditional island life, far from the typical tourist trail.
Driving out to Jaanchie’s also takes you past incredible sights. We saw salt flats where flamingos waded and drove on to explore some of the most stunning beaches on the island. It made the journey itself an adventure. Michael loved spotting the flamingos, which is something you don’t see every day. Lily pointed out all the different types of birds we saw along the way, and Ethan was just happy to be on a road trip, even if it was a bit bumpy getting there.
Urban Revitalization and Food
The Pietermaai district is another area that really impressed me. It’s full of old, beautiful buildings that are being brought back to life as bars and restaurants. It has a really cool, hip vibe, especially after the sun goes down. This is where we found Caña Kitchen and Bar. They serve small plates inspired by South American food and make some of the best cocktails on the island, many featuring rum, tequila, or pisco. The owners are focused on using local ingredients and honoring the region’s flavors, which I really appreciate. Their local fish ceviche, served with a scoop of mango ice cream, was unexpectedly delicious. We also tried crispy squid with a dark aioli and amazing rum-glazed ribs. It was a meal that felt both familiar and excitingly new.
After dinner in Pietermaai, we checked out Mundo Bizarro. This place is in a restored mansion and has a fantastic atmosphere. Depending on the night, you can find salsa or tango music. The decor is gorgeous, and the energy spills out into the street, with people dancing on the patio. We sat on plush velvet sofas in the alleyway, enjoying our drinks and the lively music. It was a great way to experience the island’s nightlife in a unique setting. Watching the locals dance and enjoy themselves was a highlight for my husband and me.
Food Trucks and Late-Night Bites
Curaçao has a long-standing tradition of late-night food trucks that has been going strong for over 30 years. They usually open around 9 pm and serve up fantastic barbecued chicken, steak, ribs, and seafood. Every local seems to have their favorite truck, but BBQ Express is consistently rated as the best, and it really lived up to the hype. We ordered a combo plate with ribs and fries. The ribs were incredibly tender, falling right off the bone, with a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. The fries were great too, especially with the various flavored mayonnaises they offer. You can even order online through their Facebook page to skip the line, but there’s something fun about hanging out at the tables in front of the truck, soaking in the local atmosphere and watching people enjoy their food after a night out.
For us, it was a great, casual dinner option. The kids, Lily and Ethan, loved the idea of eating from a truck. Michael was impressed with the quality of the barbecue. It felt very authentic, and it’s a reminder that sometimes the simplest food experiences are the most memorable. We actually got take-away one night and brought it back to our rental for a relaxed family meal after a long day of exploring.
Where can I find authentic local food?
Jaanchie’s in Westpunt is a well-known spot for traditional flavors. Look for food trucks like BBQ Express for quick, delicious meals.
You can also explore indoor food markets for local dishes served family-style.
Lunchtime at the Market
The Plasa Bieu indoor market in downtown Willemstad is a fantastic place to experience local food culture. It’s an airy space filled with long tables and open kitchens. Servers will come and tell you what the day’s specials are, and then bring you huge plates of authentic Curaçao cuisine. We went to Yvonne’s, which offers a wonderfully rustic and tasty experience. You’ll be sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with locals – from all walks of life – who are on their lunch break. One time, I tried the fried fish with rice and beans and plantain. Another visit, we shared plates of beef curry, conch in a spicy sauce, stewed chicken, sweet polenta, and more plantain. It was a true feast and explained why everyone recommends eating here. Make sure to order the lemonade; it’s made with fresh lime and brown sugar and is incredibly refreshing, especially since there’s no air conditioning in the open market.
The market setting itself adds to the experience. It’s lively and full of energy. Seeing everyone interact and share meals made it feel very communal. Michael enjoyed trying different dishes, and I made sure Lily and Ethan got to taste some of the local flavors, like the sweet polenta and fried fish. It’s a great way to understand the daily life of the islanders.
What is Plasa Bieu?
It is an indoor market in Willemstad with open kitchens serving local food. You sit at long communal tables.
Yvonne’s is a popular eatery within this market, known for authentic dishes.
The Famous Blue Liqueur
No trip to Curaçao would be complete without a visit to the Curaçao Liqueur Distillery. It’s one of the island’s major attractions, and it can get quite busy, but the tour is quick and leads you to a pleasant patio bar. Here, you can sample many different flavors of Curaçao liqueur and even get a cocktail-making lesson. While the famous blue liqueur is what most people know, the distillery also produces other flavors like tamarind, chocolate, rum raisin, and coffee, which aren’t as commonly exported. You’ll learn that the liqueur is made from the peels of the bitter Lahara orange, which grows exclusively on the island. The distinctive blue color actually comes from food coloring. It’s a fun stop to learn about a product that is so strongly associated with the island and to try some unique flavors you won’t find elsewhere.
We learned so much about the history and production. Michael was interested in the scientific aspect, while I was more focused on the tasting. Lily was fascinated by the bright blue color, and Ethan kept asking if he could have a “blue drink,” which of course, he couldn’t! It’s a straightforward and enjoyable experience that gives you a tangible connection to a famous Curaçao export.
How is Curaçao liqueur made?
It is made from the peels of the Lahara orange, a bitter orange that grows only on Curaçao.
The bright blue color comes from added food coloring.
Rooftop Views and Island Flavors
For stunning views combined with great food and drinks, Koraal Rooftop Terrace is a must-visit. Located about 40 minutes north of Willemstad, perched on the clifftops of Coral Estate Resort, this bar offers incredible panoramic views. They serve sushi with a Curaçao twist – like plantain as a topping! You can also find dishes inspired by traditional flavors, including bitterballen, which are popular Dutch fried beef balls found on menus across the island. The best part is that if you go for lunch or dinner, you get to use their beautiful infinity pool. Lounging by the pool with that spectacular sunset view was an unforgettable experience. We spent a whole afternoon here, letting the kids splash in the pool while we relaxed. The view over the ocean was simply breathtaking.
After swimming, you can easily walk down the stairs to the beach at the bottom of the cliff for a dip in the ocean. It provides a perfect contrast to the poolside relaxation. It’s a place where you can easily spend an entire day, enjoying the scenery, the food, and the refreshing water. It felt like a little slice of heaven, and the family loved every minute of it.
Is there a pool at Koraal Rooftop Terrace?
Yes, if you dine or have drinks there, you can use their pool. It’s on the clifftops with great views.
The ocean is also accessible via stairs down the cliff for a swim.
Urban Coffee Culture
Downtown Willemstad has many places to eat and drink, but for a long time, locals felt there was a lack of good coffee spots that weren’t just catering to tourists. Wandu Cafe changed all that. They focus on serving excellent coffee and delicious pastries, like French pastries, brownies, and carrot cake. If you’re a coffee lover, this is the place to go for your caffeine fix. It’s also a great spot to just hang out and people-watch. We saw a lot of younger, trendy locals here, enjoying the sidewalk tables and the cool atmosphere. It felt like a genuine neighborhood gathering spot.
For me, as a writer, a good cup of coffee is essential. Wandu Cafe delivered. Michael enjoyed it too, and it was a nice, relaxed break in our day of exploring the city. Lily even got a small pastry, which she happily devoured. It’s these little neighborhood finds that often make a trip special.
Where can I get good coffee?
Wandu Cafe in downtown Willemstad is known for its excellent coffee. It’s a popular spot with locals.
They also offer a variety of pastries and sweet treats.
Revitalized Neighborhood Eats
Just across the bridge from Willemstad’s floating market is the neighborhood of Scharloo. This historic Jewish neighborhood is currently undergoing a revival, similar to Pietermaai, but it feels like it’s on the cusp of really becoming something special. Fleur de Marie Eatery was started by two local women who wanted to create a beautiful spot to meet, eat, and enjoy really good coffee. Their cafe is bright and airy, decorated with vintage furniture and local art. It opens onto a tropical garden where they grow their own organic vegetables for the cafe. We ordered their pumpkin bread French toast and an excellent coffee. It was the perfect start before heading out to explore the neighborhood. Scharloo is filled with amazing murals by local artists and colorful, brightly painted houses built by immigrants who came to work at the oil refinery in the early 1900s. Climbing the steep alleys between the houses offers rewarding views over the city.
This area offered a different perspective on Willemstad, showing its artistic and evolving side. The contrast between the historic architecture and the modern art was fascinating. Michael enjoyed the photography opportunities, and I loved the feel of the revitalize district. We even found a small playground for the kids in the neighborhood, which was a welcome surprise.
What is Scharloo?
It is a historic neighborhood in Willemstad undergoing revitalization. It features art and colorful houses.
Fleur de Marie Eatery is a cafe in Scharloo serving coffee and food made with local ingredients.
Upscale Dining with a View
For a more upscale dining experience, especially if you love steak, Restaurant & Café Gouverneur de Rouville is an excellent choice. The food is superb, and the atmosphere is romantic and fancy. They offer dishes inspired by local flavors, plenty of seafood, and many items cooked on their Big Green Egg – a cooking method I noticed is quite popular on the island. What truly makes this restaurant stand out are the breathtaking views over Willemstad. Try to get a table on the balcony, ideally around sunset, to watch the light change over the iconic colorful buildings. You’ll also see the lights come on over the Queen Emma floating bridge, which connects the two parts of Willemstad – Punda and Otrobanda. For a special evening out, this is the place to go.
This was a memorable dinner for us. The ambiance, the food, and the view were all top-notch. Michael and I enjoyed a glass of wine while watching the sunset, and it felt like a perfect Curaçao moment. It was a bit too fancy for the little ones late at night, so we made this a date night while our family stayed nearby. But the restaurant does offer a beautiful setting for any occasion.
Where can I get a great steak dinner?
Restaurant & Café Gouverneur de Rouville offers upscale steak dinners with amazing views of Willemstad.
They also serve local-inspired dishes and seafood.
Refreshing Island Drinks
Throughout Willemstad, you’ll find stands selling ‘batidos’. These are incredibly delicious, thick drinks that are like a cross between a milkshake and a smoothie. They are made with fresh fruit, condensed milk, and sugar. You can order popular flavors like mango, papaya, or pineapple, or ask for a mix of whatever fruits are available. These stands are also great places to grab snacks like meat or chicken-filled pastries. They are a perfect stop on your way to the beach or before heading out for a drive to explore other parts of the island. A small tip: ask for half the sugar, as the local preference is for them to be very sweet. Even with half the sugar, they are a sweet and fruity treat that’s perfect for beating the island heat.
These batidos were a lifesaver on hot days. Lily and Ethan loved them, and even Michael and I found ourselves craving them regularly. They are a simple pleasure that embodies the relaxed, tropical vibe of Curaçao. It’s amazing how something so refreshing can be made from just a few ingredients. We made sure to get one almost every day.
What are batidos?
Batidos are delicious Curaçao drinks, like milkshakes or smoothies, made with fruit, milk, and sugar. They are widely sold by street vendors.
You can order them with various fruit combinations. Ask for less sugar if you prefer them less sweet.