The hotspots in Curaçao that you don't want to miss
One of the nicest things to do on vacation is going out to eat. My whole life actually revolves a bit around food and drink. Even though I skip breakfast often — very bad, I know — lunch or dinner is all the more important to me. And of course, having a drink before dinner really gives me that ultimate vacation feeling. Especially when you're at a beautiful hotspot on a tropical beach in Curaçao. Or going out to eat extra chic in your summer dress. Loooove it. Where is it lovely to stay in Curaçao? I’ll list all the tips for you.
Hemingway
There’s such a nice atmosphere here, and from here you can see the beautiful sunset. If you're lucky, there’s still a spot available on the deck. This way, you have a nice view over the beach, but at the same time, you also get all the coziness. Often, a band or a singer performs. Handy: it’s very kid-friendly here. Just watch out with the portions, because they are really gi-gantic (like in many other places in Curaçao, by the way). It’s also a shame if you can’t enjoy it fully, so a light lunch is recommended.
Bapor Kibrá, Willemstad, Curaçao
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9wtAAInWc-/
Chill BeachBar & Grill
And before you go eat at Hemingway, of course, you have a drink at Chill BeachBar & Grill. That’s a really nice beach tent that’s at the same resort (LionsDive). You can also eat here, especially if you like barbecue: you get such a large skewer hanging at your table, super fun. Especially on weekends, it’s very cozy here, so make sure you arrive on time to secure a spot and catch the sunset.
Bapor Kibrá, Willemstad, Curaçao
https://www.instagram.com/p/CGppBzVAeZ9/
Nemo Sushi
Oookay, last tip from the LionsDive resort, but it’s just a really big resort with many good restaurants. The friend I was with in Curaçao is a big sushi lover, so a week without sushi is a week not lived for him. Our mission was: to find the best sushi in Curaçao. And that turned out to be Nemo. They also have various wok dishes on the menu that are also recommended.
Bapor Kibrá, Willemstad, Curaçao
https://www.instagram.com/p/CMUVkAnre-8/
Zanzibar
If you feel like a simple but fine meal in a place with a very nice atmosphere, then you’re in the right place here. Zanzibar is a beautiful beach tent with such a cozy vibe. Especially if you want to dance afterwards and/or enjoy drinks for a long time, this is a recommended place to go. It’s always super busy there, so coziness and a good evening are guaranteed.
Kaya Damasco, Jan Thiel, Curaçao
BijBlauw
For breakfast, lunch, but especially for dinner, I found this a very nice place. We went here for dinner on the first night and returned a few more times afterwards. Super friendly staff and very good food. Right by the water, so during the day you can see the little crabs walking by (thankfully not under your table).
82-84 Kaya Wilson Godett, Willemstad, Curaçao
https://www.instagram.com/p/CKFNSEOAlDL/
Kome
One of the few places where I also really enjoyed sitting inside, because it looks so nice there. Again, very friendly staff, and especially the meat was so good here. Gigantic portions (as I had gotten used to in Curaçao), but I couldn’t leave anything on my plate: too delicious.
6 Johan van Walbeeckplein, Willemstad, Curaçao
https://www.instagram.com/p/CQbI5_SLQTy/
Nultwintig
An evening of fine dining? Oh definitely. From the same owners as 212 in Amsterdam (awarded a Michelin star), so you understand: here you can really indulge. Fortunately, the prices are not sky-high. And the food… I would return to the island just for this restaurant.
300 Penstraat, Willemstad, Curaçao
https://www.instagram.com/p/CP3VROPtyXE/
Number Ten
What a delicious lunch I had here, unbelievable. They’re not open in the evenings by the way, but if you’re looking for a good lunch spot, this is the place. Not near the beach, but they have a very cozy indoor garden so you quickly forget that. Again, the portions here are not normally large and actually, you also want a piece of cake for dessert, so I would say just brunch extensively here.
10 Santa Rosaweg, Willemstad, Curaçao
https://www.instagram.com/p/CQJOfbirXkU/
Brisa do Mar — Pop’s Place
I also only had lunch here, but they are also open for dinner (but I didn’t test that). I can imagine that the view here is particularly beautiful in the evening: this hotspot is by the water, at the Spanish Waters. I found it so soothing during the day, even though it was quite busy with guests. An Amstel Bright with it: ultimate happiness.
Caracasbaaiweg, Jan Thiel, Curaçao
https://www.instagram.com/p/CP1E-OTqGDF/
Gouverneur
In Willemstad, within crawling distance of the pontoon bridge, you’ll find this restaurant. You don’t have a view of the bridge itself, but that’s not a problem: they have a large indoor garden on the first floor (where you’ll find the restaurant). Super cozy and nice, with lots of plants and colors. The food itself I found really top-notch, I had a soup as a starter (which was daring since it was still 30 degrees) and it was delicious, unbelievable.
De Rouvilleweg, Willemstad, Curaçao
Zest
Nice for lunch, nice for dinner, nice for drinks, and nice for hanging out at the beach. Yes, this is the ultimate beach club and restaurant: just everything in one. They also have those large canopy beds where you can sleep comfortably (with adjustable backs). Ooh, and they serve AIX: always a plus.
Kaya Damasco, Jan Thiel, Curaçao
https://www.instagram.com/p/CRMOeRLL4EU/
Mosa
Near Kome, you’ll find this hotspot, where you can also eat very well and enjoyably. I was really struck by how many beautiful and nice restaurants you find in Curaçao. Not that I thought it would all be bad, but this really surprised me positively. As a foodie, you’re in the right place at this hotspot.
41 Penstraat, Willemstad, Curaçao
https://www.instagram.com/p/CEsBDzbAuau/
Maria’s Kitchen
I found this to be a bit of a hidden gem. A small, but super nice restaurant in the Otrabanda district. If you don’t know it’s there, you probably wouldn’t go down this street, but if you do know this spot is here, then definitely do. Because it’s so cozy here and they have delicious food. A bit tapas-like, with some Spanish influences here and there. It’s best to go with a large group, because — you guessed it — the portions are enormous here too.
24 Hoogstraat, Willemstad, Curaçao
https://www.instagram.com/p/CO01P2Vrzhb/
De Visserij
Seafood lovers: you’re going to be so happy here. Not a hotspot as you might expect: zero attention to the interior, nothing hip, no frills, just fresh fish. A visit to Curaçao is seriously not complete without having been here.
Piscadero, Willemstad, Curaçao
Los Caballeros
This is a new place where you can sit great for nachos, pizza, beer (of course) and more street food. It’s not big, but very cozy. I went here during happy hour so I can especially vouch for those snacks: they were really top, but during the day it’s also a place where you can lie down with a rented beach bed and I regret that I ultimately didn’t do that. Next time…
City Beach 88, Willemstad, Curaçao
https://www.instagram.com/p/CQR1wGmLWdA/
Karakter
Another beach club where you definitely want to spend a day is Karakter. The food here is so good that you really should stop by for dinner, although you can’t lie down here for a whole day. Or for lunch, although I think it has its charm especially in the evening. But yes, during the day you see that bizarrely clear blue water… So plan that whole day.
Coral Estate, Rif St. Marie, Willibrordus, Curaçao
https://www.instagram.com/p/CMzPClCLYWR/
