The Old Cunucu House

The Old Cunucu House serves home-style Aruban food in a country house (cunucu house) built more than 150 years ago, a short drive inland from the Palm Beach hotels. It is one of the easiest places near the high-rise strip to try keshi yena, stobas, pan bati and funchi in one meal.

What is on the menu?

According to the Aruba Tourism Authority, the Criollo menu includes keshi yena (Gouda stuffed with a savoury filling), stewed chicken and goat, and fresh local fish, served with pan bati, funchi and rice with beans; quesillo (caramel custard) is on the dessert list. The restaurant's own site lists sections for traditional local favourites — including rabo di baca stoba, oxtail stew — alongside meat, pasta and "dushi" desserts. There is also an international menu and a kids' menu.

What is the setting like?

The building keeps the traits of traditional cunucu architecture — a pitched roof and thick walls — and you can eat on the veranda or inside. The tourism authority mentions a dinner show by a local vocalist in the style of 1950s–60s crooners.

Practical notes

It is open every day from 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., according to the restaurant's website, which also takes reservations for indoor and patio seating; groups of 13 or more should email or call. Read our guides to Aruban food and drink and to Palm Beach & Noord for more nearby.