Zeerovers

Zeerovers is a no-frills fish restaurant and bar on a working fishing pier in Savaneta, on Aruba's south coast. The catch is cleaned and fried in front of you, served in baskets with local sides, and paid for in cash — which is exactly why both locals and visitors make the drive.

What is Zeerovers known for?

The Aruba Tourism Authority describes it as a local fisherman's wharf where the menu is simply what came in that day: usually one or two fresh catches plus a few sides, eaten with your fingers straight from the basket. The authority's food guide lists it among the places to try pisca hasa (lightly fried fish with plantain, pickled onions and pan bati) and pan bati itself. A counter near the entrance also sells fresh fish to take away. "Zeerover" is Dutch for "pirate".

Why go?

It is a place where visitors eat alongside locals, who come here to eat, drink and shoot pool on the pier. Prices are described by the tourism authority as local. Savaneta, once Aruba's capital, is also home to Mangel Halto, a calm, mangrove-fringed beach a few minutes away, so a swim and lunch combine easily.

What should you know before going?

The kitchen is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and closed on Mondays. It is cash only, so bring US dollars or Aruban florins. Choices are limited when the catch is small, so go earlier rather than later if you have your heart set on a particular fish. For more of the south, see our Savaneta guide.