KOAL Restaurant

A true culinary experience with one seating per night for 16 people. We were greeted by Tom with a drink then ushered to the patio to meet other diners. Everyone was very friendly and as equally excited. There are 5 carefully curated courses with explanations of each by Chef Albert. There are optional wine pairings with each course (except the soup). Each dish was truly delicious with unique elements that delivered an artistic level of culinary delight. We went during our Honeymoon and had a sign at our seats to congratulate us - a very sweet touch. Plan for at least 3 hours of exceptional food and hospitality. Parking was easy in the street, too.

Tom and Albert put on a great chefs table experience on the island. From the time you step into the beautifully renovated colonial building, to enjoying 5 delicious dishes, to sipping on well paired wines, these two have put something special together. Tom’s ultra-personable personality made you feel right at home and Albert’s skills in the kitchen made sure you were well satisfied leaving. Centrally located, this is a must visit for those coming to Aruba.

We were recommended to come to the restaurant by our friends and it did not disappoint. The chef prepared beautiful dishes! Tasty, delicious. The ambiance was pure perfection. DO NOT MISS THIS SPOT! Thank you to a wonderful night! Can’t wait to come back and try your next new dishes!!

KOAL is an absolute must-visit in Aruba! From the moment we walked in, we were greeted by a wonderful host who made us feel so welcome. The atmosphere is relaxed and comfortable, perfect for enjoying a nice evening without feeling rushed. The food was outstanding—every dish was full of flavor and beautifully prepared. You can really tell the chef puts passion and creativity into everything that comes out of the kitchen. It felt special without being pretentious, which we really loved. Overall, it was one of the best dining experiences we’ve had on the island. Great food, amazing chef, and such warm hospitality.

Tom and Albert. Perfection. Small, intimate, creative , warm only a few adjectives to describe an evening with the gentlemen. Would highly recommend without hesitation. The highlight of Aruba.

Having been to Aruba four times, Koal was truly our best dining experience to date. From the moment we walked in, Chef Albert Raven and Tom Rensen made us feel like welcome friends. Chef Albert's mastery of his craft is incredible. His work is so intentional, and it's not just about technique; he thinks about how each dish will have the perfect taste, texture, and presentation while also telling a good story. I loved hearing him speak about his dishes. The salmon mosaic, for example, was a work of art. The way he subtly hinted at a sushi roll, with the delicate, non-raw salmon beautifully formed and a green miso puree that resembled wasabi, was brilliant. It was clever without being pretentious and showed a level of culinary storytelling that we haven't seen before. Tom's warm and down-to-earth hospitality, combined with Albert's passion, created a truly unique and intimate atmosphere. My husband and I left having made great connections with other diners and had so much fun. It felt less like a restaurant and more like an unforgettable dinner party. We will always go back to Koal on every trip to Aruba.

“KOAL is a true culinary gem in Aruba. The food was outstanding — fresh, flavorful, and artfully plated. Service was warm, professional, and seamless, and the wine pairing elevated the whole meal beautifully. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a memorable dining experience on the island.”

What an experience! Tom and Chef Albert are the ultimate hosts. How can I describe our evening there? It’s like part dinner party, part cooking class demo. All of the food was prepared to perfection and tasted delicious. The wine pairings were spot on. They rotate the menu multiple times a year. We look forward to retuning again to see and taste the new offerings.