The Old Cunucu House Aruba

We wanted to explore traditional food in the island and this spot came highly recommended by locals - we got the ox tail and the goat & started with the Aruban sampler platter. Everything was fresh and hot. Service was great and our water cups were always filled! Live music was perfect and fit the vibe perfectly. The price was unbelievable we thought there was an error with the bill! Amazing food. Great price! 10/10 Aruban experience if you’re looking for more traditional food on the island. Will return! The ox was even better as leftovers the next day… YUM!

It’s probably one of the best food experiences that I’ve had during my visit. The marinated seafood was amazing as a starter. I do not remember the name of the entries that we ordered but feel free to use the pictures as a reference. The only negative comment that I have is the slow service. It takes very long to both place our order and get our check.

I had the pleasure of dining at *The Old Cunucu House* during my trip to Aruba, and I can confidently say it was one of the culinary highlights of my visit. I ordered the **oxtail stew** and **goat stew**, and both dishes were absolutely phenomenal — hands down the *best* I’ve ever had. The oxtail was incredibly tender, rich in flavor, and cooked to perfection, falling right off the bone. The goat stew was equally impressive — savory, deeply seasoned, and wonderfully comforting. Both dishes were accompanied by local sides that complemented the hearty flavors beautifully. The atmosphere of the restaurant added to the experience — warm, authentic, and full of island charm. The staff was friendly, welcoming, and happy to share the history behind the dishes and the building itself. If you're looking to experience genuine Aruban cuisine in a cozy, traditional setting, *The Old Cunucu House* is an absolute must. I’ll definitely be back next time I’m on the island!

This place is very good. I had the beef liver which was excellent. Next time I will try the goat. The atmosphere is very relaxed. I will be back the next time I'm in Aruba. The chef came out while we were eating and made sure everything was right.

Food here was pretty tasty though the sides were a bit lackluster. The goat stew was nice and flavorful. We wanted to try the conch stew but they were out of it at the time. The flat cakes (basically pancakes) that come on the side are a fun addition and do soak up the sauce from the dishes quite well.

Hidden Gem! Easily one of the better meals we had on the island! It’s off the beaten path, so it is a lot quieter than other restaurants. The food was delicious, and the portions were generous. The restaurant is beautiful inside, and the patio. We loved our meal here. Definitely recommend!

This was recommended by a local, our Jeep tour guide - Alexander at Dushi Tera Experience - another fantastic experience by the way. Great local food! We started with the Iguana Soup - highly recommended by our guide and didn’t disappoint! Followed with the sampler platter which was awesome. Dinners were Keshi Yena - amazing (think shredded chicken lasagna) and wonderful garlic shrimp. Our waiter Arturo was the best - funny and attentive!

Our first time visit to a restaurant in the historic setting of the cunucu house felt like a gathering of friends and family in someone’s outdoor patio. We enjoyed our first exposure to truly traditional Aruban dishes and specialties like keshi yena (stuffed Gouda cheese), stews, pastas and cheeses. Service was slow but it affords you a chance to slow down. Enjoy the singular artist singing and playing his guitar. Find the time to explore a sample of the flavors and the architectural uniqueness of this beautiful culture.