The Old Cunucu House Aruba

During my two week stay in Aruba I went to this place multiple times because the food is very delicious. It was recommended to me by a local and it did not disappoint. I ate conch for the first time in my life and it was very tasty. Very friendly staff - very eager to help. Highly recommend to everyone who wants to avoid overpriced touristic places offering nothing special.

The Old Cunucu House captures a rustic Aruban charm that’s immediately welcoming. The escargot, oxtail, grilled chicken, and sweet finish for dessert were all serviceable rather than remarkable—simple comfort over culinary flair. Friendly staff and the convenience of both a parking lot and indoor-outdoor seating round out the no-frills dining experience. If you seek a relaxed, laid-back meal, it’s worth a stop.

THE SERVICE: “Island time” service which was okay given we were not in a rush, and we enjoyed the table side conversation with staff. I would describe the overall dinning experience as very leisurely. The indoor decor is quirky and homely ( cozy and homelike). I felt as though I was having a home cooked meal at my grandmother’s home~ which brought forward cherished memories. THE FOOD: Absolutely delicious. This was my first experience having “authentic Aruban” cuisine and every bite was well worth the wait. The depth of flavor achieved with the oxtails was incredible, and unlike any Caribbean stews I’ve previously had. The smothered pork chops were flavored to the bone, and the sautéed vegetables maintained welcomed texture. This paprika forward sauce was unique and paired well with the white rice. The side vegetables and sweet plantains were as expected. The Pan Bati (flatbread) was reminiscent of a sweet and savory pancake. My table-mate ordered the fried whole snapper which was cooked to perfection. I was offered a bite~ flavor explosion. The fish was fresh and tender; even the bones tasted seasoned. Note: One of our cab drivers highly recommended this restaurant for Aruban food. We were warned about the slower paced disjointed service. Additionally, the difference in food based on who is in the kitchen. I’m thankful the right cook was there on our visit because the food was so good we cancelled our last dinner reservation to return. THE VALUE: This restaurant is budget friendly. This was our most inexpensive meal throughout our vacation. Note: The restaurant offers online reservations but we did not observe any verification process on both visits. We were unable to dine inside on our second visit despite booking a reservation. *If using the outside lavatory next to the bar, you have to open the valve under the sink to wash your hands. This was a non issue, but took me a couple minutes to figure out. Restaurant assisted with calling a Taxi.

This is a great spot for some authentic Aruban dining. They have a great atmosphere and the food is excellent. If you like ambiance, I think you’ll love this place. They a very large and beautiful outdoor seating area. It’s under a covered rooftop, but open all around. The decor is done very well. They also have great indoor seating which is quaint and makes you feel like you are exactly where you should be in a. The oxtail dish was absolutely delicious. It was probably my favorite of the things we tried. We also tried the Reuben sampler. It had a great combination of different tastes from the area. I specifically chose the catch of the day, the red snapper. It was the whole fish that was pan fried. Had a wonderful taste. It was obviously very fresh. It was a bit on the pricey side. But, it was the market price. So, I’m sure it was consistent with other prices in area for that dish. This place is off the beaten path. But, I think it’s well worth your time if you’re looking for some authentic Reuben food and the style of the island that just makes the atmosphere perfect.

Jasmine was fantastic! She was friendly, attentive, and had such a great sense of humor that made our dining experience so much fun. She was engaging from start to finish, always making sure we were taken care of and enjoying ourselves. Her warm personality and great service truly stood out. Can’t wait to come back and see her again!

I recently had the opportunity to try escargot for the first time and found it to be quite enjoyable. The rich garlic butter sauce significantly enhanced the dish. The texture of the snails was reminiscent of mushrooms. The GOAT stew was exceptional, boasting tender meat and impeccable seasoning. The meal was served hot and fresh with white rice, vegetables, and plantains. Although the cornbread was satisfactory, it didn't particularly stand out. This enchanting restaurant, originally a private dwelling, retained much of its homespun allure.

We have visited this local restaurant 3 times in a week. We enjoyed the food prepared and the staff was very kind. Prices are also affordable. I recommend this if you want to try something authentic from Aruba.

From Canada, best experience in Aruba we had! Drove up to this quaint, charming restaurant with wonderful staff waiting to welcome you inside. We tried the iguana soup (VERY good), seafood palm beach, and Keshi yena, and the melted peanut butter cup for dessert. Everything was reasonably priced with HUGE portions, every part of the plate being delicious. The melted peanut butter cup was one of the most interesting and unique desserts, and also the tastiest. Felt like a very authentic restaurant with a very friendly staff, all surrounded by a very welcoming atmosphere. There was even live music at 7, which was not too loud and a nice touch to then night. Would go back and recommend for anyone visiting to try! Won’t be disappointed.