Willemstad Food: Top 5 Eats & Drinks You Must Try

Visiting Willemstad, Curaçao? That’s so awesome! You’ll soon find that it’s like stepping into a real-life postcard. Beyond the brightly painted buildings and charming streets, there is a feast for the senses, waiting to be devoured. The area’s dining offers such a mix of tastes that reflects the culture itself. A mix of Dutch, Caribbean, and Latin American influences creates a uniquely vibrant experience. Let’s take a look at spots that are basically can’t-miss locations, offering unforgettable flavors and views.

1. Rozendaels: A Taste of Local Tradition

If you’re hoping to find some genuine Curaçaoan cuisine, Rozendaels is definitely the place that you need to check out. That means you are seeking real local tastes. Nestled in a courtyard location, dining here sort of feels like you’ve been invited to a lively family get-together. You know, the kind with tons of laughter and food that tastes like it was cooked with an extra bit of care. Their specialty, like their kabritu stoba (goat stew), is just brimming with deep, island flavors. They say that you just haven’t really experienced Curaçao until you’ve had this dish, really. Also, don’t miss their keshi yena. It is a local baked cheese dish, that could very well be the reason for a return trip on its own.

The vibe at Rozendaels is actually quite cozy, the perfect setting for an evening spent under the stars, probably sharing stories and definitely enjoying the amazing food. That said, make sure that you come ready for very generous servings. Curaçaoans, after all, are famous for their hospitality and a good plate. So, prepare your appetite.

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Rozendaels Restaurant)

Read our full review: Rozendaels Restaurant Full Review and Details

2. Gouverneur de Rouville: Dining with a View

Located in the Otrobanda area, Gouverneur de Rouville gives visitors spectacular views. Its colonial style terrace presents an impressive place to enjoy dinner. So, with its position directly across from the iconic Handelskade, dining at this restaurant offers more or less, like a side of scenic beauty together with each meal. What makes Gouverneur de Rouville stand out? They seem to excel at blending local tastes with global culinary strategies.

Think of it, their menu spans anything from seafood platters filled with freshly caught fare up to Dutch-style snacks. They’ve clearly got something for every palate, wouldn’t you agree? It also presents a detailed cocktail menu, with something ideal for pairing alongside the fantastic sunset views. In fact, visiting close to sunset is almost like a must.

While you’re relaxing with a well-mixed drink, and something tasty, there’s a good chance that you could observe the Queen Emma Bridge opening to enable ships pass by. The place’s setting gives a magical, picture-perfect experience. You should take advantage of the moment.

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Gouverneur de Rouville)

Read our full review: Gouverneur de Rouville Full Review and Details

3. Plasa Bieu: A Local Lunch Spot

So, if you like attempting something really down-to-earth and authentic, Plasa Bieu, otherwise called the Old Market, actually brings about a dining experience, well away from all the tourist crowds. That place, often packed with locals during lunch, has a collection of open-air food stalls. It offers a good glimpse at the daily life of Curaçaoans, after all.

Each of the stalls has women chefs cooking local dishes from scratch. Meaning that they use recipes which were handed down over generations. In that place you’re able to get anything from funchi (a sort of polenta-like dish) up to iguana stew. (And that really is not for the faint of heart!) Be certain that you have your appetite because you will find very big portions at unbelievably affordable costs. If you wish to explore genuine island fare, Plasa Bieu happens to be vital.

The thing about the environment there: it could feel almost like a chaotic party! It could get busy, but in a cool, interesting way. And besides, with people all sharing food together from the same big tables and sharing stories, it’s a good spot for soaking up genuine Curaçaoan culture. The thing that you’ll quickly discover: people will love showing visitors their local foods.

Read our full review: Plasa Bieu Full Review and Details

4. Netto Bar: The Green Rum Experience

Want to check out what’s likely the earliest bars on the island? If that’s the case you are going to like Netto Bar. Having something as simple as the environment in it will offer insight into the Curaçao lifestyle, it’s almost, like, visiting a living museum. Even if it appears uninteresting at first sight, Netto Bar is, as a matter of fact, popular for its unique “green rum.” Netto himself is someone who closely guards this mysterious brew! As a matter of fact, there isn’t anyone, besides Netto, that knows how it’s created.

A stop here’s really, as much concerning enjoying Curaçaoan culture because it is about having a drink, seriously. What is good concerning the bar could be, Netto and also the local clients that constantly have some very cool tales to share. Expect you to be included into some great conversation.

It may be strong to find at first since Netto Bar is not directly in main tourist areas. Ask around to determine where it could be since anyone that has been in the location previously recognizes of it! This neighborhood bar guarantees an extremely true Curaçaoan experience using its unique character and very popular green rum.

Read our full review: Netto Bar Full Review and Details

5. Mosa: Upscale Dining

For individuals who enjoy fine dining experiences with something of a fashionable edge, Mosa will really leave a mark. It can easily contend using some major European restaurants, what makes the menu more unique, Mosa creates some cool combinations of local tastes using international gourmet meals. It gives a subtle yet distinct nod at its island setting and it makes sure the consumers understand which location they have checked out, you understand?

What you will find here is usually shared plates designed for societal eating, but that actually pushes anyone to test some other meals. They’ve got anything here, through refreshing fish dishes with slow-cooked meats. Additionally there is a matching cocktail selection for improving a person’s food items also.

It actually isn’t that they’re simply providing you an food–it’s they are providing that feeling that every person needs, in particular the ones with very sensitive palates. Thus, what makes Mosa’s setting nearly as memorable: its elegant, yet still friendly atmosphere that will often cause people who would like something remarkable to remember forever!

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Mosa Restaurant)

Read our full review: Mosa Restaurant Full Review and Details

Read our full review: Top restaurants in Willemstad Full Review and Details