NORTHWEST COAST. Aqua Grill is a contemporary restaurant with an open kitchen and the island's largest raw bar. Start with oysters or clams on the half shell, seared tuna sashimi or ceviche. Seafood is the name of the game here, and you can choose virtually any preparation: fried, grilled over a wood fire, broiled, poached, stuffed and baked...the list goes on. The cioppino is particularly tasty, but if you're not a seafood eater, there are also a handful of other choices (steak and pasta, mostly). There's an array of specialty coffee drinks which will make a nice, light ending to your meal, but the delectable desserts are all made in-house.

SAN NICOLAS. It's off the beaten path, but the Astoria Hotel restaurant is well worth a visit. Although the dining room is air conditioned, for a romantic dinner with your sweetie you should opt for dinner on the candlelit terrace. The menu is American-Continental: dinner features steaks, fresh seafood and a fabulous rack of lamb. Sunday brunch is an amazing all-you-can-eat affair, with a bounty of fresh fruits, omelettes, baked goods and more. The staff is knowledgeable and accommodating, ensuring that a meal here will be one of your better dining experiences on Aruba.

SAN NICOLAS. This bar has been an island legend for more than 50 years. Many people visit just to study the outrageous décor: banners, pennants, posters, stickers and bric-a-brac cover the ceiling and walls. Though many come the first time to gawk while they sip on a cold beer, Charlie's keeps them coming back with surprisingly good seafood, especially Creole squid and "shrimps jumbo and dumbo." (Dumbo because they got caught!) Charlie's also cooks a mean Argentine-style steak, and their trademark "honeymoon sauce" is fabulous, and hot, hot, hot!

GREATER ORANJESTAD. Traditionally prepared, super-fresh seafood is the draw here ­ the owners catch their own every day. Broiled Caribbean lobster is always a solid choice, but the fresh catch of the day, prepared to your liking, is really the standout. Whether you opt for Aruban style (pan-fried with a Creole sauce), a la Meuniere (dipped in egg batter and sautéed with white wine and lemon), or deep-fried, your selection will arrive with sides of rice or potato, fresh steamed veggies and pan bati, the local cornbread. Landlubbers will appreciate the steak and chicken options, too.

GREATER ORANJESTAD. This little Dutch bar & bistro has a great view and a hip European waitstaff. Stop for a cup of coffee as you watch the boats in the harbor or savor an imported beer at the bar. Lunches consist of pita pockets stuffed full of salmon, shrimp or crab salad, or sliced beef. Some opt for a lighter snack of sliced sausages and cheese. For dinner, try the Dutch platter that features glazed pork tenderloin ­ it is succulent and delicious.