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.

GREATER ORANJESTAD. The Belgian owners of this elegant restaurant had more than 11,000 bricks shipped specially from Antwerp to give the building an authentic European feel. Dinner here is a treat ­ try a goose liver pate or the creamy Belgian endive soup to start, and then move on to the filet of lamb or Dover sole. A seven-course prix fixe menu is another popular dinner option. For dessert, a full selection of Belgian chocolates are offered. An excellent wine list complements the fine food, but diners will also want to be aware of the beer menu, which includes over 60 imported varieties.

SAN NICOLAS. Although Promenade isn't quite as refined as some of the better restaurants you'll find in the "big" city of Oranjestad, it certainly ranks among the top dining destinations on Aruba. The stylish atmosphere is accented with sunny yellows and greens, with cushy banquette seating and personable, attentive service. The menu consists mostly of excellent steaks and seafood, with the catch of the day prepared in a style to your liking ­ Cajun, Creole or Meuniere. The Shrimp Marigot is especially good, paring tender shrimp with a creamy, spicy sauce. A great, off-the-beaten-path choice for lunch or dinner!

NORTHWEST COAST. What a setting! Designed to recall an ancient stone building, the Hyatt's fine dining restaurant has ambience to spare, with abundant tropical foliage, waterfalls and fountains, and a lagoon complete with a gorgeous pair of black swans. Add in an Aruban sunset and this is about as romantic a place as you'll ever see. At dinner, the menu focuses on Spanish-influenced Continental cuisine, with an emphasis on fresh seafood. Sunday brunch is an amazing production, with stations devoted to cooked-to-order eggs, Belgian waffles, seafood, sushi, roasted meats, pasta, fruits and salads, donuts and desserts, and make-your-own ice cream sundaes. It's achieved legendary status, so make reservations well in advance!

NORTHWEST COAST. Sunset Grille is one of the island's more highly acclaimed establishments, having earned high marks from AAA and "Wine Spectator." Designed with an Art Deco motif, Sunset centers around an open-plan kitchen, giving the main dining room a spacious, modern feel. Entrees run the gamut from grilled American Angus steaks to fresh fish and seafood. First-rate service and an excellent wine list round out the fine dining experience. Reservations are strongly encouraged.