What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Wilhelmina Restaurant
Review
About
Travelers' Choice
2024
Wilhelmina Restaurant is a casual, elegant restaurant inside a beautiful romantic "speakeasy city garden", located downtown Oranjestad in the Wilhelminastraat across the B.J. Arends City Park. Just walking distance away from the Renaissance hotel and a couple minutes by car from the high-rise area. High-quality ingredients from around the world will be served to you by our dedicated team. Six days a week from 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm (closed on Monday's) we will welcome and pamper our guests with excellent food and service. Wilhelmina Restaurant offers a place to dine, celebrate a party or just having a cocktail at the bar. Wilhelmina Restaurant offers an ” a la Carte” menu of delicious creative plates not seen anywhere on the island, from fresh seafood, the best Certified Black Angus steaks, to homemade fresh pasta. Wilhelmina restaurant has a limited seating capacity, so reservations are recommended. For larger groups or private functions please contact us.
Features
CUISINES
Caribbean, Seafood, International, European, Fusion
Meal types
Dinner
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
FEATURES
Accepts Credit Cards
Discover
Free off-street parking
Free Wifi
Full Bar
Mastercard
Private Dining
Reservations
Seating
Serves Alcohol
Street Parking
Table Service
Validated Parking
Visa
Wheelchair Accessible
Location
Free off-street parking, Street Parking, Validated Parking
Does it mainly serve crepes / waffles?
Save this restaurant
Hours
Closed now
• Opens at 6:00 PM
Sunday
6:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
6:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Wednesday
6:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Thursday
6:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Friday
6:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Saturday
6:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Contribute
4.7
1,165 reviews
Excellent
958
Very good
122
Average
49
Poor
17
Terrible
19
JakJakG
4 contributions
Jan 2025 • family
If you want to escape the chaos and enjoy a delectable meal, look no further. Set back from the road, Wilhelmina is located in a beautifully-decorated outdoor garden courtyard with large, leafy plants and ambient lighting that create a refined, intimate experience. Everything down to the rolls and butter was curated with unique flavors. Each course outdid the next. Do yourself a favor and get the Short Rib Ravioli and Indonesian Pork... amazing sauces and fresh ingredients. You can tell everything is curated with intention and care. The cut of the vegetables, the ripeness of the tomatoes, the freshness of the herbs. The DAME BLANCHE dessert... cannot say enough. It was the perfect blend of crunch with a cookie crumble and an ooey-gooey chocolate ganache, topped with homemade vanilla ice cream. Although the prices were on the higher end, the overall experience: the hospitality of the wait staff (we never felt rushed), their attentiveness in booking transportation/taxi, filling our waters constantly without needing to ask, and the amuse bouche offering at the start, made it worth it.
Be sure to book a reservation in advance, as they fill up rather quickly. After visiting, it's clear to see why!
Written January 9, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brooke G
3 contributions
Feb 2025 • friends
For over four decades, my family and I have been going to Aruba. We all agree that Wilhelmina is without a doubt the finest dining establishment on the island! The staff is incredibly friendly and attentive, ensuring a delightful dining experience. The cuisine is exceptional, with every item on the menu being delicious. The restaurant exudes a serene and romantic atmosphere, with lush greenery and soft lighting enhancing the ambiance. The outdoor setting is beautifully decorated, providing an intimate and refined dining experience. The owner, Dennis, is exceptional. He is personable and genuinely cares about ensuring his restaurant is not just special, but an establishment that guests will truly cherish. Dennis takes the time to understand his customers' preferences in both food and ambiance, making every effort to create a memorable dining experience.
Written February 26, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barriemeansbusiness
Minesing408 contributions
Nov 2024 • couples
Fabulous dinner and evening at Wilhelmina. The food was absolutely amazing! So flavourful, delish and hot! We both had snapper cooked in two different ways and we throughly enjoyed every bite. Small touches make a big difference here. We were served a complimentary smoked cauliflower soup shot and a deep fried fish ball with an amazing little dip upon arrival. It was followed by a fresh baked hot roll with a curry butter..so yummy! The servers are very attentive and knowledgeable and they make a big difference in the quality of your experience. The service level at this restaurant is some of the finest we have ever had. From the beautiful ambience in the courtyard to the amazing food, we would highly recommend an experience at Wilhelmina.
Written November 24, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julie S
7 contributions
Feb 2024 • family
Wilhemina Restaurant used to be excellent but that was years ago. Since then, the only thing that has remained is the same menu. They cook the same dishes speculating that tourists will visit only once in a lifetime. Catch of the day and soup of the day don't make a difference.
Nowdays I would describe it as a tourist trap, although an expensive one. Be prepared to pay upwards of 100 US$ per person for a very average meal with watery Cocktails for almost 20 US$ a piece. Or a watery soup for the same price, in our case a lobster bisque that was made of shrimp- in the best case. Service was good but due to mass seating it feels very unpersonal for the price although they try very hard.
If you are OK for 20 US$ drinks, starters and almost 60US$ main courses go for it. Ambience is nice but food is boring.
Aruba has more to offer and at a much better price. By the way, the restaurant is mainly open air seating, so when it rains (like at our visit) the only thing that protects you are the umbrellas the restaurant provides....
Written February 11, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gwen K
4 contributions
May 2024 • couples
Always our favorite restaurant but had a disappointing time. As an appetizer I ordered the celery root soup (form$15) which was excellent but I could only eat about 1/3 because I had dinner coming. I asked for a “to go” container and waiter said “we don’t have them for soup. I asked about a coffee cup with lid..nope. On the way out I saw the manager and asked if I wash the only one who EVER asked to take a liquid I bought with me..he rudely said “we are not a take out restaurant”. I didn’t think it was. I have never been to a restaurant where they didn’t have liquid to go containers…this left a very bad taste in my mouth (pun intended).
Written May 5, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robertoisfun
Fredericksburg1459 contributions
Feb 2025 • couples
This restaurant is the definition of fine dining. My Honey and I had reservations 6:30pm on a Friday and the place was packed. The tables arranged in the outside courtyard was beautiful and romantic. We read some of the reviews prior to dining so we knew what we wanted to order. We started we Ceviche "Carte Blanche style" which was amazing. I knew what Ceviche was, but this fortunately was my first time trying. Very refreshing and light fare that definitely woke up my appetite. Very Delicious! My Honey want to order Wilhelmina's Ravioli but we only saw the menu listed as an appetizer only. We asked our server and she said we could order as an entree much to my Honey's delight. I ordered the Catch of the Day, which was Red Snapper, pan seared style #2 which was served with sweet peas mousseline, Dutch potato, Aruban white mushroom, Parsley dressing and smoked butter sauce. Very Delicious! My Honey shared one of the Braised Short rib Ravioli with me and lived to regret her decision as she was on cloud nine enjoying her entree. Her Ravioli was filled with Braised Short rib, foie gras and mushroom, served with baby Spinach, roasted Portobello and Parmesan reggiano cheese, truffle Balsamic dressing and mushroom sauce. Hands down one of the best entrees she has ever eaten. My Honey enjoyed so much she had dreams about this meal for several nights. For dessert we took our server's recommendation of the Chocolate "Gateau " which we shared which was Outstanding. The whole dining experience was so enjoyable. Wilhelmina's was one of the best meals we had while visiting Aruba.
Written March 13, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roseanne V
3 contributions
Jun 2024 • couples
Our party of 4 had a fabulous experience at Wilhelmina last night. Our server, Millie, was intelligent, enchanting and very astute-offering great suggestions as one of our party members has a severe food allergy. She took great care of us! The food was really delicious and the presentation immaculate. You’ll find the inside of this restaurant is charming and a little romantic-lots of leafy trees, dim lighting, interesting artwork. We loved it and will defiantly be back when we return to Aruba
Written June 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pete M
Danbury374 contributions
Jan 2025 • couples
we went inside the building, only to realize it was outside dinning. Very nice. THey started by bringing a little chef's tasting of a doughball, which was very good, and a sample of the soup, also excellent. The waiter spoke so softly, and I asked him 3 times to speak up. YOu would have thought he would have listened, he never did. My wife had the steak, which was cooked excellent. I had the fish of the day prepared in #1 style as they called it (They had 2 options). The fish was great. While we had a great meal, I would go back, but I wouldn't hurry up back.
Written January 31, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brian F
Washington DC15 contributions
Feb 2024 • couples
Wilhelmina is the best restaurant on Aruba. The food and service is better than many of the best restaurants I’ve experienced in DC, NY, Charleston, and LA, while providing an ambiance that make me feel so fortunate to be able to enjoy such fine dining while I’m on the island.
The meal starts with an amuse-bouche (usually bitterballen with a shot of soup). The appetizers are varied and include, among others, amazing fresh ravioli, perfectly fried fish cakes, and a homemade kimchi salad that is a must try. Entrees selections are extensive and always have two different preparations of the fish of the day. Most recently I had the gamberetti pasta which was some of the freshest homemade pasta I’ve had anywhere with a delicate sauce and perfectly seared shrimp. I had the cheesecake for dessert which was light and airy.
The wine list is superb and bottles are served at proper temperature in a chiller to keep from getting too warm while you eat.
I will always go back to Wilhelmina when I’m on Aruba because of the wonderful food and consistent fine dining experience.
Written February 14, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mary M
19 contributions
Oct 2024 • couples
Loved, loved, loved this restaurant!!
The food was absolutely delicious 😋
We were presented with soup shooters and fish balls, which were yummy! We even ordered the soup as part of our appetizers - that is how tasty it was.
We also thoroughly enjoyed the Wilhelmona ravioli.. served with truffle dressing sauce - WOW!
I enjoyed the Gamberetti pasta dish - which I had over cauliflower rice. I was accommodated with "tweaking" the dish, which was greatly appreciated. I also had the pasta on the side, which is homemade and was perfectly prepared. My husband stated his short ribs were tender and just
" fell off the bone."
Dessert was heavenly! We indulged in the Dame Blanche - scrumptious!
Millie was our waitress, and I cannot express how impressed I was with her refined service. She was courteous, pleasant, and an overall joy to work with!
As a side note, they have a sister restaurant right next door, named Olivia.
My next dining experience quest!!
Written October 6, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rrettberg4
Mechanicsville34 contributions
Dec 2023 • family
Wilhelmina truly sets the gold standard for a remarkable dining experience in every possible aspect. My wife and I have made it a tradition to visit this restaurant during our annual trips to Aruba, and each time, we are continually astonished by the exceptional service and quality of the food.
We were so enamored with Wilhelmina that we decided to hold our wedding rehearsal dinner there. Chef Dennis and the rest of Team Wilhelmina went above and beyond to make our evening an unforgettable one. They graciously closed the restaurant for our party of 76 and ensured that every detail was perfect, leaving us with cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
From the serene atmosphere to the delectable drinks, starters, entrees, and desserts, every aspect of our dining experience surpassed our expectations. Most notably, the warmth and attentiveness of the staff made us feel truly special.
For anyone seeking an extraordinary dining experience, I wholeheartedly recommend dining with Chef Dennis and Team Wilhelmina. I can assure you that you will not be disappointed.
Written December 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ken A
Boston81 contributions
Nov 2023 • family
We wish we had found or visited this restaurant on one of our earlier trips to the island. What a gem. From the decor to the food to the service it is hard to picture a more perfect experience. They start you off with an Amuse Bouche selected by the chef. When we were there it was a fish Bitterballen, which is a Dutch treat that is served in many places on the island. Often prepared with meat these were done with Barracuda and they were light and delicious. It was served with a shot glass of the soup of the day a celery root soup that was so good two people in our group ordered it as an appetizer for their meals. One of us ordered the Lobster Bisque that had shrimp, very tasty and we also got an order of the Short Rib Ravioli served with mushrooms and spinach. The order has 2 large ravioli perfect to share. We also tried the Kimchi salad which was delicious. For the soups the bowls were put done first and then the hot soup poured into the bowls it is an outstanding presentation. Main courses were no less impressive from the braised short ribs, to the pasta with shrimp, to the catch of the day and the shrimp, escargot and sea bass combination we all raved about our dishes. Make sure to save room for dessert. Sean our server couldn't have been nicer or more attentive. All in all a 5 star experience.
Written November 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lindsey T
Janesville5 contributions
Dec 2023 • family
My family has been coming to Aruba for over 20 years and I'm sad we are just dining at this gem for the 1st time.
They accommodated 10 of us without any hesitation. The outside seating has a light breeze making it comfortable and feel as though you were dining inside.
The staff was friendly and very attentive. They wiped the tables between appetizers and the main course. Meticulous for presentation of the table. Many times would stand close proximity to the table waiting to attend to us if we needed something ( another piece of silverware, another drink, etc)
Great tasting wine both red and white. I had a Watermelon Cooler which was quite refreshing.
Before appetizers they brought put an adorable sampling of the soup of the day and a Dutch appetizer. (Picture attached)
My lobster bisque was poured at the table over the cream and shrimp. While it was more of broth than a bisque it was delicious.
I step out of my usual seafood or steak and ordered the Wilhelmina Goat Cheese Falafel. I would come compare it to a crab cake. It was excellent.
Others in our party had the Chicken & Mushroom, Ribs, and another pasta. The majority of our party said this was their favorite restaurant to date (2nd now being Yemanja). Some of my family present owns a restaurant and they were impressed.
We were celebrating my mother's birthday so they brought out a sparkler desert and let us sing to our liking. (Not tacky).
For dessert we ordered the Dame Blanche (like an upscale sundae), cheesecake (fluffy not dense) and thr lemon dessert. All were delicious!
If you haven't by now realized that I highly recommend this restaurant, here it is. Make a reservation...it is a must on your vacation dining list!
Written December 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sleepyscags
Sleepy Hollow22 contributions
Dec 2023 • family
Wow! Wilhelmina was fabulous! Everything about our experience and our meals was top notch! The service was impeccable with attentive servers, the food was plentiful and delicious, the atmosphere was amazing with the tables outside in a tropical yet cozy setting. The drinks were amazing! By far our best restaurant experience in Aruba (and Aruba has an amazing restaurant scene). Don’t miss this restaurant!
Written January 3, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
craftywriter
San Diego2101 contributions
May 2024 • solo
best meal I had on the island. Reservations are required, make them early as this is a popular spot. Located in downtown Oranjestad, seating is on a lovely patio shaded by palm trees.
I had the Gorgonzola salad, simply truffle (homemade pasta with creamy truffle and mushroom sauce), and Wilhelmina’s cheesecake topped with fruit for dessert. The service and food were excellent!
Written June 4, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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