Local guide · Savaneta

Savaneta: The Village Where Aruba Has Always Eaten Well

3 spots · updated May 27, 2026

Savaneta sits on the south coast of Aruba and holds the distinction of being the oldest settlement on the island. It is a working fishing village with a waterfront road lined with local eateries, beach bars and snekkies that have been feeding the same families for generations.

When: Sunday lunch is the peak moment for Savaneta's food scene. Weekday mornings are good for coffee and a quiet start.
Try: Fresh fish lunch at the waterfrontBurgers at Chalo Burger SavanetaCoffee and bites at Soul & Beans On Wheels
Good for: Aruban home cooking in an authentic fishing villageWaterfront dining without the resort pricesWeekend fish lunches with local families

Where to get them?

Order: most good reviews from locals first.

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More about this guide

The main road through Savaneta — simply called Savaneta — runs along the water and is packed with options on both sides. Soul & Beans On Wheels at Savaneta 5 is a beloved local spot for coffee and light bites at any hour. Villa Laurence 1911 at number 244 is named for the village's history and serves proper Aruban home cooking in an atmospheric setting.

Chalo Burger Savaneta at number 18 has built a serious reputation for burgers done right — a local operation that does not cut corners. Chefs Aruba at number 437b is another trusted name for quality cooking that draws people from across the island. Agape Aruba at number 350 adds a heartfelt home-cooking dimension to the strip.

The waterfront in Savaneta is where you come for the view and the atmosphere. Flying Fishbone at number 344 is famous island-wide for its location over the water — tables literally sit above the sea. Mangel Halto beach at Faradaystraat 10 is the snorkeling beach adjacent to Savaneta, and the beach bar there keeps the crowd fed and watered after a swim.

Savaneta is about 15 minutes south of Oranjestad. The drive down Rte 1 passes through palm-lined countryside. It is quieter during the week and full of local life on weekends when Aruban families come for their traditional fish lunch.