Driftwood Restaurant

Just saw my last review on Driftwood from 2003. Been going here a long time, always a must-visit. Prices have gone up since 2003 :). But still very reasonable prices and large portions, great service, friendly staff. My favorite go-to place on the island. Best pan bati on the island in my opinion--great for breakfast the next morning. Best wahoo on the island when they have it, and great barracuda too.

We went fishing on kenny's Toy, caught several baracuuda. We asked Orlando,(First mate), which resturant would prepare our catch. He said the Driftwood would prepare it five different ways for us. have never eaten baracuuda before, we did'nt know what to expect. Only one word can describe the food, the service, the resturant. EXCELLENT Can't wait to dine there again on our next visit to Aruba.

Been going to Aruba for many years now and I do enjoy the meals at the Driftwood. Definitely its truly "catch of the Day", because i have also gone deep sea fishing with them. The values are good,the portions large and the meals are prepared well. The service is always excellent. I do also love other seafood and fish restaurants on the island but the driftwood always is a must stop for my wife and I. Enjoy Aruba !!!!

As in the name, DRIFTWOOD, over the years has "drifted" in various directions - good and bad. We have had relaly good meals there and we have had some so-so meals there. This year's "drift" was in a positive direction and we had a very enjoyable meal there. DRIFTWOOD focuses on its "catch of the day" - so if you have your heart set on "grouper" and only "wahoo" was caught - then guess what you are getting! Thereis no reason why the restaurant should not be able to accommodate those desiring "grouper" on such a night, but they haven't figured that out, yet. Despite that slight annoyance, DRIFTWOOD continues to provide quality food at affordable prices and they do so in such a fashion that even the "grouper lover" will find satisfaction n their "wahoo meal". All-in-all, the place is a ffine place to go to and should not be missed on any trip - even if you are a "grouper lover".

Our third visit to the Driftwood. We had the Catch of the Day which was Wahoo. Excellent taste, excellent service. Great place.

Catch of the Day always excellent.

Cozy restaurant! I had the catch of the day... the best fish I've ever had! Locals we met recommended the place. A must visit restaurant! you will not regret it.

I am very sorry to have read the previous review for I fundamentally disagree with the gentleman's remark.My family and I were staying at the Renaissance Hotel just overlooking the harbor and therefore I can testify to the fact that the fish that is served at Driftwood is brought in daily by the owners son (so we were told). So what you see is what you get. I have to say that the local people,especially the concierge and the taxi drivers were very fond and keen of making our choice for a local seafood restaurant enjoyable and this was pleasant for us to witness since who else knows the local gastronomy better than the local people?
I have nothing bad to say about Driftwood. The food was excellent and the atmosphere was phenomenal. I never felt that we were rushed during or after dinner and took literally the whole night to wine and dine in the venue. The staff was very cordial and attentive to our needs and the presentation was impeccable. After hearing that this establishment exists for nearly a quarter of a century, I congratulate the owners and the staff for keeping up with time and for meeting the needs of the customers and the repeated guests which reviews up here are terrific. Once again, make Driftwood a part of your experience while in Aruba and please do go and experience it yourself instead of (maybe) missing out on a lovely and enchanting evening due to other people's perceptions of the place!!!
I for sure will return and next time I may even join the crew to catch my own meal!!

We have been visiting The Driftwood since 1998 and go yearly during our vacation to Aruba every September. The Driftwood has changed for the worst. The staff could not have cared less about us. We frequently had to wave them down for the most basic of needs. After a very long delay, our food arrived and was not even warm, terribly seasoned and not worth eating. The service, food, and caring from the staff was the worst on the island and certainly a restaurant you'll want to avoid when you visit Aruba. We were there in September/October 2009 and could not have been more disappointed. Save your money and go elsewhere. We even told owner's son (the owner was on vacation) about our experience and he just shrugged his shoulders at us. Never again!

So delicious and different. Crableg soup was over the top and the swordfish was just perfect. Couldn't ask for better service.