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Tim and I traveled to Bonaire with our friends Courtney, John, Jess, and Blake and their kids, and somewhere between diving, beach days, and chasing sunsets, we ate our way through quite a bit of the island.
And honestly? We didn’t have a single bad meal.
I’m not going to tell you these are the best restaurants in Bonaire because we obviously didn’t eat everywhere on the island.
But after 7 days of seafood dinners, tasting menus, beach-side lunches, sunset cocktails, and more than a few trips for gelato, we definitely found some places we’d go back to.
It Rains Fishes was so good we ate there twice. At Sea gave us one of our favorite special dinners of the trip. Biña Restaurant Bar paired a memorable tasting menu with an incredible sunset. And Gio’s? Let’s just say a stop for gelato turned into a recurring part of our itinerary!
So if you’re planning a trip to Bonaire and wondering where to eat in Bonaire, these are the Bonaire restaurants we actually tried, what stood out about each experience, and which spots we missed but already have on our list for next time.
One thing we learned quickly: make your dinner reservations in advance.
Several of the restaurants we wanted to try book up early, and you don’t want to arrive on the island with your heart set on a particular dinner only to find out there isn’t a table available.
Here’s everywhere we ate in Bonaire—and the places we’d happily go back to.
It Rains Fishes Was So Good We Ate There Twice
It Rains Fishes quickly became one of our favorite restaurants in Bonaire. We liked it enough to go twice during our 7-day trip!
Our first visit was a smaller dinner with John, his daughter, Tim, and me.
We started with a few appetizers to share, including the tuna trio, oysters, and the yellow curry soup.
For dinner, all three adults ordered the evening special: lobster and tuna, while John’s kiddo ordered from the kids’ menu.
And that special? We were still talking about it days later (especially John 😂). It was a big reason we decided to come back later in the trip.
But the food wasn’t the only reason we wanted to return!
It Rains Fishes has a beautiful waterfront setting, and Persia, our hostess and part-owner, was incredibly kind and welcoming. That personal touch made the experience even more memorable.
We returned to It Rains Fishes for our last dinner on Bonaire after Jess, Blake, and their daughter left earlier that day.
This time, Courtney joined us too, and it felt like a fitting way for the rest of us to wrap up the trip.
We ordered more seafood, including a tuna poke bowl, and settled back into the waterfront setting. After enjoying our first visit so much, it was an easy choice for one last dinner on the island.
If you’re deciding where to eat in Bonaire, I’d put It Rains Fishes on your list.
We can’t speak for every restaurant on the island, but this is one we’d happily visit again—and eating there twice probably says it all!
At Sea Bonaire Was One of Our Favorite Special Dinners
At Sea Bonaire was one of our favorite special dinners of the trip, especially because the tasting menu experience included the kids in our group too.
Most of us opted for the 4-course tasting menu, while John chose 5 courses.
We also ordered the lionfish ceviche, which was a highlight. We’d never tried lionfish before, so it was fun to taste something new together.
What we appreciated most, though, was that the kids could have their own tasting menu.
Rather than having the adults enjoy a multi-course dinner while the kids ordered from a separate kids’ menu, everyone got to be part of the experience.
When you’re traveling with kids, a tasting menu restaurant isn’t always the first place you’d consider. At Sea made it possible for our group to enjoy that kind of dinner together.
Between the food, service, and overall experience, this was one of the restaurants we talked about most after coming home.
If you’re looking for a special dinner in Bonaire and you’re traveling with kids, I’d definitely put At Sea on your list.
Biña Restaurant & Bar Was a Memorable Sunset Dinner
Biña Restaurant & Bar was where we had our last dinner together as a full group (except the kids, as their parents got a babysitter for the evening), and it turned out to be a great way to spend the evening before Jess, Blake, and their daughter left Bonaire the next morning.
We opted for the tasting menu again, and the food was thoughtfully prepared and beautifully presented.
But, one of the highlights was actually the bartender.
Every cocktail recommendation we tried was fantastic. You know when you tell someone behind the bar to “just make me something good,” and they nail it every time? That was our experience here!
The setting made the evening even better. We watched the sunset over the water while enjoying dinner, and since Biña was close to where we were staying at Harbour Village Beach Club, we could walk there and not have to worry about driving after dinner.
Between the cocktails, dinner, and sunset, it was an evening that felt worth slowing down for.
If you’re planning a special dinner in Bonaire, consider timing your reservation around sunset at Biña.
La Cantina Was a Fun, Casual Dinner in Bonaire
La Cantina came highly recommended to us for a casual dinner and drinks, but we actually almost didn’t make it here.
We managed to grab a last-minute reservation after another party canceled, and I’m glad we did.
The atmosphere was lively without feeling overwhelming, and the garden terrace and laid-back tropical setting felt different from the waterfront restaurants we’d visited.
It was a fun place to settle in with our group, have drinks and dinner, and catch up after our first day exploring the island.
After dinner, we headed to Gio’s Gelateria & Caffè for gelato—which, as you’ll see, became a recurring part of our trip.
If you’re looking for a casual restaurant in Bonaire for dinner and drinks, La Cantina was a really fun choice for our group.
Ocean Oasis Was the Perfect First Meal in Bonaire
Our first group meal in Bonaire was brunch at Ocean Oasis Beach Club, where we celebrated Mother’s Day with the moms in our group and eased into island time.
We settled in by the water with coffee and tropical drinks and took our time with the meal.
After traveling and getting settled on the island, it was nice not to feel like we had to rush anywhere.
I ordered the salmon eggs Benedict—one of my favorite brunch dishes—and Courtney and Tim ordered the croque madame, while Jess and Blake shared the avocado toast.
I appreciated that it wasn’t too crowded or loud while we were there for brunch. It gave our group a chance to relax and enjoy being together before the rest of the trip got underway.
If you’re looking for a relaxed brunch or beach club experience in Bonaire, Ocean Oasis was a lovely introduction to the island and a fun way to kick off our week of eating around Bonaire.
Bari Beach Bar Was Our First Casual Dinner
Bari Beach Bar at Chogogo was our first casual dinner in Bonaire.
It was one of those places we ended up at because it was easy—and exactly what we needed: good food, ocean views, and live music.
After a travel day, we didn’t feel like making a big plan for dinner. Since it was walkable from Harbour Village, we decided to stop in, grab some food, and enjoy our first evening on Bonaire.
Tim and I ordered ceviche and tuna tartare, and the watermelon mojito was especially good.
Between the ocean views and the laid-back atmosphere, it was a great way to ease into island life without overthinking dinner.
Sometimes, a convenient, delicious meal is exactly what you want after a day of traveling.
La Balandra Was a Favorite for Seafood and Sunset Views
La Balandra, the restaurant at Harbour Village Beach Club, was one of our go-to spots during the trip.
The restaurant overlooks the water, and we enjoyed an incredible sunset during one of our meals.
Since we were staying at Harbour Village, it was also convenient to walk over for lunch, dinner, or drinks and head back to our room afterward.
We tried several dishes throughout our visits, including sushi, seafood, and curry, and everything we ordered was delicious.
If you’re staying at Harbour Village Beach Club, La Balandra is an easy option for a meal by the water.
Even if you’re staying elsewhere, it’s worth considering if you want good seafood with sunset views.
👉 If you’re considering staying here, check out my full Harbour Village Beach Club review.
Hang Out Beachbar Was Made for a Lazy Lunch
We stopped at Hang Out Beachbar for lunch while exploring the Lac Bay area, and it was a great place to take a break and enjoy the view.
Tim and I ordered the potstickers, while Courtney and John had a full lunch and told us everything they tried was delicious.
Though we didn’t sample the full menu ourselves, we all really enjoyed the laid-back setting.
With the breeze coming off the water and windsurfers out on Lac Bay, it was the kind of place where you could sit for a while and enjoy being there without rushing off to the next stop.
If you’re exploring Lac Bay and want somewhere casual to stop for lunch with a view, Hang Out Beachbar is worth considering.
Rumba Cafe Was Our Backup Lunch—and I’m Glad We Found It
Rumba Cafe wasn’t part of our original plan. We’d intended to have lunch at Posada Para Mira, but when we arrived, we found out it was closed for a private event. So much for our perfectly planned lunch!
We changed course and headed to Rumba Cafe, where our group ordered drinks along with Thai curry, garlic shrimp, pork chops, pizza, and the daily fish special before taking some downtime back at the resort.
I’m glad we didn’t let the change of plans derail the day. Rumba gave us somewhere to regroup, enjoy lunch, and carry on with our plans.
Not every meal on vacation needs to be researched and booked weeks in advance.
Sometimes you need a backup—and this one worked out well for us.
Kos Bon So Was a Casual Lunch Stop
Speaking of restaurants not originally on the itinerary, we discovered Kos Bon So after someone recommended it during our visit to Cadushy Distillery.
The portions were generous, and we enjoyed the different types of meats we tried, like the fish, tenderloin, and beefsteak.
Kos Bon So was a good reminder that not every meal needs to be a big, planned experience.
Some stops simply fit into the day as you’re exploring Bonaire.
A Broad Recommendation: We also heard that John’s Ice Cream in Rincón was a must-try. Unfortunately, we didn’t make it there during this trip, but it’s definitely on our list for next time.
The Jungle Was a Fun Change of Scenery
After plenty of meals by the water, The Jungle Bonaire gave us a fun change of scenery.
We stopped here for drinks and a few bites before our reservation at At Sea and were immediately drawn in from the street by the decor and tropical atmosphere.
Inside, the lush greenery and open-air setting made it feel quite different from the waterfront spots we’d visited.
Tim and I ordered drinks, as did the rest of our group, while John ordered nachos, Jess and Blake shared cheese balls, and Courtney got some sushi to hold her over until dinner.
Since we didn’t have a full meal here, I wouldn’t treat this as a full restaurant review, but it worked well for a casual drink and a few snacks while we waited for dinner.
If you’re looking for somewhere with a fun tropical vibe for drinks and appetizers, The Jungle is one to consider.
Gio’s Became Our Regular Gelato Stop
Technically, Gio’s Gelateria & Caffè isn’t one of the restaurants we went to for a full meal, but I couldn’t leave it out of our Bonaire food experience.
What started as a stop for something sweet quickly became part of our routine—and we made sure to get one final scoop before leaving Bonaire on our last night.
When you’re traveling with friends, it’s often the little traditions you create together that stick with you. Gio’s became one of ours.
If you’re planning where to eat in Bonaire, leave a little room in your itinerary for dessert too.
Cadushy Distillery Was a Fun Stop for a Taste of Bonaire
If someone had told me before our trip that one of my favorite stops would involve cactus liqueur, I probably wouldn’t have believed them.
But that’s exactly what happened.
After spending the morning hiking the Lagadishi Walking Trail at Washington Slagbaai National Park, we stopped at Cadushy Distillery in Rincón for a tasting, and it turned into one of the most memorable experiences of our trip.
Cadushy is known for its locally inspired cactus liqueurs, and we got to try all the liqueurs, along with some of the other liquors.
Our guide was fantastic, making the tasting even more enjoyable by sharing stories and helping us learn about the different products.
I loved that this stop gave us a glimpse into a different side of Bonaire.
We’d spent so much of the trip eating seafood, enjoying beach side restaurants, and watching sunsets that it was fun to do something completely different.
Even if visiting a distillery isn’t usually on your travel itinerary, I’d recommend adding Cadushy to your list if you’re exploring Rincón or visiting Washington Slagbaai National Park.
It was relaxed, memorable, and unlike anything else we did on the island—and a fun way to round out a morning of exploring.
We Also Ate Dinner on a Boat!
Okay, technically this isn’t a restaurant—but it was one of the most memorable food experiences we had in Bonaire.
One night, we had dinner on a boat during a sunset sushi cruise, which was about as vacation-y as it gets!
Instead of sitting at a restaurant, we were out on the water, eating sushi while watching the sunset and seeing Bonaire from a completely different perspective.
And honestly, this is one of the experiences I’d recommend adding to your Bonaire itinerary if you want to do something a little different from the usual restaurant dinner.
👉 I have a whole separate post about this Bonaire sunset sushi cruise, including what the experience was like, so you can read that if you’re considering adding it to your trip.
Places We Didn’t Get To (But Want to Try Next Time)
Of course, 7 days wasn’t enough to try every restaurant on Bonaire.
There were a few places we really wanted to try but either couldn’t fit into our itinerary or couldn’t get a reservation for.
So though I haven’t personally eaten at these, here are a few Bonaire restaurants that are still on my list for next time.
Posada Para Mira
Posada Para Mira was supposed to be one of our lunch stops, but when we arrived, we found out it was closed for a private event.
Though I can’t give you a firsthand review of the food, John and Blake ate here after one of their dives and raved about both the meal and the views from its hilltop location.
After hearing about their experience, I was disappointed that the rest of us didn’t get to try it, but it’s on my list for next time.
CHEFS Bonaire
CHEFS Bonaire was high on our list before we arrived, but we couldn’t get a reservation—even when we tried about a month ahead.
That was a good reminder to book sought-after restaurants early, especially if there’s somewhere you really want to visit during a short trip.
I can’t speak to the dining experience firsthand yet, but CHEFS is absolutely on my list for the next time we’re on the island.
Foodies Bonaire
Foodies Bonaire was another restaurant recommended to us when I asked about Bonaire restaurants on Instagram.
We couldn’t fit everything into one week, so we didn’t make it there this time, but it’s another one I’d like to try on a future trip.
And honestly, now I just have an excuse to go back to Bonaire!
What We Learned About Eating in Bonaire
After a week of eating our way around Bonaire, we came away with three main takeaways: book the restaurants you really want to try, rent a car if you plan to explore, and leave room for spontaneous meals.
Make restaurant reservations in advance
If there’s one thing I’d recommend doing before your trip to Bonaire, it’s making reservations for the restaurants you really want to try.
We learned this the hard way with CHEFS Bonaire. Even though we tried to get a reservation about a month before our trip, we couldn’t get a table.
Other restaurants filled up too, and some weren’t open on the days we wanted to visit.
When you’re only on the island for a week, it can be disappointing to miss a restaurant you were excited about simply because you waited too long or didn’t check its opening days.
You don’t need to plan every meal before you leave home, but I would make reservations for your must-try dinners and double-check opening days before you arrive.
That way, you have the special meals covered while still leaving room to discover somewhere new along the way.
Rent a car
If you want to explore different parts of Bonaire—and try restaurants beyond the ones near your accommodation—I’d recommend renting a car.
We stayed at Harbour Village, where a few restaurants were within walking distance. But, having a car made it much easier to explore the rest of the island and fit meals into our plans.
We could spend the morning exploring Washington Slagbaai National Park, stop for a tasting at Cadushy Distillery in Rincón, have lunch around Lac Bay, or head to a dinner reservation without having to plan our entire day around transportation.
For us, having a car made it easier to discover places we might otherwise have missed and gave us more flexibility when plans changed.
If you’re planning to eat your way around Bonaire, I’d factor a rental car into your trip budget.
Leave some room for spontaneous meals
At the same time, I wouldn’t plan every meal.
Some of our favorite food experiences happened because our plans changed.
Rumba Cafe was a backup after we discovered our planned lunch at Posada Para Mira was closed for a private event. Kos Bon So came recommended while we were out exploring. And, we kept ending up at Gio’s for gelato because apparently none of us could walk past it without stopping.
So, my ideal Bonaire food itinerary would be a combination of both.
Book the restaurants you really want to try, but leave a few meals open.
That way you have a plan without turning your vacation into a schedule you have to follow perfectly.
Because sometimes the best restaurant in Bonaire is the one you find because your original plan didn’t work out.
Final Thoughts on Our Favorite Bonaire Restaurants
After 7 days in Bonaire, we still had restaurants on our list that we didn’t get to try.
But between special dinners, casual meals by the water, spontaneous stops, and regular gelato runs, we found plenty of places we’d happily visit again.
If we were planning another trip, here’s how we’d choose:
- For a special dinner: At Sea. The tasting menus made it feel like an occasion, and it was a memorable experience to share with the kids.
- For seafood and a return visit: It Rains Fishes. We liked it enough to go twice, which says a lot when there are so many places we still want to try.
- For sunset drinks and dinner: Biña Restaurant & Bar. It was a lovely place to enjoy the evening and spend time together before part of our group left.
- For a relaxed dinner in a tropical setting: La Cantina. We almost missed it, but a last-minute reservation turned into a great find.
- For lunch with a view: Hang Out Beachbar. We enjoyed the breeze and watching the windsurfers at Lac Bay, and our friends were happy with their lunch.
- For an easy meal after traveling: Bari Beach Bar. It was walkable from where we were staying, and the ceviche, tuna tartare, and watermelon mojito made it a great first-night stop.
- For something different: The sunset sushi cruise. Eating sushi on the water as the sun went down was a memorable way to experience Bonaire. You can read more about that experience in my sunset sushi cruise review.
And don’t feel like you have to try every restaurant on Bonaire in one trip. We certainly didn’t. We left with a few more places on our list, which gives us a great excuse to return.
If you’re planning a trip and wondering where to eat in Bonaire, I hope our experiences help you find a few spots that make your trip extra special!
👉 Planning the rest of your trip? I also put together a full Bonaire travel guide and some of the best things to do in Bonaire to help you plan your visit.
XOXO Sara at Travel A-Broads
Sara is the founder of and voice behind Travel A-Broads, a travel blog designed to empower women to explore the world boldly and safely.
A Sr. Manager of a Data Engineering team (aka math nerd) by day and travel enthusiast by night, Sara shares practical tips, curated itineraries, and inspiring stories from her adventures across 5 continents and 28+ countries and helps curious, independent women plan smarter, travel farther, and feel more connected along the way.
Read more about Sara’s journey here, and start planning your next adventure today!