By Elise Hofer Shaw

The best way to tap into any culture is through its culinary scene. The cuisine in Curaçao is a vibrant mix of Dutch, Caribbean, Latin American and North American fare, and part of the fun is enjoying the melting pot of flavors. Whether you’re craving the catch of the day, savory arepitas or a few bites of bitterballen, read on for a list of not-to-miss cafes and eateries to sip and savor every moment.

Coffee and Breakfast with a View

If you like your breakfast with an unobstructed view of the Caribbean Sea, head to BijBlauw in Pietermaai. Although BijBlauw offers all-day oceanfront dining, it’s in a class of its own as one of the best restaurants in Curaçao for breakfast. The Banana Oh Nana pancakes are delish if you have a sweet tooth, and the BijBlauw Breakfast is perfect if you want to fuel up for a big day of adventures (includes a flaky croissant, avocado smash, eggs benedict, and yogurt with granola).

More Restaurants Worth Writing Home About

For breakfast, brunch or lunch, Hofi Cas Cora is a delightful spot for local dishes made with fresh ingredients. A true farm-to-table restaurant, menu highlights include French toast stuffed with housemade jam and the Lomita wrap (a sandwich wrap with tenderloin, marinated papaya, cilantro, and peanuts). They also make a mean Bloody Mary topped with garden-fresh vegetables. Be sure to make a reservation as this popular eatery is only open on Saturdays and Sundays from 9am-3pm. During the week, however, The Marketplace at Hofi Cas Cora is open and a great place to stock up on locally grown produce and bulk products like nuts, seeds, grains, and dried fruits.

We also highly recommend Maira's Kitchen in Otrobanda. This little restaurant couldn’t be any more charming, and its Mediterranean-inspired menu never misses. The house cheese platter is a meal unto itself and includes four cheeses, a nut chutney, and fig bread with apple syrup. The watermelon salad with feta and mixed nuts is a lovely light option, or you can get your fill with a lamb burger topped with tabbouleh and harissa plus french fries and aioli for dipping. Make sure to cap off your meal with Maira’s mango and passionfruit sorbet served with fresh fruit.

Try Curaçao’s Signature Dish

Wherever you nosh, look for keshi yena on the menu. Widely considered the signature dish of Curaçao, keshi yena is comprised of a large round ball of cheese, usually Edam or Gouda, which is stuffed with spiced meat (often chicken or pork), olives, capers, onions and tomatoes, and then baked until perfection. It’s a wonderful example of the fusion of cuisines and cultures that are represented in Curaçao — and quite tasty, too. Restaurant & Café Gouverneur De Rouville in the heart of Willemstad makes a delicious rendition of the dish. Reserve a table on the balcony in advance for dinner at sunset.