WARNING: This article is about to make you VERY HUNGRY.The Aruban foodie scene has blossomed over the past 20 years, and Wilhemina's extensive menu and exquisite atmosphere are worth a visit when you are on the One Happy Island.
Wilhemina's cuisine is luxurious old school European paired with zesty modern Caribbean - A GREAT COMBINATION.
Here are some important considerations about Wilhemina, especially if you are visiting with families and/or are staying in the high-rise hotel area:
First, the restaurant is in Oranjestad, Aruba's capital: an off-the-beaten path location for most tourists staying in the main hotel areas of Eagle and Palm Beach. You will need to take a taxi or drive.
Second, be advised that Wilhemina is ADULTS-ONLY (13 and up).
Finally, one of the restaurant's defining features is its outdoor courtyard seating in what the restaurant describes on its website as a “unique tropical speakeasy city garden.” In other words, plan accordingly for the weather (most guests are in upscale tropical casual, i.e. shorts and polo shirts for the men and sundresses for the women).
As I walked through the elegant courtyard on the Wednesday night in November when I dined at Wilhemina, most tables were full.
The five of us were seated in one of the best tables in the house, and we were all excited to savor Chef Dennis van Daatselaar's culinary creations.
First comes the amuse bouche, which I expect at any fine dining establishment.
Wilhemina's duo of elevated Dutch bitterballen with the catch of the day fish atop a chili aioli paired with the soup of the day is exhilarating and an excellent palate preparation for the European/Aruban fusion you are about to enjoy.
As we perused the menu, the waiter also brought a lovely piece of homemade bread with a divine bell pepper butter that had a subtle hint of curry.
Here is a tour of the menu as we enjoyed it:
APPETIZERS:
An excellent choice for your starter would be either of the ravioli offerings.
I had the Shrimp Raviolis for $19.
Shrimp Raviolis
Ravioli filled with chunks of Shrimp, ricotta cheese and parsley served with baby spinach, basil oil, Parmesan Reggiano shavings and Lobster bisque sauce.
The shrimp filling inside was delectable, and I savored every bite of this seafood pasta.
One of my friends had the Wilhemina's Ravioli for $23.
Wilhemina's Ravioli
Ravioli filled with braised beef short rib, foie gras & mushroom, served with baby spinach, roasted Portobello & Parmesan Reggiano cheese, truffle-balsamic dressing and mushroom sauce.
If you aren't in your pasta era, try the Balchi Pisca, an Aruban fish cake.
Balchi Pisca
Aruban style fish cakes with Caribbean rock lobster, local spicy Madame Jeanette pepper mayonnaise.
ENTREES:
If you are in search of seafood, Wilhemina offers two catch of the day preparation options, and you also choose between two types of freshly caught fish, red snapper and rosada.
I ordered the Catch of the Day 1 with the Panamanian rosada fish (similar to a sea bass) for $44.
Catch of the Day 1 Preparation:
Pan seared fillet of fish with shrimps, sweet potato puree, fried “funchi”, cucumber curry chutney and sweet pepper sauce.
Alternatively, for $39, you can try to the Catch of the Day 2 Preparation.
Catch of the Day 2 Preparation:
Pan seared fillet of fish with sweet peas mousseline, Dutch potato, Aruban white button mushroom, parsley dressing and smoked butter sauce.Another member of our party ordered this preparation with the red snapper.
Another friend ordered the Shrimp, Escargots & Seabass entree for $49.
Shrimp, Escargots & Seabass
In “beurre Maître d’hôtel” braised escargots, shrimps, mushrooms, potato, cherry tomato’s & topped with pan seared fillet of Surinamese seabass served with Provençale tomato bread.
If you have eaten fish every single meal during your time in Aruba, and you are in a carnivorous mood, there are several beef and lamb dishes priced at $65,and the cost may be a deal-breaker.
If so, try the Indonesian Roasted Pork for $39.
Indonesian Roasted Pork
Pork marinated overnight in a traditional Indonesian sauce, stewed and served with fresh pasta, chunks of shrimp, edamame soybeans and a light spicy papaya chutney.
DESSERT -
We elected to have the Dame Blanche for $14 - three scoops of Aruban-made Dutch-style vanilla ice cream topped with a smorgasbord of toppings.
Dame Blanche
Vanilla ice cream served with pure “Callebaut” chocolate ganache, cookie crumble and caramelized mixed nuts.
Reservations are recommended and can be made online using the restaurant’s website here.
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