Best Restaurants near Jan Thiel & on Curaçao
As frequent visitors to Jan Thiel, we love eating out there, from a quick beach lunch to a long dinner in Willemstad. These are the restaurants we return to again and again, and that we recommend to our guests with confidence.
1. Zanzibar, the beach restaurant of Jan Thiel Beach
Zanzibar is the best-known beach restaurant on Curaçao and sits a few minutes' walk from Villa Vidalou. By day you lunch almost with your feet in the sand, with fresh fish, salads and good cocktails. Later in the afternoon the atmosphere picks up and it becomes one of the liveliest spots on the island.
The sunsets here are iconic. Book for dinner, because Zanzibar fills up fast in high season. For a relaxed drink right next door, Koko's and Zest Beach Café on the same beach are good options too.
2. Zest, refined dining on Jan Thiel Beach
Zest is the culinary address of Jan Thiel Beach: a polished kitchen built on local produce with a Caribbean twist, right on the water. It is open all day, from breakfast to dinner, and ideal when you want a longer meal without getting in the car.
Our tip: go around sunset and ask for a table on the sea side. It is a little pricier than the beach bars next door, but the quality and the setting more than make up for it.
3. Tinto Bar y Cocina, tapas with a sea view
Tinto is also on Jan Thiel Beach and is all about sharing: Spanish and Latin-inspired tapas, good wines and cocktails. Perfect for an evening when you would rather taste a bit of everything than order one main course.
Great with a group, because you simply keep ordering until everyone is happy. Again, book ahead in high season.
4. Agave Bar y Taqueria, Mexican on the beach
Craving tacos, guacamole and a margarita? Agave is on Jan Thiel Beach and is the place for a casual Mexican evening within walking distance of the villa. Easy-going, quick and tasty.
Ideal for an evening with children, or when you do not feel like a long dinner after a full day on the beach.
5. Mondi, Italian in the heart of Jan Thiel
Mondi is the Italian restaurant at Livingstone Jan Thiel, a few minutes from the villa. Fresh pasta, oven-baked pizza and a Caribbean twist in a relaxed tropical setting. A good address for breakfast and lunch as well.
A welcome change after a few days of fish and beach food, and always a safe bet with children.
6. Papagayo Beach Club, lounging by the water
Papagayo Beach Club belongs to the resort of the same name on Jan Thiel Bay and combines an infinity pool, sun loungers and a restaurant with a terrace. A stylish spot for lunch and lounging by day, and an atmospheric dinner with a view over the bay in the evening.
Within walking distance of Villa Vidalou. Reserve a lounger or a table if you visit in high season.
7. Kome, the chef's kitchen of Pietermaai
Kome in the Pietermaai district of Willemstad is one of the most praised restaurants on the island: modern Caribbean, lots of local ingredients and a menu that changes regularly. Open Tuesday to Saturday, with brunch on Saturdays.
This is the place for the night you really want to go out for dinner. Reservations are essential, especially at weekends. About fifteen minutes' drive from the villa.
8. Gouverneur de Rouville, a terrace overlooking the Handelskade
Grand Café Gouverneur de Rouville occupies a historic building in Otrobanda, with a terrace overlooking the harbour and the colourful houses of the Handelskade. The kitchen is international with Caribbean accents and the menu is broad, from lunch to a full dinner.
Open daily from morning until late. Ask for a table on the balcony for the view, especially at sunset.
9. Plasa Bieu, the old market of Punda
Plasa Bieu is not a restaurant but a covered market hall in Punda where a handful of local cooks serve krioyo dishes: stoba (stew), fresh fish, funchi and fried plantain. You eat at long tables among locals, for a few guilders a plate.
Lunch only, and the best dishes sell out early in the afternoon. Bringing cash is a good idea.
10. Mundo Bizarro, Cuban vibes in Pietermaai
Mundo Bizarro is a restaurant and bar with Cuban-style decor in Pietermaai, serving a mix of Caribbean and European dishes, cocktails and regular live music. Colourful, a little eccentric and great fun.
Combine it with a stroll through the lit-up streets of Pietermaai. A good spot for an early dinner as well as a late night out.
Stay in Jan Thiel
Base yourself at Villa Vidalou
Zanzibar, Zest, Tinto and Agave are within walking distance of Villa Vidalou on Jan Thiel Beach. Willemstad with all its restaurants is just 10 minutes' drive away. Our villa also has a fully equipped kitchen for the evenings when you just want to enjoy a meal at home.