Cuisine of Curacao for gourmets. Places for dinner - best restaurants

Local cuisine is distinctive and original, and it is widely compared with European; however, national traditions aren’t deprived of Creole flavor. An abundance of seafood and vegetable salads, excellent meat treats and exotic fruits would please even the most discerning gourmets. Local chefs prefer to cook most meat and fish dishes on barbecue or an open fire, which also gives culinary delights some special flavors.

Barracuda, snapper and all kinds of shells are barbecued and served to the table with fruits of cactus. To many it may seem an exotic treat, whereas for locals it has become an everyday food. Entrees are widespread; they are served in every restaurant of national cuisine. Some soups are really reminiscent of classic European, and others have special components that aren’t common to European culinary traditions. Coconut milk and a special kind of bananas are main ingredients in many soups as they taste good with meat and fish dishes.

A popular local snack is a pastechi pie. You can taste it not only in the national restaurant, but in open street cafes as well. Filling for pies is made from meat, fish, shrimp and special spices; the taste of pies is simply unique. Fans of meat dishes have to try cabrito stoba, lamb stew, which is usually served with vegetables. A popular dish is the kami stoba, the beef stew, and a true national food is hobi duchy, soup of pork, shrimp and cactus. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

As a garnish for meat and fish dishes guests of Curacao restaurants could order boiled rice or green beans. On the table there are always a lot of sauces, different combinations of which can transform a particular dish in a culinary masterpiece. Daily dish of local residents is kala fritters, which is made from a pumpkin or beans, as well as moro, which is cooked with rice and peas. Foodies must try wine soup, sopi di binja, it is cooked with addition of cornstarch and cinnamon. As for the national beverage, the first thing to be mentioned is Curacao liquor, which is popular all over the world. Especially popular are Heineken and Balassa beers that are famous for their excellent taste.

The largest number of famous Curacao restaurants is concentrated in Willemstad. In The Wine Cellar, you can taste original seafood specialties, as well as French and classic European dishes. Here they prepare wonderful fish and meat dishes with vegetables, you can try carpaccio with arugula and enjoy the best European wines brought from various countries. The restaurant features exquisite decor, which makes it ideal for special occasions.

Popular Caribbean dishes can be tried in La Boheme Curaçao, which occupies a very beautiful historic building. The restaurant's chefs prepare simple and hearty dishes, here you can try signature burgers with various types of meat, interesting salads from fresh and baked vegetables, and dozens of types of fish and other seafood. Guests will be offered to complement the meal with a large selection of wine, beer, and refreshing cocktails.

Budget travelers often choose Solve Food where they can taste simple and inexpensive dishes of “fast” cuisine. The main dish of this restaurant is pizza, which is available here in dozens of kinds. Also, on the menu, there are various types of burgers, french fries and vegetable salads, and a rich selection of desserts will surely please those with a sweet tooth. Solve Food has prepared a special menu for vegetarians so they will not be limited in the choice of dishes either.

Connoisseurs of Italian cuisine will be interested in Serafina, one of the most popular restaurants in its category on the island. This is where you can taste authentic Italian pasta and risotto cooked with the addition of the freshest seafood. A pleasant complement to the meal is a rich selection of Italian wines. It's hardly possible to find a more attractive restaurant for organizing a romantic dinner.

The island also has some excellent restaurants specializing in Japanese cuisine, and a great example is Hajimaru Sushi & Jazz. Its menu contains original soups and very interesting rice dishes, here you can try special Asian-style seafood dishes and order traditional sushi. The restaurant is attractive not only with its rich menu and relaxed atmosphere but also with a varied entertainment program. Live music often sounds here in the evenings.