Aruba has become remarkably accommodating for special diets in recent years, with many restaurants now offering clearly marked vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. The island even has Aruba's first 100% vegan and gluten-free restaurant, One Happy Bowl in Renaissance Marketplace, where you can create custom bowls or try their famous flamingo pancakes. Yemanja Woodfired Grill is another standout, with an extensive vegan menu featuring dishes like cauliflower steak and vegan BBQ platters.
For plant-based eaters, you'll find dedicated vegan sections at restaurants like Elements (at Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort), Ike's Bistro (at Manchebo Beach Resort), Papillon, and Eduardo's Beach Shack. Even traditional seafood restaurants like Fishes & More now offer comprehensive vegan menus. Many Italian restaurants can accommodate vegetarian requests, and most breakfast spots offer plant milk alternatives. The island's supermarkets (Super Food, Ling & Sons) carry a good selection of vegan products, plant milks, and meat alternatives.
Gluten-free diners are also well catered to—most restaurants can adapt dishes, and several places like Craft Coffee & Bar specifically mark gluten-free items on their menus. Aruba's major grocery stores have dedicated gluten-free sections with bread, pasta, and snacks. If you have severe allergies or celiac disease, it's best to notify restaurants when making reservations. The island's tourism industry has undergone training on dietary needs, so staff are generally knowledgeable and willing to help. Thanks to local advocate Meredith Marin and Vegan Aruba, the island has become one of the most vegan-friendly destinations in the Caribbean.