A magical combination
of museum and
tropical paradise
Dinner at Papiamento Restaurant is an experience no one will ever forget. Under the stars enclosed by a lush garden, around a sparkling pool with lights in the tree branches, the setting is just magical. The more 100 years-old Aruban `cunucu’ house fronting the pool is filled with antiques from Europe, the oldest that dates back to the early 1800s. It’s the personal touch that makes this place so wonderful: flowers in beautiful arrangements, the polished copper cooking utensils of a former more leisure era, the grounds at this venue, and the intense pride of knowing that you are served wonderful carefully prepared drinks, wines, and dishes.
Dinner at Papiamento Restaurant is an experience no one will ever forget. Under the stars enclosed by a lush garden, around a sparkling pool with lights in the tree branches, the setting is just magical. The more than 100 years-old Aruban `cunucu’ house fronting the pool is filled with antiques from Europe, the oldest that dates back to the early 1800s. It’s the personal touch that makes this place so wonderful: flowers in beautiful arrangements, the polished copper cooking utensils of a former more leisure era, the grounds at this venue, and the intense pride of knowing that you are served wonderful carefully prepared drinks, wines, and dishes.
The interior is the graceful work by the lady of the house Mrs. Lenie Ellis-van Welzen placing the furniture and decorating the inside with art and flower arrangements.
The more than 100-year-old Aruban `cunucu’ house next to the pool is filled with gorgeous antiques from Europe, the oldest dating back to the early 1800s. It’s the personal touches that make this place so delightful.
Papiamento Restaurant was started by Eduardo and Lenie Ellis, Edward’s father and mother in 1983. First located in downtown Oranjestad, the restaurant moved to this historic home in the hotel area, where the four Ellis children grew up. They partly dug the pool, prompting mom and dad to have their own swimming puddle, and helped plant the garden, under the guidance of Eduardo Sr. Amazing detail is that the house had been a riding school and there were just two trees on the property. And look at the garden now! Parents Eduardo and Lenie are still very much involved in the running of the restaurant and managing a great staff. Most of the personnel is by now at Papiamento for more than 15 years, making this a true family business.
The interior is the graceful work by the lady of the house Mrs. Lenie Ellis-van Welzen placing the furniture and decorating the inside with art and flower arrangements.
The more than 100-year-old Aruban `cunucu’ house next to the pool is filled with gorgeous antiques from Europe, the oldest dating back to the early 1800s. It’s the personal touches that make this place so delightful.
Papiamento Restaurant was started by Eduardo and Lenie Ellis, Edward’s father and mother in 1983. First located in downtown Oranjestad, the restaurant moved to this historic home in the hotel area, where the four Ellis children grew up. They partly dug the pool, prompting mom and dad to have their own swimming puddle, and helped plant the garden, under the guidance of Eduardo Sr. Amazing detail is that the house had been a riding school and there were just two trees on the property. And look at the garden now! Parents Eduardo and Lenie are still very much involved in the running of the restaurant and managing a great staff. Most of the personnel is by now at Papiamento for more than 15 years, making this a true family business.
The menu at Papiamento Restaurant offers lots of favorites from our repeat customers as well as our local clients.
If you wish to be daring, however, you are in for a treat.
The menu at Papiamento Restaurant offers lots of favorites from our repeat customers as well our local clients.
If you wish to be daring, however, you are in for a treat.
The wine cellar at Papiamento Restaurant was a storeroom and cheese factory in the older days as an extension of the 126-year-old manor house. It has been completely transformed into our “Cas di Biña” holding and caring for the wines offered by the glass and by the bottle. The thick walls of that time still help to insulate the room which is kept at temperatures ranging from 61-64 degrees Fahrenheit. Designed by Chef/Owner Eduardo Ellis, it was fashioned by a local carpenter from imported red cedar wood.
When fully stocked, the cellar boasts as many as 360 labels and about 2000 bottles of international vintages hailing from such countries as Chile, Argentina, Portugal, South Africa, Tasmania, Sicily, Greece, U.S.A., Italy, Spain, France, and Germany. “With prices ranging from $22-$200 and up per bottle, there is a selection to fit everyone’s taste and budget. We invite the guests to our cellar to see how we treat the bottles, let them make their choice, and enjoy the unique ambiance,” Chef Eduardo explains.
Highly recommend Papiamento, The food was delicious!
- Diana Marie Codd
The Ellis family has been providing an authentic experience at Papiamento restaurant since 1983. Today, they continue to enhance the Papiamento experience by incorporating different concepts for the local and international guests, such as their popular wine cellar and their newest addition, PAPPA’s Cigar Lounge.
PAPPA’s is set in what used to be the living room of Lenie and Eduardo’s monumental home. The concept is an ode to Edward Ellis’ father (PAPPA) and his love for cigars.
Its interior is best described as a laid-back speakeasy with original Chesterfield sofas and various artwork selected by Mr. Ellis.
Guests are well taken care of by PAPPA’s personal butler who offers a wide selection of cigars paired with exquisite single malt and bourbon whisky’s, rums, tequila, and plenty more, only to be served neat or on the rocks. Dining in and finishing the evening or just in the mood for a cigar and a liquor?…. PAPPA’s is Papiamento’s new hidden gem.
The Ellis family has been providing an authentic experience at Papiamento restaurant since 1983. Today, they continue to enhance the Papiamento experience by incorporating different concepts for the local and international guests, such as their popular wine cellar and their newest addition, PAPPA’s Cigar Lounge.
PAPPA’s is set in what used to be the Ellises living room in Papiamento’s monumental establishment. The concept is an ode to Edward Ellis’ father (PAPPA) and his love for cigars.
PAPPA’s is set in what used to be the living room of Lenie and Eduardo’s monumental home. The concept is an ode to Edward Ellis’ father (PAPPA) and his love for cigars.
Its interior is best described as a laid-back speakeasy with original Chesterfield sofas and various artwork selected by Mr. Ellis.
Guests are well taken care of by PAPPA’s personal butler who offers a wide selection of cigars paired with exquisite single malt and bourbon whisky’s, rums, tequila, and plenty more, only to be served neat or on the rocks. Dining in and finishing the evening or just in the mood for a cigar and a liquor?…. PAPPA’s is Papiamento’s new hidden gem.
Great service! Wonderful staff. Delicious food and wine selection.
- Zaninntje Wefro
For same-day reservations please call directly at +297 586 4544
Please re-confirm when on the island.
It is essential that we are notified of any dietary requirements prior to your visit.
Attire: Elegantly casual. No tank tops or swimming attires.
Under all rights and remedies, we reserve the right to cancel or suspend any reservation, subject to “no-shows” and late arrivals.
We are closed every SUNDAY.
December 24, 25, 31 & January 1 is CLOSED.