The beautiful island of Curaçao is a sister island to Aruba and Bonaire, creating what is widely known as the ABC Islands. While Aruba gets most of the love out of the three destinations, more people are starting to discover that Curaçao has much to offer—especially for visitors looking to explore Black culture and history. Here are the best Black-owned restaurants worth trying in Curaçao.
De Broeders
De Broders is the perfect restaurant for breakfast, lunch, or brunch. Located in Willemstad, it’s known for its vibrant atmosphere and friendly staff. The menu features a breakfast burger, French toast, pancakes, grilled ribeye, sopi kami, and local beef soup, just to name a few. The beverage menu features coffee and specialty drinks, including cappuccino, mochas, fresh juices, wine, cocktails, and the iconic Blue Curaçao liquor.
- Location: Willemstad
- Type of Cuisine: American and Caribbean Fusion
- Menu Spotlight: Specialty pancakes, chicken and waffles, tacos. The weekly special menu changes regularly.
- Before you go: De Broeders temporarily closed its location as the owners moved the restaurant to a different space. Be sure to keep up with the latest updates on Instagram.
Zus di Plaza
Zus di Plaza is an open-air cafeteria offering the best of the island’s cuisine. Inside, visitors can sample local dishes from various vendors in what they call “A Taste of Curaçao.” This space offers the chance to experience a variety of local dishes. Popular items include fried red snapper, okra soup, stewed beef and chicken, fried plantains, pumpkin pancakes, and more.
- Location: Willemstad
- Type of Cuisine: Authentic Curaçaoan, Caribbean Fusion
- Menu Spotlight: Seafood Platter, Bonchi Kora, Bami Galina
- Before you go: The restaurant offers a rotating menu of daily and weekly specials.
Beyglz
Beyglz is a delicious bagel spot in Curaçao that puts a twist on bagel sandwich classics. The team prides itself on making real food that’s prepared fresh to order. Bagels on the menu celebrate popular sandwiches and staples around the world. The iconic Philly Cheesesteak inspires the Philadelphia Story bagel. It comes with sauteed tenderloin, mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, and cheese on a bagel. The Breakfast Club includes poached or fried eggs, cheese, avocado, bacon, and Sriracha mayo. The Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs is made with soy protein “meatballs,” marinara sauce, and vegan cheese.
- Location: Willemstad
- Type of Cuisine: American
- Menu Spotlight: Philly Cheesesteak Bagel, Breakfast Club Bagel, Fried Chicken Bagel
- Before you go: The menu has more than bagels. There are also breakfast, brunch, and lunch favorites, such as chicken and waffles, poke bowls, quesadillas, and more.
Bario Foodyard
In the middle of Willemstad, in the historic neighborhood of Ortobanda, is the food hall Bario Foodyard. It’s the best way to explore local culture authentically. There are multiple windows and cocktail bars filled with Black-owned businesses.
Each window features its own specialty, including fish, vegan dishes, desserts, international food, and more. As you sit in the food hall, a DJ plays music that helps to set the Caribbean vibe. Just outside the food hall is the Black-owned Bario Hotel.
- Location: Willemstad
- Before you go: Guests can take advantage of on-site features, including the buzzing Bario Food Yard, a food market with street food, vegan options, fish, and a desserts window.
PopCultr
Cool down from Curacao’s heat with a homemade ice treat from Popcultr. The pop-up shop has delicious handcrafted popsicles that are refreshing on hot days. Their handmade creations extend to smoothies and smoothie bowls. Beyond the cool edible creations, the team also features special menu items, including lemonades and a special blend of Coquito.
- Location: Willemstad
- Before you go: Popcultr is a pop-up, so its location floats throughout the city. It is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and closed on Sundays.
Curaçao is a Dutch-Caribbean island that’s a melting pot of more than 50 nationalities, but Afro-Caribbeans make up the majority of the island’s population, according to Jetair Caribbean. Visitors will immediately notice that Afro-Caribbean traditions have influenced the Papiamentu language, cuisine, art, and more. Experience this unique culture firsthand by supporting Black-owned businesses in Curaçao.
