Once, people came to Bonaire for the diving. They still do, of course — this is one of the top underwater playgrounds in the world. But lately, the island’s surface has been stirring up just as much wonder. Because something’s been simmering here. Call it a quiet culinary renaissance, or maybe just a natural evolution: Bonaire has become one of the Caribbean’s great food destinations.
Here, the dining scene is as diverse as the island’s heritage. You’ll taste the influence of Holland and Indonesia, of South America and the West Indies. You’ll find salt air and citrus, charred octopus and rich satays, snapper plucked from the water hours before it reaches your plate. And you’ll also find another claim to fame: Bonaire might just have the single-greatest concentration of direct-waterfront restaurants, well, anywhere in the Caribbean. In other words, the food is great, and the settings are even better.
This is the new Bonaire. And these are its 10 best restaurants, from fine-dining spots to more affordable, from haute cuisine to comfort food. (Planning a vacation to the island soon? Don’t miss our guide to the best hotels in Bonaire, too.)
Brass Boer
This is where you come when you want to experience something extraordinary. Created by the late Jonnie Boer and his wife Thérèse Boer — yes, of the three-Michelin-star De Librije in the Netherlands—Brass Boer feels both refined and relaxed, perched right on the water at Delfins Beach Resort. The dishes are intricate but grounded: including the legendary “Egg Caviar.” But it’s not just the food — it’s the theater of the meal, the rhythm of the service, the way it all feels both world-class and unmistakably Caribbean. Here, culinary artistry meets the open sea, and the result is unforgettable. It’s not just the best restaurant in Bonaire — it’s one of the most important in the region.
CHEFS Bonaire
This is not a restaurant — it’s a dinner experience. Held inside a private villa with just 16 seats, CHEFS is as intimate and immersive as it gets. The menu is always changing, and the surprise is part of the show. You sit at the kitchen bar while the chefs walk you through each course, often sourced that morning. Every detail is choreographed, yet nothing feels forced. It’s storytelling with flavors instead of words, and every dish is a chapter in the Bonairean culinary tale. You walk out not just full, but moved.
Capriccio
Italian fine dining with an ocean breeze. At Capriccio, handmade pastas meet freshly caught seafood, and the result is elegance without pretense. The lobster ravioli is a standout, and the signature carpaccio—available in beef, octopus, or even lobster—sets the tone. But it’s not just about the food; it’s the service, the perfectly lit courtyard where the breeze flutters the napkins just so. There’s a cosmopolitan energy here, but it still feels like Bonaire: casual, creative, and confident. It’s the kind of place where a special night just happens—without needing an occasion. But the real standout? The almost unimaginably long wine list, the best on the island.
It Rains Fishes
This restaurant helped start the food movement on the island, and it remains one of its defining stars. Right on the boulevard in Kralendijk, It Rains Fishes specializes in ultra-fresh seafood — tuna, lionfish, wahoo, and snapper are often just hours from the water. There’s something classic about it: polished service, crisp wines, white tablecloths, and views that stretch past the boats to the open sea. It’s timeless and grounded, and it reminds you why you came to the island in the first place.
At Sea
This is actually the restaurant that first put Bonaire on the global culinary map, when it was named number one in the whole region back in 2013. Housed in a 100-year-old building that feels like it’s wrapped in candlelight, this is where the island’s culinary creativity takes center stage. The flavors are bold but balanced, with nods to the island’s Dutch and Caribbean roots. The “surprise menus” are worth the plunge—they tell a story, a progression, a slow reveal of just how inventive this kitchen can be. The service is warm, the wine pairings are thoughtful, and the vibe is upscale but inviting. It’s fine dining, yes — but also fun, unpretentious, and entirely Bonaire.
Sebastian’s Restaurant
Come at sunset. Get the table by the edge of the dock. Order the tuna trio to start, then the barracuda with trout caviar, and thank us later. Sebastian’s is one of the few places that balances gourmet cooking with a true Caribbean sense of place. The waves lap against the pilings, the cocktails come fast and fresh, and the music hums in the background. It’s a place where every meal feels like a celebration, and every sunset belongs to you.
Bubbles
One of the newer players on the scene, Bubbles is chic, playful, and full of surprises. It’s a cocktail bar and restaurant in one — great for late dinners and even better for second rounds. The small plates rotate with the season and the mixologist crafts drinks that are miniature works of art. One night it’s tuna tataki with citrus foam; another it’s short ribs with tamarind glaze. There’s a buzz to the place, a downtown energy that feels almost metropolitan. It’s the future of dining on the island — and it’s already here.
Rum Runners
There’s something old-school and perfect about Rum Runners. Set at Captain Don’s Habitat, this spot delivers exactly what you want after a day of diving: cold drinks, sweeping sea views, and food that satisfies. It’s laid-back, affordable, and totally essential. The breeze never stops, and the sunsets here are cinematic. It’s the kind of place where you might show up in flip-flops, order a rum punch, and stay for hours. It’s Bonaire at its most relaxed — and most welcoming. And it’s got some of the best seafood you’ll ever eat. Owner/chef Floris van Loo is one of the great advocates for Caribbean food, and it shows.
La Balandra
If you’re looking for the most beautiful place to dine on the island, this is it. Built to look like the bow of a Spanish galleon, La Balandra juts out over the turquoise sea like a floating dream. The setting is unrivaled — sunlight dapples the water by day, and moonlight dances on the waves by night. But the food is no afterthought: fresh seafood, Caribbean-style risottos, grilled tenderloin, and indulgent desserts all match the view. This is where you come to mark a moment—a celebration, a last night, a slow romantic meal with the sea all around you.
Ingridiënts
Tucked into the oceanfront edge of Buddy Dive Resort, Ingridiënts is a quiet masterclass in elegance and Mediterranean-Caribbean fusion. The name says it all — here, it’s about the raw materials, the precision, the purity of flavor. Hong Kong-style seabass meets salt-crusted dorade; the wine list is sharp and thoughtful. The view? Endless blue. You’re perched just above the sea, and if you time it right, the sun sets just beyond your glass. It’s refined but never fussy, romantic but relaxed. Dining here feels like slipping into a slower rhythm — where every detail matters, and every bite tells a story.
