A Great Steakhouse in Curaçao

You might not see it.

Hidden in Willemstad’s Riffort shopping mall, inside the walls of the old fort, is a staircase.

And up the stairs you will find a special place.

It’s called, simply, Steak and Ribs, but it’s one of the best dining experiences on this Dutch Caribbean island.

The family-owned eatery is perched at the top of the old fort’s walls, offering a nearly unmatched view and setting — just the waves, a cruise ship in the distance and the boats leaving the harbour in Willemstad.

But it’s more than just the breezy view: it’s home to seriously good grilling, led by a selection of high-quality steaks.

We tried the ultra-flavorful butterflied sirloin. It’s really that good — appropriate given this island’s proximity to a continent that grills meat better than just about anywhere on earth.

And then there are the ribs — rich, tender and appropriately messy to consume.

But when you’re looking at this view, does a little extra sauce really matter?

— CJ