Restaurants and bars on Bonaire - The tastiest spots on the island
Bonaire has a surprisingly varied culinary scene. From fresh fish on the boulevard to cosy beach bars at Lac Bay. Discover our favourite restaurants and bars here, all within easy reach of Casa Trankilo.
Eating out on Bonaire: more than you'd expect
Bonaire has around 80 restaurants, most of them in and around Kralendijk. The culinary scene is surprisingly broad for an island of this size: from authentic Krioyo cuisine and Caribbean fish to Italian pasta, Asian dishes and fine dining with sea views. Whether you’re after a relaxed lunch after snorkelling or a romantic dinner at sunset, you’ll find it here.
What makes eating out on Bonaire so pleasant is the relaxed atmosphere. Shoes on or flip flops, shirt or swim trunks, nobody bats an eyelid. Most restaurants are by the sea or have an outdoor terrace, so you’ll almost always eat with a view of the Caribbean Sea and a pleasant breeze.
From Casa Trankilo it’s a 10 minute walk to the Kralendijk boulevard, where most restaurants and bars are concentrated. So you don’t need a car for a night out. Ideal after a cocktail or a glass of wine.
Bonaire at a glance
The key facts about the island at a glance
Language
Dutch, Papiamento, English and Spanish
Climate
Tropical, 27-33°C year-round
Currency
US dollar (USD)
Travel time
~9 hours direct from Amsterdam
The Kralendijk boulevard: the culinary heart of Bonaire
The Kaya C.E.B. Hellmund, better known as the boulevard, is the place to eat and drink on Bonaire. Here you’ll find a string of restaurants, each with its own character. Restaurant At Sea serves fresh fish in a monumental building from 1912. Karel’s Beach Bar offers cocktails on a jetty over the sea. And at La Guernica you can enjoy tapas with a view of the sunset.
The boulevard runs along the coast and is beautifully lit in the evening. It’s the place where tourists and locals come together, on a terrace, with a drink, as the sun sets behind Klein Bonaire. Many restaurants offer happy hours, usually between 17:00 and 19:00.
Beyond the boulevard there are hidden gems in the side streets of Kralendijk. On Kaya Grandi you’ll find cosy eateries and shops, and on Kaya Korona there are local restaurants where a few dollars gets you an authentic Krioyo meal with funchi, plantain and stewed goat or fish. Or head to Posada in Rincon for a real Bonairian lunch!
What can you do on Bonaire?
From snorkelling and diving to windsurfing and exploring nature, Bonaire offers activities for every traveller
Diving
Kitesurfing
Nature & more
About Bonaire
Restaurants and bars
Windsurfing
Sights and activities in nature
From spotting flamingos to visiting the donkey sanctuary. Don’t miss this.
Breakfast and brunch
Start your day at Between 2 Buns for artisan coffee and fresh sandwiches, or at Blennies for breakfast with a sea view. Many accommodations on Bonaire, including Casa Trankilo, have their own outdoor kitchen.
Local Krioyo cuisine
Try authentic Bonairian cuisine: stewed goat (kabritu), fresh fish with funchi and salted cod balls. Posada Para Mira in Rincon is the best known spot for local dishes, including iguana stew for the adventurous.
Happy hours
Almost every restaurant on Bonaire has a happy hour, usually between 17:00 and 19:00. Spice Beach Club even combines this with live music, bands and DJs on the beach on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Eating at Lac Bay
After a morning of windsurfing or kayaking among the mangroves, Kontiki Beach Club is the lunch spot. Varied menu, good prices and your feet in the sand. Jibe City is the relaxed surf bar overlooking the bay.
Fine dining
For a special evening, Brass Boer is highly recommended. Michelin star level fine dining with local ingredients. Capriccio offers Italian Caribbean fusion cuisine in an intimate setting, and At Sea combines fresh fish with a colonial interior.
Tipping and etiquette
Tipping is not mandatory on Bonaire but is appreciated. 10 to 15% is customary for good service. Some restaurants automatically add a 15% service charge. Check the bill before tipping twice.
Frequently asked questions about Bonaire
Where's the best place to eat on Bonaire?
The Kralendijk boulevard offers the largest concentration of restaurants, from casual to fine dining. For local Krioyo dishes, head to Rincon, and for a relaxed beach lunch, Lac Bay with Kontiki Beach Club and Jibe City is ideal. From Casa Trankilo it’s a 10 minute walk to most restaurants.
Do you need to book restaurants on Bonaire?
At popular restaurants such as Brass Boer, At Sea and Capriccio, booking ahead is recommended, especially in high season (December to April). At beach bars and casual eateries you can usually just walk in.
What does an average dinner cost on Bonaire?
A main course at a mid range restaurant costs an average of $18 to $30. At fine dining restaurants you’ll pay $40 to $60 per person excluding drinks. A local lunch at a Krioyo restaurant starts from $8 to $12. Payment is in US dollars.
Are there vegetarian restaurants on Bonaire?
There are no exclusively vegetarian restaurants, but almost every restaurant offers vegetarian and often vegan options too. Restaurants such as At Sea, Brass Boer and Spice Beach Club have extensive plant based choices. You can let them know about dietary requirements when booking.
What's a typical Bonairian dish?
Traditional Krioyo cuisine is a mix of Caribbean, South American and Dutch influences. Well known dishes include kabritu stobá (stewed goat), bakkeljauw (salted fish), funchi (cornbread) and platanos (fried plantain). Posada Para Mira in Rincon is the best known spot to try it.
