I NEVER write reviews but after the excellent experience my wife and I had, I felt compelled to write one. We have been to many tasting menu style restaurants all over the world and what makes Fred Royal stand out is the intimate and personal environment they create for everyone in attendance. Chef Roy and Crystal were a pleasure to spend the evening with and Chef Roy's food was out of this world. He got me to try stuff that normally would never eat and every single dish was spectacular. I was initially concerned due to the recent change in ownership and all the reviews being from the previous owner, I've got to say, don't be. Chef Roy's passion and love for cooking shows and Crystal's expertise in wines shows as well in the curated pairings. It was an excellent experience overall and I encourage everyone to make reservations ahead of time so you don't miss out.

Omg if you visit Aruba you should try to get into Fred Restaurant! It is a unique 5 course dining experience that goes along with a wine pairing that is like no other. The food and wine are exqusite!! And the experience is beyond words, and Tom and Fred are the best part.

Wow… just wow! Roy did a really great job. The food was amazing. He took the restaurant over from Fred and he really brought it up to that level. He is also such a nice guy… see the pics for the best food everrrrr! Great job Roy!

Incredible!!!! My husband and I had the pleasure of dining at Royal last night during our babymoon/anniversary trip to Aruba and it was by far the highlight of our trip. The most intimate and high quality dining experience you will have. Roy and Crystal are so personable and make you feel like family during this 5 course tasting menu. The creativity of each dish is like nothing you have tasted before and In between each course they explain what each course consists of along with a wine pairing option. Their expertise in creating culinary magic is unmatched. We are going to tell all our friends and family who visit Aruba to dine here. A night we won’t forget. Thank you so much for an amazing evening!!

Royals Restaurant with Chef Roy was awesome. I mistakenly tried to book a week before we came on our honeymoon only to find they were fully booked 4 months out. I emailed them and luckily a cancellation got us off the waitlist while we were in Aruba - we graciously cancelled our other reservations to give it a try and it did not disappoint. Crystal the somm did amazing - 10/10 will come back the next time we visit the island.

The culinary experience of a lifetime. Incredible evening being wined and dined by Chef Roy and sommelier Kristel! They are a wonderful duo and make you feel so so special as their guest. We will talk about this meal for years — thank you Roy and Kristel for such a memorable meal, wine pairing, ambiance, and for even spending time with us post-dinner with an extra glass of wine ;) You guys are amazing.

beautiful, unique & intimate dining experience at @restaurantroyalaruba We were presented with a playful five course chefs menu & perfectly complimented wine pairings. We literally tasted the love & passion poured into each entree

There is reason why Royal and Chef Roy can sell out 6 days a week, and why this is without a doubt the number 1 restaurant is all of Aruba and quite frankly the BEST restaurant I have been to!!!! So from the moment you get reservations to this restaurant the experience is flawless. Mirielle will confirm your reservation and provide clear instructions/expectations of your chef tasting menu. She is absolutely lovely. Restaurant is above Que Pasa with free parking right beside. Dinner will start promptly at 7pm and do not be late. Recommend coming 10 mins before as the gate will be closed but it will be a great opportunity to chat and meet people you will be dining with. This small intentional act of having everyone enter the restaurant together removes the stiffness of fine dining and allows for a very organic and fun way to enjoy the food all together. Chef Roy and his counterpart are technically trained from the Netherlands and the meals reflect a global fusion of tastes and techniques. For example we had shrimp cocktail but it was mixed with burrata and drops of curry with avocado and it was DIVINE! Menu changes up every 2 1/2 months and they all push the envelope in using the best ingredient from across the world! The 5 course meal was FLAWLESS. And I promise you you will enjoy every dish and the service is so seamless that you won’t ever think twice of needing a refill or refilling your napkin. At the end what was exceptional in the dining experience was that after dessert we sat with the chefs and sommilers for completely casual, open conversation and with it we shared travels, dining and Aruba as a whole. This restaurant is absolutely a MUST and you won’t be disappointed.

this is a review of the newly dubbed Royal. fantastic 5 course meal. first time in Aruba and I understand why they say this is the best island in the Caribbean to eat. Roy and Crystal were phenomenal and kept us informed and entertained the entire way through.

My fiance and I have enjoyed many incredible restaurant experiences over the years during our travels, but this one takes the cake! This intimate and cozy chef's table experience has left the best impressions! Hospitable hosts, delicious dishes, beautiful presentation, delicious wine pairing, wonderful ambiance, and one of the best desserts I've ever had. The sommelier and chef(s) are extremely knowledgeable and made the evening memorable and so much fun! We can't wait to return!

I can’t say enough good things about my experience at Royal. Chef Roy and our sommeliers Crystal made it such a wonderful experience. From the charming rooftop where we started off the evening with a delicious glass of Prosecco, to the intimate dining experience where we immensely enjoyed each and every bite of our 5.5 course meal, it was perfect. They paid attention to every detail and made this a dining experience that will certainly become a regular part of my yearly trip to Aruba. If you are visiting Aruba and looking for an amazing dining experience, look no further than Royal.

Most Amazing food and personal experience you can have. Chef Roy recently took over for Chef Fred and he did not disappoint! All 5 courses had intermingled flavors which just melted in your mouth! Highly recommended!!

Roy & Crystal have thought about every detail when you dine here. The food is amazing and it’s such a fun atmosphere with Roy’s playlist to enhance the meal. This is a must go to if you are in Aruba!

Absolutely, incredible dining experience. Roy and Crystal explained each dish and made the experience even more enjoyable. Exceeded expectations! We will be back in the future !

How many times have you seen a Michelin quality chef cook live? And they talk about what they’re doing and engage with a small group for hours? This was an experience like nothing else we’ve seen and became the highlight of our vacation. Chef Roy is a rare talent. He is endlessly gracious to answer questions and engage. Crystal was equally affable and generous. You’re not only paying for an amazing meal but for the experience, and frankly I think it’s underpriced for the value. We were lucky to get in on the wait list so do ask even if they are full!

This is the best dining experience you will have in Aruba, and a top-three lifetime for me. Plan ahead; it books months in advance. Get wait-listed if already in Aruba. Five exquisitely delicious courses, paired with excellent wine; make sure you get the premium wine pairing. After watching Chef plate, he explains the dish and what it took to cook it. Only 17 get in per night, and you get to know the others with pre dinner champagne which starts exactly at 7:00pm. We stayed to chat with Kristel (a host who explains the wines and much more) after dinner, which was a perfect end to the evening. It's pricey, but the cost of unique and inspired dining excellence is worth it.

Roy and Crystal were a great team pairing the amazing food with excellent wine. It was very special and fun with a small group of people and music that was perfect. We highly recommend Royal to anyone that enjoys a special dining experience. We will definitely be back next year

Best restaurant experience I've ever had. I've been 5 times, 4 under the previous ownership and just recently again with the new team. They are absolutely amazing. Almost worth flying to Aruba just for dinner here.

2nd time here and 1st time with the new Chef Roy and host Rick. We loved the last time and this time was even more amazing. Rick's knowledge and selection of wines was perfect. Roy's true love of cooking came through in every bite as well as every conversation. This is truly an experience everyone should get to do, it will be a requirement for us on every visit to Aruba.

We were lucky enough to dine at the new Royal experience with chef Roy and the lovely somm Crystal. The dinner was immaculate as well as the vibes. Every dish was delicious and explained to the fullest extent. The wine pairings were perfect too. I highly recommend this spot to anyone visiting the island!

Royals exceeded all expectations!! If you’re looking for an intimate setting and meeting new people, this is for you. Staff is wonderful and chef is incredibly personable. Such a lovely night my husband and I won’t ever forget. Highly recommend!! 5 stars!

I haven't eaten here yet but can't wait. They are full for my next trip to Aruba but were gracious enough to recommend other restaurants in the area. They are super responsive and I hope there is a cancellation while I am on the island. If the food is any comparison to the service, I am in for the experience of a lifetime

I am not a seafood lover, but this place is unbelievable, absolutely delicious, Crystal and Roy are the best, will be back again

This was truly a unique dining experience. Every course enticed all the taste buds. I would highly recommend the wine pairing, it made the meal just that much better and the wines were excellent. Chef Roy was a great host and Chrystal was informative and engaging. The atmosphere was so much fun. Thanks Roy and Chrystal for a memorable night.

One of a kind dining experience. The food is excellent but Tom and Fred make it much more than just a meal, it's an event to remember!

Absolutely amazing. Words can’t describe the taste of the food and the atmosphere. If you can make reservations do so, you will not be disappointed.