L.G. Smith's Chop and Steak House

The dining choices at the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino are vast, but nothing quite tops this hip and sophisticated venue, with its wood paneling, quartzite-stone columns, black furniture with white-leatherette cushions, and a panoramic view of the Oranjestad marina. Located next to the upper level of the casino entrance, the restaurant doesn't survive on its trendy decor alone, but serves one of the best selections of meat in Aruba, ranging from porterhouse to New York strip. Naturally, you expect surf and turf on the menu, but the chef goes far beyond the routine, offering such dishes as locally caught tuna with a cilantro-laced mango salsa or free-range chicken with a red-pepper laced cranberry sauce. The desserts are not as impressive; the carrot cake is too dense and a bit tame, though the chocolate cake is a bit more daring and considerably more rewarding.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.