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A Faro Blanco Aruba review comes down to one question: is a sunset dinner beside the California Lighthouse worth the drive to the island’s northern tip? If the sunset is what you are after, yes. Faro Blanco serves Italian food from the old lighthouse keeper’s house, and its terrace is where diners watch the sunset and look for the green flash. Come for the setting, order the seafood pasta or the veal shank, and plan the evening around sunset.
Faro Blanco at a glance
- Cuisine: Italian, with a strong seafood and pasta list
- Area: Noord, on the hill by the California Lighthouse
- Best for: sunset dinners, romantic evenings and special celebrations
- What to order: lobster tail with ravioli, risotto del faro, ossobuco, lasagna
- Price gauge: $$$ (our estimate)
Dinner at the lighthouse keeper’s house
The restaurant occupies the traditional Aruban-style house that was once home to the lighthouse keeper, right next to the California Lighthouse. Aruba’s tourism board calls it a little more dressed up than the average beachfront spot, and recommends it for a romantic dinner or a special occasion.
The open-air terrace gets most of the critics’ attention. Fodor’s highlights the big open-air terrace and its view over the rugged west coast. Frommer’s, writing about the hilltop location, calls the views unbeatable. BlackBook points to the sunset views from the Hudishibana hill, and The New York Times, in its 36 Hours in Aruba feature, suggested stopping in after the climb up to the lighthouse.
Sunset is the main event
Guests often mention the views from the terrace and the sunset itself as the highlight of the night. Aruba’s tourism board has practical advice for this: if you want to watch the sunset or catch the green flash, aim for a time slot between 6 pm and 7 pm. The terrace is open-air, so a light layer helps on windy evenings.
What to order at Faro Blanco
Aruba’s tourism board describes a menu that mixes Italian classics and Caribbean flavors: seafood brought in fresh, pasta made by hand and house dishes such as the red snapper fillet. Fodor’s describes the cooking as upscale Italian fare, and the dishes below are where we would start.
From the sea. The Caribbean lobster tail comes with homemade ravioli, the special-occasion pick. Risotto del faro is the house seafood risotto in a tomato base with clams, mussels, shrimp, baby octopus and squid, and linguine allo scoglio brings mixed seafood in pomodoro sauce.
From the land. The ossobuco, a veal shank braised in red and white wine and served with a cheese risotto, is the comfort dish of the menu. Beef tenderloin wrapped in bacon with a porcini sauce is the steak option.
Something simpler. Lasagna di Nonna Mia, layered with a beef and pork ragù and béchamel, is a safe pick for anyone who wants an easy plate. There are pizzas and a separate vegan section too, including a vegan pizza and a primavera risotto, so a mixed group will find something.
To share and to finish. Start with bruschetta or a salumi and cheese board to share. Arancini filled with mozzarella and peas, baked mussels au gratin and a shrimp and mushroom crêpe are the other starters worth a look. Finish with tiramisu or the panna cotta with a strawberry reduction. The wine list runs from Prosecco to Barolo and Super Tuscans.
Occasions that suit Faro Blanco
This is a sunset restaurant first. It works for anniversaries, honeymoon dinners and other special celebrations, and for a group that wants one long meal together near the end of a trip. Pair it with a late-afternoon visit to the California Lighthouse, then sit down for dinner as the light changes. For more dinner ideas across the island, see our guide to the best restaurants in Aruba, then come back to book Faro Blanco for the night you want the sunset.
Price level
Price level: $$$. Price level is our estimate, not exact pricing. It is based on the dinner prices on the restaurant’s current menu, checked November 2026.
FAQ
Is Faro Blanco worth it?
Yes, if you time it for sunset. Frommer’s calls the views unbeatable, Fodor’s points to the open-air terrace, and the Italian menu is built around seafood and pasta.
What should I order at Faro Blanco?
The lobster tail with ravioli or the risotto del faro for a special night, the ossobuco for something hearty, and tiramisu to finish.
What time should I book for sunset at Faro Blanco?
Aruba’s tourism board suggests a time slot between 6 pm and 7 pm if you want to watch the sunset or look for the green flash. Sunset time shifts a little through the year.
Where is Faro Blanco?
On the hill next to the California Lighthouse, at the northern tip of Aruba in Noord.
Anything to know before booking Faro Blanco?
Groups of 10 or more give the restaurant a credit card; a no-show or a cancellation within 12 hours costs USD 30 per person.
How does booking a table at Faro Blanco through The Table Desk work?
The Table Desk is an independent reservation service by All Tours Aruba, not affiliated with the restaurant. We book your table and send your confirmation by email. If we can’t book it, your full $20 comes back.
