Good to know
Good to Know
- Curacao's official currency changed from ANG (Netherlands Antillean Guilder) to XCG (Caribbean Guilder) on July 1, 2025; the fixed exchange rate is XCG 1.79 = USD 1.
- Most supermarkets no longer provide plastic bags; bring reusable bags or purchase cloth bags in-store.
- Pietermaai and Punda districts concentrate the majority of established restaurants, from casual to fine dining.
- Vita Vegetarian Cuisine is noted as the only dedicated vegetarian restaurant in Willemstad; portions are modest and prices are higher than average local dining.
- The Old Market (Marché) in Willemstad is a good source for fresh local produce and traditional Caribbean dishes like calaloo.
- Grocery shopping in Curacao is comparably priced to North America and higher than much of Europe; imported products dominate inventory.
Supermarkets
Carrefour Market
- Location
- Sambil Shopping Mall, Veeris 27 L-155, Willemstad
- Highlights
- Largest selection, cosmetics, sun products, BBQ utensils, high-quality imported products
Vreugdenhil Supermarket
- Location
- Caracasbaaiweg (off main road), Willemstad
- Highlights
- Dutch and North American products, butcher, bakery, extensive fruit and vegetable department
Centrum Supermarket
- Location
- Mahaai, Willemstad
- Highlights
- Modern, well-organized, clean, good produce and baked goods, reasonable prices
Salu SuperMarket
- Location
- Heart of Willemstad
- Highlights
- Fresh fruits and vegetables, local snacks and beverages, local culture immersion
Mangusa Hypermarket
- Location
- Willemstad
- Highlights
- Largest supermarket on Curacao, drugstore, food court, bakery, butcher, fishmonger
Budget
Vita Vegetarian Cuisine
- Price Range
- XCG 50
- Neighborhood
- Central Willemstad
- Cuisine Or Dish
- Vegetarian and vegan four-course set menus
Kandela Restaurant Curaçao
- Price Range
- XCG 54
- Neighborhood
- Downtown
- Cuisine Or Dish
- Dutch-Caribbean casual dining
High End
Sal The Kitchen
- Price Range
- XCG 180
- Neighborhood
- Punda
- Cuisine Or Dish
- Caribbean and seafood
Mid Range
Kome Restaurant
- Price Range
- XCG 80
- Neighborhood
- Pietermaai
- Cuisine Or Dish
- Caribbean-inspired with fusion options (chicken and waffles, pepper steak, burgers)
The Wine Cellar
- Price Range
- XCG 90
- Neighborhood
- Pietermaai
- Cuisine Or Dish
- French-inspired seafood
Local Must Try Dishes
Calaloo
- Description
- A traditional green soup made with leafy greens, typically found at the Old Market in Willemstad
Funchi
- Description
- A savory cornmeal dish similar to polenta, usually served as a side or in soups
Vegan And Vegetarian Dining
- Overview
- Willemstad has a dedicated vegetarian/vegan dining option and several restaurants with explicit plant-based menu items.
Venues
Vita Vegetarian Cuisine
- Neighborhood
- Central Willemstad
- Description
- Specializes in vegetarian and vegan four-course set menus daily. Located in a cozy setting accessed through a residential area with a back terrace.
Kome Restaurant
- Neighborhood
- Pietermaai
- Description
- Offers vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options alongside Caribbean and fusion cuisine. Open for à la carte dining Tuesday–Saturday and brunch/tapas on weekends.
The Wine Cellar
- Neighborhood
- Pietermaai
- Description
- French-inspired seafood restaurant with diverse menu including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
Delivery Services
Food delivery app coverage for Willemstad was not confirmed in the sources we checked; local restaurant direct-order options recommended.
Michelin Restaurants
No Michelin-starred restaurants confirmed for Willemstad in current search data.
Dietary Accommodations
- Halal And Kosher
- No specific halal or kosher certified dining venues identified in the sources we checked for Willemstad.
- Gluten Free Notes
- Gluten-free options are documented at The Wine Cellar, Kome, and several other mid-range establishments in Punda and Pietermaai districts.
International And Non Local Cuisine
While specific venue coverage is limited, searches confirm that Pietermaai district and downtown Punda areas offer fusion, French, Caribbean, and international options including vegetarian/vegan accommodations at multiple dining venues.
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this food & dining research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About Willemstad
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.