Where to Have Pasta in a Cheese Wheel in Aruba

If you’re in Aruba and craving an unforgettable Italian dining experience, you simply cannot miss the opportunity to enjoy pasta prepared in a flaming cheese wheel. This indulgent dish is as much about the taste as it is about the spectacle. Served table-side, it’s a treat for both the eyes and the palate.

Here’s a guide to the four top restaurants where you can savor this delectable cheese wheel pasta in Aruba.

What is Cheese Wheel Pasta?

If you’ve heard rumors about pasta made in a cheese wheel in Aruba, you’re actually hearing about pasta al formaggio. It is a decadent Italian dish that combines the richness of fresh pasta with the bold flavors of a large, hollowed-out cheese wheel. It’s generally made with Parmigiano Reggiano or Grana Padano.

The dish is often prepared table-side so you can watch as they toss hot, cooked pasta directly in the wheel. This allows the heat to melt the cheese and coat the pasta in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Some restaurants even take it a step further by flambéing the inside of the wheel with whisky or other spirits, adding a dramatic flair to the preparation.

1. Gianni’s Restaurant Aruba

Address: J.E. Irausquin Blvd 348 (Across from the Hilton Resort) Palm Beach, Aruba
Website: Gianni’s Ristorante Italiano – Make reservations in advance on their website.

Gianni’s Restaurant is an iconic spot on the island, known for its authentic Italian cuisine and show-stopping Spaghetti al Formaggio Parmigiano. Their famous pasta is prepared by flambéing a wheel of Parmigiano Reggiano with whisky, then tossing spaghetti in the molten cheese right at your table. It’s a sensory experience not to be missed.

You can customize your dish with options like chicken, meatballs, sausage, shrimp, or frutti di mare (mixed seafood). The minimum order is for two people, making it a perfect dish to share. For over 35 years, Gianni’s has been a favorite among locals and tourists. Its the perfect combination of classic atmosphere and delicious Italian food.

2. Azzurro Ristorante Italiano Aruba

Address: J.E. Irausquin Blvd 87 (Playa Linda Beach Resort) Palm Beach, Aruba
Website: Azzurro Ristorante Italiano – Make reservations in advance on their website.

For a breathtaking oceanfront dining experience, head to Azzurro Aruba, where the views of Palm Beach are as impressive as the food. Their signature Spaghetti al Formaggio Parmigiano is a must-try. It’s prepared with San Marzano tomato sauce and fresh basil, then tossed in a flaming Parmesan wheel right at your table.

The open-air setting and elegant atmosphere make Azzurro perfect for a romantic dinner or special occasion. Pair the pasta with fresh seafood from their in-house aquarium, or enjoy the creamy Burrata di Bufala imported directly from Italy. Whether you’re celebrating or simply treating yourself, Azzurro Aruba offers a memorable dining experience.

Pro Tip: Book a table around sunset for a spectacular view while you dine.

3. Sole Mare Ristorante Italiano

Address: Palm Beach 23, Noord, Aruba
Website: Sole Mare Ristorante Italiano – Make reservations in advance on their website.

A family-owned gem near the high-rise resorts, Sole Mare Ristorante Italiano is another excellent choice for an Aruba cheese wheel pasta experience. Their Spaghetti Formaggio Parmigiano is prepared with a whisky-flambéed Parmesan wheel. You can customize the dish with grilled chicken, sausage, meatballs, or seafood.

Known for hearty portions and traditional Italian flavors, Sole Mare has been serving up delicious, home-cooked Italian dishes in Aruba for years. With its warm, welcoming atmosphere, this restaurant is perfect for those looking for a cozy place to enjoy classic Italian food in Aruba.

4. Zucchini Restaurant & Lounge

Address: Gasparito 11C, Noord, Aruba
Website: Zucchini Aruba – Make reservations in advance on their website.

At Zucchini, Italian and Greek flavors come together in a unique Mediterranean fusion. Their special Formaggio Cheese Wheel is an experience meant to be shared, as it’s prepared for two people. The pasta is tossed in a flaming cheese wheel, with options to add chicken, shrimp, sausage, or meatballs for an extra layer of flavor.

Opened in 2017 alongside the Dorado Eagle Beach Resort, Zucchini focuses on delivering high-quality ingredients and a friendly atmosphere. This restaurant provides a more intimate setting compared to the larger beachfront venues. This makes it great for those looking for a casual yet refined dining experience.