I’d been hearing about Camara de Lobos and their famous skewers for the longest time, and I finally got the chance to try them! With a Portuguese “espetadas” concept and an Argentinian chef behind the grill, you just know the flavors are going to hit the mark. If there’s one thing Argentinians do exceptionally well, it’s grilling meat to perfection.
Camara de Lobos was originally founded in 2019 by Eros Bonarriva and Oscar Godoy. Their concept quickly gained traction on social media, thanks to its uniqueness and flavor. So when a spot opened up in the Renaissance Marketplace, they jumped at the chance to relocate, bringing their skewers (and flair) to one of Aruba’s most popular culinary hubs.
If you haven’t heard of them yet, let me be the one to officially put them on your radar.
The name comes from a small town on the southern coast of Madeira, Portugal.
“Câmara de Lobos” translates to “Chamber of Wolves”, but fun fact: it actually refers to the sea lions (“lobos marinhos”) that once filled the local coves. A nod to heritage with a twist, that I bet you’d never known.
As soon as you get there (almost across the main entrance of the Wind Creek Seaport Casino), you’ll notice something unusual about the tables. That’s because the 1-meter-long skewers hang vertically from the top of a custom rack, letting you easily slide the meat right onto your plate. Pretty cool, right?
There’s both indoor and outdoor seating, so take your pick: air-conditioned booths for a more private setting, or patio tables if you’re in the mood to soak in the Marketplace vibe.
Since it was my first visit, I asked our lovely server, Camila, what the signature experience was. Without hesitation, she said: “You’ve got to start with the Sangría!”
She wasn’t wrong. Sangría is definitely having a moment on the island, and people can’t seem to get enough. Camara de Lobos offers unlimited sangría for just $20 per person, a deal that’s hard to beat.
And yes, I had four glasses. It was that good! bright, refreshing, with rich red wine notes and a subtle sweetness from the fruit. Not too sweet, not too heavy, just right.
If sangría isn’t your thing, they’ve also got a great cocktail list, beers, soft drinks, and a curated selection of Argentinian wines. There’s even a wine pairing experience if you’re feeling fancy.
It’s worth mentioning that they have a daily Happy Hour from 9-11 PM!
2x1 on drinks!
Their menu offers way more than just grilled meats. The appetizer list includes familiar favorites like Calamari, Nachos, and Ceviche, but I was on the hunt for something a little different.
Flaky, golden-brown pastry filled with seasoned ground beef, onions, peppers, and olives.
Served with a little pico de gallo on the side. A must-order.
Yes, sensing a skewer theme here! A chilled appetizer with plump tomatoes, fresh-picked basil, mozzarella pearls, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. I added a pinch of salt, and it was chef’s kiss.
The menu lets you customize your skewers with a variety of proteins and vegetables, including premium cuts like certified Angus ribeye and picanha. Since it was my first visit, I went for a mix: the Lobo Mix.
Includes lomito (tenderloin), chicken, and chorizo, served with French fries and their signature sauces: classic Argentinian chimichurri and a smoked garlic sauce.
The combo also comes with a lightly grilled bun, perfect for wrapping a piece of meat and
soaking up the juices.
Instead of regular fries, I swapped in yucca fries (highly recommend!). We also added corn with butter, which was simple but satisfying. Other sides include sweet potato fries and salad, so go with what speaks to you.
- The beef was perfectly medium, finished with flaky salt.
- The chicken thigh had a bit of char, which added depth.
- And the chorizo? Bold, flavorful, and everything you want from a grilled sausage.
Worth every penny.
Just when we thought we couldn’t eat another bite, Camila convinced us to try the Hershey’s
Layers upon layers of chilled chocolate cake, drizzled with Hershey’s Chocolate syrup. How can you regret it? ($12)
Before heading out, I had to give compliments to the chef, and to my surprise, it was none other than co-owner Oscar Godoy wearing the chef’s hat. As an Argentinian in Aruba, he’s brought his passion to life in every bite. Kudos, Oscar! You clearly know what you’re doing, and thanks for the hospitality.
It’s not every day you find Argentinian soul food with a Portuguese twist in Aruba. Chef
Oscar and team? Absolutely nailed it. I’ll be back soon.
