Bucatini: Oh, You Thought It Was Just Pasta.

Think it’s all spaghetti and classics? Think again. The new Italian at JOIA Aruba by Iberostar serves up way more than pasta: it’s a whole new way to do Italian in Aruba. Here’s the story.

It is not unusual for a resort to include an Italian restaurant in its restaurant catalogue. Italian food is the ultimate comfort food, loved by adults and kids. There's nothing like a good plate of pasta or a pizza after a day lying on the beach to replenish.

The restaurant offerings at JOIA are pretty well-rounded: Star Café, a coffee shop with breakfast items and pastries; Zima, a chic rooftop bar by the infinity pool; Marea, a casual restaurant for à la carte breakfast, lunch, brunch, and dinner; and Bucatini, an Italian. By the way, it’s not even complete yet! They have two more openings coming soon: a Chef’s Table and a Steakhouse.

I’m here at Bucatini not just to review the food, but to explore the unique ways you can experience it, not just by grabbing a Rigatoni alla Vodka and a glass of wine. They’ve crafted a variety of experiences that really set it apart from other spots on the island.

The Restaurant.

Located on the ground floor, overlooking the gardens and pools, Bucatini is a stylish spot, thoughtfully decorated. Tableware is elegant, the menu is nicely presented in a cactus green holder. Many textures come together on shades of brown, green, and orange that make sense. The dining area feels spacious yet cozy, perfect for both large groups and intimate meals, with booths and cocoon-style tables. (It also hosts the breakfast buffet in the morning.)

The outdoor area is softly lit, with tables facing the garden and pools. The evening breeze and a little table lamp set the perfect vibe. Personally, I find this space especially beautiful, not just because of the stunning resort grounds, but because of the tranquility. There’s no traffic, no loud music, and no crowds of pedestrians (which can be fun for people-watching, of course!). Instead, it offers a peaceful retreat, like dining on a mansion terrace.

Experiences.

Aperitivo.

One great, delicious way to enjoy Bucatini is the Aperitivo: a pre-dinner social ritual in Italy involving light drinks and small snacks, meant to stimulate the appetite and unwind with friends.

Bucatini features a chic Aperitivo cart, where you get to experience the art of crafting your own personalized drink, right at your table. The choice of aperitivo liquor is up to you, and there’s plenty to learn along the way. Ashley, our amazing server, walked us through every detail, making sure we picked a drink that matched our tastes. Starlino Orange, Italian Vermouth, or Lillet—each poured elegantly into a rocks glass with ice, topped with various sprays and garnishes. I went with Italian Vermouth, spritzed with cherry extract and a dried orange slice. It’s the perfect balance of sweet bitterness—super elegant. It’s not just a drink, it’s a moment! It's like creating your new favorite drink!

Get the Recipe: Italian Vermouth, spritz of cherry, dried orange.

But where are the snacks? WELL...

Bucatini has the only Antipasto station I have seen here in Aruba.

Freshly prepared every day, it offers an impressive and curated selection of Italian cheeses, cold cuts, breads, and much more. I went absolutely nuts!

You pay $30 (it's highlighted on the menu), and off you go to make yourself a plate. The massive olives (with pit, of course), the mushrooms, the artichoke hearts, the prosciutto, top-tier olive oils, the giant capers... we lost our minds!

You can go back again and replenish, you can even share it! It is so good.

I can't wait to go back for sunset aperitivo with some friends, get a bottle of wine, and go wild at that station. And talking about wine...

All You Can Wine.

On Tuesdays, from 6 to 9 PM, you can have unlimited Italian wines for $35 per person. Sybren Lewis, the Executive Sommelier, has put together a nice selection of whites and reds. Add the $30 Antipasto and yo got yourself the perfect plan.

2x1 Pizzas and Pastas.

Mix and match your favorites: two pastas, two pizzas, or one of each. You pay for the pricier one, and the second is free. Simple, delicious math. Wednesday & Fridays from 6 to 9 PM.

I think trying this promo is a good opportunity to get to know the restaurant. Dining out has become very expensive, and when trying out a new restaurant, we appreciate a good deal before becoming regular patrons.

Food Rundown.

Ok, I've told you everything I know about the deals going on, let's get into the food I had.

Complimentary.

You'll get focaccia, Mortadella, olives, and the classic olive oil-balsamic mix for the table once you sit. What's not to like?

Polpetta.

This colossal meatball is made with beef and lamb, served on tomato sauce and crispy slices of bread with parmesan cheese. First, this has to be shareable, it is quite large. We loved it, it has the perfect lamb-beef ratio. The tomato sauce has a sweet note that is different but not unpleasant. $20 10/10

Insalata di Mare.

This octopus salad is a nice fresh appetizer to start with. I always choose a mix of hot and cold apps when dining. Slices of octopus with string fried potatoes, arugula, and capers. Take me to a terrace in Positano, please! 9/10

Prosciutto Pizza.

Here, the pizzas come in a longer, oval shape, pizza alla palla, named in Italian. Thin, crispy, and generously served and portioned so you can get prosciutto, straciatella, and sundried tomatoes on every slice. $24 8.5/10

Ravioli di Mortadella.

Immediately drawn to order this, Mortadella aficionado here. Creamy inside, with that unique taste, on top a truffle and pesto hybrid creamy sauce, pine nuts, fried artichoke (insane bite!). We loved it too, although I think it can do without the truffle, however, I get the appeal of it. $35 7.5/10

Lasagna.

I wouldn’t normally order lasagna for dinner! It’s more of a lunch dish for me (the kind I have to nap off afterward), but Sybren insisted. And this was no ordinary lasagna. Made with osso buco, a rich, shredded meat, it was unlike anything I expected. Sybren promised us it would be worth it, and he wasn’t wrong. That osso buco red wine ragu blew us away. With very few layers of pasta, it’s all about the substance (as you can see in the detailed pic below). $35 10/10.

You don't even need to add cheese to it... But if you do:

Here is the cheese cart, where different types and ages of Parmigiano and Pecorino are available. That's called going beyond.

Another interesting dishes to try next time: Rigatoni alla vodka (Always a good idea), Kale Carbonara, Caesar Salad, and all the desserts.

Cocktail Rundown.

A complete dining experience is not complete without a taste of the bar. I tasted some cocktails on and off the menu for the sake of this hard job I do. Haha!

Fresh Reviver.

Gin-based, strawberry, cucumber, lime, ginger ale. I always rate cocktails based on how many I would drink in one night, this one is it. I could have 4 and not get tired of it. $22 10/10

Milano Sour.

For those dessert cocktail people, here is a great one. Pisco, Amaretto, orange, lime, and double cream. Be careful with the Pisco, if you know you know! 7/10

Coconut Cocktail. (off the menu)

Coconut, lime, vodka, out of a tropical picture. This was off the menu, and bartender Oriana offered to surprise us with a couple of custom creations. 9/10

A riff on the Aruba Ariba. (off the menu)

Rum-based, pineapple, and grenadine. Strong island feel. 8/10

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Honestly, Bucatini is kind of a game-changer in Aruba’s Italian scene: think elevated vibes without the stuffy pretension. The food? Totally on point. The service? Flawless. It’s the perfect spot for a chill date night or a group hang with friends. Whether you're sipping on a custom aperitivo or diving into that rich lasagna, you’re in for an experience that’s both delicious and Instagram-worthy. From our hostess María José, our servers Rosanna and Ashley, Sybren and Oriana on the drinks, Chef Jchamiell Blanco in the kitchen, all led by Executive Chef Alejandro Camurri. If you follow my Instagram, you'll see me return.

And that's the testament to a good first visit, the desire to come back for more.

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*All images are original content created for Bucatini | JOIA Aruba by Iberostar.