Dining Destinations - August 2025 Tinto Bar y Cocina - Jan Thiel Beach

There’s something truly magnetic about Jan Thiel Beach at sunset. The sky awash in yellows and deep orange, the sound and sight of waves rolling ashore in steady rhythm and the welcome breeze offering that perfect hint of cool relief.  In that moment, you can’t help but feel time standing still - deeply grateful to be there!  

At the heart of it all sits Tinto Bar y Cocina, a vibrant, multi-story, open-air restaurant, where the flavors of Latin America meet the laid-back luxury of Curaçao’s coast. It’s definitely the kind of place that makes you want to linger a little longer; order one more plate, one more cold beer and toast to the night. Colourful and carefree, this is the Caribbean at its finest. 

Latin American inspired, Tinto’s menu has numerous shareable options alongside many keep-to-yourself mains. There’s tuna tartare with avocado-lime zing, Spanish meatballs with manchego, croquetas that melt in your mouth and pulled pork spring rolls just to get things going. There’s jerk chicken, multiple steak options and my personal favorite, a rich beef stew with coconut rice. If you’re at the bar with friends, consider the Picadas de Tinto (shared sampler platter), a great way to try all that Tinto has to offer.

The drinks menu at Tinto is extensive. Cocktails  like the Mexican Mule and the Tamarinde Sour get my vote. They of course have the classics alongside a number of wine and champagne options, curated to elevate their grilled dishes.

The staff here are always friendly and attentive, never hovering but reappearing at just the right moment. They have a great appreciation for the heat of the beach and the importance of the timely refill!  Food arrives quickly, a testament to the well oiled machine working seamlessly behind the scenes.

The atmosphere at Tinto is everything you hope for in an open-air beach-side dining experience.   Panoramic ocean views by day and golden sunsets by night. As evening falls and lights spark to life, the ambiance transitions from vibrant beachside to cozy and intimate. The waves, the sea, the night air - it’s a full-sensory experience!  

Come for the food, stay for the view and leave having had a true experience at one of Curaçao’s great beach restaurants.