AQUA by El GauchoOn the WaterfrontWhat a gem! A must when you are in Seattle. Fresh Fish, Outstanding Wines, Magnificent View and a friendly staff-what more could you want?5/14/2013 12:00:00 AM1 year anniversary1st time visiting Aqua off recommendation from friend. As hotel GM, was very impressed with the service level including everyone we met providing unsolicited "congrats on 1 year anniversary"...and bisque, salad, king crab, scallops, shrimp, salmon, and lobster tail were all excellent as well!
Thank you!5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat place for special occasionThe restaurant was very accommodating to our group. Food and service were really good. Beautiful place to celebrate special occasion.5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent but noisy.We had a group of 6. Hard to carry on a conversation with all the noise. Otherwise, was very good.5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMReview - Aqua by El GauchoVisited Aqua for our 1st Anniversary. I noted this occassion when making the reservation and the entire wait staff (hostess, waitress etc.) made it a point to congratulate us on our anniversary. They even had a card waiting for us when we arrived. Overall, I was very impressed by the service and equally impressed by the food.5/5/2013 12:00:00 AMexpectations fulfilledMy wife and I picked Aqua based on reviews. We choose a fine dining restaurant every year for our anniversary. Beverly's in Coeur d'Alene, Canlis, the Palm in Spokane, Gamekeeper and Chandlers in Boise, Dahlia's, etc.. Aqua ranks right up there for everything. Outstanding food, top-notch service, ambience, everything. Our waiter read us perfectly. Our "Volcano" presenter (pregnant women, don't remember her name) was superb. There was absolutely nothing to nitpick. We will remember the landmark dinner forever.5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMHidden GemMy only complaint was that we could not step outside due to a private party that was off to the side. There was plenty of room and it could be roped off. Not sure why??5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMAbsolutely amazing!One of the best dining experiences of my life! I went for dessert only in celebration of a birthday, but I could tell it was a great restaurant all around. The Emerald City Volcano is amazing and makes for quite a show. The water outside and the fiery feel inside make for a memorable atmosphere that is likely to bring you back for more.5/3/2013 12:00:00 AMVery good unique items toVery good unique items to this restaurant. Excellent service. Bread pudding was amazing. Not overly flavorful. VERY expensive. Our guests were embarrassed by the costs of the items and probably only go there for a special occasion.5/3/2013 12:00:00 AMAqua knocked the cover offAqua knocked the cover off the ball, and left no doubt that even so-called "Chain Restaurants" can deliver a phenomenal dining experience. From the valet to the hostess, and the server to bus people, every member of the Aqua team clearly communicated their absolute delight in having us to dinner. The drink menu and wine list are nothing short of impressive, and the food was without fail prepared to perfection. The bacon wrapped prawns were cooked to the point of tender perfection (tough when you have two such different meats), and the spinach salad prepared table-side was a feast for the eyes and the palette. The entrees were outstanding, and the key lime pie was a perfect end. Add in the view and you have heaven on earth. Thank you!5/3/2013 12:00:00 AMIt was an amazing experience,It was an amazing experience, everyone was nice and we were well taken care off.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMAlways excellent. I wouldAlways excellent. I would definitely return and recommend this to all my friends4/23/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat experienceGreat food and great service. Amazing view! Looking forward my next visit.4/18/2013 12:00:00 AMThe wait service was outstanding;The wait service was outstanding; friendly, warm, engaging, professional. The food could not have been better. Good selection of the fish; Great preparation of the entire meal; presentation was very professional. The live piano was truley exceptional and a fine addition to the ambiance (wonderful quality yet not obtrusive or too loud).4/18/2013 12:00:00 AMExceptional Service, Great Food!!!It was restaurant week and it was the first time we tried AQUA by El Gaucho for our seven month anniversary. Even though we order from the restaurant week menu, we feel the service was excellent by Nick. It was definitely a great experience for both of us dining out at AQUA and we definitely would go back. The portions were good and all the food was so delicious. Nick did a great job in recommending a wine that we both love and it pairs well with our entrees. Thank you for making our anniversary a special one even though I didn't ask for anything special.4/17/2013 12:00:00 AMMy friend and I went for theMy friend and I went for the 3 for $28 menu and found the choices exceptional. I had the risotto (the best I've ever had) and my companion had the Columbia river salmon, a generous portion that was cooked to perfection. The only thing that did not meet my expectations were the prawns with the risotto, they were woefully overcooked.4/17/2013 12:00:00 AMFantastic ExperienceI had noted in my reservation that I was treating my husband to a last night before surgery dinner. Our waiter was aware of the reason for the dinner and was really great - we had a nice window table and thoroughly enjoyed the evening.4/17/2013 12:00:00 AMWe enjoyed our evening andWe enjoyed our evening and dinner experience immensely. My only comment is that the first course of spicy shrimp only had two shrimp in it which seemed a little sparse. Other than that everything was outstanding. Thanks for the great evening.4/16/2013 12:00:00 AMperfect budget date nightWe were able to take advantage of Restaurant week and sample Aqua. The food was amazing, we were able to sample and find the perfect wine to go with our dinner. I suggest you get the side of Crab mac & cheese and Carmel custard for dessert. If you're lucky you will end up with Michael for your waiter.4/16/2013 12:00:00 AMHappy AnniversaryWe celebrated our 30th anniversary at Aqua and were very surprised and delighted with the way we were treated that night.
First of all, we got through Seattle traffic a lot quicker than we had thought and we arrived almost 30 minutes ahead of our reservation. Our table was not only ready and waiting but was showered with rose petals and an anniversary card signed by all the Aqua personnel.
We had a window table (which we requested) but we thought their booths that they have there were a little more romantic. We saw these as we were leaving and will probably book one of these next time. The sun is facing you while you are eating but not a big deal.
We did the 3 courses for $28 and all the choices were some kind of seafood.4/16/2013 12:00:00 AMFirst time thereWe had an absolutely fabulous dinner. This was our first time at Aqua, we had never heard of the restaurant but went because of restaurant week. I had the special but my husband ordered off of the menu, all I can say I am luck that he allowed me to have a couple of bites of his dinner. He had the Sea Bass and all we can both say is we have never tasted anything like it. Our waiter Kevin was very knowledgeable about the food and wine he made us feel very welcome…as if we were regular customer. We will definitely be going back; there were many items on the menu that we have to try.4/15/2013 12:00:00 AMI went with a group of sixI went with a group of six for Restaurant Week. The restaurant was packed yet we received excellent service. While our group did order wines that were not part of the special I noted and appreciated that in addition to the dinner specials; wines were available that were well priced to pair with the meal.
The setting is beautiful with perfect views of the water and the decor was inviting and beautiful.
We all look forward to returning for another great meal and evening.4/14/2013 12:00:00 AMOur server Nick R was greatOur server Nick R was great and so are the personnel who brought us our food. Our plates arrived at our table at a timely manner. Service is superb, and I would highly recommend AQUA by El Gaucho.4/14/2013 12:00:00 AMOur first visit and it hasOur first visit and it has become our favorite restaurant. Expensive but if we save we can have the wonderful experience we had on April 14th again. Wonderful food and excellent service. Very alert management but definitely not intrusive.4/14/2013 12:00:00 AMWent here for date night duringWent here for date night during restaurant week. Ended up ordering from the regular menu. Food was fantastic. Fresh seafood, perfectly cooked.4/14/2013 12:00:00 AMAqua is one of our favoriteAqua is one of our favorite restaurants for special occasions. The food and service are outstanding!! WE have attended for both family affairs and personal celebrations. They have covered parking which is awesome on a windy, rainy Seattle evening. The view is spectacular from EVERY seat in the house. We always feel like royalty when we enter for the evening, we never feel rushed. We are their guest for the evening.4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat Great GreatThe restaurant has it all. The food is the best anywhere and the service and view are over the top.4/11/2013 12:00:00 AMWe have gone here severalWe have gone here several times for special occassions and have always had outstanding service, food and wine. We plan to go back again.4/9/2013 12:00:00 AMAQUA - resturant weekWent for restaurant week. Party of two that tasted each other's dishes...all the food was exceptional! Our server was very attentive without being overbearing and extremely helpful with recommendations. Also we ordered the crab mac-n-cheese for a pre-resturant week 3 course meal; our server recommended a half-portion which was exactly enough to enjoy and still leave room for the rest of the meal.4/8/2013 12:00:00 AMPlanning on going back againPlanning on going back again next week for dinner.4/8/2013 12:00:00 AMAQUA was absolutely delicious!AQUA was absolutely delicious! The service was incredible and so personable and friendly. We went for restaurant week and I definitely recommend the wicked spicy shrimp and the risotto-bacon, arugula, and creamy goodness- so good! We will definitely be returning, especially in June when the outdoor patio opens so we can appreciate the incredible view even more!4/7/2013 12:00:00 AMFlambeed Spinach Salad tableside?!Had my anniversary dinner here - they took care of everything - especially courteous to me and my date having disclosed this when I made my reservation. I'm a picky foodie, but everything went extremely well. I asked for the tableside Caesar but they didn't have it (More of an El Gaucho thing)... instead they had a tableside spinach salad - prepared for two by your table.... very impressed. Cooked the warm bacon vinaigrette (actually made with Cognac, flambeed, instead of vinegar), right next to your table and assembled with seared prawns right in front of you. How cool is that?
I wish I had something to complain about, but I'm happy to say I had a great time and that's why I'm writing this review.4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMBest meal ever!Received a giftcard from my employer, and my wife and I went this past Saturday evening for dinner. It was, quite literally, the best meal we've ever had. EVERYTHING we tasted was incredible. Will be back again for sure!3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMThis is hands down the bestThis is hands down the best restaurant in Seattle. The food is amazing, the service in impeccable and the views...3/24/2013 12:00:00 AMReservation was easy and remindersReservation was easy and reminders were helpful. Reception staff was friendly and our table was sprinkled w/ flower pedals. Nice touch. Waiter was very prodessional and attentive without being overly so. Somewhat noisy in our section. Pricing was at the top of the scale. Portions were small but food was quite rich.3/23/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat food, service, atmosphereWe went here for our anniversary and it was exceptional. Even though we planned the evening last minute (due to babysitter plans, etc), with only a hours notice, they had a card signed by the whole staff and rose pedals on our table!
Service was excellent and the food amazing, especially the Tableside Spinach Salad for two which was exceptional. We had a hard time selecting entrees due to having so many great choices on the menu and were very happy with both dishes.
The bread pudding was decadent as well.3/22/2013 12:00:00 AMReturned to celebrate a friend'sReturned to celebrate a friend's birthday. Great cocktails in the bar, terrific food and service!!! Recommend Aqua to friends all the time!3/19/2013 12:00:00 AMAs expected, pretty awesome,As expected, pretty awesome, not inexpensive at all but still worth it. Food, service and ambiance were all well above average. Not a nouveau styled restaurant just a very solid updated old school place that delivers as promised.3/16/2013 12:00:00 AMBest Restaurant in the Seattle!!!Amazing Food, Great Service, Beautiful View, Fantastic Drinks, Piano Music, Valcano Dessert was to die for!!! Thank You!!! Best restaurant in the Seattle!!! Thanks again!!!!3/15/2013 12:00:00 AMSpecial AnniversaryWe enjoyed a wonderful anniversary dinner at AQUA. After being seated at a requested window table with a magnificent view of Elliott Bay our server, Mikiya, promptly introduced himself. The yellow beet salad was incredible as were the scallops and fresh King salmon. Mikiya was attentive and conversational throughout our meal. As timing would have it we experienced a spectacular sunset while dining. We will definitely return to AQUA!3/15/2013 12:00:00 AMWhile my tuna special wasWhile my tuna special was overcooked and a bit hard the appetizers and the main courses of the others were very well received. I take my dish to be the anomaly and fault myself for not bringing it to the attention of the staff for they were very helpful in every aspect and I am sure they would have remedied the issue right away.
The volcano dessert was a treat to watch, the piano music felt out-of-place for the vibe and decor of the space. And, please, ease up on the Happy Birthday song! It must have played about 8 times during our dinner.3/11/2013 12:00:00 AM