Aqua Blu Kitchen & Cocktails

Name: Aqua Blu Kitchen & Cocktails
Address: 3410 Rt 37 East, Toms River, NJ, United States, 08753
Telephone: (732) 270-1180
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.6

4.6

1112 Reviews

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Top Tags:

Owners Vincenzo and Caterina Varriale redefine hospitality by welcoming you to their newest venture, Aqua Blu Kitchen &Cocktails. This one of a kind bar and restaurant offers an eclectic variety of dishes, uniquely vibrant and friendly service in a chic yet family friendly atmosphere. Our menu offers a seasonal modern twist on Italian cuisine. The invigorating space is made up of multiple dining rooms, three full service bars and a lounge. The restaurant is situated at 3410 Route 37 east Toms River, NJ, right at the foot of the Seaside bridge.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 8, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 9 times today

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Contemporary American
Hours of operation
Happy Hour Wed–Sat 2:00 pm–5:30 pm Dinner Wed–Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(732) 270-1180
Website
http://www.aquabluresturant.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive chef
Oscar Toro
Private party facilities
Aqua Blu can host special events for groups of almost any size. A semi-private area offering views of the open kitchen can be reserved for groups of up to 80 guests. The private Rustic Room can accommodate up to 50 guests, and is ideal for both intimate celebrations and high-level business gatherings. The Aqua Blu Banquet Room is also available for large-scale receptions and seated events of up to 140 guests.
Private party contact
Cathy Varriale: (732) 270-1180

Location
3410 Rt 37 East, Toms River, NJ 08753
Neighborhood
Toms River
Cross street
Bridge St.
Parking details
Private Lot
Entertainment
Visit http://aquablurestaurant.com/events/event-calendar/ to view our weekly events.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Entertainment, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

Butcher board $24.00
Assorted salumi and cheeses, marinated vegetables
Crispy rock shrimp$22.00
Calabrian chili aioli
Crispy calamari $17.00
Lemon aioli or marinara
Pei mussels $17.00
Spicy red sauce, roasted garlic bread
Baked local clams $15.00
Lemon oreganata breadcrumbs
Octopus $18.00
Tostada avocado mousse, aji panca, lime, cilantro
Nj eggplant parm$14.00
House made mozzarella and ricotta, pomodoro
Crispy provolone $16.00
Vodka sauce (extra sauce +$2.00)

Salad

Romaine $12.00
Roasted garlic caesar, rustic breadcrumbs, parmigiano reggiano
Italian chopped $15.00
Salami, pepperoncini, fontina, radicchio, romaine, onion, tomato, crispy chickpeas
Wedge$15.00
Bacon lardons, candied pecans, cherry tomatoes, blue cheese
Heirloom tomatoes $14.00
Fresh mozzarella, lime-honey-white balsamic, basil

Pizza

Margherita$12.00
Crushed imported tomatoes, house mozzarella, basil
Sausage $15.00
Broccoli rabe, smoked mozzarella
Pepperoni $14.00
Drizzled with local Honey
Arugula and prosciutto $15.00
Shaved parmigiano, extra virgin olive oil

Housemade pasta

Ricotta tortellini $22.00
Basil pesto
Rigatoni $23.00
Classic vodka sauce, peas, prosciutto breadcrumbs
Pappardelle$27.00
Wagyu beef bolognese, parmigiana, parsley, ricotta salata
Linguine $24.00
Clams, lemon, calabrian chili, arugula
Orecchiette $25.00
Broccoli rabe pesto, sausage ragout, roasted cherry tomato
Spaghetti $23.00
Slow cooked pomodoro, homemade meatballs, ricotta, basil
Bucatini $42.00
Carbonara, fresh corn, seared scallops, bacon, pecorino, thai basil

Entrées

Grilled yellowfin tuna $35.00
Gigante beans, sundried tomatoes, olives, cherry tomatoes, feta vinaigrette
Brodetto di pesce$31.00
Mussels, clams, calamari, shrimp, spicy tomato brodo (add pasta $5.00)
Red snapper all’aqua pazza $34.00
Vine ripe tomatoes, chili, garlic, rock shrimp, ciabatta
Blackened grilled salmon $32.00
Charred pineapple-black bean-corn salad, cilantro, lime
Chicken al limone$26.00
Smashed fingerling, soft lettuces, lemon-garlic vinaigrette
Cowboy veal chop milanese $48.00
Arugula-tomato salad, lemon
Cowboy veal chop parmigiana $52.00
Pomodoro, fresh mozzarella, served with pasta
14 oz pork chop calabrese $38.00
Agro dolce peppers, parmesan potatoes

Steaks & burgers

Add scallops or crab cake to any steak 20.00

Char grilled dry aged prime 12 oz strip$65.00
Char grilled dry aged prime boneless prime 16 oz ribeye$68.00
Steaks served with broccoli rabe and smoked potato puree
Grilled hanger steak frites $39.00
Hand cut fries, salsa verde
Aqua burger $18.00
Cheddar, caramelized onions, roasted tomato, bibb lettuce, spicy mayo, fresh cut french fries

Sides

Corn carbonara$10.00
Potato purée $10.00
Sautéed spinach $10.00
Broccoli rabe, garlic, chili$10.00
Parmigiana truffle fries$10.00

What 1,112 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.8Service
4.7Ambience
4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

New Jersey - Central
Lively
New Jersey - Central
Contemporary American

1,112 Reviews

N
Niki
Orlando
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Always great food and service. Michael is the best and Jake is awesome. Oscar never disappoints.
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a
arnaldob
Atlantic City
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 29, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great service great food great music very clean will return
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on November 25, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent overall experience at Aqua Blu with family on Black Friday. Food, service and ambiance were all perfect.
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RP
RickP
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 16, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great place for dinner - everyone is always very attentive - Thursday Burger Night is fantastic
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GS
GjSa
New York Area
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 11, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
Food is delicious! Service was great. The only negative is that the dining rooms are loud.
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JG
JessicaG
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 29, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Aqua blu is my go-to restaurant in Toms River!! Always amazing food & great service. A huge fan of their Sunday brunch too. Good vibes & atmosphere any time of year!
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RP
RaquelP
New York Area
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on October 1, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
My family and I had a wonderful time at Aqua Blue. Everything from the food to the drinks was on point. Our Server Michael was attentive and was consistently checking if we were in need of anything. Great kid friendly place!
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BF
BuddyF
New York Area
6 reviews
3.0
6 reviews
Dined on September 27, 2023
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 1
Went there with three friends in the off season. The place was crowded. They had live entertainment, and the bar was packed. Our initial reaction was positive, but as the night went on the music became overpowering, really annoying. We couldn't hear each other across the table. Then we got the food, I had a pork chop which looked good but was actually terrible. It was tough and overcooked. The other people had pasta and fish dishes which they said were "just okay". All in all, it was a less than a good experience.
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N
Natalie
Atlantic City
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 22, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great spot for a delicious meal in a beautiful ambience. Had the Salmon and the Calamari it was delicious.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 8, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Good food, drinks and service. Definitely will come back.
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E
Elizabeth
New York Area
57 reviews
vip
5.0
57 reviews
Dined on September 7, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Another great meal and delicious drinks . Definitely will return.
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JH
JanetH
San Diego
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 3, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Party of eight celebrating a birthday. Tweens to seniors; all thoroughly enjoyed Aqua Blu’s creative dinners and beverage selections. Our server Mareesa and support staff, did an exceptional job of overseeing our dining experience. Many thanks!
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LW
LennyW
Orlando
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 27, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food was excellent. House made pasta delicious. Over sized portions and refreshing craft cocktails. Staff attentive and knowledgeable. A very enjoyable evening.
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GC
GloC
New York Area
6 reviews
2.0
6 reviews
Dined on August 27, 2023
1. Overall 2
2. Food 1
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Disappointed in the food. Good for drinks and dancing.
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P
Pastamamma1
Atlantic City
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on August 24, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We visited for the 2nd time and again, all of our food was delicious. Juan also waited on us again and provided excellent service! We will be regulars here for sure.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 23, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Absolutely the best scallops I have ever had anywhere. Always cooked to perfection. Everything I’ve tried has been delightful. Juan, our server, was polite, attentive, and professional. Will definitely be back!
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l
lexxx
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on August 18, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
beautiful atmosphere for dinning. food and service was great! already planning to dine again next summer
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Las Vegas
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on August 12, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Our go to place when down the shore. Food is constantly good.
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PF
PamelaF
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 6, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
From the greeter at the door to our Server Michael, everything about this establishment was on point. The food, the drinks, the drinks timeliness of the service and that DJ was 5 Star. The young lady who greeted us at the door even took the time to take our pics as this was our first time there. We will definitely be back.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on August 5, 2023
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 2
We were in the corner of bar at a high top . It was freezing. Asked that the air conditioner be raised. The kid with the bread looked at me liked I had 3 heads. Asked our server to request the AC be adjusted… no response. We couldn’t stay for dessert because we were all so cold. Asked for our check 3 times so we could pay and get out in the warm weather… I have never been so COLD IN A restaurant before.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 4, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent place ... a little expensive but so is everyone these days
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AK
AllisonK
New York Area
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 3, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I signed up on their website and received an email for a complimentary drink. Very nice touch. We had reserved a high top in the bar area but relocated to the dining area because the air conditioning was a bit warmer and the bar area was very noisy. Had calamari, which was very good, and margherita pizza. The pizza was ok - it had only 1 leaf of basil on it. Staff was very pleasant.
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MR
MicR
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 3, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Bar noise can be a bit much at times, other then that all good.
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TC
TC269
New York Area
85 reviews
vip
5.0
85 reviews
Dined on July 30, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Aqua Blue was hopping on a Saturday night. We had 8pm reservations and only had to wait 5 minutes to be seated. Everything was great, food, wine and service. Highly recommend the grilled octopus and fried calamari apps and the Grilled Pork Chop for dinner.
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S
Susan
Atlantic City
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on July 29, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 2
Food and service was excellent. Dining room we were seated in was the only issue. We were right next to the kitchen and other diners.
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E
Ezzie
New York Area
17 reviews
vip
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on July 29, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
Food was amazing. Our waiter was very nice, knowledgeable and patient. Caesar salad was delicious. Papardelle pasta with bolognese was outstanding. Can’t wait to go back.
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SG
SusanG
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 28, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Delicious food, great ambiance, highly recommend!!
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j
jerzguy213
Phoenix
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on July 22, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Food was terrific - pappardelle for me, the aqua burger for my wife. French fries also delicious. We took the mini cannolis home and they were the best we've had since moving from AZ. Looking forward to going back.
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TL
TrishL
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 22, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent meal, service + atmosphere. We're always happy with Aqua Blu!
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IV
IreneV
New York Area
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on July 19, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great atmosphere great music, great food and our host. Michael is the best.
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AG
AnitaG
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 19, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
A very nice atmosphere service was great, we enjoy everything we ordered.
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BD
BenD
Philadelphia
14 reviews
4.0
14 reviews
Dined on July 19, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Everything was delicious except for the oysters Gerald Esposito was great
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MR
MichelleR
Washington DC
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 16, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
First time dining at Aqua and definitely won’t be our last. Our server Michael was on top of it and incredibly friendly. The food was delicious and so were the cocktails. Can’t wait to return with my family.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Las Vegas
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on July 14, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
The server was overwhelmed and had too many tables. We were not greeting for about 10 min after sitting down. She finally came over and took our app order and beverage. Apps came out 10 min later and never received our beverage until we asked again. Took our entree order, and food took another 15 to 20 to come out. The yellow tail tuna was overcooked but tasty. My guests received their 3 meals. About 8 minutes later, I received my pasta dish, tortellini, which was very good. Unfortunately, the presentation was lacking, it was plated in an ornate small bowl with no base plate and very small portion. I felt it a child's portion. We love this place and are always there. This experience was not normal.
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ML
MarcL
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 14, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our server Sophia was wonderful, food and ambiance were top notch. Entertainment was entertaining!
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T
Taina
New York Area
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on July 8, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food never disappoints. Service was good. Waitor was pleasant.
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BM
BMichele
New York Area
39 reviews
vip
3.0
39 reviews
Dined on July 7, 2023
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
It was suggested that we go here for dinner. The hostess was so sweet. We had a reservation and only had to wait a few minutes for our table. Our server was bubbly and friendly. The apps, dinner and drinks were just, OK, Nothing special. Ordered the tiramisu, and it came out warm on the edges and ice cold, little ice chips inside. For a last-minute reservation it fit the bill. Sadly, not impressed.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 7, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
A really good experience and nothing but good things to say. I took my girlfriend there as one of her 50th birthday presents and she loved it. Thank u Aqua Blue!!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlanta Metro
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 7, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great place. The waiter was excellent and gave real suggestions based on the food and not the price. Dj was top notch as well.
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SP
SuzannP
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 6, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Had the best waitress ever! Second time there and same waitress and couldn’t be happier with her. Great food and drinks. Awesome apps! Can’t wait to go back.
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Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
Physical distancing
- Limited number of seated diners
- Extra space between tables

Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Aqua Blu Kitchen & Cocktails is rated 4.6 stars by 1112 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 8, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 9 times today

Google Map for Aqua Blu Kitchen & Cocktails

3410 Rt 37 East, Toms River, NJ 08753

Additional information

Cross street
Bridge St.
Neighborhood
Toms River
Hours of operation
Happy Hour Wed–Sat 2:00 pm–5:30 pm Dinner Wed–Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Contemporary American
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Private Lot
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Oscar Toro
Entertainment
Visit http://aquablurestaurant.com/events/event-calendar/ to view our weekly events.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Entertainment, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.aquabluresturant.com/
Phone number
(732) 270-1180
Private party facilities
Aqua Blu can host special events for groups of almost any size. A semi-private area offering views of the open kitchen can be reserved for groups of up to 80 guests. The private Rustic Room can accommodate up to 50 guests, and is ideal for both intimate celebrations and high-level business gatherings. The Aqua Blu Banquet Room is also available for large-scale receptions and seated events of up to 140 guests.
Private party contact
Cathy Varriale: (732) 270-1180

Aqua Blu Kitchen & Cocktails

Make a reservation

Additional information

Aqua Burger

Fried calamari

Crispy Calamari

Raw bar

Oyster of the day $3.75

West coast $4.00

1/2 dozen little neck clams $12.00

Shrimp cocktail 2pc$15.00

Starters

Butcher board $24.00

Crispy rock shrimp$22.00

Crispy calamari $17.00

Pei mussels $17.00

Baked local clams $15.00

Octopus $18.00

Nj eggplant parm$14.00

Crispy provolone $16.00

Salad

Romaine $12.00

Italian chopped $15.00

Wedge$15.00

Heirloom tomatoes $14.00

Pizza

Margherita$12.00

Sausage $15.00

Pepperoni $14.00

Arugula and prosciutto $15.00

Housemade pasta

Ricotta tortellini $22.00

Rigatoni $23.00

Pappardelle$27.00

Linguine $24.00

Orecchiette $25.00

Spaghetti $23.00

Bucatini $42.00

Entrées

Grilled yellowfin tuna $35.00

Brodetto di pesce$31.00

Red snapper all’aqua pazza $34.00

Blackened grilled salmon $32.00

Chicken al limone$26.00

Cowboy veal chop milanese $48.00

Cowboy veal chop parmigiana $52.00

14 oz pork chop calabrese $38.00

Steaks & burgers

Char grilled dry aged prime 12 oz strip$65.00

Char grilled dry aged prime boneless prime 16 oz ribeye$68.00

Grilled hanger steak frites $39.00

Aqua burger $18.00

Sides

Corn carbonara$10.00

Potato purée $10.00

Sautéed spinach $10.00

Broccoli rabe, garlic, chili$10.00

Parmigiana truffle fries$10.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Cleaning & sanitizing

Physical distancing

Screening

FAQs

How is Aqua Blu Kitchen & Cocktails restaurant rated?

Is Aqua Blu Kitchen & Cocktails currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information