How is AQUA by El Gaucho restaurant rated?

Name: AQUA by El Gaucho
Address: 2801 Alaskan Way Pier 70, Seattle, WA, United States, 98121
Telephone: (206) 956-9171
Price range: $50 and over
Rating: 4.5

AQUA by El Gaucho

4.5

1944 Reviews

$50 and over

Seafood

Top Tags:

Named Gayot’s Top Ten Seafood Restaurants in America in 2012, AQUA by El Gaucho sparkles at the tip of Pier 70, offering Seattle’s best waterfront dining experience. In addition to fantastic views and ambiance, guests are treated to the legendary El Gaucho personalized, fine-dining service and live music nightly. Our award-winning wine list, coupled with a menu highlighting fresh wild seafood preparations, as well as 28-Day Dry-Aged Niman Ranch All-Natural Certified Angus Beef® Brand Prime steaks and custom aged Certified Angus Beef® Brand, are all prepared on an open-pit charcoal grill in the exhibition kitchen. AQUA by El Gaucho delivers a quintessential Seattle fine dining experience.

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Additional information

Dining style
Fine Dining
Cuisines
Seafood, Steak, Northwest
Hours of operation
Open at 4:00 pm daily. Dinner: Nightly from 5:00pm.
Phone number
(206) 956-9171
Website
http://elgaucho.com/dine/aqua/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive chef
Wesley Hood
Private party facilities
AQUA by El Gaucho, located at the tip of Pier 70, features luxurious private dining rooms and an outdoor dining patio with an unparalleled 270-degree view of Elliott Bay, Seattle's skyline, and the Olympic Mountains. Each room features window shades and direct access to our spacious waterfront.
Private party contact
Carly Geer: (206) 956-8171

Location
2801 Alaskan Way Pier 70 Seattle, WA 98121
Neighborhood
Waterfront / Belltown
Cross street
Broad Street
Parking details
Valet parking is available on Pier 70.
Entertainment
Live piano music seven days a week.
Additional
Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Entertainment, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Wicked Shrimp$18.00
spicy hot, grilled bread
Dungeness Crab Cakes$22.00
fresh dungeness crab, baby arugula, lemon tarragon aioli
Crispy Fried Calamari$16.00
soy mustard aioli, sweet chili sauce
Steamed Manila Clams$19.00
roasted fennel, tomatoes, bacon, lemon zest, garlic, ouzo
Tenderloin Diablo$18.00
devilishly spicy, cream, paprika, grilled bread
Salmon Tartare$18.00
cucumber, shallot, caper, lemon crème fraiche
Pancetta Wrapped Prawns$21.00
grilled over live coals and doused with golden raisin and scallion pesto
Ahi Tuna Poke$18.00
sesame, soy, lime, harissa, jalapeno, scallion, sweet soy, crispy wontons
Green Curry Mussels$16.00
lemongrass, lime leaves, shallot, cilantro, basil, grape tomatoes
Oysters$21.00
Virginica, WA; Kumamoto, WA - Shigoku, WA; Sunset Beach, WA. Selection may vary depending on availability. Available per half dozen. West indian cocktail sauce, mignonette
Seafood Bliss$79.00
dungeness crab fry legs, poached jumbo prawns, ahi poke, snow crab claws, maine lobster tail, house-made west indian cocktail sauce, tarragon aioli

Soup & Salad

Creamy Seafood Chowder$14.00
shrimp, clams, bacon, fresh seasonal fish
Spicy Crab Bisque$14.00
johnnie walker red label, cream, dungeness crab
Caesar Salad$12.00
creamy anchovy and lemon dressing, parmigiano reggiano, parmesan tuile, garlic croutons
Crab Seaweed Salad$22.00
dungeness crab, napa cabbage, sesame seaweed salad, white miso vinaigrette
Wedge Salad$14.00
iceberg lettuce, tomato, bacon, olive, hard-boiled egg, bleu cheese, bleu cheese dressing
Seasonal Greens$12.00
radish, crouton, cucumber, grape tomato, toasted almond, goat cheese, balsamic vinaigrette

Entrées

Seared Sashimi Grade Ahi Tuna$46.00
wasabi pea crust, napa cabbage slaw, white miso vinaigrette
Wild Alaskan King Salmon$40.00
lemon butter, caper, almond
Grilled Hawaiian Swordfish$36.00
purple cabbage slaw, grilled pineapple mango relish, passionfruit butter
Grilled Chilean Seabass$57.00
rice wine oyster sauce
Plancha Seared Scallops$44.00
radish, arugula, apple, citrus ginger butter
Maine Lobster Tails$87.00
2 8oz maine lobster tails, black truffle aioli, lemon butter
Jumbo Sea of Cortez Prawns$44.00
overstuffed with dungeness crab, shrimp, basil, fontina, roasted piquillo pepper coulis
Wild Alaskan Halibut$40.00
caramelized walla walla sweet onion, Washington cherries, lemon butter
Seafood Stew$36.00
fresh fish, clams, prawns, scallop, mussels, jasmine rice, red thai curry, coconut ginger broth
Seafood Bacchanalia$142.00
designed for two. steamed lobster tail, sea scallops, grilled wild prawns, seasonal fish, red king crab leg
Barents Sea Red King Crab Legs$98.00
black truffle aioli, lemon butter
Surf and Turf$92.00
8 oz filet, 8 oz maine lobster tail, black truffle aioli, lemon butter
Oven-Crisped Chicken$32.00
goat cheese, Dijon lemon herb butter
Prime Frenched Rib Steak$68.00
18 oz dry-aged, grilled crimini mushroom
Filet Aqua$65.00
8 oz filet topped with 2 oz lobster medallion, asparagus, sauce béarnaise
Filet Mignon$52.00
8 oz, grilled crimini mushroom
Prime New York Strip$65.00
14 oz dry-aged, grilled crimini mushroom

Add Ons

Oscar Style$22.00
3 oz dungeness crab, asparagus tips, béarnaise sauce
Barents Sea King Crab Leg$49.00
black truffle aioli, lemon butter
Maine Lobster Tail$45.00
8 oz, black truffle aioli, lemon butter

Shareable Sides

Sweet Roasted Yellow Corn$11.00
chipotle lime butter
Sautéed Asparagus$14.00
lemon zest, olive oil, sea salt
Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes$13.00
sweet butter, sour cream
Macaroni and Cheese$14.00
black truffle, reggiano
- Crab$24.00

What 1,944 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.5

4.5 based on all time ratings

4.5Food
4.5Service
4.5Ambience
4Value

Noise • Moderate

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Filters

MC
MichaelC
Detroit
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 1, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great views, lovely space, wonderful food and informed, friendly staff
M
Mike
Chicago
153 reviews
vip
5.0
153 reviews
Dined on April 16, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience4
Aqua and Matt's were by far our two favorites! Fantastic oysters and salad. The baked black cod was perfect! Superb service. Highly recommended.
OT
OpenTable Diner
London
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on April 15, 2018
overall4food4service4ambience4
Loud and noisy but good food and service! Appriciated to be driven back to our hotel!
J
John
San Diego
26 reviews
vip
5.0
26 reviews
Dined on April 13, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience4
Went for Seattle Restaurant Week. The selected pre fixe menu was excellent. The restaurant is large, therefore very noisy.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Seattle
16 reviews
3.0
16 reviews
Dined on April 11, 2018
overall3food5service1ambience5
Food was to die for as always. Service was far from our normal service when we dine at Aqua. It’s was my wife’s birthday and when the server approached she yelled Happy Anniversary. She barely cane to the table and we had to ask the floor manager for refills on our cocktails and other beverages. Food was Amazing
MG
MikeG
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on April 9, 2018
overall4food4service4ambience5
Slightly upmarket , seafood plus menu. Very nice setting and atmosphere for a special occasion.
FF
FledgelingFoodie
Seattle
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on April 3, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
Went to Aqua by El Gaucho for restaurant week, and was head over heels impressed! The food was excellent, the portions were generous for restaurant week, the service was superb by Carrie the waitress. Will go back for restaurant week or a special occasion in the future.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Seattle
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on April 1, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
Easter brunch
SD
SDLP
Miami
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on March 31, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fresh seafood that was really terrific! Excellent service by waitstaff .
M
Momof2
New York Area
25 reviews
vip
5.0
25 reviews
Dined on March 26, 2018
overall5food3service5ambience5
We enjoy visiting Aqua when we visit Seattle because of the stunning setting and the top notch service. We also love the live piano music that adds to the ambiance.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Seattle
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on March 25, 2018
overall4food5service4ambience5
Service staff wasn’t as energetic this time around. The woman who sat us seemed annoyed when I asked if there was a table that wouldn’t have the sun in our eyes. I believe she just rolled her eyes. And when asked if they had blinds she responded with a quick “no” with an added tone of irritation and ran off without making eye contact or staying a second longer, even though the place was empty/ dead at the time. And then the gentleman who brought the bottle of wine over that I had ordered also seemed like I was putting him out. However I enjoy the food and ambiance and our server was very polite (though he seemed a bit new as well). However, I will still enjoy coming back for other special occasions. Great place. Maybe just having some staff turnover or drama? Good help is hard to find and I get that. Overall very pleasant place for a special dinner with friends and out of town guests.
AD
AlanD
Portland
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 24, 2018
overall4food4service4ambience5
We love the shuttle service and beautiful views from the window table. We had a little confusion when we arrived. They had us in a small booth away from the window. I had made the reservation and requested a window table weeks prior. They were able to relocate us to our requested table and we had a wonderful anniversary evening.
ZD
ZackaryD
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 22, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and great service in an awesome environment, great place for a fancy birthday dinner or romantic night out.
SF
SteveF
Seattle
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 21, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
We really enjoyed our dinner here to celebrate my wife's birthday. The server made her feel special, the view was fabulous and the food excellent. Overall experience was great.
TR
TRex
Milwaukee
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on March 20, 2018
overall4food4service5ambience5
Great food, great wine, fantastic service. Healthy seafood selections but also some meats for carnivore friends.
S
Sebastian
Seattle
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 20, 2018
overall5food5service4ambience5
Amazing place, great view and food. It is expensive but it's worthy for special ocasion. The service wasn't outstanding but it was fine.
C
Cinderellaski
Seattle
52 reviews
vip
5.0
52 reviews
Dined on March 19, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
Aqua Never disappoints. Sarah was amazing. We were celebrating birthdays and she made it super special. Steaks were divine!
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on March 19, 2018
overall4food4service5ambience5
The food was all outstanding except for the prawns. The fresh oysters were truly fresh. The filet and the red king crab were perfect. The scallops were to die for! The prawns however tasted less than fresh and were disappointing. The service was professional, yet friendly and accomodating, and the waterfront location cant be beat.
SJ
SallyJ
Detroit
13 reviews
vip
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on March 19, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food and service.
GD
GorD25
Seattle
24 reviews
vip
5.0
24 reviews
Dined on March 18, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a wonderful birthday celebration. We were lucky enough to receive a window table with a fabulous view. The table service and sommelier were great. Super helpful, very friendly, and engaging. The food was excellent. From our appetizers of fresh oysters & crispy brussell sprouts, to our entrees of black cod, surf & turf, and lobster then finishing with bananas foster, bread pudding, and port. The only slight disappointment of the evening was the service at the bar. We purposely arrived early to relax at the bar before sitting down to dinner. We were promptly greeted and received our drinks but unfortunately didn’t see anyone again for over 20 minutes. While an expense evening, overall an amazing experience and well worth price for a great 65th birthday celebration.
TL
TamaraL
Seattle
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 18, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
A lovely place for special occasions or out of town guests.
MR
MelissaR
Denver
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 18, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
Took great care of us!
AM
AprilM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 18, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
Top notch service. Beautiful reataurant and outstanding food.
LG
LeeG
Seattle
93 reviews
vip
5.0
93 reviews
Dined on March 17, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service and great food. As usual, not disappointed.
A
Andrea
Seattle
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 17, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our server was wonderful! The view and food was perfect.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Seattle
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on March 16, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic service! Great suggestions from the waiter, and accommodations to make the experience special. Outstanding experience!
e
efritz
Seattle
37 reviews
vip
4.0
37 reviews
Dined on March 15, 2018
overall4food4service5ambience5
Lovely venue for a special occasion or important meeting. Sarah, our server was top-notch.
B
Bethany
Montana
13 reviews
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on March 14, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent as always. The flavors and food offering are always looked forward to
M
Mwah
Denver
48 reviews
vip
3.0
48 reviews
Dined on March 11, 2018
overall3food5service1ambience5
Beautiful restaurant. The waiter was a super rude but the food was excellent!
s
stu2you
Seattle
18 reviews
vip
4.0
18 reviews
Dined on March 11, 2018
overall4food4service5ambience5
colossal shrimp unexpected--would not order again, did not enjoy excellent service fantastic view, very nice ambience
m
mcnormal
Philadelphia
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on March 9, 2018
overall5food5service4ambience4
Initially we stood around for quite a while - as the front desk hostess was on the phone - a few minutes later another person came to help us. We had reservations, and were seated. The restaurant was empty and it took a while until we were given water or addressed. Once we met our waiter, he was great! It was just the initial lack of service that made us question our choice. THe food was excellent and the ambiance was perfect.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Seattle
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on March 8, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food, very similar to the regular el gauchos except with more seafood. They had a shuttle take us to our event which was awesome, saved us an uber.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Seattle
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 7, 2018
overall4food4service5ambience3
The serving staff was fantastic. The service charge is ridiculous. Why label it as such? Just increase the margin on all items to make your profit, why add a fee? Poor taste.
MN
MathewN
Minneapolis
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on March 5, 2018
overall4food5service4ambience5
We were rushed at first. Then our server did a great job with timing of food and level of service.
YO
YomiO
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 4, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great ambience. Service was attentive friendly, polite, the food was very tasty. Enjoyed our take home box also mmm. Expensive but highly recommended.
JT
JenniferT
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 4, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was amazing!! Service was over the top excellent!!
NR
NancyR
Seattle
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 4, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
We chose Aqua to celebrate my 3 sons birthdays. We wanted a special place. Aqua did not disappoint! Atmosphere, ambiance & view amazing. Our waitress Rochelle was attentive, friendly yet very professional. Also loved our sommelier who rocked our wine choosing. Food was excellent. Highly recommend! We will most definitely be back!
MD
MurietaDiner
Sacramento
17 reviews
vip
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on March 4, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
Went there for my Anniversary with my wife. It was spectacular. They had a booth set up for us and it had rose pedals on the table. The food was fantastic and the sunset superlative. I don't do surveys but this was worth giving them a shout out.
AH
AlyssaH
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 4, 2018
overall5food4service5ambience5
The service was impeccable from the sommelier to the host staff. There were 4 of us that ranged from full vegan to omnivore and the only reason the food didn't get 5 stars was for their very limited vegetarian/vegan options. However, I had the filet and it was wonderful! Will definitely be back!
D
Danro1
New England
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on March 3, 2018
overall2food5service1ambience1
The ambience and service were seriously lacking. We walked in the door and were given the check all in less than an hour. Definitely not a fine dining experience. I could get the same quality of food and atmosphere somewhere else for 1/4 of the cost. The food was good, but the whole experience was a waste of money. We wanted to celebrate but were rushed through everything to the point that there was no time to enjoy eachother's company.

FAQs

AQUA by El Gaucho is rated 4.5 stars by 1944 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

Is this your restaurant?

Claim this listing

Additional information

Cross street
Broad Street
Neighborhood
Waterfront / Belltown
Hours of operation
Open at 4:00 pm daily. Dinner: Nightly from 5:00pm.
Cuisines
Seafood, Steak, Northwest
Dining style
Fine Dining
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
Valet parking is available on Pier 70.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Executive chef
Wesley Hood
Entertainment
Live piano music seven days a week.
Additional
Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Entertainment, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://elgaucho.com/dine/aqua/
Phone number
(206) 956-9171
Private party facilities
AQUA by El Gaucho, located at the tip of Pier 70, features luxurious private dining rooms and an outdoor dining patio with an unparalleled 270-degree view of Elliott Bay, Seattle's skyline, and the Olympic Mountains. Each room features window shades and direct access to our spacious waterfront.
Private party contact
Carly Geer: (206) 956-8171

AQUA by El Gaucho

Not available on OpenTable

Additional information

Starters

Wicked Shrimp$18.00

Dungeness Crab Cakes$22.00

Crispy Fried Calamari$16.00

Steamed Manila Clams$19.00

Tenderloin Diablo$18.00

Salmon Tartare$18.00

Pancetta Wrapped Prawns$21.00

Ahi Tuna Poke$18.00

Green Curry Mussels$16.00

Oysters$21.00

Seafood Bliss$79.00

Soup & Salad

Creamy Seafood Chowder$14.00

Spicy Crab Bisque$14.00

Caesar Salad$12.00

Crab Seaweed Salad$22.00

Wedge Salad$14.00

Seasonal Greens$12.00

Entrées

Seared Sashimi Grade Ahi Tuna$46.00

Wild Alaskan King Salmon$40.00

Grilled Hawaiian Swordfish$36.00

Grilled Chilean Seabass$57.00

Plancha Seared Scallops$44.00

Maine Lobster Tails$87.00

Jumbo Sea of Cortez Prawns$44.00

Wild Alaskan Halibut$40.00

Seafood Stew$36.00

Seafood Bacchanalia$142.00

Barents Sea Red King Crab Legs$98.00

Surf and Turf$92.00

Oven-Crisped Chicken$32.00

Prime Frenched Rib Steak$68.00

Filet Aqua$65.00

Filet Mignon$52.00

Prime New York Strip$65.00

Add Ons

Oscar Style$22.00

Barents Sea King Crab Leg$49.00

Maine Lobster Tail$45.00

Shareable Sides

Sweet Roasted Yellow Corn$11.00

Sautéed Asparagus$14.00

Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes$13.00

Macaroni and Cheese$14.00

Overall ratings and reviews

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FAQs

How is AQUA by El Gaucho restaurant rated?

Not available on OpenTable

Additional information