Aqua Restaurant

Name: Aqua Restaurant
Address: 114 Middle Lane, Beaufort, NC, United States, 28516
Telephone: (252) 728-7777
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.8

4.8

2584 Reviews

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Top Tags:

**Only in Beaufort, NC** Executive Chef Jon McGregor’s menu is created to bring you the freshest seasonal items available presented with a creative touch. Aqua’s small plates offer you an exciting array of tastes in
"just right” portions, ideal for passing around the table or enjoying two or three as a full meal. Aqua’s Big Plates feature the freshest local seafood and premier meats, as well as local produce. Aqua prides itself on offering fresh, local products and supporting our local fisherman and farmers.

Enjoy our upscale bar offerings, including specialty cocktails and expansive wine list.

Enjoy your experience in our Dining Room or on our comfortable, breezy screened-in porch. Please take care to select the dining area of your choice when making reservations.

We can’t wait to serve you soon. Cheers for now!

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Oct 1, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 12 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Contemporary American, Fusion / Eclectic, Seafood
Hours of operation
Dinner Tue–Thu 5:30 pm–8:30 pm Fri, Sat 5:30 pm–9:30 pm
Phone number
(252) 728-7777
Website
http://www.aquaexperience.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Jon McGregor
Catering
Limited off site catering is available.
Private party facilities
Private party / Banquet facilities available overlooking Taylor's Creek and the Beautiful Beaufort waterfront from the 3rd floor private dining room located in our sister restaurant Clawson's 1905 Restaurant & Pub. Seats up to 69
Private party contact
Kim Kromka: (252) 728-7777

Location
114 Middle Lane, Beaufort, NC 28516
Neighborhood
Beaufort / Morehead City
Parking details
Private Lot
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

Cheese Plate$10.00
seared Ashe county juusto and bruleed triple cream brie
Tuna Poke*$9.00
marinated fresh local tuna
Artichoke Hearts$8.00
panko fried, citrus ginger yogurt, feta
Duck Wings$11.00
duck drummettes, 5 spice rub, gochujang, Asian slaw
Mussels$12.00
PEI mussels, coconut saffron broth, grilled baguette

Small Plates

Local Catch
designed daily by our chef
- Market Price
Grilled Petite Filet*$26.00
CAB Beef tenderloin, veal demi glace, spinach, roasted tomatoes, truffle dusted gratin potatoes
Seared Crab Cake$25.00
lump crabmeat, sauteed spinach, leeks, mushrooms, citrus chili aioli
Winter Squash$15.00
preparation varies according to local farmers products and availability
Shrimp & Grits Provencal$24.00
tomato basil relish, white balsamic beurre blanc, creamy polenta
Seared Local Tuna*$25.00
blackened rare fresh local tuna, soba noodle salad, wasabi greens, traditional accompaniments
Duck Confit$27.00
crispy leg quarter of duck, sweet potato puree, baby carrot, spinach, tomato, blood orange bigarade

Big Plate

Sea and Shore*
CAB beef petite filet, veal demi glace, yukon gold mashed potatoes, winter vegetables. Choice of
- Local Catch$43.00
- Seared Crab Cake.$43.00
- Grilled Shrimp$36.00
- Two Large Sea Scallops$43.00
Noodle Bowl*$39.00
sauteed shrimp, blackened rare fresh local tuna, two large sea scallops, coconut chili broth
Boneless Beef Short Rib$35.00
sweet potato puree, haricot verts, carrot, demi glace

Salads

add to any dish: CAB petite filet* $24, crab cake $23, local catch (market), grilled shrimp $13, two large sea scallops $23

Caesar$11.00
chopped romaine and kale, grilled focaccia, roasted tomatoes, olives, parmesan, egg
Poached Pear and Brie$11.00
saffron poached pear, baby kale, walnuts, grapes, triple cream brie, blood orange vinaigrette

Sweet Endings

Aqua's Signature Crème Brulée$13.00
huge Madagascar vanilla bean crème brulée
Chocolate Mousse$10.00
our pastry chef's creation of the week
Bananas Foster$11.00
bananas, caramel, brown butter cake, vanilla bean ice cream
Dessert Sampler$27.00
enjoy a sample of the above three house made confections

What 2,584 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.6Service
4.6Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Coastal North Carolina
Healthy
Coastal North Carolina
Great for fine wines
Coastal North Carolina
Contemporary American

2,584 Reviews

NS
NancyS
Puerto Vallarta
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service4ambience4
Small but well curated menu. Everything was presented well .
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BR
BryanR
Washington DC
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Love sitting outside. Quentin is fantastic! Always on our list to go to when in the area. Food is always outstanding.
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LS
LindaS
Western NC
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
My third visit and another excellent meal. Love this restaurant
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FR
FrederickRetiree
Baltimore
15 reviews
5.0
15 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was incredible. The fried artichoke appetizer was tasty. We enjoyed the specials. The grouper special was fresh and perfectly cooked. The small plate size was actually quite generous and more than adequate so don’t be confused by the small plate label. The other special was short ribs with scallops. Again perfectly prepared. The short ribs were a generous size and virtually fat free. We enjoyed the pear infused vodka martini before dinner and a chocolate martini for dessert. The bartender knows what he is doing. The service was friendly, knowledgeable and unobtrusive. The maitre d’ noticed I was chilly and actually turned up the AC temp for me.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on September 19, 2023
overall3food3service2ambience2
Our outside table was near another less formal outside table where people were smoking cigarettes which tempered the dining experience. Initial service was good. It once we received first course there was a long gap in which drink glasses were emptied. The main courses arrived and glasses remained empty we had to ask multiple times for water. Food items were very good, especially tuna poke and artichoke appetizers. Shrimp and grits also excellent with a unique flavor and perfectly cooked shrimp. Portions were relatively small but quite tasty. For the price point we expected a little more attention in service.
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LK
LisaK
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always amazing! Service is so personable and the food is consistently delicious!
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KK
KarinK
Poconos
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on September 13, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
I've been here many times but not since 2019 the food was good look forward to and enjoyed the dessert trio Three of our diners had the filet and I'll enjoyed it
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RR
RogerR
Raleigh
22 reviews
4.0
22 reviews
Dined on September 13, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience3
Excellent food, very good service, but wat too loud. They need to mitigate.
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c
cfct21
New York Area
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great reception from the Host; excellent guidance from our server and interesting, delicious menu
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BO
BarryO
Western NC
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on September 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
First time eating at Aqua... We could not have been more pleased with the total package from this restaurant.... From the greeting we received at the door to the farewell we received from our waiter it was perfect.. Food was some of the best ever
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JL
JenniferL
Philadelphia
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and great service. Would recommend to anyone visiting Beaufort.
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MB
MichaelB
Raleigh
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 9, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
Another excellent meal at Aqua Restaurant. I highly recommend Aqua as a restaurant to get a quality meal.
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MB
MitzieB
Raleigh
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food and overall experience! Perfect portions and always perfectly prepared!
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AB
AlyshaB
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was exceptional! Our waitress was very friendly, and informative. We are from Newbern, and this is one of our favorite places to go in Beaufort.
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SC
StephenC
Raleigh
13 reviews
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on September 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
My wife and I had the best dinner at Aqua last night. Everything we ordered was outstanding. I had the corn chowder to start and my wife had the caprese salad. Both were outstanding. We then shared the mussels and the special grouper small plate. The mussels were to die for. The sauce they serve them in is incredible. We both dripped our bread in the sauce to get as much of it as possible. I would have used a straw if I had one. The grouper was also outstanding as was the squash purée that came with it. We didn’t have room for dessert which just gives us an excuse to come back soon for more of their great food! Thanks for a meal to remember.
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CM
ClaireM
Raleigh
7 reviews
vip
4.0
7 reviews
Dined on September 4, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
The food was very good - as long as you don't have a vegetarian in your party. Vegetarian choices were very limited (soup & salad for our visit last night). I've found that many high end restaurants can supply an appealing vegetarian meal even when it is not their specialty so I am disappointed that Aqua doesn't even try. The specialty cocktails were very disappointing. We ordered three different cocktails, none of which were inspiring. One whiskey cocktail had no evidence of alcohol in the drink at all. We asked to confirm that the whiskey had been included (recognizing they were busy and mistakes happen) and we were told that you should not taste the alcohol in a good specialty cocktail - say what?? Why would it matter what alcohol you use in a cocktail if there's no trace of it in the drink? I appreciate people have different expectations in their drink choices, but to be unable to discern a gin cocktail from a whiskey cocktail is not what we were looking for in our drinks. I've eaten at Aqua several times and I feel this is representative of each visit. I will return for the food (but not with a vegetarian in the party) and I'll avoid their specialty cocktails.
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AL
AnitaL
Raleigh
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on September 3, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience2
Are here 2 years ago and the good was fabulous. This time was a huge disappointment. Martini was watery. Artichoke appetizers were dry and bland. Crab cake was mostly filler and way too salty. Summer Berry salad was very good though. Noise level from band at a nearby bar/restaurant was intolerable. Our waiter couldn’t hear us ordering and we couldn’t talk to each other.
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PA
PAtrickF
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Outstanding restaurant Superior service and food that was exceptional. It is hidden off the main road but do not miss this restaurant. Quint on the mater d was outstanding
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MM
MermaydMom
Richmond
66 reviews
3.0
66 reviews
Dined on September 2, 2023
overall3food4service4ambience4
We were lucky to get a reservation for this popular restaurant for the patio only. The patio was nice especially during the evening. We were told they had their own parking which was marked but when we arrived at 6p the lot was full! Strange because the restaurant had only one couple inside. When we told the hostess, they stated they shared the lot with other businesses, so I sat at table while my husband drove around to find parking. The server was prompt, drinks arrived quickly and were good. Then after the appetizer arrived there was a huge time delay before our main course arrived. We ordered the recommended shrimp & grits which were so salty that was almost inedible, and my husband likes salty food but even he could not eat this dish. I ordered the tile fish and it was delicious. The desserts are wonderful! We had the banana foster, lit table side and yummy! The creme brulee is huge FYI. Over all a great place for drinks but would not come back when a holiday weekend and sit inside for better service.
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TA
TammyandAndy
Coastal Georgia
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wow! The staff prepared for my birthday dinner with a card, blue champagne, and a dessert! Their kindness and efficiency is unmatched. The food…some of the best I’ve ever had!!
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K
martiK
Raleigh
20 reviews
5.0
20 reviews
Dined on September 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great experience, maitre the best, great food, drinks and service.
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SB
ScottB
Wilmington
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We picked the perfect spot to celebrate our anniversary! Aqua is our “go to” spot for special occasions. The restaurant looks great, has a unique menu, excellent staff, and the food is delicious! We really enjoyed the tuna poke, hummus, filet, and tilefish! The creme brûlée was the perfect end to the dinner! Thank you, Aqua!
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BM
BillM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
This was our first time at Aqua. We did have a problem with one of our meals, but it was handled very professionally. It was a bit pricey, but all the food was delicious. We had the artichokes, the crab cake, the fresh catch(mahi mahi), and the bananas foster.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful dinner. I had the shrimp and grits and it was perfect. Shrimp were cooked perfectly and grits were delicious.
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BM
BMcG
Wilmington
16 reviews
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on August 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent dinning experience. A must stop every time we're in town.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Charlotte
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 23, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
The food was delicious and we will certainly back again!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Wilmington
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on August 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Top dining venue in Beaufort! Consistently outstanding with creative entrees. Fabulous wine selection too!
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NY
NYdiner
New York Area
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on August 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We enjoyed WineOrama and talking with the wine rep about the selections.
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VF
VirgoFoodist
Raleigh
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on August 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Aqua was terrific for a special dinner with friends. Always something new on the menu, lots of gluten free options, extensive drink menu, and well trained professional staff. We always love it!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Raleigh
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was excellent! Service was on point and everyone was engaging. Friendly staff that had great recommendations. The seared crab cake and summer berry salad is excellent. I will be back.
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BB
BillB
E. Tennessee
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on August 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Service was excellent, there when needed not just hovering. Food delivered timely and well prepared. Very good wine list and great food presentation.
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BM
BMcG
Wilmington
16 reviews
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on August 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always a wonderful experience. Attentive staff. Outstanding dishes prepared with attention to detail. Love dining at Aqua.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Raleigh
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great vibe. First class dishes. Fast service. Love this hidden gem.
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AH
AmyH
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had sea and shore as our entree with filet and crab cake. They were both awesome. The filet was cooked perfectly. Even though most would not consider mashed potatoes to be the star of the show. But the Gouda mashed potatoes were absolutely amazing and held their own with the filet and crab cake. We also had the cream brûlée and not only was it huge but delicious. The vanilla bean was very prominent. Our appetizer was the fried artichoke hearts and were great. They made me really hungry for the rest of the meal. The ambience was perfect and so was our server. He was attentive and always there when we needed him, but never worrisome. Also very personable.
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JR
JamesR
Alabama
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on August 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was one of the best restaurants we've eaten at to this year (and we eat out 1-2x/wk in our home town). We were from out of town and were fortunate to find Aqua. The food was amazing - fresh, healthy and packed with unique flavors. I highly recommend to anyone visiting the area.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 10, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience4
Very busy night but the server did a great job getting us what we needed. Food was excellent we had the catch of the day (grouper) and tuna. The wine we selected paired well. The food was a little slow coming out but didn’t effect the over all night. I would give them an A+ Thanks
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Excellent meal with terrific service - an absolute delight!
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MM
MichaelM
Raleigh
21 reviews
vip
5.0
21 reviews
Dined on August 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was very good. The service was very good. WHEN we are back in town we will eat at Aqua.
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y
yumyum
Wilmington
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on August 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We celebrated our 37th anniversary there. The food and service were fabulous. George is an excellent waiter!
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D
Dave
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on August 8, 2023
overall3food5service1ambience2
Food was excellent as always. Service was poor. Our waitress seemed more attentive to other patrons. She never offered us more drinks or dessert.
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FAQs

Aqua Restaurant offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (252) 728-7777.

Aqua Restaurant is rated 4.8 stars by 2584 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

Oct 1, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 12 times today

Order delivery or takeout

114 Middle Lane, Beaufort, NC 28516

Additional information

Neighborhood
Beaufort / Morehead City
Hours of operation
Dinner Tue–Thu 5:30 pm–8:30 pm Fri, Sat 5:30 pm–9:30 pm
Cuisines
Contemporary American, Fusion / Eclectic, Seafood
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Private Lot
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Jon McGregor
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.aquaexperience.com/
Phone number
(252) 728-7777
Catering
Limited off site catering is available.
Private party facilities
Private party / Banquet facilities available overlooking Taylor's Creek and the Beautiful Beaufort waterfront from the 3rd floor private dining room located in our sister restaurant Clawson's 1905 Restaurant & Pub. Seats up to 69
Private party contact
Kim Kromka: (252) 728-7777

Aqua Restaurant

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Tuna Poke

Artichoke Hearts

Seared Crab Cake

Tapas

Cheese Plate$10.00

Tuna Poke*$9.00

Artichoke Hearts$8.00

Duck Wings$11.00

Mussels$12.00

Small Plates

Local Catch

Grilled Petite Filet*$26.00

Seared Crab Cake$25.00

Winter Squash$15.00

Shrimp & Grits Provencal$24.00

Seared Local Tuna*$25.00

Duck Confit$27.00

Big Plate

Sea and Shore*

Noodle Bowl*$39.00

Boneless Beef Short Rib$35.00

Salads

Caesar$11.00

Poached Pear and Brie$11.00

Sweet Endings

Aqua's Signature Crème Brulée$13.00

Chocolate Mousse$10.00

Bananas Foster$11.00

Dessert Sampler$27.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

FAQs

Does Aqua Restaurant offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Aqua Restaurant restaurant rated?

Is Aqua Restaurant currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information