Aqua Restaurant

Name: Aqua Restaurant
Address: 114 Middle Lane, Beaufort, NC, United States, 28516
Telephone: (252) 728-7777
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.9

4.9

2622 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

Dec 6, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 20 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
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 2,622 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.9

4.9 based on recent ratings

4.9Food
4.7Service
4.7Ambience
4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Coastal North Carolina
Best Overall
Coastal North Carolina
Best Food
Coastal North Carolina
Best Value
Coastal North Carolina
Innovative
Coastal North Carolina
Great for fine wines

2,622 Reviews

MB
MikeB
Pittsburgh
16 reviews
vip
5.0
16 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Enjoyed our meal and drinks. Service was excellent.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Wilmington
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our only problem was parking. Even at 5:30 we searched for 20 minutes and walked 3 blocks back to the restaurant. The staff was very attentive and took good care of us. The menu, as always, was fantastic. We look forward to a return visit.
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K
Kate
Raleigh
28 reviews
vip
5.0
28 reviews
Dined on November 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent shrimp and grits /. My husband stated he would order it all the time if it was always this good! crab cake with surrounding elements was also excellent. Service fine, lighting and noise level very good,. Choice of sizes in wine and entrees was helpful especially if staying at a hotel where no “take home” plate is desired. Bananas Foster a bit short on bananas and cake quite dense but good. Overall a pleasurable dinner.
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BD
BeltwayDiner
Phoenix
33 reviews
vip
5.0
33 reviews
Dined on November 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Aqua is always a good choice. Tuna poke was fresh and delicious. The grouper special with mango coulis and pork fried rice was so creative and yummy. Pork belly was excellent. Love that so many ingredients are locally sourced.
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JY
JimY
Wilmington
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was a great place to start our first visit to Beaufort NC! Everything was wonderful and very thankful they were open on thanksgiving Eve.
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c
cfct21
New York Area
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on November 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxalways good 👍
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Raleigh
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on November 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always love Aqua. One of my favs and it never disappoints!!!😍
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TA
TropicalAlaska
Wilmington
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 16, 2023
overall4food4service3ambience3
I enjoyed my meal at Aqua. The food was very good and the cocktail menu was creative. Extensive wine list, also. Aqua ranks amoungst the best restaurants in Beaufort.
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d
doug
Baltimore
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on November 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We enjoyed the dinner and will be back the next time we are in Beaufort.
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AW
AngelaW
Raleigh
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on November 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The CAB filet and desert sampler are magnificent. The filet is so tender and flavorful.
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BW
BrookeW
Chicago
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Food was exceptional and our server created the most amazing dining experience-even lending me her readers so I could see the wine list. Cocktails were so delicious and beautifully crafted. Everything about this meal was perfect with the small exception that the air conditioning ducts are aimed at the tables and can make for a chilly evening. Our server was kind to shut them off, but bring a sweater if you are dining here.
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RE
RobertE
Wilmington
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on November 10, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience4
We had a 5:30 indoor reservation on a cold and windy evening. The staff would not let us in the door at 5:15 when we arrived and in fact did not open the door until 5:35. This was unacceptable service to say the least. The rest of our experience there as in the past was very good. Sarah our waitress was superb.
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PW
PamelaW
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was by far one of the best meals I have had in a while. The fresh catch swordfish was melt in your mouth delicious. My friend gave me some of her tuna, shrimp and scallops from her noodle bowl and they too were scrumptious. Then we were treated to the trio of desserts, all amazing. They also treated one of our group to glass of champagne to help celebrate her birthday. Highly recommend!
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RG
RaleighGirl
Wilmington
18 reviews
vip
5.0
18 reviews
Dined on November 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
There’s always deliciousness coming from the kitchen at Aqua. Their menu changes which is a nice change from most restaurants. Service was awesome too! Thanks for a great date night!!
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r
ralphh
Baltimore
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on October 31, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
First time at Aqua, and we will definitely be back! The food was excellent - both the apps and the main (too full for dessert.) The waitstaff were all professional and friendly. The decor is very attractive, and the glass partitions between the booth made it very easy to talk and hear. Every aspect of the restaurant is done well.
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A
Adrienne
Charlotte
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our first visit and we can not wait to return! Service, food and drinks were excellent.
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j
jess
Wilmington
18 reviews
5.0
18 reviews
Dined on October 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Always excellent service, drinks and food! Aqua gets everything right every single time. Our go to is the ceviche, poke, noodle bowl and the sea and shore. Their complimentary rosemary focaccia is refreshingly delicious and a perfect start to a most wonderful meal!
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S
Suzyq
Raleigh
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our second time dining at Aqua. So glad a friend recommended it to us. We usually like to dine in waterfront locations but this is fabulous. Celebrated my birthday and was certainly treated very special. The food did not disappoint and the service was top notch. I would recommend you try it if you are in Beaufort.
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BM
BMcG
Wilmington
17 reviews
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on October 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent experience, wonderful food. Husband enjoyed the fresh catch of red drum.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Wilmington
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything was excellent. The reason I love awkward is that it’s always consistent service the food, the wind, the ambience.
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DE
DonaldE
Tampa
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on October 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Outstanding fresh seafood; wonderful wine list; refreshing dessert; friendly and very competent severs. A most enjoyable “date night”. Will be back often. One of our favorite places in Beaufort.
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LS
LindaS
New York Area
19 reviews
vip
5.0
19 reviews
Dined on October 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience3
Excellent food and service. Creative and timely presentation. What a gem of a restaurant. The mussels were particularly tasty. Best “foodie” place we’ve found on the Crystal Coast. Highly recommend!
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I
Insearchofgreatsteak
Jacksonville
18 reviews
vip
4.0
18 reviews
Dined on October 24, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience5
It was good, not amazing. Not sure why they ask if you’re celebrating anything special because they don’t even check. We were on our honeymoon and it was my husband’s birthday, which was noted on the reservation yet no mention was made of either. Our server wasn’t overly friendly, just did her job. The petit filet was delicious and the noodle bowl was very tasty though a bit spicy.
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C
Chris
Raleigh
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on October 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
My wife and I dined for our 21st anniversary. Seated immediately according to our reservation. The signature cocktails were difficult to select from those available but the Alibi and Lone Ranger were both marvelous, former a bit sweeter, later bolder. Each was a mixture I’ve never encountered before. We split the courses brought out consecutively. First was artichoke hearts for appetizer which we could have dined on all night: hearty, crispy, breaded with herbs. We then split petite filet, cooked to perfection medium rare. Our main course was the noodle bowl with shrimp, scallops, and seared ahi tuna in coconut curry. This was enjoyed with an Israeli red blend wine. Our water glasses were never empty due to the attentive service. We were gifted crème brûlée to conclude in honor of our anniversary. Perfect size to not over indulge yet left with sweet ending. Although open air seating, noise allowed us to converse without raising our voice or missing anything said. Next visit to Beaufort, I will be making reservations at Aqua again.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Raleigh
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on October 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Wonderful meal. The mussels may be the best I’ve ever tasted.
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BB
BobB
Houston
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
We were seated promptly after arrival for our reservation. Staff was friendly, knowledgeable and helpful regarding specials, preparations and recommendations. Entrees were paced well and arrived hot. My wife had the market special (grouper) and I had the petite filet/grouper (sea to shore). Bother were beautifully presented, cooked perfectly and outstanding. We both appreciate fine dining and thoroughly enjoyed Aqua. The best meal we had while visiting Beaufort.
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BS
BruceS
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our first impression was warmth. The pictures on the walls were soothing, drinks well put together, lighting and ambience comforting. Our server was well acquainted with the menu and answered our questions appropriately. Food was excellent and timed well between courses. We will be back!
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B
Bentley
Anchorage
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on October 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
“Aqua never disappoints” We try to go to Aqua whenever we’re at the coast. Whether it’s just my husband and I or a group of friends. Tonight was grand !
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was our second visit. Service was great. Food and Drink was fabulous. Will visit again next time in town.
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D
Drew58
New York Area
71 reviews
vip
5.0
71 reviews
Dined on October 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
One of our all time Favorites!!! The food is always excellent!! The drinks and service always top notch! And Quintin is always there to great us with a smile!!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Wilmington
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on October 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Continues to be an outstanding restaurant! The food is excellent and service quite attentive ! Wine selection was was best on Coast !
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GR
GlennR
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Delicious food and top notch service. A little noisy but manageable. A band outside at a neighboring bar was a little intrusive, but no fault of Aqua. Bread and oil/spice dip to start the meal was pretty darn good. Full bar and huge wine selection. Huge. Every style for every preference. Kitchen is open air, with hard working chefs that actually smile while they are filling orders.
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L
Larry
Greensboro
15 reviews
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on October 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food and service. Very enjoyable, nice decor! Well designed restaurant especially the acoustics- ability to talk and enjoy the background music makes it a great place to have conversations in a romantic setting. Outdoor seating with heaters is available. We enjoyed it so much, we made additional reservations. Also enjoyed a unique wine from Portugal, Quinta D Mandella VV 2018. We’ll definitely report again after our next reservation!
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JH
JeanH
San Francisco
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 10, 2023
overall3food3service4ambience5
Good basic restaurant. Loved the small local feel.
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LG
LarryG
Charlotte
15 reviews
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on October 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and service. If you visit Beaufort don’t leave without trying Aqua. We loved everything we tried. Cheers to Aqua.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Went for my sisters birthday. Food was great, service was great, she even got a free birthday dessert. I definitely recommend!
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D
Duncan
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic meal with great ambiance. Staff was friendly and helpful with the menu and drinks.
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s
sallyh
Richmond
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on October 6, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
Love the small plate format. Don’t miss the bananas foster!
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a
aburns
Pinehurst
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on October 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our first experience at this fabulous restaurant. A hidden gem off a back road away from the hustle and bustle of this beautiful little costal town. Everything was spectacular. From our greeting from Quinton, the effervescent Host all the way through the entire meal everything was wonderful. Our waiter George was very attentive and courteous. We were celebrating a birthday and the staff had a cute Birthday Card waiting for us on our table and provided a complementary signature cocktail. If you are ever in Beaufort, NC and want a dining experience to remember make a reservation and visit Aqua. We will definitely return again and again.
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NS
NancyS
Puerto Vallarta
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on September 29, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience4
Small but well curated menu. Everything was presented well .
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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 4.9 stars by 2622 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 6, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 20 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
Price
$30 and under
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

Noodle Bowl

Shrimp & Grits Provencal

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