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  4. Beaufort / Morehead City
  5. Beaufort / Morehead City

Aqua Restaurant

4.8
4.8
2483 Reviews
$30 and under
Contemporary American
**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

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 23 times today

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

  • 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

  • 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

What 2,483 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
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.5Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Coastal North Carolina

    Best Overall

  • Coastal North Carolina

    Best Food

  • Coastal North Carolina

    Best Service

  • Coastal North Carolina

    Best Ambiance

  • Coastal North Carolina

    Innovative

  • Coastal North Carolina

    Healthy

  • Coastal North Carolina

    Great for fine wines

  • Coastal North Carolina

    Contemporary American

Sort by

  1. OpenTable Diner

    Raleigh

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Nice!!!!!!!!!!
  2. OpenTable Diner

    Lake of the Ozarks

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A fabulous meal with attentive staff in a serene setting.
  3. carolb

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall4food3service4ambience4
    Grouper special was a very small piece of fish and it was overdone. We were disappointed. The desserts ( which we usually don’t get but we’re still hungry) we’re delicious.
  4. LoriG

    New England

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food and service was exceptional as always... love how the menu changes with the seasons!
  5. DannyJ

    Raleigh

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food & atmosphere! One of our favorite spots
  6. BrendaF

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a fabulous dinner of tapas and drinks. Loved the fresh fish.
  7. DannyJ

    Raleigh

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great atmosphere & amazing food!! One of our favorite restaurants.
  8. RonJ

    Pittsburgh

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 16, 2023

    overall2food3service3ambience3
    Always have loved this place..but this time appeard that the staff (kitchen in particular) was overwhelmed..took 30 minutes to get desert..significant amount of butter in shrimp and grits to where we needed to drain it out. Not sure if I'll be back.
  9. Fitfoodie

    Minneapolis

    20 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on May 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Excellent food! The mussels, artichoke appetizer, hummus, crab cake and the special vegan curry that the chef made for my husband. All were top notch! My only small complaint would be the a/c blows right on you when seated in the booths. We are traveling through but if ever back in town we would definitely come back!
  10. GregD

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 16, 2023

    overall3food2service3ambience3
    I was not impressed with the food and the cost of the meal for the price was ridiculous. I would not recommend this restaurant. The atmosphere was nice and the alcohol selection was good. The restaurant was hard to find and parking was ok, but had to pay.
  11. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    17 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We celebrated our anniversary at Aqua with a small group of friends and had a fabulous time. The food was over the top delicious and the service was perfect. The drinks were unique and beautiful. We WILL be back!
  12. RowenaL

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our first dining experience at Aqua Restaurant was phenomenal! The ambience and food, which included tapas and entrees, was exquisite. It was, by far, the best culinary experience we had when compared to all other restaurants we patronized during our 3-day stay in Beaufort. If you're looking for a quiet, first-rate place to eat, Aqau Restaurant is the place!
  13. DebbieT

    Wilmington

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    AQUA is our favorite restaurant in all of Carteret County! We always enjoy the excellent food and the the dining experience! We highly recommend Aqua to all who enjoy fine dining!
  14. LaurieG

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 11, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    This is a very well run bistro-style restaurant right off the Main Street in Beaufort, NC. The wine list is amazing. The menu is changed seasonally. The vegetables are amazing. The staff are glorious.
  15. DonnaI

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our waiter George was excellent. We always come here when we visit.. between the quality of the food and the ambience and the service I would highly recommend this restaurant !
  16. MattH

    Raleigh

    12 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on May 10, 2023

    overall1food2service3ambience3
    Went to celebrate vegetarian husband’s birthday. We have been to Aqua several times over 5 years and they have always had delicious and creative vegetarian options that he has enjoyed. I checked several sites before making the reservation. On all it was listed as vegetarian friendly. Several showed vegetarian dishes on the menu. One said vegetarian plate of the day dependent on local produce availability, ask your waiter for details. Things started out well as the host asked whose birthday it was while seating us. (I had noted that on the OT reservation.) We ordered a drink and looked over the menu. The only vegetarian choices we could find were an Artichoke heart appetizer and a Caprice salad, listed as a small plate (not as a salad). So we asked the waiter explaining my husband was a vegetarian. He conferred with the host and they suggested those two items and said the chef could saute up some vegetables if he wanted. Not sounding very appealing, he ordered their suggestions thinking there might be some accommodation as it was to be his meal. Bread was offered and the basket came with two 1.5x1.5x2” cubes and dipping sauce. We had to ask for more. His appetizer came and it was only 3 pieces. The Caprice salad was a nice salad plate. I had the single crab cake and vegetable small plate and a different salad. The food quality was good but the portions were smaller than our previous experiences. We ordered their signature crème brûlée which was large and good as it had been before. Previously, it had been gratis for his birthday, but I was not expecting that as there was no mention of his birthday after we were seated (though it would have been nice, considering how dinner had gone.) All in all this was a pretty disappointing experience on a special occasion. I do not know if there has been change of ownership, chef, or management, but it is not the same, and it is definitely NOT vegetarian friendly! I am writing this review to save other vegetarians the bother!
  17. DeanR

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Terrific dining experience! Exceeded expectations.
  18. franke

    Raleigh

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Cold air blowing but fantastic food & atmosphere & service!
  19. JamesS

    Phoenix

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We got the special for the night. It was wonderful! The menu is not large but the quality of the food way makes up for it. Next time we are in Beaufort, we will be eating at the Aqua for sure!
  20. KelseyB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was delicious and beautiful! The service was top quality and everything from start to finish was absolutely perfect!
  21. VirgoFoodist

    Raleigh

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 3, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    This is the best food in our area, IMO. Always inventive, fresh, beautifully presented and delicious. The wait staff are always well trained and professional. The menu always has plenty of gluten free options, like crab cakes, which I NEVER find anywhere! We always have a good time tucked away in this cozy gem or out on the screened porch in the summer.
  22. Drew58

    New York Area

    65 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    65 reviews

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Once again - the food, service and drinks were outstanding! A must go to every time we are here! The chef is amazing!
  23. JohnB

    Raleigh

    20 reviews

    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Get together with friends. Great food , drinks and service-as always.
  24. JaniceF

    Raleigh

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on April 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Aqua was amazing for our large party of 14. We were seated on the patio which was perfect and so much fun. Michelle and Susan took such good care of us and encouraged us to get our free birthday desserts for our 2 birthday celebrants. I would definitely recommend.
  25. ecsleeper

    Charleston

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on April 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    When dining out we look for an overall experience. Aqua gave us a great experience from amazing service to wonderful food. We were impressed with the staff and how their teamwork made the service efficient and enjoyable. All staff members were friendly and happy to help. The food was excellent. PJ was our main waiter and he made our evening the best it could be.
  26. RickD

    Wilmington

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 23, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    We have eaten here multiple times over the years. It is consitantly very good and the service is exceptional. We will return.
  27. andrea

    San Francisco

    23 reviews

    5.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on April 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was awesome like always. Is always something special if you go to Aqua.
  28. BobbyeS

    Wilmington

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food is wonderful and service top drawer. We have been several times and have never been disappointed. The mussels were amazing!
  29. Devil66

    Atlanta Metro

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The unique melding of wonderful food, a well-trained and friendly staff that works as a team, and a vibrant ambiance all make Aqua an extraordinary restaurant. We enjoyed one of the best meals we have ever had on Tuesday evening!
  30. RobertC

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 18, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience5
    We have been to many Wine o Ramas. In this particular case, we had a misstep which made the experience less enjoyable. We brought friends who had not been to Aqua or a WOR as we wanted them to experience the event. We were served our food before any wine was ever offered. We were finished eating our entrees having had only the first wine. When our plates were cleared from the table we received the remaining three tastings. Typically people drink wine with their food. In this case we sat and drank three offerings by themselves, the food already consumed. Not sure what the issue was, but the servers need to make sure wine is served with the meal. Made the experience much less enjoyable.
  31. Hank22

    Wilmington

    61 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    61 reviews

    Dined on April 18, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    We love Aqua and Wine-O-Rama but seems like the menu has shrunk. The food was awesome but miss the bacon wrapped jalapenos and mushroom risoto.
  32. MaryJ

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic food, as always. Personal and attentive staff. Wonderful experience!!
  33. BPWD

    San Francisco

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on April 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Restaurant was great from start-to-finish in terms of what was within host Quentin's control. Food was great. Service was very friendly and attentive. Food was a bit slow coming out of the kitchen but that's okay. The only problem I want to note is that there was a family there with two very small children, and the children were out of control. During our time there we had to hear high-pitched, piercing screams out of the toddler that the parents seemed to indulge. This was not okay. I've raised kids and I know how they can be, but when they are acting like that? You take them outside instead of ruining everyone else's meal. These people were beyond rude by allowing the child to continue with the screaming. This was NOT Aqua's fault, but Aqua should be aware that allowing this really disturbs patrons. I do not consider Aqua an appropriate place for screaming toddlers and infants.
  34. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Been coming to Aqua for over 10 years. Still our favorite restaurant in Beaufort. Outstanding as always.
  35. bernie52

    Charleston

    42 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    42 reviews

    Dined on April 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Superb dining experience! Space was well designed with booths, floor tables and separate bar area. Service was top notch from immediate seating by host to attention by server and meal delivery. Liked be able to view the 3 team chef in the intimate kitchen. Value - yes and Friday is 33% off wine bottles. Wife and I shared mussels, poached pear Brie salad, and fried artichoke hearts. Then had small plates of sautéed red snapper and crab cake. Picky fish wife marveled at fresh preparation and I was equally impressed with crab cake mushroom and leak accompaniment. Remember Value - $138 including a Pinot normally $65.
  36. ChristineR

    Raleigh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The bread basket was a little weak as the two pieces of bread were somewhat small. I am being overly picky, but other than that the food and experience was wonderful. We will definitely come back again.
  37. djauton

    Raleigh

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on April 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was outstanding! Service was perfect. Highly recommend man
  38. DavidK

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 13, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    filet cooked perfectly; coconut curry sauce on mussels was delicious and not overpowering and would have been good just with the bread!
  39. PeteM

    Raleigh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We love to go to Aqua every time we visit Beaufort. The food is always outstanding and the service is wonderful.
  40. LisaW

    Charlotte

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Aqua restaurant is lovely and romantic, beautifully decorated with candles on each table. We found it a little tricky to enter; although there is a sign on Front Street, the entrance is on Middle Street, on the back of Front Street. Food was delicious but not a generous portion. Our server, Iesha, was personable, pleasant, attentive - just a lovely lady.

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 2483 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 23 times today
Google Map for Aqua Restaurant

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

  • 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

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
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