Aquagrill

07/09/09

Dirtiest Restaurant in the City

by FOODIE

I was in last Sunday for brunch and not only did the Maitre D' lose my reservation but while I was eating I found a clump of dirt in my salad then I saw something run across the dining room. The bathroom was a diasator! Needless to say I will never eat there again. FISH is a better restaurant and it is in the area. YUCK!!!!

• Pros: There are plenty of other restaurants nearby
• Cons: It exists

05/29/09

Coupla slips, overall dope.

by aldo2002

The ambiance and decor inside is very appealing. Slightly congested dining area but comfy NY elbow dunting norm. Strong and tasty G and T opener followed by very delish Oysters (they have various types from all over, while they tasted rather similar, gooey seawater with nice little perky sauce, washed down with a cheeky sauvingnon blanc, everyone's happy).

Crab cake app was a bit of a fishy fried doughball, over cooked. The other chaps seemed happy with their apps. The three of us had the salmon, scallops and the halibut special, the two fish dishes were great but muggins here had the scallops, not the freshest and the sauce was really bad - not sure if the cook dropped the salt shaker or some of the capers fell in there but i was struggling to force it down - eventually sharing with my buddies that it was pretty damn poor. They had a bite and concurred.

When we mentioned it the lady was great, got rid, took it off the check and brought out another salmon - which was sublime. Brought two platters of shared deserts - little stuff but very kind.

My friend is a regular which would explain the great service and make up calls. Not complaining (sorta). I'll be back - HAVE THE SALMON - its crazy! Halibut Special my other pal order was also first class.

Overall, well done.

• Pros: Best Salmon dish I've ever eaten, hands down.
• Cons: Dodgy Scallops but I'll explain....

11/12/08

Great raw bar

by justaddwater

If you like oysters, this is the place. They carried something crazy like 30 varieties the night we went - some were local, some flown in from overseas. We tried 8 or 9 kinds. All were very fresh and tasty. Everything else we ordered was also expertly prepared (although less memorable than the oysters).

I really liked the unpretentious but professional atmosphere of the restaurant.

• Pros: One of the best raw bars in NYC
• Cons: Soho is out of the way for me

10/23/08

doesn't live up to the reputation, would only go for raw bar

by yizyaz

I went with my sister tonight to aquagrill (a thursday night). Initially, the maitre'd was very odd and talked to us about Johnny depp sitting with us, as a joke we presume, but we really have no idea what he was talking about. He continued this "joke" throughout the course of our dinner. Upon sitting, we had great service and enjoyed the oysters and florida stone crab legs immensely.

However, our bouillabaisse was sub par and lacked the saffron described in the menu. Moreover, we ordered the red drum fish, and they assured us that although there was only one left they would give it to us; after ordering, they said they had made a mistake but could put the similar barramundi in the same sauce; we agreed. When they served the fish, we realized they served the barramundi in the turbot sauce, not the red drum fish sauce, and the waiter realized and quickly apologized. He offered to change it, but we decided to forgive because it was already so late in the evening.

After declining the dessert menu, we assumed that the restaurant would at least take off our champagne apertif as redemption for their mistake as well as for our forgiveness. However, they offered us a pumpkin dessert (clearly a leftover at 11:30 in the evening) and particularly unwanting as one of us is allergic to pumpkin. We politely declined the dessert but thanked them for their generosity and beautiful presentation (stretching the truth a little).

after that display, we expected a little compensation for our efforts as well as their failing lack of effort, and yet, nothing was removed from the bill. We left a 20% tip and our comments about the evening.

overall, despite our experience, the food was not as good as we expected, and in these economic times, not worth your dime. good luck if you try it, but your best bet is getting some drinks and oysters at the bar. At least, that's all we'll ever do in the future.

10/04/08

Fresh Seafood..

by JElliotF

The food here is fantastic! The freshest seafood and so generous with the portions. We had the Seafood Plateau and it was a huge bucket. We also ordered the oysters that were so fresh and yummy. We had Warm Octopus Salad it was perfect..

Love places like this where the focus is on the quality of the food and not the decor. Very unpretentious, service is great, prices are excellent and you can't beat the freshness of the seafood. Definitely a fan and a returning customer!

• Pros: server,food

08/22/08

Good seafood in Soho

by adross1

The Oyster selection is extensive and the entrees are very tasty interpretations of fish we've all eaten a million times before (halibut, cod, tuna, etc). The restaurant is nosiy and crowded at dinnertime but no one seemed to care. Not overly expensive, with most entrees under $30. The most amazing seafood I've ever eaten? Nah. But it is very good. And chicks dig Soho.

• Pros: Good food, Extensive Oyster Selection, Good Wine List
• Cons: Small & Crowded

05/20/08

Best restaurant around

by nycgirl860

Aquagrill is one of my favorite restaurants in the city. I am there often and always get the same consistent, generous and welcoming service. I can always rely on being greeted by every staff member that passes me. The oysters are always fresh and delicious. And if you want to taste heaven, order the Truffle Crusted Chatham Cod. I recommend this place to anyone who wants a great meal and great service. The staff is extremely knowledgeable about all food items and drinks, and they are always happy to explain anything. No one here is pretentious. I think the reviewer below me might have mistaken what restaurant he/she was at. And if not, then it's probably best for him/her to stay in and never dine out because he/she clearly does not know great service. The prices are reasonable, especially for what you get at Aquagrill. I recommend that everyone try this restaurant.

• Pros: great service, amazing food
• Cons: none that i can think of

03/21/08

Rudeness in the City

by Skeatley

Going to dinner at a posh restaurant in the trendy West Village? I would suggest SKIPPING the Aquagrill.

The food is adequate; yet very expensive and the service left a horrible taste in my mouth. I have witnessed an indifferent wait-staff bark at customers on two separate occasions. There is nothing more dissatisfying than some parvenu hostess running the front like her doll house.

If going to this area I would suggest FISH located at 280 Bleecker St, in Manhattan.

If you go to the Aquagrill interact with wait-staff and bartenders at your own risk.

• Pros: Some really good shelfish
• Cons: Price prohibitive and horrible service (not European...just bad)

03/06/08

Great oysters

by luvnyc401

If you are a shellfish fan I recommend this place- I come just for the oysters and am always pleased. They have quite a large selection and price range depending on what you're looking for. My friend had a pasta dish and enjoyed it as well. They have a decent wine list and in the summers the outdoor area is a wonderful way to spend a Sunday. My only complaint is the service was almost too good the first time I was there, I was with a male that apparently is not a fan of waiters taking off and helping put on his jacket.

02/05/08

Amazing Experience from seafood to souffle

by peninah

I dined there Saturday evening and it was packed but to our astonishment we were greeted warmly and seated promptly. Our server was a pro who never made us feel neglected or rushed, but took time to make excellent oyster suggestions (small and sweet ones) as well as helping us pair wines by the glass with our order. The food was perfectly cooked and creative without being over the top - amazing tuna entree with flavors that enhanced the fish and even each other. My brother loved the bouillabaise and he has sampled versions from Marseilles to Manhattan and claimed this was the best of the best. I told the wiatress how much I loved the bread and she surprised me by telling me they make all their own breads and dessert and even chocolates. You can tell people care about what they're doing here - even on a busy Saturday night the place shined and made us leave feeling more than satisfied.

• Pros: Great food in a snazzy environment
• Cons: Small bathrooms, loud