Seattle's hidden jewel, gorgeous and warmly elegant, Aqua by El Gaucho sparkles at the tip of Pier 70. Walls of glass showcase some of Seattle's finest views of Elliott Bay, Magnolia Bluff and the Space Needle.
"Unfortunately, we found that the customer service, drinks and most of the food (other than the entree) where not up to our expectations. Also the customer service in Aqua is not impressive. AQUA has more of an older, busier atmosphere where all the servers are running around with serious looks on their face. The Bellevue location on the other hand had a sophisticated feel to it where every person beginning from the valley to the server provided 5 star service.
Other-all, we felt that if you are going to be putting the same amount of money for your meal that the AQUA experience was far inferior to the El Gaucho Bellevue location. We recommend, strongly, celebrating a special occasion in Bellevue and asking for Manny as your server."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: scenic view
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"The food was excellent, but the service was below what I would expect for this type of place. It took forever for our meals to come and the waiter explained that they were "very busy". I would think that was a good thing for a restaurant that most of their tables were full, not a problem that caused poor service. The noise level was WAY too high. The reason we were there was to spend time together and we had to practically shout to be heard above the noise. Won't go back. If I'm going to spend that kind of money, I prefer someplace quieter."
Dined on 5/21/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups
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"Went to Aqua for the first time this week on recommendation by a friend. Wow!!! It starts with the view (fabulous westerly views of the bay via floor to ceiling windows) and continued with the service (par excellence), food (meticulously prepared steaks and seafood) and wine (fabulous wine list). I knew El Gaucho to be a great steak place and hoped it would carryover to this relatively new offering and we were not disappointed in the least. Everything was superb and the wine recommendations were spot on. We had a fabulous evening and it appeared everyone else in the restaurant did as well. We will definitely keep Aqua on our short list of favorite spots for important or special events!"
Dined on 5/20/2013
Special Features: good for groups, scenic view, notable wine list, special occasion
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"Took my mom for mother day brunch, it was out first time dined at Aqua, heard from friends about the good food and nice view. It was true, everything was just wonderful, mom was happy and definitely will come back."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: great for brunch, scenic view, special occasion
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"My 20 year old son wanted a Seattle restaurant waterfront dining experience for mother's day. Read review's on several and all were very mixed and inconsistent. He flipped a coin between 2 and AQUA was selected.
Both my wife and son were amazed by the great flavors of theirs but wished their servings were a bit larger. I was content with my meal but wouldn't consider it exceptional."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, scenic view, special occasion
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"Great food. We were there for the first catch of Copper River Salmon season. Salmon was cooked perfect and the flavor was amazing! Had a memorable time with great friends and the best Salmon dinner we've had out in a very very long time!"
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, scenic view, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"We had a reservation at 1230 - was seated close to 1 - took over 45min to get food - steak was raw and was returned. This place was waaaay understaffed to support the amount of people they had there. Secondly - for a fixed menu with VERY expensive prices I would have expected faster service with a much higher quality bar.
Will never come back....."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: hot spot
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"1st time visiting Aqua off recommendation from friend. As hotel GM, was very impressed with the service level including everyone we met providing unsolicited "congrats on 1 year anniversary"...and bisque, salad, king crab, scallops, shrimp, salmon, and lobster tail were all excellent as well!
Thank you!"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, scenic view, special occasion
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"Here's tip for a restaurant that is going to charge a huge premium above its already-high prices: Don't have your server open with "we're really busy today, get your order in now." That we gave him any tip was generous. Here's a tip for restaurants: Mother's Day, the busiest day of the year - add staff. And educate your dummy waiter about customer messaging."
Dined on 5/12/2013
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"Visited Aqua for our 1st Anniversary. I noted this occassion when making the reservation and the entire wait staff (hostess, waitress etc.) made it a point to congratulate us on our anniversary. They even had a card waiting for us when we arrived. Overall, I was very impressed by the service and equally impressed by the food."
Dined on 5/05/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, scenic view, special occasion
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"If you're a foodie, I would not go here! Surprised this place was among the highest rated seafood restaurant in Seattle by Zagat. The view is great, right on the pier. The problem is that despite a reservation my group was kept waiting for 40 minutes, and the hostess was not honest or did not set expectations since she said "your table is being set up and it will just be a few minutes." After being seated, the waiter was literally absent for most of the meal, it was another hour before my order was completed. Most importantly, the food choices were limited and not memorable. Overall, very conventional food at a large restaurant with a view - every city has this type of place. So many other places in Seattle to go to instead."
Dined on 5/05/2013
Special Features: scenic view
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"One of the best dining experiences of my life! I went for dessert only in celebration of a birthday, but I could tell it was a great restaurant all around. The Emerald City Volcano is amazing and makes for quite a show. The water outside and the fiery feel inside make for a memorable atmosphere that is likely to bring you back for more."
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, scenic view, special occasion
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"My only complaint was that we could not step outside due to a private party that was off to the side. There was plenty of room and it could be roped off. Not sure why??"
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: good for groups, vibrant bar scene, notable wine list, romantic, scenic view, special occasion
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"My wife and I picked Aqua based on reviews. We choose a fine dining restaurant every year for our anniversary. Beverly's in Coeur d'Alene, Canlis, the Palm in Spokane, Gamekeeper and Chandlers in Boise, Dahlia's, etc.. Aqua ranks right up there for everything. Outstanding food, top-notch service, ambience, everything. Our waiter read us perfectly. Our "Volcano" presenter (pregnant women, don't remember her name) was superb. There was absolutely nothing to nitpick. We will remember the landmark dinner forever."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, scenic view, special occasion
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"Very good unique items to this restaurant. Excellent service. Bread pudding was amazing. Not overly flavorful. VERY expensive. Our guests were embarrassed by the costs of the items and probably only go there for a special occasion."
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: special occasion
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"Aqua knocked the cover off the ball, and left no doubt that even so-called "Chain Restaurants" can deliver a phenomenal dining experience. From the valet to the hostess, and the server to bus people, every member of the Aqua team clearly communicated their absolute delight in having us to dinner. The drink menu and wine list are nothing short of impressive, and the food was without fail prepared to perfection. The bacon wrapped prawns were cooked to the point of tender perfection (tough when you have two such different meats), and the spinach salad prepared table-side was a feast for the eyes and the palette. The entrees were outstanding, and the key lime pie was a perfect end. Add in the view and you have heaven on earth. Thank you!"
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, notable wine list, romantic, scenic view, hot spot, special occasion
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"It was an amazing experience, everyone was nice and we were well taken care off."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, late-night find, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, hot spot
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"The wait service was outstanding; friendly, warm, engaging, professional. The food could not have been better. Good selection of the fish; Great preparation of the entire meal; presentation was very professional. The live piano was truley exceptional and a fine addition to the ambiance (wonderful quality yet not obtrusive or too loud)."
Dined on 04/18/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, hot spot
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"Food was not that great. Tables were full with Restaurant Week patrons and the services was lousy. We were seated close to the front door and the waitress told us we could wait for 15 minutes to get a table by the window. When we agreed, she came back to tell us that it would be 30 minute wait for a table. We sat at our original seating. The fish was quite greasy and full of butter. Not a healthy preparation. almond crust was really almonds thrown on the top, not exactly a crust."
Dined on 04/17/2013
2009
Special Features: scenic view
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"We celebrated our 30th anniversary at Aqua and were very surprised and delighted with the way we were treated that night. First of all, we got through Seattle traffic a lot quicker than we had thought and we arrived almost 30 minutes ahead of our reservation. Our table was not only ready and waiting but was showered with rose petals and an anniversary card signed by all the Aqua personnel. We had a window table (which we requested) but we thought their booths that they have there were a little more romantic. We saw these as we were leaving and will probably book one of these next time. The sun is facing you while you are eating but not a big deal. We did the 3 courses for $28 and all the choices were some kind of seafood."
Dined on 04/16/2013
2010
Special Features: romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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"My GF / Sig O / Partner and I are huge fans of (and regulars at) Aqua’s sister restaurant “El Gaucho”, so when Aqua offered a Seattle Restaurant Week specially priced menu, we decided to take advantage to see if it was indeed the “El Gaucho of Seafood Establishments”. And boy was it ever.
We waited a bit to be seated and the service was a tad bit spotty, but both of those could probably be attributed to it being a somewhat busy night. The food however was superb, every bit as good as the meals we have had at El Gaucho, beginning with the fresh baked warm bread and high quality butter. To quote my GF “Opening with good butter and bread is a good start!”"
Dined on 04/17/2013
2004
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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"My friend and I went for the 3 for $28 menu and found the choices exceptional. I had the risotto (the best I've ever had) and my companion had the Columbia river salmon, a generous portion that was cooked to perfection. The only thing that did not meet my expectations were the prawns with the risotto, they were woefully overcooked."
Dined on 04/17/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, scenic view
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"I had noted in my reservation that I was treating my husband to a last night before surgery dinner. Our waiter was aware of the reason for the dinner and was really great - we had a nice window table and thoroughly enjoyed the evening."
Dined on 04/17/2013
2005
Special Features: notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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"It was restaurant week and it was the first time we tried AQUA by El Gaucho for our seven month anniversary. Even though we order from the restaurant week menu, we feel the service was excellent by Nick. It was definitely a great experience for both of us dining out at AQUA and we definitely would go back. The portions were good and all the food was so delicious. Nick did a great job in recommending a wine that we both love and it pairs well with our entrees. Thank you for making our anniversary a special one even though I didn't ask for anything special."
Dined on 04/17/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, notable wine list, special occasion, scenic view, hot spot
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"We enjoyed our evening and dinner experience immensely. My only comment is that the first course of spicy shrimp only had two shrimp in it which seemed a little sparse. Other than that everything was outstanding. Thanks for the great evening."
Dined on 04/16/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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"We were able to take advantage of Restaurant week and sample Aqua. The food was amazing, we were able to sample and find the perfect wine to go with our dinner. I suggest you get the side of Crab mac & cheese and Carmel custard for dessert. If you're lucky you will end up with Michael for your waiter."
Dined on 04/16/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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"We had an absolutely fabulous dinner. This was our first time at Aqua, we had never heard of the restaurant but went because of restaurant week. I had the special but my husband ordered off of the menu, all I can say I am luck that he allowed me to have a couple of bites of his dinner. He had the Sea Bass and all we can both say is we have never tasted anything like it. Our waiter Kevin was very knowledgeable about the food and wine he made us feel very welcome…as if we were regular customer. We will definitely be going back; there were many items on the menu that we have to try."
Dined on 04/15/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, late-night find, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, hot spot
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"Great views and terrific space but the prices clearly are high to pay for the rent and not the food. Food was mediocre compared to other Seafood restaurants in Seattle. I appreciate the planned timing of courses but 10 minutes in between is a little lengthy."
Dined on 04/14/2013
2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, special occasion
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"Our first visit and it has become our favorite restaurant. Expensive but if we save we can have the wonderful experience we had on April 14th again. Wonderful food and excellent service. Very alert management but definitely not intrusive."
Dined on 04/14/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, hot spot
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"We came here for Seattle Restaurant week to try something new that would normally be too expensive to just try for fun. I had the Cesar salad which was good and the prawn risotto which was not very good. The rice was not cooked all the way and the prawns were overcooked. It is a shame because if it had been delicious and an amazing experience I would be more likely to come back. The perk of the experience was seeing 2 local celebrities (Felix Hernandez and Steve Pool)."
Dined on 04/14/2013
2012
Special Features: romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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"I went with a group of six for Restaurant Week. The restaurant was packed yet we received excellent service. While our group did order wines that were not part of the special I noted and appreciated that in addition to the dinner specials; wines were available that were well priced to pair with the meal. The setting is beautiful with perfect views of the water and the decor was inviting and beautiful. We all look forward to returning for another great meal and evening."
Dined on 04/14/2013
2006
Special Features: scenic view
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"Our server Nick R was great and so are the personnel who brought us our food. Our plates arrived at our table at a timely manner. Service is superb, and I would highly recommend AQUA by El Gaucho."
Dined on 04/14/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, hot spot
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"Aqua is one of our favorite restaurants for special occasions. The food and service are outstanding!! WE have attended for both family affairs and personal celebrations. They have covered parking which is awesome on a windy, rainy Seattle evening. The view is spectacular from EVERY seat in the house. We always feel like royalty when we enter for the evening, we never feel rushed. We are their guest for the evening."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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"Went for restaurant week. Party of two that tasted each other's dishes...all the food was exceptional! Our server was very attentive without being overbearing and extremely helpful with recommendations. Also we ordered the crab mac-n-cheese for a pre-resturant week 3 course meal; our server recommended a half-portion which was exactly enough to enjoy and still leave room for the rest of the meal."
Dined on 04/08/2013
2010
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"AQUA was absolutely delicious! The service was incredible and so personable and friendly. We went for restaurant week and I definitely recommend the wicked spicy shrimp and the risotto-bacon, arugula, and creamy goodness- so good! We will definitely be returning, especially in June when the outdoor patio opens so we can appreciate the incredible view even more!"
Dined on 04/07/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, hot spot
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"Had my anniversary dinner here - they took care of everything - especially courteous to me and my date having disclosed this when I made my reservation. I'm a picky foodie, but everything went extremely well. I asked for the tableside Caesar but they didn't have it (More of an El Gaucho thing)... instead they had a tableside spinach salad - prepared for two by your table.... very impressed. Cooked the warm bacon vinaigrette (actually made with Cognac, flambeed, instead of vinegar), right next to your table and assembled with seared prawns right in front of you. How cool is that?
I wish I had something to complain about, but I'm happy to say I had a great time and that's why I'm writing this review."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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"Received a giftcard from my employer, and my wife and I went this past Saturday evening for dinner. It was, quite literally, the best meal we've ever had. EVERYTHING we tasted was incredible. Will be back again for sure!"
Dined on 03/30/2013
2012
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch
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