Acqua Alta in Clearwater was our pick for a new and recommended restaurant to try for a friends' dinner, and this group of friends left satisfied. It's a little Italian spot in a plaza with a few other interesting shops and restaurants that we may be adventuring to soon, but we will be back to Acqua Alta for sure! All pastas, sauces, and desserts are made in house- fresh and fabulous. Carpaccio, grilled artichoke, meatballs, rigatoni, tagliatelle, cacio e pepe, pistachio tiramisu, and a nice bottle of wine! Service gave us plenty of time to enjoy each dish and each other's company- we weren't in a hurry and neither were they, and it worked. Lovely people putting love into their food. Go and enjoy- they even have ready-to-cook pasta and ravioli you can bring home for your own delicious creations! read more

See all

Just left dinner at Acqua Alta. The restaurant itself is lovely and the staff were welcoming. We got there a little early for dinner, 5:30ish, and the restaurant was not very full at all. As the night went on, diners arrived and the background noise of the restaurant became quite loud. If you are sensitive to noise, you might want to avoid a busy night. My husband ordered Spaghetti Aglio Olio. While flavorful, it was a little too al dente for him. I ordered the Branzino special. I love fresh fish, but I was wearing a nice dress and didn't want to have fish bones flying all over the place. The waiter said he would clean it for me. Unfortunately, by the time it came out, the waiter was so busy, he didn't have time to clean the fish. As a result, I had a go doing it myself. It was difficult between the bones and the skin and not getting fish on me. Eventually I just tired of trying to pry out enough meat and gave up. I'm so disappointed to pay $50 for a dish and still leave a restaurant hungry. We will probably go back and try again, but I wasn't bowled over by the experience. read more

Acqua Alta Ristorante - Spaghetti Aglio Olio - Italian Near Me - Clearwater, Florida

See all

Once again, a totally amazing evening with good friends and great food One of the best servers around Alessandro, who explained the specials perfectly in the way only an Italian could Their calamari is honestly some of the best I've had around. Not greasy at all without being over breaded. We had the fettuccine agnello which is lamb, which was amazing. The other two pasta dishes bolognese were also great I cannot say enough on the service and the quality of food in the Italian dishes that are served in this restaurant read more

See all

Acqua Alta is one of my favorite restaurants in Clearwater. The food is consistently excellent, and the Venetian Pizza is especially outstanding--it's unique, with a light, almost cracker-like crust that you won't find anywhere else. We always start with the Focaccia Classica. It's so good you need a knife and fork to eat it. We've tried some of the focaccia specials over the years, but we always come back to the classic. For our main course, we often order the Pappardelle alla Bolognese, which is one of our go-to dishes, or one of the ravioli selections, especially when it's served with the pomodoro sauce. The service is amazing and always makes us feel welcome. One of the things that keeps me coming back is the creativity of the menu. There are always interesting specials that showcase seasonal ingredients and the chef's talent. The owner/chef is welcoming, friendly, and clearly passionate about both the food and the overall dining experience. Be sure to save room for dessert. They have a unique and wonderful carrot orange cake, as well as a delicious torta limoncello that is the perfect way to end the meal. If you're looking for great Italian cuisine beyond the usual pasta-and-pizza routine, Acqua Alta is definitely worth a visit. read more

Why 5 stars? Homemade pasta, and friendly not rushed Italian experience. Can't believe I haven't reviewed Aqua Alta before but hey here we are. If you're looking for a real, friendly, not-rushed Italian experience, Acqua Alta delivers. Homemade pasta, authentic staff, and food that seriously tastes like it came straight out of a little kitchen in Italy. I had the daily dinner special -- beef stew with pasta -- and it was pure slow-cooked goodness. Super flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth kind of good. My wife had the shrimp pasta in a white wine reduction sauce, and she was already planning her next visit before she finished. They even made my son a bowl of fresh pasta with Bolognese sauce -- he crushed it faster than I've ever seen. Everyone working there was Italian, our waiter included, and it honestly felt like being back on a trip to Italy -- relaxed, welcoming, proud of their food. Only small thing: they're in a strip mall, sitting next to a Taco Bell and a closed-down bar, which isn't exactly picturesque. But if you close one eye and use your imagination (and maybe have a glass of wine), you can kinda pretend the Taco Bell looks like a 16th-century Italian palazzo. The food and experience easily make up for the location. These guys deserve a cute spot in downtown Safety Harbor someday -- but until then, it's absolutely worth finding a parking spot and digging in. read more

See all

Excellent quality. Authentic, homemade food with a rotating menu at reasonable prices, although the meat dishes are a little too pricey. Service is excellent. I recommend this place to many people as it's a great value and experience. read more

Out with friends for a good Italian dinner! I love this place... I had the Carbonara (lots of Pancetta!) and also sampled the Caccio de Pepe, and the Chicken Parm also. Everything was wonderful! Our server was awesome, as was the owner who served the Caccio de Pepe tableside! Great desserts too... my Tiramisu was delectable! Wine list if really nice... and the coffee they serve is wonderful! I highly recommend Acqua Alta for a good meal! read more

Acqua Alta Ristorante - Carbonara - Italian Near Me - Clearwater, Florida

See all

Let me tell you right now: Aqua Alta is not just a restaurant -- it's a full-blown love affair with flavor, a Venetian symphony performed on your tongue. The margarita pizza? My god. It's a masterpiece. The crust is so perfectly blistered and airy it could float away if it weren't holding down the molten gold of the cheese and the bright, tangy burst of tomato sauce. Each bite feels like a tiny standing ovation in your mouth -- a reminder that simplicity, when done right, is nothing short of divine. Then comes the focaccia, and let me be clear: this is no ordinary bread. It's a cloud kissed by olive oil and sea salt -- pillowy, warm, and so fragrant that you'll swear you can hear angels humming somewhere in the background. You'll promise yourself you'll only have one piece. You'll lie. The mushroom pasta is decadence reincarnate. Earthy, creamy, and rich in the kind of umami that makes you question whether you've ever truly tasted mushrooms before. The sauce clings lovingly to every noodle, and together they whisper sweet nothings about Italian countryside kitchens and secret family recipes. And then, dear reader, there is the burrata -- soft, luscious, and utterly scandalous. It's like a love letter written in cheese form: creamy on the inside, delicate on the outside, paired with fresh tomatoes and basil so perfect they could make a grown man weep. Aqua Alta doesn't serve dinner -- it serves moments. If you go, bring someone you love. Or go alone and fall in love with the food instead. Either way, you'll leave changed read more

Acqua Alta Ristorante - Italian Near Me - Clearwater, Florida

Really good food. I had the ravioli and it was delicious and clearly homemade. The tiramisu with pistachio was unbelievably good. The service was also terrific. read more

Acqua Alta Ristorante - Italian Near Me - Clearwater, Florida

I just realized that I have done a review on one of our favorite local restaurants. Aqua Alta is a GEM! Again tucked away in a little strip mall and very un-assuming. Tuesday's... they do table side pasta in a wheel. And they just really bring the focus on service. Pasta is made here.... Octopus to Filet nothing disappoints. Their pizza will make you smile!! If you have not yet been ... give this place a try. White table cloth, moderately priced, and if you buy your wine at Ed's (next door) it is only a $5 corkage fee Alessandro and Miss Ashley take the best care of serving you!!! Bon appetito We sat outside tonight as it is perfect weather!! Very intimate setting. They also have an incredible wine selection. read more

Acqua Alta Ristorante - Chicken parm and octopus with homemade tagliatelle - Italian Near Me - Clearwater, Florida

See all

Looking for authentic Italian food, this is it! The restaurant is adorable and quiet, Service was fast, great recommendations and so nice. Food was was good and large portions. read more

We had one of the most delicious meals ever last night at Aqua Alta. Nick took excellent care of us as we dined outside on a beautiful December evening. The artichoke appetizer was THE BEST artichoke either of us had ever enjoyed. Called carciofo grigliato on the menu under starters. The Lugana Italian wine we shared was the perfect compliment to our meal all the way around. From the soup of the day which was butternut squash soup to the grilled octopus to the eggplant parmigiana-all of the flavors jumped off the plate and into our mouths. Assistant to our server was Coren and she was so kind, so pleasant. We cannot wait to return soon for another amazing dining experience. read more

Had a wonderful meal with friends, We went on a Tuesday especially for the Caccio e,Pepe made at table side by the owner. It was amazing. The homemade pasta was cooked to perfection- perfectly al dente and so cheesy. Friends had Pasta Carbonara with plenty of pancetta and the best chicken parm I've ever tasted. The wine list is amazing and we shared a wonderful bottle of Cabernet Franc. Allesandro's service was excellent and the ambience of a small, cozy Italian restorante tops it all off. I love this place. read more

Acqua Alta Ristorante - Caccio e Pepe - Italian Near Me - Clearwater, Florida

Pasta is homemade, fresh, and specialize in Venetian-style Italian cuisine. Tastes very authentic and delicious. This is our go to Italian spot here in Pinellas! We enjoy Chef Paolo's service each time he's amazing. read more

Acqua Alta Ristorante - Polpette della Nonna, Tagliatelle con Piovra E Pistacchio, Pizza Prosciutto Parma Rigatoni ai 4 Formaggi e Funghi - Italian Near Me - Clearwater, Florida

I had the fettuccine and it was pretty good. Large portion. The service was impeccable. We were a large party and he handled it and the rest of the restaurant very well. read more

This was our first time here. Our entrees were amazing. My husband had the carbonara which he said was perfect and appreciated the generous pancheta. I had the ravioli with their homemade sausage and was very tasty. Reservations highly recommended the place is small and stayed full all evening. Highly recommend for delicious italian read more

Best tiramisu I've ever had. Owner is great. Pasta is great. Must come if you're in the area

The food here is amazing! There were 5 of us and not one person had any complaints, all raved about their entrees even though there are a few picky eaters in this group. The service was also spectacular. The ambiance is also very nice, the place is on the smaller side but quaint. Needless to say, this one will be on our rotation of favorite restaurants to frequent. read more

Authentic northern Italian food made from the highest quality ingredients plus an excellent (all-Italian) wine list is presented in a relaxed atmosphere. Very tradition dishes; everything is great. I really love the "UNTOUCHABLES" which are the classic family recipes that chef Paolo will not change under any circumstances. There's also a long list of original / creative pizzas that are all great; I have tried most of them and they never fail to impress me & my friends from Ed's Wine shop (just a few doors away). Homemade soups can be bought to-go because they're sold frozen and will last for months in the freezer. Very friendly and professional service too. read more

Acqua Alta Ristorante - Lamb stew over homemade pasta. The wine is Refosco, which tastes similar to Cabernet Franc. - Italian Near Me - Clearwater, Florida

There is a reason we come here every Friday night and more. Awesome awesome. Awesome. I will complete this review after dinner. read more

See all

Authentic quality Italian food made by Italians. The menu is organized as in Italy with the Starters, then First plate being for pasta and the Second being for the protein. But they do have specials that combine pasta with proteins. My wife had the fetuccini with shrimp and lemon sauce and I had the wild boar with fetuccini. Absolutely delicious. The tiramisu is amazing too. Service was great. We came between launch and dinner so it was empty and quiet with nice Italian pop being played. I do recommend it even if it's a bit expensive but definitely worth it in terms of quality. Tip: When they bring the bread, use a plate to mix olive oil, salt, pepper, red peppr flakes, parmesan, use what you have, even vinegar. Feel free to make your own dip. This is the italian way. Don't expect the server to do that for you! read more

What a great experience .. Allesandro/Corrine took care of us .. Carbonara was the best I have had in FL. Everyone was happy.. party of 8! Intimate, small, perfect.. Salud! read more

Ok Italian food with a large an extensive wine menu. Also the place is not wallet friendly Owner could be friendlier and seemed more interested in their take out business that night. Wait Staff was inexperienced to handle a large dinner crowd. read more

See all

Food was delicious. The service was excellent and the ambiance was very good. Would go back again soon!

Ordered veal entree special And was served a veal patty tasted like sawdust Please don't advertise VEAL AND SEVICE A CHOPPED PATTY UGH read more

Amazing authentic Italian cuisine from Italy! Fresh ingredients and great flavors. Excellent service, attentive server. Knowledgeable and good dinner recommendations. Homey italian flair. read more

This is a hidden gem. We went on a Thursday night and there was not one empty table. Our server (who may have also been the owner) was friendly, attentive and checked in on us frequently. The menu is not typical southern Italian and has a wide variety of selections. Everyone in our party enjoyed their meals including the Branzino special, chicken parm and Tagliatelle (w/egg) alla Montana. The homemade pasta is excellent. I would highly recommend this restaurant. read more

See all

Not impressed at all, just plain Italian, nothing special , Won't be back, parking was a pain. Just not happy with the whole experience again no nothing special read more

Great food, great price, great service. Solid 4+. Decent date night spot. Smaller sized restaurant but that's cool with me, food came out quick read more

Make sure you have a reservation as this place fills quick. The staff is very friendly and it is a very small cozy dining area. Very. The food is all fresh so definitely take advantage and order an appetizer to hold you over till the food comes. Chill with some amazing wine. Food came out smelling amazing and tasting amazing. Highly recommend can't wait to go back. read more

Went for the first time last night with a few friends. I ordered the artichoke appetizer, which was very good. I also ordered a margharita pizza for my main meal. When it arrived, I asked where the basil was. He explained to me that the basil wasn't any good so they didn't put it on it, but it was infused in the oil to make the pizza. I told him that I ordered a margherita pizza because I wanted the items that came on the Margherita pizza and they should have told me that they would not be putting basil on it. He just walked off after I said that. There was a bit of a language barrier there as well. The pizza was good regardless, but just not what I ordered. My friends had the chicken Parmesan and butternut squash ravioli with pecans. My friend really likes the chicken Parmesan, but my other friend was not too happy with her butternut squash ravioli. This was her second time there, and she said she probably would not be back. I would try it one more time. read more

See all

Great service! Wonderful wine selection. Homey feel to the restaurant. We enjoyed every minute. When I tell you I'm still dreaming about this dish! The pasta-homemade and fresh ingredients. I cannot wait to go back and indulge again read more

Acqua Alta Ristorante - Spaghetti alla Carbonara Classica - Italian Near Me - Clearwater, Florida

Amazing - best most authentic Italian food with fabulous service. Chef Paolo is excellent

My mother was born and raised in Italy. We decided to take her here for dinner one night since she was visiting from Orlando. This place gets busy on weekends and it isnt very big so make sure you call and get a reservation. This is a family owned business and the entire family speaks Italian. Even the younger kids speak it. My mom enjoyed speaking to everyone there in her native language. The food here is as good as Itlaian food can be outside of Italy. Very Authentic and the flavors are super. Their pasta is cooked perfectly and is likely homemade from scratch. If you want italian food this is a great place to visit! This place gets very good reviews and deservingly so! read more

See all

highly disappointing. visited many times. overcooked and overpriced pasta. other dishes well made. good service. will consider other options in these times. bad table because of reservations. no shows or other left restaurant empty. good luck read more

An authentic Italian Restaurant straight from Venice. Everything from the service to the food and wine were superb. Every day is wonderful but on Tuesday Chef Paolo serves up Tagliatelle Cacio Pepe made right at your table. read more

Hands down this one of my favorite Italian restaurant in the entire world!! The food is incredible, super fresh and made with so much love! If you are dining in, you will enjoy a cozy, romantic, small dining experience with a great selection of delicious wines. Our go to pasta's are LINGUINE SACCA FISOLA and the RAVIOLI FUNGHI E MOZZARELLA ALLA CACIO E PEPE. We order take out all of the time and it's always packaged very nicely and made fresh. The business is family owned, and you will be treated very well by the staff. Do yourself a favor and make a reservation for your new favorite restaurant. read more

See all

Best italian food around!! Our favorite!! Its like going to Italy for dinner!! Palo really is a Gem cook!! Love his staff Allesandro is a doll!! And his servers are so nice!! Excellent Place!!!! read more

See all

I really enjoyed this small Italian place. Good authentic Italian food. Homemade pasta. Italian wine. Great customer service. Small staff. Small restaurant. Social distancing is great. I went with a group of 10 people for a birthday celebration and we had a great time. Prices are very good. Calamari was very good. I had the white fish split and grilled. If you like authentic Italian food and good Italian wine this is a great place for date night. read more

Acqua Alta Ristorante - Hands free menu - Italian Near Me - Clearwater, Florida

This is a nice little Italian place in the middle of Safety Harbor. We came here for dinner before a show at Ruth Eckerd Hall. The atmosphere is clean and modern with some subtle rustic touches. I like that it is not stereo-typically Italian. I was running behind because of traffic but I had previewed the menu and had my husband ask the questions I wanted and order one of my choices. He ordered me the gnocchi. It was awesome! My husband had some amazing bolognese (at another establishment) and is now obsessed with it. He got the bolognese and said that while it was good, it did not compare to the other place he had it. The wine I had was also really good. I just asked for a house red and what the owner (I believe she was the owner) brought was exactly what I like, kind of like a Cabernet or a dry Italian red. Also, it was only $6! Bonus! I would certainly come here again. read more

Acqua Alta Ristorante - Bolognese - Italian Near Me - Clearwater, Florida

See all