Great venue and we were fortunate to have a table outside, with great weather, which added to the occasion.Our waiter was marvellous and really looked after us, and we would certainly plan a return trip, the next time my wife and I are in Seattle. We had been recommended the venue by our hotel conciege, and the food and wine list was very enjoyable read more

"Our server Winter was outstanding!!! Great recommendations, attentive but not overwhelming and a pleasure to talk with. Food was fantastic and the views are spectacular." read more

This is one of the favorites of my friend Elise. I like it for the view. And the bar. One of the important things to note is that the parking is right next to the restaurant so it's easy to miss but if you figure it out the valet parking is $20 and the great thing is it comes with take-home cookies. And they're very good. Walking in you can hear the pianist who's very skilled. I love his choice of music which ranges from classical to favorites. The bar was unexpectedly empty but the dining room was packed so we went with the bar. John was an excellent conversation partner in figuring out our drinks. Started with wine and wound up with cocktails because I wanted to try their version of penicillin and their award winning version of a pina colada. Elise ordered the lemon drop because it's her go to cocktail. She also ordered the Wicked Shrimp and the sweet corn. I went with the Aqua burger which turned out to be a bacon cheese cheeseburger with amazing fries. I also ordered the wedge salad which came with Romaine, grilled tomatoes, and a fantastic chunky blue cheese dressing. The burger was perfect, the cheese melted and dripping and the bacon was savory with a slight sweetness that made it perfect. The salad was delicious as was the corn. We ended the meal with the pot de crème. We missed the happy hour so the tab came out to $188. We really love this place. The only recommendation I'd make is please extend the happy hour :-) pretty sure the bar will be packed. read more

Went to AQUA for our anniversary and the touches they made to make it more special like the rose pedals and menus were very nice. The location is right on the water and is a perfect setting for romantic evening. We got the calamari appetizer to start with which was tasty. For our entree we shared the seafood bacchanalia which is meant for two- came up lobster tail, prawns, fish(halibut), scallop, mashed potatoes and asparagus. This was fun to order and gave some great variety. We finished it off with the bread pudding which came with chocolate chips, caramel and ice cream. read more

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If you're looking for a special night out in Seattle, I highly recommend AQUA by El Gaucho. It's one of my favorite steakhouses on the water, with incredible views of Elliott Bay and a dining experience that feels both upscale and relaxed. The steaks are excellent, the service is top-notch, and the atmosphere is hard to beat, especially on a summer evening overlooking the waterfront. For bourbon lovers, don't skip the tableside whiskey and bourbon cart. It's a great opportunity to explore different pours and try something new with guidance from the staff. And if cocktails are your thing, the smoked Old Fashioned is a must-have--it's expertly prepared and adds a little extra theater to an already memorable dining experience. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, entertaining guests, or just treating yourself to a great steak and a quality bourbon, this is one Seattle restaurant that consistently delivers. Highly recommended. read more

I thought the views of the restaurant and from the restaurant were beautiful. I think when I went in a Saturday evening they were pretty busy so the service wasn't quite how I expected it to be given the calibur of restaurant. Host could have been friendlier. We had a reservation, waited 5 minutes to be seated. Ordered drinks, took a while. Almost seemed l ike servers make drinks? I could be mistaken. We ordered table side Ceasar salad, it was really good but on the strong side. I would order it again though. My tequila drink was good but on the lacking tequila side. I ordered seafood pasta and it was good. My husband had the lobster and steak and he said it was really good. Although, for the price point I believe elsewhere would have been better. Overall good experience, but don't think I'll be back, I'd rather try out other places for better food for the price point and better service experience. read more

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Had one of the best meals of my life this past Valentines Day. My fiance and I are recently engaged and this is our first Valentines as an engaged couple and we mentioned that as we checked in. When we got to our table they had put out some rose petals and a very sweet card. Such a thoughtful gesture. It was evening so you couldn't fully enjoy the beautiful views you get during the day (from inside) but the setting and views were beautiful nonetheless. Step outside for a few pics, worth it. They had specials on bottles of wine for the evening so we decided on a 2012 Rioja Spanish wine, delicious! For apps we got the crab cake and wicked shrimp...both stellar, crab cake was fresh and very full of crab, not filler. The shrimp were cooked perfectly and the sauce on them was flavoral and spicy. For our mains my fiance went with the Alaskan Black Cod and I did the Manhattan Cut NY Strip. Amazing. My steak was cooked to perfection (Med), and seasoned. I didn't need anything, no added salt/butter/sauce...nothing. I got the crab Mac n cheese and roasted corn as sides (small size). Both were prefect additions and the size was great for sharing too. For dessert we shared the Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Pot de Creme. It was sweet and delicious but not too heavy, exactly what you need to wrap up a fantastic meal. If I had unlimited money I'd eat here everyday, ha! But I absolutely recommend it for special date nights, celebrations and any time you feel like treating yourself to something special. The staff here are all amazing. They make the experience better. Valet is also really helpful and not the craziest price considering parking in Seattle ($24). I recommend it in winter since you stop right in front of entrance and can leave your coat in car and just walk in. read more

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This was recommended to me by my YE friends and I'm so glad we scored a reservation. Our Uber driver got a little lost, but pro tip: if you're heading here just map Pier 70 and you can't go wrong. The restaurant sign can be deceiving, it's actually towards the end of the pier towards the water to the left . From there, you should be able to see the sign for the restaurant. It sits on Pier 70 waterfront that adds to the dramatic, scenic setting over Elliott Bay with views of Mt. Rainier, the Space Needle, and the city skyline. The interior leans upscale with modern-classic touches, and live piano music adds an elegant, romantic vibe. You can instantly tell this is the type of place people come to celebrate. I was taking photos when James, the general manager, came right over and asked how he could help. Without me even asking, he knew I wanted to capture the sunset. He personally unlocked the outdoor deck gate so I could step out and get the perfect shot. That's when he introduced himself and shared that he's originally from Santa Monica, now recruited to Seattle. This restaurant is so lucky to have James. He's the type of manager who's professional, personable, and not afraid to roll up his sleeves. I kept noticing him throughout the night helping the staff, delivering food, and checking in on guests. That kind of leadership sets the tone for the entire restaurant. Bob was our server and he also did an amazing job. Even with how busy the night was, he never once forgot about us. He coursed everything perfectly, even though we ordered all at once, and gave us excellent recommendations. My boyfriend and I split everything, which was perfect for tasting: Passion Mojito- strong but really good!Sancerre Wine- crisp and perfect with seafood. Caesar Salad- classic, done right. Grilled Spanish Octopus- charred just enough for a smoky edge, paired with romesco sauce such perfection. Alaskan Black Cod- buttery, tender, caramelized edges with crispy leeks that added the best crunch. Sauteed Foraged & Cultivated Mushrooms- earthy and meaty, a must if you love mushrooms. Broccolini- nothing fancy, but still tasty. Baileys Chocolate Caramel Bread Pudding (James's pick!) - OMG, demolished in 5 minutes! Every single staff member we encountered was attentive, friendly, and on point. Between James going above and beyond and Bob's flawless service, the hospitality here is truly top-notch. If you're looking for a date night restaurant or somewhere to celebrate a special occasion in Seattle, this is it. Aqua by El Gaucho checks all the boxes, unforgettable food, a killer view, and people like James who make you feel like a VIP. read more

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Staff was friendly and made my birthday dinner nice (even though we were celebrating early) with work and vacation it was only time) lol foood was amazing legit forgot to take many pics read more

AQUA by El Gaucho - Brussels sprouts sooooo good - Seafood Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Amazing Alaskan King Crab in a prime location overlooking Puget Sound. Great piano bar and exceptional service. Pricy ! But if you're looking for an upscale dining experience before an Alaskan cruise this is your spot! read more

The service was excellent. Our server was very friendly and attentive, but not underfoot. He also gave great recommendations when we asked for some and timed our food really well. We made a reservation on a Saturday right when they opened but didn't really need it that time of day in the winter as it turned out, but I'd still recommend one to be safe because it filled up quickly. We had a great view of the water and sunset too. The food was good, though I wish they had had more vegan options for folks with allergies. This is a pricier meal but I do think we would come back for a special occasion, especially because the service was so good compared to other similar restaurants in the area. read more

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El Gaucho restaurants are fabulous. We are slowly knocking them all of our list. Aqua was new to us and a great NYE experience. I would imagine it is beautiful during the day on the water. We unfortunately were there in the dark. The waitstaff were friendly, helpful, and prompt. There was a lot of joking around with the staff. It really made the experience. There were 6 of us. We ordered two filets, two sirloins, the chicken and a pasta dish. We had the lobster Mac n cheese, mashed potatoes, wicked shrimp and the tenderloin Diablo. For dessert we tried the bread pudding and the carrot cake. The bread pudding was the chefs kiss. We prefer the carrot cake at the Bellevue El Gaucho. We ordered a few drinks including mocktails and all were on point. We had one member who was celiac. The waiter was very helpful with the celiac accommodation. He made sure to point out everything they could have and what modifications they could make if desired. We did not take any photos this time. Imagine the food being exactly as yo had hoped!! read more

From the hosts to the servers and helpers the service was first rate! The ambiance for this spot is always on point with that view of Elliott Bay, especially during this time of year. Our quartet visited for Seattle Restaurant Week. Some in the party ordered from the regular menu while the other half enjoyed the Restaurant Week menu. From the regular menu, Tableside Caesar Salad; Farm Greens; Sea Bass with pickled stone fruit, fennel salad, wilted spinach, citrus, buerre blanc; and Frenched Rib Chop. From the Restaurant Week menu, Farm Greens; Wicked Shrimp; Grilled Salmon with broccolini, bagna cauda, lemon beurre blanc. For dessert the NY Cheesecake and the Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Pot De Creme. Our compliments to the kitchen for wonderfully prepared meals. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit and will definitely return! read more

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If only their food matches their ambiance The location is lovely and the services impeccable, but the food is a huge disappointment! Appetizers were average: fried calamari and Spanish octopus. But the entrees and sides were almost not edible! Their special: halibut was so overcooked and the orzo came with this dish tasted like pebbles. My half chicken was so salty and breast so dry! I hardly touched the dish. Their Brussel sprouts were undercooked and salty.but crab macaroni was good. It was a big disappointment! Food had gone down the hill since our last visit a couple years ago. No, we will not come back again. read more

After the general manager James reached out to invite us back for another go of it the experience we had was miles better. This time we were seated away from the middle of the room and were able to better speak with and hear ourselves and the staff. We ended up trying different dishes that outshone our previous choices. I can highly recommend the yellowfin poke, king salmon, and carrot cake. It was also nice to have a chance to meet James and several other kind and friendly members of the team and get to know our hosts. Overall a much better and more authentic second time around. read more

AQUA by El Gaucho - Yellowfin poke and green curry mussels - Seafood Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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I may have found my new favorite Seattle restaurant! Met colleagues for Happy Hour and when I walked in I loved the ambiance. They had beautiful piano and very proficient pianist right when you walk in. The food and cocktail menu had very good variety and at traditional Happy Hour prices. The service was impeccable, even when every table had guests at them. I can't wait to come back for dinner! It's one of those places you go to celebrate special moments! read more

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The views at Aqua are 10/10 especially on a sunny, clear day. The food is mediocre and not worth the price unfortunately. Service was great and it's a nice touch that the valet puts fresh cookies in your car when you leave. read more

AQUA by El Gaucho - Miso Alaskan Black Cod - Seafood Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Tonight we had dinner at AQUA in Seattle. AQUA Restaurant is part of the Fire and Vine Hospitality Group. They also own El Gaucho Restaurants. It's been a while since we visited AQUA. The restaurant sits on Pier 70 on the Seattle waterfront at Elliott Bay. Their hospitality was awesome and the GM James Bushart and his staff went out of the way to make our anniversary memorable. Our server Rochelle was awesome and attentive. This was our 43rd anniversary. As with El Gaucho, there were rose petals at the table and a Happy Anniversary card. The menus had both our names printed on them. For appetizers: Grilled Spanish Octopus, A Kale Salad and a side of corn. For Entrees: A Frenched Rib Chop and a Black Cod. Dessert: Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Pot De Cream. Our food and drinks were great and we had a fabulous time. We highly recommend this restaurant. read more

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We are on a Wednesday night. Sat at 7pm, and was greeted by our waiter (forgot his name, bald white guy with glasses and was training a new server) they greeted us, gave a short introduction and then disappeared for about 20-30min. Reappeared to go over the menu and asked only for the drink order. Another 20min then our drinks arrived. Then we waited another 30min before we ordered apps. Waited another 15-20min then were told we couldn't adjust the table side made Caesar salad all we wanted to reduce the anchovies. He pushed back several times before we just gave in. This man was acting so entitled as if he was their best server. The salad was mid at best, and to charge $19 a person for a side salad size portion is insane! I've been an executive chef for over 13 years at high end restaurants in Los Angeles and never have I ever had a server be so stuck up and out right refuse to make any adjustments! He would also give use a smirk and chuckle as he said no. We ate our apps, about 25min later he came back to order entrees. Our friend tried to order her Caesar with salmon, his response was that she had to order the $65 salmon entree to do that...at $65 salmon Caesar salad!!!!.. He also forgot to bring my partner his red wine with the meal... so honestly idk this server acts like so cocky.... It blows my mind! side comment...never in my life has anyone made me order my courses individually! This dinner ended up being nearly 3 hours long because of all of these long breaks I between table visits. I would always see him talking to co workers by the soda station and busy doing side work.... The mains were ok and very over priced for what you get. We will definitely not be coming back here, for the price you pay and the type of service that we were provided is extremely overpriced! read more

"Wow what an amazing experience. I was having dinner with my daughter for her graduation and a friend called ahead and let the staff know, they printed out menus with the school logo on them and had given her a card. The staff was very attentive, the food was amazing and the ambiance was perfect. I highly recommend this restaurant if you want a memorable experience." read more

Beautiful ambiance, top notch service, this place is a stunner! Was part of a private party. The room has a beautiful view and walkout patio. But the long and narrow room, while perfect and intimate for dining, is awkward and restricting for mingling. Our server was attentive and personable, felt like my glass was always full. The food was pretty, well presented and delicious. Is it bad to say that I left hungry? I liked their Caesar salad and the pumpkin seed rolls were a nice touch. (They brought out gluten free crackers as needed.) Scallops were fresh and tender and the hubs enjoyed the filet. I'd love to go back and try more options. The view and ambiance is stunning. Parking: they offer valet only in their own covered and private lot. read more

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I personally had a high expectations because of the reviews. We went there to have a farewell party before I moved to different state. Hoping something more memorable but a bit disappointed. The food was excellent but overpriced. We ordered fresh oyster and other appetizers/ salad that I didn't take a picture of. For main course we got Fillet Mignon, Sea Bass, King Salmon, Rib chop Steaks. I recommend their Sea Bass and Fillet Mignon. We also ordered 2 bottles of wine and desserts. Our waitress wasn't attentive and at the end of the meal we were handed a blue and cream card explaining that a 20% service charge is included on each check BUT the company retains 100% of the service charge and welcoming additional tips! I really can't recommend this place. If you are unfamiliar with the area, you have to walk down the sidewalk for Aqua's entrance. There is a Valet and parking available. I can say that it has a great location overlooking the water, Elliot Bay Trails and the Space Needle in the distance. read more

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El Gaucho Seattle's happy hour at Union Stables is a must-visit for an upscale yet approachable experience. The cocktails, like the Prickly in Pink, were expertly crafted and packed with flavor. Service was impeccable, with attentive staff making our group feel welcomed and valued. The Tenderloin Diablo and Sticky Ribs were highlights, offering bold tastes at a great value. With its speakeasy vibe and live piano, it's the perfect spot for a memorable evening with friends. We asked to move tables since we wanted to talk and piano was wonderful, but loud. They happily obliged!​ read more

My good (girl)friend brought me here to celebrate my recent engagement. They were so thoughtful to add that to the top of the menu with a really sweet card from the staff too. We think they may have thought we were the engaged couple, which we got a good chuckle about, but I could see where the misunderstanding would be given it was the two of us dining this evening. In any event, it was a nice gesture. We started off with happy hour at the bar and got the halibut tacos, tenderloin diablo (both oh so dry!!! 2/5) and two bubbly French cannons to celebrate. We are now both lightweights and I definitely had a good buzz going after only a couple sips. We moved outside to the patio area which had an amazing view of the water with all the sailboats passing by. The sunset wasn't bad either. Full from happy hour, we shared: - Tableside yellowfin poke ($27): not sure why this is made tableside, as there's no real "flair" to the assembly, but anyways the end presentation was a bit sloppy. The poke was fresh and tasty although very heavy on the cucumber. 4/5 - Seared scallops ($63): Our server raved about these. Unfortunately, they were extremely over salted. My friend remembered she had ordered this before and as soon as she took a bite she said "oh yah last time it was salty too". The sear was only on one side of two of the three scallops and they weren't a crispy sear either. This was very disappointing. 2/5 - Sautéed foraged and cultivated mushrooms ($8): earthy, meaty and delicious. 4.5/5 Service was on the slow side, but it might have been purposeful so we could enjoy the ambiance. Valet parking available. read more

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Staff was wonderfully cordial and helpful. The food was beyond reproach. Worth the price!

We went to dinner last night my husband and I arrived first, the hostess asked if we were celebrating anything and I said my best friend is about to have a baby any day now. While we thought we were just waiting for our table to be cleaned up and to be seated. The host Justice and Nick, printed menus with my friend's name saying celebrating Elizabeth. They sprinkled flower petals on the table. And even brought out a little baby onesie with a welcome baby card on the table. All within a matter of five minutes when we sat down, my friend cried. It was an extra detail that went so much further than they could probably imagine. We felt so taken care of from the beginning through the end. This might be the first time I've ever felt so called to write a review specifically to only talk about the service. Our server Rochelle was also incredible and so attentive! Our friends valeted their car and had cookies in their car upon exit. The views are amazing, everyone enjoyed the food but the service was next level. Thank you so much! You made my friend's day, that was a truly special and thoughtful experience! We appreciate you! read more

The entire team at AQUA knows all about service and how to provide it to their guests. It's a great experience and well worth the costs. Thanks for making my daughter's birthday special. Bob, our waiter, went above and beyond the call of duty. If you don't believe me, try them out. read more

The piano player was fantastic. The ambience was very much old school, but with terrific views if you happen to have a table near the window, which we didn't. The menu was surprisingly boring. The selections on the menu you could easily find on any menu in all the 50 states. I was surprised because I thought I would have imaginative seafood options in Seattle. The dishes were very heavy and salty including the sides. Nothing of interest on the dessert menu. Very pricey for what you get. Plenty of it such as it is. Disappointing. read more

Aqua is always a perfect place to go for a date, for a nice meal, a business meal, or just to take in the scenery. It's located on the waterfront on the Alaska Way at pier 70. Once you walk in you, see a very open and spacious restaurant with really classic decor. I love the lanterns that hang from the ceilings as they remind me of acorns. Once you walk in and sit down, you immediately greeted by the server and asked for beverages and appetizers. But what you really catching is the waterfront view especially if you're there around sunset. This restaurant is been around for a while and it is known for its service and food. We ordered quite a few things, but my favorite is always the fire, roasted corn, and the wicked shrimp. You have to try those! The dress is not casual but slightly elevated. You can sit in the bar, however and enjoy a meal if you're just walking in off the street. read more

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The service was impeccable. The cocktails were prepared perfectly and the wine list has lots of my favorites. The food was well proportioned and also well prepared. And the view - well, it can't be beat. We also especially appreciated the piano player. So good. read more

I went here with my hubby for a late birthday dinner. We didn't really know what to expect but I'll give all details. Parking - it's inside a garage and there is free valet. Ambiance- I loved the setting and decor and it can be romantic but I could also be somewhat kid friendly. Pricing- it's on the pricier side and also doesn't offer full entree or 3 course meals it has to be separate. Food tasted AMAZING and was cooked to perfection. The only drawback or con was the our food took EXTREMELy long. Idn if maybe they forgot to put in our order or what but it took over an hour. My drink was Soooo good. I'm not a huge drinker but I absolutely loved it. Drink/wine menu- there was a book on the table that I thought was the menu but to my surprise it was an extended wine menu. I had a cocktail as I usually like desert wine but wanted different. I also never prefer a calamari, but this one for some reason was just hitting for me. Service- we had the couple and they weren't nothing short of great. She kept coming back to apologize for the delay and checking to see if we needed anything. read more

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Warm welcoming environment! Amazing food and service!! Its our new favorite end of week or special occasion destination!

Located next to the pier overlooking at the waterfront. A great place to see the sunset and have that water view. Reservation was made ahead of visiting. Valet parking available. We arrived just a little pass sundown and was seated in the greater dining area with booth seats. The atmosphere is inviting and classy. There was a pianist nearby playing some familiar melodies during the Saturday evening. Our server was Alex and he was attentive and helpful. We celebrated our anniversary and was treated with care by all the staff. We ordered the Seafood Bacchanalia to share. The seafood was delicious and fresh. Loved it. Would definitely come back again if I am in Seattle. Highly recommend. Great for Anniversary, Office Meetings, Celebration Dinners, Date Nights. read more

AQUA by El Gaucho - Seafood Bacchanalia for 2 - Seafood Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Dinner and Service I was spectacular the appetizer scallops, oysters cliff and the seabass first class listen the piano. read more

AQUA by El Gaucho - Seafood Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Came here for a night out for our Father's Day celebration spent $600....I've been here a couple of times but after that day I don't think I will return. I'm not sure if it was the kitchen thrown off what. I ordered the strawberry salad and roasted chicken. These both were poorly executed. Strawberry salad came 20% of the plate it was served in. When they delivered it to the table I was laughing thinking this was a joke. Maybe the kitchen didn't finish yet? It looked like a garnish...had to go see other previous postings to compare and found that they serve it half a plate which seemed more sense. But mine was no way close to that. The roasted chicken wasn't cooked all the way...skin still looked white, carrots were still hard in center. Ordered the Clams still had sand inside...Green Curry seafood was okay, rib steak was the best out of all. I wish they would upgrade the space it really needs a refresher. I'm sorry but I don't think I would return unless they changed up. Management needs to QC execution. read more

The food was excellent! Our server,Winter was the best! Very pleasant guy and very knowledgeable about the chain! The ambiance was wonderful and they even had a piano player! The water view of the Pugent sound was amazing! read more

AQUA by El Gaucho - Seafood Near Me - Seattle, Washington

We came here for our 25th wedding anniversary dinner and we really enjoyed ourselves. We arrived at our table to find a card and rose petals scattered around. We had two servers (one in training) and they went above and beyond for us through the whole meal. I would say the food was 8/10 and the service charge issue is obnoxious and confusing; therefore cannot truly give a 5 star review. We will be back for sure. read more

Came here on sunny weekend for a girls dinner and sat outside with the ocean view. Service was amazing, our server helped us recommend a bottle of wine based on our courses and came and checked on us very regularly. We did valet and I didn't realize that they give warm chocolate chip cookies which was pretty cool. The cookies were actually good. Unfortunately I couldn't really say the same for our entrees. We started off with the oysters and they weren't cleaned very well. Some of them still had bits of shells, so you can imagine it wasn't a good experience in your mouth. I also ordered the curry mussel dish as my main entree. The curry sauce is good, but the mussels didn't taste fresh. They had a very odd smell like it already turned. I couldn't finish them because I didn't want to get sick. I would've thought Aqua food would just be as good as their original El Gaucho restaurant but I think I will stick with my steak. read more

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Oct 17 2024 we celebrated 49 years since our first date to the movie Mahogany. The happy hour food was delicious. I really enjoyed the lemon drop too. We had the steak with salad and fries, it was perfectly cooked. Our waiter was exceptionally great to unfortunately i misplaced his name. The woman's bathroom is just beautiful and spotless yes I judge restaurants by their restroom. The only disappointment is the restaurant and bar are on the water but no view from most areas inside. Outside seating was closed as to cold they should consider enclosing and heaters to take advantage of this fantastic location on pier 70 at the waterfront. read more

AQUA by El Gaucho - Celebrating 49 yrs in the bar at aqua elgaucho - Seafood Near Me - Seattle, Washington

We had a wonderful dinner for our Anniversary at Aqua. Justice called ahead of time to make sure they had all the details correct for our anniversary celebration. They set the table perfectly to create a nice ambiance. Jeff, the waiter was very attentive to our needs and knowledgeable about the menu. The food was delicious and we enjoyed every bite. We would recommend Aqua to anyone in the Seattle area. read more

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