0 Followers
Aquarelle NYC
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Aquarelle NYC
7.6
Vibes:
Luxury Dining Elite
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Birthday & Celebration Central
Trendy Table Hotspots
A dramatic, nightclub-meets-underwater set where the menu leans glitzy: raw bites, rich pasta, and surf-and-turf-style seafood statements. It’s best for occasion energy—come for the room, order one showy entrée and one crudo/raw plate, and keep expectations focused on vibe plus indulgence.
Must-Try Dishes:
Squid ink linguine with crab, Surf-and-turf steak & lobster combo, Raw bites platter
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 7.1
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: A spectacle-first seafood room pairing raw bites with a high-drama interior.
Who should go: Celebrations that want a scene with seafood
When to visit: Weekend night for peak energy
What to order: Raw bites, squid ink crab pasta, lobster combo
Insider tip: Split one big entrée and add one raw plate—best balance for the spend.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive in Alphabet City; rideshare or walking is recommended. Paid garages are a 10–15 minute walk.
Dress code: Dressy, nightlife-leaning attire recommended—heels, statement outfits, and polished looks fit the room. Jeans are acceptable if styled upscale.
Noise level: Loud—music-forward and high-energy. Conversation is possible but not the focus.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, especially after 8pm
Weekday lunch: Typically no lunch service or minimal wait on early weekday evenings
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—some pasta and appetizer options, but seafood dominates the menu
Vegan options: Very limited—may require off-menu accommodations
Gluten-free options: Some raw and protein-based dishes can be made gluten-free; confirm with server
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a high-energy, nightlife-style first date than a quiet get-to-know-you dinner—great if you want excitement and visuals over conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible early or late on weekdays, but reservations are strongly recommended on weekends and for prime evening slots.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal—this is an adult, nightlife-oriented environment best suited for teens and adults rather than young children.
Best For
Better for: Celebrations, birthdays, and nights where atmosphere, visuals, and scene matter as much as the food
Skip if: You’re seeking refined seafood technique, quiet conversation, or value-driven fine dining—consider more traditional seafood or white-tablecloth options instead
Aquarelle NYC
7.8
Vibes:
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Girls Night Out Approved
Trendy Table Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
A splashy, underwater-styled seafood room that’s geared toward private events where visuals and energy matter as much as the menu. Best for groups who want a festive, photo-friendly night with cocktails and seafood-forward plates rather than a quiet, restrained dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tuna tartare, Squid ink linguine with crab, Surf and turf
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: A private-dining-capable room built around high-visual, high-energy seafood nights.
Who should go: Celebration groups who want vibes and photos
When to visit: Weekend nights for the full room energy
What to order: Tuna tartare, squid ink pasta, surf and turf
Insider tip: Order family-style seafood mains so the table eats together, not in waves.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive; garages are available within a few blocks but expect evening rates. Rideshare is the easiest option.
Dress code: Dressy-casual to stylish — heels, statement outfits, and polished looks fit right in.
Noise level: Loud and energetic — conversation is possible but not the focus during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, longer for larger groups
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or under 15 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — a few pastas and sides can work but it’s seafood-forward.
Vegan options: Very limited — not ideal without advance planning.
Gluten-free options: Some options available; staff can guide but no dedicated gluten-free menu.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for confident, social first dates — the vibe is fun and flashy, but it’s not ideal if you want quiet conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weekdays or early evenings, but weekend nights are tough without booking ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really — the atmosphere skews adult, loud, and cocktail-focused. Best for teens and up if necessary.
Best For
Better for: High-energy private events, birthday dinners, and groups prioritizing visuals, cocktails, and a party-forward seafood menu.
Skip if: You want an intimate, quiet dinner or a food-first experience where subtlety and pacing matter more than atmosphere.