Aqua Restaurant

4.8

2796 Reviews

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Make a booking

2 people

23 Dec 2024

20:30

Good for special occasions
Innovative
Neighbourhood gem

**Only in Beaufort, NC** Executive Chef Jon McGregor’s menu is created to bring you the freshest seasonal items available presented with a creative touch. Aqua’s small plates offer you an exciting array of tastes in
"just right” portions, ideal for passing around the table or enjoying two or three as a full meal. Aqua’s Big Plates feature the freshest local seafood and premier meats, as well as local produce. Aqua prides itself on offering fresh, local products and supporting our local fisherman and farmers.

Enjoy our upscale bar offerings, including specialty cocktails and expansive wine list.

Enjoy your experience in our Dining Room or on our comfortable, breezy screened-in porch. Please take care to select the dining area of your choice when making reservations.

We can’t wait to serve you soon. Cheers for now!

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Contemporary American, Fusion / Eclectic, Seafood
Hours of Operation
Dinner Tue–Thu 5:30 pm–8:30 pm Fri, Sat 5:30 pm–9:30 pm
Phone number
(252) 728-7777
Website
http://www.aquaexperience.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive Chef
Jon McGregor
Catering
Limited off site catering is available.
Private party facilities
Private party / Banquet facilities available overlooking Taylor's Creek and the Beautiful Beaufort waterfront from the 3rd floor private dining room located in our sister restaurant Clawson's 1905 Restaurant & Pub. Seats up to 69

Location
114 Middle Lane, Beaufort, NC 28516
Area
Beaufort / Morehead City
Parking details
Private Lot
Additional
Gluten-free Options

Popular dishes

Cheese PlateUS$10.00
seared Ashe county juusto and bruleed triple cream brie
Tuna Poke*US$9.00
marinated fresh local tuna
Artichoke HeartsUS$8.00
panko fried, citrus ginger yogurt, feta
Duck WingsUS$11.00
duck drummettes, 5 spice rub, gochujang, Asian slaw
MusselsUS$12.00
PEI mussels, coconut saffron broth, grilled baguette

Small Plates

Local Catch
designed daily by our chef
- Market Price
Grilled Petite Filet*US$26.00
CAB Beef tenderloin, veal demi glace, spinach, roasted tomatoes, truffle dusted gratin potatoes
Seared Crab CakeUS$25.00
lump crabmeat, sauteed spinach, leeks, mushrooms, citrus chili aioli
Winter SquashUS$15.00
preparation varies according to local farmers products and availability
Shrimp & Grits ProvencalUS$24.00
tomato basil relish, white balsamic beurre blanc, creamy polenta
Seared Local Tuna*US$25.00
blackened rare fresh local tuna, soba noodle salad, wasabi greens, traditional accompaniments
Duck ConfitUS$27.00
crispy leg quarter of duck, sweet potato puree, baby carrot, spinach, tomato, blood orange bigarade

Big Plate

Sea and Shore*
CAB beef petite filet, veal demi glace, yukon gold mashed potatoes, winter vegetables. Choice of
- Local CatchUS$43.00
- Seared Crab Cake.US$43.00
- Grilled ShrimpUS$36.00
- Two Large Sea ScallopsUS$43.00
Noodle Bowl*US$39.00
sauteed shrimp, blackened rare fresh local tuna, two large sea scallops, coconut chili broth
Boneless Beef Short RibUS$35.00
sweet potato puree, haricot verts, carrot, demi glace

Salads

add to any dish: CAB petite filet* $24, crab cake $23, local catch (market), grilled shrimp $13, two large sea scallops $23

CaesarUS$11.00
chopped romaine and kale, grilled focaccia, roasted tomatoes, olives, parmesan, egg
Poached Pear and BrieUS$11.00
saffron poached pear, baby kale, walnuts, grapes, triple cream brie, blood orange vinaigrette

Sweet Endings

Aqua's Signature Crème BruléeUS$13.00
huge Madagascar vanilla bean crème brulée
Chocolate MousseUS$10.00
our pastry chef's creation of the week
Bananas FosterUS$11.00
bananas, caramel, brown butter cake, vanilla bean ice cream
Dessert SamplerUS$27.00
enjoy a sample of the above three house made confections

What 2,796 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.8Service
4.7Ambience
4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Diners' Choice Awards

Coastal North Carolina
Innovative
Coastal North Carolina
Great for fine wines

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Aqua Restaurant in Beaufort is a delightful dining destination, praised for its "excellent food" and "wonderful service." Guests enjoy a creative menu with unique flavors, including standout dishes like mussels in coconut saffron broth and beautifully plated seafood options. The cozy atmosphere and attentive staff make it a "repeat-worthy" experience.

2,796 Reviews

J
John
Wilmington
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
One of our very favorite restaurants! But - we had never been there on wineOrama night! Great food and great wine. Can’t beat it. We were able to buy some of the wine at fantastic prices and bring it home for the holidays!!
Is this helpful?
A
Anna
Raleigh
14 reviews
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on 15 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Aqua is one of our favorite dining spots in Beaufort. The food is always fabulous and the atmosphere is great. Quinton is an amazing host!
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A
Audra
Charlotte
8 reviews
4.0
8 reviews
Dined on 14 December 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great presentation and the service was impeccable. The foods all had an element of sweetness to them, which was surprising, but we enjoyed our meal. Our party had had butternut squash soup (had a lot of sweet maple flavor), a salad, the mussels (delicious broth that was sweet and spicy), grouper special (the purée was alittle sweet), and the crab cake with sweet potato puree which tasted like pumpkin pie.
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K
Karen
VIP
Raleigh
56 reviews
4.0
56 reviews
Dined on 10 December 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
This was my third visit to Aqua and it has consistently had great seafood. The Swordfish(catch of the day) was simply divine. The Saffron soaked pear salad was a nice starter. We also enjoyed coconut-based mussels that was a little of a miss as it was TOO coconuty . The server(Jonathan) was good, except we did request a coursed out dinner and he bought both the mussels and fish at the same time which presented a little bit of a dilemma when they both should be enjoyed warm. There may have been a little confusion as two of us were sharing , nonetheless , we had a lovely dinner and appreciated the special touch of wishing my son a Happy Birthday with a card signed by the staff. It was a very nice touch. We will return to Aqua when we are again in Beaufort!
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J
Johanna
Wilmington
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on 4 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food is always delicious and innovative. The craft cocktails really good and creative. It's a real event to dine at this restaurant.
Is this helpful?
B
Brenda
Wilmington
23 reviews
5.0
23 reviews
Dined on 30 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The staff of Aqua consistently deliver outstanding service and beautifully plated food. Chef Hannah's creations never disappoint. Aqua is always on our list when we're in town.
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J
Joanne
Raleigh
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 30 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
A great way to spend ou anniversary - excellent service and great food
Is this helpful?
N
Nancy
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 24 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Aqua continuously serves some of the best food in the region. The menu is thoughtfully planned and prepared. The entire staff cares about the food and service they provide. Our expectations are exceeded on every visit.
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C
Cindy
Raleigh
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on 23 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food was delicious! Waiter was good-chef prepared fabulous food! Will be back.
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L
Lynda
Charleston
19 reviews
5.0
19 reviews
Dined on 19 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had a wonderful visit! We were visited during the course of our dinner by different staff members, who all work together to ensure service never misses a beat. Fresh catch of the evening, noodle bowl, and sea and shore were delicious! Cocktails were unique and beautifully presented, and wine list provides something for any taste. Can’t wait to return!
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FAQs

Aqua Restaurant offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (252) 728-7777.

Aqua Restaurant is rated 4.8 stars by 2796 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people

23 Dec 2024

20:30

Order delivery or takeout

114 Middle Lane, Beaufort, NC 28516

Additional information

Area
Beaufort / Morehead City
Hours of Operation
Dinner Tue–Thu 5:30 pm–8:30 pm Fri, Sat 5:30 pm–9:30 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Contemporary American, Fusion / Eclectic, Seafood
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Private Lot
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Jon McGregor
Additional
Gluten-free Options

Website
http://www.aquaexperience.com/
Phone number
(252) 728-7777
Catering
Limited off site catering is available.
Private party facilities
Private party / Banquet facilities available overlooking Taylor's Creek and the Beautiful Beaufort waterfront from the 3rd floor private dining room located in our sister restaurant Clawson's 1905 Restaurant & Pub. Seats up to 69

Aqua Restaurant

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Noodle Bowl

Bananas Foster

Seared Crab Cake

Tapas

Cheese PlateUS$10.00

Tuna Poke*US$9.00

Artichoke HeartsUS$8.00

Duck WingsUS$11.00

MusselsUS$12.00

Small Plates

Local Catch

Grilled Petite Filet*US$26.00

Seared Crab CakeUS$25.00

Winter SquashUS$15.00

Shrimp & Grits ProvencalUS$24.00

Seared Local Tuna*US$25.00

Duck ConfitUS$27.00

Big Plate

Sea and Shore*

Noodle Bowl*US$39.00

Boneless Beef Short RibUS$35.00

Salads

CaesarUS$11.00

Poached Pear and BrieUS$11.00

Sweet Endings

Aqua's Signature Crème BruléeUS$13.00

Chocolate MousseUS$10.00

Bananas FosterUS$11.00

Dessert SamplerUS$27.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Diners' Choice Awards

Review summary

FAQs

Does Aqua Restaurant offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Aqua Restaurant restaurant rated?

Is Aqua Restaurant currently accepting bookings?

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information