Aqua By El Gaucho Reviews

A Seattle native recommended this restaurant for a group business dinner. A wonderful meal was enjoyed by all. And, of my, the desserts! My husband had a delicious bread pudding and our friends had chocolate chip cookies topped Ice cream and HOT fudge sauce. A dessert for three people, at least!

Since my birthday was during our summer family road trip, my husband wanted to take the family out for a nice dinner. He researched restaurants in the Seattle area, and he picked this one, mainly because of its location to the water. We had such high expectations, but the food fell short in every way. It was overpriced considering the taste and selection. My tuna was chewy and tough, and our salads were soggy and gross. We sat outside so the view was incredible. That was the positive with our experience.

This restaurant was on a list of recommended restaurants so my cousin and I were excited to go. We made a reservation weeks in advance since we knew our time would be limited. Our reservation was for a Tuesday night early in the evening. We wanted to call to see if we could request a table by water. We noticed however on the confirmation that they could not honor specific seating requests. Upon arriving (early) for our reservation we asked if we could sit by a window for a view of the water. The hostess told us “I’m sorry our reservations are booked. I can’t give you a table by the water but I can give you a table not by the window” She was not very nice about it and sat us at a table not close to the window. Our waiter was not rude but not attentive. Our drink server did not smile at all and our drink glasses were never picked up nor were we asked if we wanted another. The food itself was excellent. Our back waiter at the end was the first person to smile at us. We also noted an open table by the window that stayed open until we were leaving. At the end we asked if the hostess could call us a cab as it was raining. The hostess was visibly annoyed and said “Don’t you have Uber on your phone?” She went to call and we were going to tell her not to but she shushed us by placing her finger up to her mouth. She did this twice and then took us out to show us where to wait. Again, the food was amazing but I wouldn’t go back because of the service.

This is a high-end restaurant with outstanding food, excellent service and a great wine selection. It is not cheap. The appetizers cost approximately $20 to $30. The main courses from $40 to $90. The food tastes wonderful, and the portions are generous. The wine list is great. Prices go from $60 to hundreds of dollars per bottle, but the selections are very nice. Even the cheaper bottles taste great. This is the place to go for a business meeting when you are on someone elses expense account. This is the place to go when you want to impess that special someone. This is a place to celebrate a special occassion. Seafood and steaks are the specialties of the house.

Arrogant server, overpriced food that was average. Nice location and view. No splitting checks, automatic gratuity make the server not give a damn how he treats the group. Pick a different place for dinner in Seattle.

Very good service and great food. The waiter was very attentive to our needs and the food was hot and cooked to our satisfaction. Great views of the sunset and water. It was a large room and a little loud so maybe not for the romantic destination of quiet dinner. A little pricey so make sure you don't bring the kiddos. Their private van picked us up at the hotel and that was a wonderful service to have.

This restaurant has a beautiful view of the water, knowledge staff and outstanding food. I wouldn't go if you're in a hurry though, they definitely give you time to digest in between courses and that is totally fine with me.

Sadly , it was an awful experience. We arrived for our reservation which was made weeks in advance. Requested water view (outside) and was placed at a table toward the hostess station in the middle of dining room. If we wanted outside we were to wait 45 minutes. We chose to take the table in the middle with no view. Our waiter was friendly and knowledgeable but also very busy with multiple tables. He had a 4 top , 2 top, 6 top , another table and party of 10. Since he makes the Caesar salad table side you wait very long for drink refills , ordering , etc. Again , good waiter but too many tables sat at once. Dining experience overall was poor. As far as the food , many dishes were undercooked, raw or cold. You got 3 medium sized scallops and one was cold. Three of our steaks were grossly undercooked and the buttermilk chicken was raw. Not a great night for the kitchen staff ! It's all a la cart so your entree sits solo on a large plate with poor presentation. Definitely not worth the prices and majority of food was undercooked. If you ask for well you got medium rare and so on. I would not recommend this restaurant with the limited wines by glass , poor plate presentation , raw foods and argumentative manager. Too many other great restaurants in the area to waste your time or money here! Think again ... you will leave disappointed !

My wife and I have come here the last two years for our wedding anniversary. It IS an expensive restaurant -- but every aspect is superb. The food is without parallel in Seattle -- everything from fresh oysters, to fish perfectly grilled, to crab and lobster succulent and tender, not dried out from spending too long in steam or boiling water like in some other "fine" seafood restaurants. Service is attentive, but always friendly. And the airy, light-filled space and view of Elliott Bay are perfect, also. We would give it six stars if we could!

Yum! Absolutely worth the money. This place is definitely on the more expensive side, but the food was phenomenal. We made reservations and walked here from our hotel. We had two servers Aaron and Alex but everyone working that night made sure we were taken care of. Whether it was more water in your glass or checking in to see if we needed anything else. Truly spectacular service and worth the automatic 20% gratuity added to your tab. As for the food we got the surf&turf and the king salmon and side of brussel sprouts. For apps we got the calamari and prawn cocktail. All of which was amazing, ended up being too much food but was happy to get to taste it all. We sat in the middle of the dining room and were able to see out the windows perfectly. Didn't need to be sat right next to the window to have a great view. In fact our table might have been better since the sun wasn't in our eyes. Lastly they had a wonderful pianist playing live music which was a cherry on top to the experience. Bummer there isn't an Aqua in Portland where we live but just means we will have to come back and visit.

Aqua is rather expensive, but the food is great and it is hard to beat the location - you can seat at nicely served tables on an outside deck facing the ocean and mountains. Very good vine selection as well. I is not as nice, however, when it is getting cold and dark. There are gas heaters, but it is not sufficient for a good experience. Will try for lunch next time.

To us five star means you have to get it right on everything. Food, location, ambiance and service. And on each they were impeccable. The service started on arrival with the valet attendants, to the host, to our wonderful waiter Teri, to an anniversary note signed by the staff on the table accompanied by Rose petals, to the knowledgeable and attentive Rena our Sommelier. Everyone helped to make the night so very special. And it was clear they are like this with every client. Listed as a seafood restaurant, my steak was unbelievably fansastic. No sauces or additional seasoning needed whatsoever. Sorry Metropolitan Grill but there was no comparison. Wife had seared Seabass. I knew it was fantastic when she didn’t offer me a taste nor even speak to me while eating it other than OMG...OMG... Ended the meal with another fantastic (can’t help but use that word a lot here) item... a gift dessert. See pic. Just really perfect all around. Then had a nice stroll along the water with a cigar and my baby... Go, eat, enjoy. Tip: the Dom Perignon is reasonably priced!

We went for my birthday. They provided a nice Happy Birthday card at the table, and, a personalized menu with my name, which they laminated and gave to me at the end. Food was great. Service was great. Prices were in line for a steakhouse. Had great inside and outside seating. Right on the waterfront. Will go back if we return to Seattle.

Beautiful view to watch the sunset. The service as awesome. But the best part was the food. Some of the best, freshest seafood I have ever had. I highly recommend it. I was traveling from the mid-west, where you can't get good seafood, and this definitely filled that need.

Very poor quality seafood- did not taste fresh. The meat did not taste choice or prime. Overall, poor selection on the menu. Super pricey, especially when paying a tax on top of the service charge. All the other fluffed up reviews seem questionable at best. Will NEVER come back.

This seafood restaurant has wonderful food and other options too with outstanding service. The views are lovely over the Sound and ask for window table if possible.

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.

My daughter arranged this dinner for us in Seattle, and it was incredible. We had decided to indulge in Michellin Star restaurants on our cross-country trip, and this restaurant met our expectations. Though we showed up in jeans and t-shirts, we felt right at home. Dinners were dressed in anything from shorts to tuxedos. And we were welcomed right in without the bat of an eye. The service was great, and the food was fantastic. I ordered the season King Salmon which was cooked perfectly. The vegetables (asparagus) served with it were great and our desserts were to die for. It was pricy, but not outrageous. We had appetizers, entrees, dessert and mixed drinks for under $300 for both of us. I would go back again in a heartbeat -- it's a shame I don't live in the area.

A colleague of mine and I went to Aqua, without a reservation, for an early dinner. We were both tired from traveling from the east coast to the west coast so we wanted to eat something and get some sleep. We ordered and split the Seafood Bliss, a beautiful arrangement of crab legs, shrimp, lobster and ahi poke with seafood sauce. The food was terrific as was the wine. We had a beautiful table overlooking the bay and there was a dynamite pianist playing throughout our short dinner. Prices were high but prices at all Seattle restaurants are high. Seattle is a beautiful, progressive but expensive city. Visit Aqua while you’re there!

Right on the water with tall windows and high ceilings, this restaurant offers incredible harbor views, comfortable seating and (because of the high ceilings) a very reasonable sound level even when it gets busy. It’s expensive but worth it. Or so the three of us decided! The food and service were great.

It’s a beautiful setting and restaurant and you definitely can’t beat the service. We ate here two years ago and the food was also 1st rate. Not so much this time. Food came out lukewarm and not well seasoned. Average and not worth $50 a plate. It would be a 3 star rating if not for the great service and setting.

I really enjoyed myself. Service was allright, food was excellent and the drinks were of good quality. Was a bit suprised at how expenive it was, dont get me wrong it was good food. But i have eaten better food for way less than this place. But the location and the outdoor terrace made it a great experience anyways. But with thse prices i would think twice before going back.

Great location and views, but the positives end there. Neither the service nor the food quality was commensurate with the pricing.

We had six family for dinner. The location on the Seattle waterfront is excellent. The service was simply outstanding. Kevin went to great length to accommodate our wine selection. They were very aware of gluten free issues as my wife is a celiac. Both our scallop dishes were cooked to perfection although the risotto was not what we might have hoped for. Perhaps just a matter of taste. The other two adults had cod, I believe, and large Argentinian prawns which were huge and delicious. One drawback was no gluten free cracker/bread option which such a fine restaurant should have available. Overall an outstanding dinner with great food and superior service. They also were quite able to accommodate the two youngsters, age 9 and 11, with good options.

We went there to visit with my cousin who lives here. We got their halibut which comes with a small salad on the side. It was delicious but if we had known there was a salad also on the plate we wouldn’t have ordered a separate salad. All of it was delicious, however. My husband had the black cod which I thought was slightly better than the halibut. He also had the Caesar salad. All of this was served with a very nice chenin blanc. Forgot to mention the crab Mac and cheese with truffles that serves 4 so the waiter suggested a half portion which was a great idea. For dessert our waiter said their bread pudding is the best. It was super delicious with chocolate chips instead of raisins so that made it taste like chocolate chip cookie dough with ice cream and caramel on top. Wonderful meal!!

Pretty, airy space on the water with nice views depending on weather. Friendly service and good food, especially the huge Scandanavian crab legs

This was by far the best meal I’ve had in Seattle. I had Clam Chowder and the appetizer portion of Crab Cakes with a side of Mac and Cheese. By far the best meal in Seattle. Service and atmosphere was superb. Call for a reservation before you go. Highly recommend!!!

Went there for a birthday dinner in 2018 and loved it. Went back in June 2019 for a birthday celebration, had a reservation but had to wait quite awhile to be seated, we were on time. After we ordered we waited, and waited, and waited for our food. People who were seated well after us ate and left and we still had no food. When we asked no explanation was given except it will be out shortly. We were there until almost everyone else ate and left before our food arrived. There was no apology and I was made to feel uncomfortable by our wait staff because we were hungry, getting cold outside as our table had no heater and tired of waiting by the time our food finally came. There was no explanation as to why we didn't get our food for so long. I am very patient and would not normally complain, we were polite the whole evening with the wait staff. This was supposed to be a special occasion and we left extremely disappointed. I've never had this happen before anywhere else, not this long of a wait after ordering. Something definitely was forgotten and there was no effort to at least comp us dessert. I would have appreciated better customer service such as, I'm so sorry, there was a mistake and we are trying to get your order done asap, can we get you a free beverage or starter while you wait. This was in June 2019 and I'm still disappointed so decided to write the review I should have written immediately after. We are currently looking for a fine dining restaurant for a special occasion and though I would love to return to this place I feel I cannot take a chance after last time. The views and location are the main thing they have going for them.

Had dinner at Aqua Terrible experience One of us ordered crab legs $55 received one crab leg cut in half Scallops $50 received 4 small ones on mushy celery Sea bass no flavor Brussel sprouts deep fried and burned Squash tasted uncooked Waitress abandoned us

We were here for Mother's Day dinner. Our wait person was excellent but the service was extremely slow. Salads and soup were excellent. Halibut was outstanding...the favorite of the 4 of us. Ling cod was tasty. If you like Dungeness crab and Mac and cheese do NOT order it here. Such a disappointment. It was dry and bland. Home for warm ups with more cheese was much better . The calamari and corn shareables were so much better. Dessert was delicious. Everything was expensive.

Aqua by El Gaucho used to be a favorite, but now it's a place to get an overcooked, oversalted, undersized piece of sockeye for $72--here's the math, that is $60 stated plus 20% mandatory "tip." And when the wait staff delivers the wrong doneness to the wrong guests, the joke's on you. No accommodation in the food or the tip is offered, no free dessert, just "Sorry 'bout that." What a shame they're coasting on the past.

My wife and I don't usually splurge and spend over $200 on a meal (we don't drink) but we did here because of the reputation. First - location - primetime, waterfront, boats looked like they were going to dock at the table near the rail. A bit cool in the evening so eat inside if at all in question, but I did see that servers lit a propane heater for diners as the evening progressed - very considerate. Service - from the phone call to the seating, is was as it should be, kind, courteous and professional. Table service - excellent, very attentive and proper. We never once felt pressured or that they were hovering, yet they were always there doing what needed to be done, right on time too. Food - we started with the crab cakes, then my wife had the halibut and I had the seabass. All three were served perfectly. The combination of flavours and textures was perfect for my palate. The crust on the seabass was just right, the texture was ideal, not rubbery, flakey yet it had taken up the flavour of the sauce nicely. Portion size was just right. We were both very full when done. Dessert choices were a bit blasé, for such fine dining I would have liked a bit more choice and specialty type dessert than the menu provided. Price - well, like I said in the beginning, we don't generally spend this much on just food but it was worth it.

Anyone booking this restaurant knows that it’s high end, and my review should really be a 3.5 but the food really isn’t worth the price being charged and my own main course was actually not very good at all - and was largely inedible. However, the rest of my family did enjoy their meals very much. Two of us started with the Caesar salad, which is made from scratch tableside - including the dressing, from anchovies, garlic, egg yolk, olive oil, Parmesan etc. this was a real bit of tableside entertainment. Two others had the grilled stone fruit salad, with nectarine, feta, candied pecans and pomegranate. All of these were superb. Then the kids had buttermilk chicken and King Crab. All of those were great, and the crab the best they ever had - but a single portion of crab at $129. My wife had a filet steak, which was good but, priced at $72 (plus mandatory 20% service charge) it just wasn’t that special. Then was mine… I had a pork rib chop priced at $59. It was cooked medium but was well over 50% fat. I don’t mind pork fat if it’s crisped; that’s fine. But when it’s an undercooked gelatinous mess… well, no thanks. So I would say only about 1/3 of it was edible. Then add on the side dishes (mashed potatoes, corn) and a couple of desserts, and when you add the service charge there’s no change from $650. The service was superb, no doubt, but only the salads and the crab were really worth their prices. So, summary: Salads, crab and desserts - excellent and worth the cost Steak - fine but barely worth the cost Pork chop - terrible, not worth the cost

This is an expensive, but very fine seafood restaurant. It is located on the water, and has a large patio with outdoor seating and great views. The food and drinks are first rate, and so too is the service.

I’m really sorry we went to this restaurant! I had a list of restaurants that had good reviews and were rated best in town and when I asked the concierge at the hotel she highly recommended Aqua. Unfortunately for me the only positive note was the server that was extremely nice and professional!!!! And yes, the view, but other than this I was not happy at all with the choice!!!! First of all the restaurant is huge and packed with “tourists” and the food was below average!!!!! Very poor presentation of the dishes that I think should be a little better, considering the price!!!! However, probably just a wrong choice!!!!!

We went for our anniversary dinner. The service was incredible from the moment we walked in the door. Rose petals were on the table. We had the Spanish octopus and crab cake appetizers. The octopus was one of the best we've ever eaten and we've been to Spain. The black cod entree was also incredible.

very dissapointing, portions were small and food was way over salted. one and done. the views are great.

This restaurant is located directly by sea side and it’s possible to eat outside, of course. It’s a pretty big restaurant, therefore book table in advance. The menu is traditional seafood however many alternatives, from starters, to main course and desserts. Fish and crab are good selections. Enjoy.

From start to finish the dinner and ambiance were amazing. The crab cakes were a delicious start, the Seafood Bacchanalia for two was absolutely delicious. Then for desert the bread pudding was amazing, along with the nice touch for our anniversary. One of the best dining experiences I've had.

We had never eaten at Aqua, so we thought we would try it out. It was a beautiful evening, and we were seated on the back deck overlooking the bay. Our waiter was very pleasant and the view was amazing. I ordered salmon carpaccio and a crab salad. Both were acceptable, but not great. We were definitely paying for the view not for the quality of food.

Aqua is right on the water and we sat outside and enjoyed some great seafood and beers. Seafood platter was a good one to share.

We love going to Aqua for special family occasions, and are never disappointed by the food or ambience. The service team is very thoughtful and goes out of their way to care for guests. We were particularly impressed by our server, Matt, and the sommelier, who took time to answer any questions we had about dishes/beverages. Looking forward to returning soon.

My boyfriend and I went to this restaurant after seeing it on Trip Advisor, we did not have a reservation but were able to be seated at the bar. Reservations are recommended. The food was absolutely amazing, the filet melted in your mouth like amazing butter and the calamari was delicious. I highly recommend this restaurant, the price is reflected by the quality of the food.

I reserved a table for my wife and daughter at Aqua to celebrate my daughter's birthday, and I mentioned that when I made the online reservation. On our arrival my daughter was surprised to find the table scattered with rose petals and a birthday card for her signed by all of the staff members! Our table overlooked Elliott bay and had a wonderful view even though the weather outside was stormy and wet. The service was simply outstanding, and watching the staff work was like watching a choreographed performance. I noticed that when the food arrived at any particular table it all arrived simultaneously for each guest, no matter how large the party or how many staff were required to make it happen and so no guest had to wait to receive their food. The staff seemed to cover and compliment each other very well without conflict, and the result was seamless and uninterrupted service. The food choices at Aqua by El Gaucho were more seafood oriented than I'm used to at regular El Gaucho restaurants, but I had the crab cakes for an appetizer and my wife had the Chilean sea bass and reported that it was delicious. My daughter and I had the filet mignon (since they are well known for excellent steaks), and the meat was cooked to perfection and literally melted in the mouth. We augmented our entrees with asparagus and garlic mashed potatoes for a truly magnificent and completely satisfying meal. My daughter received a complementary dessert in recognition of her birthday and chose the chocolate chip cookie sundae, my wife had the caramel bread pudding, and I had the angel food cake special, all exceptionally good. I cannot think of ANYTHING that detracted from our wonderful experience at Aqua, and it was well worth the very high price that we paid. Unfortunately due to the cost we will need to reserve dinners here for special occasions, but we will look forward to those with great anticipation!

Quite the wine list and food choices. Certainly upscale place for special occasions. Lovely views. Super wait staff and sommelier

My husband and I visited Seattle as we celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary. He made reservations on Open Table and noted we were celebrating our 20th Anniversary and asked to be seated in an area with a view of the water. Upon arrival we were immediately seated. Aqua by El Gaucho delivered! Not only was our booth facing the water but it was also decorated with rose petals. The food was amazing. For starters we ordered the Octopus Carpaccio and Dungeness Crab Cakes. Wow crab cakes were amazing! Dinner, my husband ordered the Prime French Rib steak and he said it was one of the best steaks he's had. I had the Chillian Sea Bass....amazing!! The whipped mashed potatoes was our side dish and they were equally amazing. Our waitress insisted we order a dessert but we couldn't eat another bite. To our surprise they brought us a complimentary dessert. OMG amazing! The Baileys Chocolate Carmel Bread Pudding...to die for. We had such a great experience. We could not have asked for better service and food! Thank you Aqua by El Gaucho for making our Anniversary so special!!

We went to AQUA based on its close proximity to our hotel and were somewhat excited based on reviews of the restaurant.  That excitement quickly turned to dissapointment. The atmosphere is pretentious and lacks any genuine warmth. The hostess continuously walks around with a tablet checking on table status which is unprofessional at best.   Our server was not well versed in the menu.  So we decided we better try out an appetizer before selecting our entrees.   We chose the Wicked Shrimp which came undercooked and over salted.   Decided we better just stick with a soup and salad as you can't mess that up too badly.  Well turns out even the soup and the salad dressing tasted of a high quantity of salt.  Absolutely no finesse coming from the kitchen.  Once the soup and salad were delivered our server simply ignored us.   Finally another server came and asked us if we would like anything else.  We politely declined and asked for the check.   Others may have a better experience at AQUA, but I would have rather spent my money elsewhere. 

Many great features to this restaurant: provided coat check upon entering, table side creation of Caesar salad

Location is right off the water with amazing views. The interior is classy, good layout and was accommodating for our group of eight. Service was excellent, food was hot and drinks were continually filled. Meals were terrific. Seafood was fresh and flavourful. The steaks were cooked to order and could be cut with a butter knife. Excellent overall experience.

Truly a five star experience in every way. We mentioned we were on our honeymoon - they had gone the extra mile to reserve Us a SpecialTable that had rose petals strewn on It. We were completing a 10 day Road trip at this special place. By far The best service we had received to Date (perhaps ever). Food was amazing And the service as mentioned was excellent. Recommend the scallops and Filet. As an added pleasure - the piano player gave us a classical treat of “black hole sun”. A+++ experience overall.

My wife and I are foodies and have consistently eaten well in Seattle. Prior to this visit, we went for fine dining to excellent places in Seattle like Canlis, Metropolitan Grill, Salty on Alki, Lola, Shiro’s and enjoyed every minute of it. Aqua came pretty recommended, but for the 1st time in our stay in Seattle we did not enjoyed any of the plates served. The place and setting looks very nice, but all the food was under par in flavor and the prices were extremely high for the lack of quality of the food served. As appetizers we asked for the Spanish octopus, but it was served in a bed of garlic and type of “chimichurri” oil was extremely overwhelming and salty. We have eaten a lot of Octopus as we live in the Caribbean and this has been the worst that we have taken in our life. My wife had as main course the scallops and they were ok. I had the lobster and again it was too salty. We had for sharing the macaroni with crab, but left most of it as it was too salty. Everything was extremely salty. We are used to condiments on food, and love condiments on food, but there was no balance here and it was extremely overwhelming. Then comes the check and we don’t have problems in paying high prices on good restaurants for quality food, but we felt we were paying an extremely high price for a tourist trap kind of food. This has been our only disappointment in Seattle. For us this is a High end tourist trap.

Between the delicious food and THE OUTSTANDING service the cost was worth it. Beautiful views of the Sound and Mt Ranier made a memorable night for us. Kudos to the married couple who took great care of us. They are a treasure to your establishment.

live piano music, excellent food, great wine & great service In a very classy atmosphere, but of course for also a rather high price (maybe not for Seattle ;-) ) I can always recommend it! (try getting someone else to pay ;-) )

What shall I say, best service, gorgeous starters, steak "a point"and awesome meat quality, only one thing to note, it's not really cheap ;-)

We had a group of 12 and spent over $2000 on the meal, which, given the large spend didn't see an appropriate level of service. Whilst service wasn't poor per se, it was at best perfunctory and a little frosty. As someone who doesn't enjoy seafood, I had one of the steaks, which cost over $70, and I would say is probably the worst steak I have had in any trip to the US. It was absolutely flavourless and bland. I shared it with two colleagues as they were surprised at my feedback, and they said the same - it really had no real taste. I left half of it, and as per the above comment, this elicited no interest or comment from the waiting staff. I understand that the seafood is the speciality of Aqua, and my colleagues that had seafood were more impressed than I was, but to charge this amount for this quality of food was zero value for money. I can't recommend as any sort of value for money,

Went here for our anniversary and had an amazing experience! We were greeted by name at the hostess stand and told happy anniversary, then led to a table covered in rose petals with two handwritten welcome/congratulations cards and a personalized menu with our names and happy anniversary on them. Waitress Tori was so much fun and took great care of us along with the “shift captain” who made our tableside Caesar salad and cocktails. I had steak and my wife had fish - we loved both. Dessert was the perfect end to the evening. Yes the prices are high, but for a special occasion we thought the experience was definitely worth it. Restaurant has valet and they even leave cookies in your car when you pick it back up. Overall amazing night.

Just had an amazing evening at Aqua by El Gaucho! The wine list by the glass had some pleasant surprises not seen on other wine lists and the food was perfectly cooked and expertly served! It might be pricy to some, you do get your money’s worth. The pianist on Sundays is superb!

Was fortunate enough to visit Seattle on a beautiful sunny day and watch the sunset from the dining room. Great view! Love the piano music during dinner. Had some of the best crab cakes of my life. Was a little disappointed they ran out of sea bass that night - seems like a fish restaurant shouldn’t have that happen - but I liked it enough to return a few days later. Great service. Definitely a fine dining experience.

Food was not bad, but service was very poor. It took them 45 mins to bring us any water!! One single waitress-- no other staff---came to our table to take our order and we then waited an hour for our dinner and never saw anyone else at our table the entire evening. Atmosphere was not intimate, but really busy--like Dennys. We were glad to eat and leave. I guess thats what management thought of us as well?

Had a business dinner here, Loved the view, the food was ok. I had the fresh fish, but this place is way over priced. Way. Its good, but not that good. Service was ok, but not great. we had to track down our waiter a couple times. If you want to eat at a place with out outstanding view. this is it.

Great presentation with food! I had the fish which was done to perfection!! Also, the moscow mule drink was perfect!! Service was very quick and very helpful!! One thing I also always look at is if the bathrooms are clean! And they keep them VERY TIDY! Overall, 10/10 for dining experience!

What a great setting to enjoy a seafood dinner, right on the water. It kind of has a Midwest supper club feel with the guy playing the piano. We enjoyed everything we had, oysters, lobster gnocchi, halibut and scallops.

What a lovely restaurant!! They have really maximized the views of the water, it was so relaxing to have drinks and dinner all the while taking in the scenery. Oh.......the food......amazing!!!! My steak was so tender and cooked to perfection! The crab was also perfect!!! Can’t say enough good things, so I’d suggest if you’re in town to go and see for yourself

The food was good, though expensive. But the ambiance was extraordinary, with a lovely setting, spectacular view, and an excellent pianist. Overall, though the food was good, the setting and environment made it extraordinary. A wonderful night out in Seattle.

Our group of 8 had dinner here. Restaurant has great sea views. Service is polite, maybe a bit on the slow side, but the restaurant had guests. Seafood here is of high quality, no questions about that. I can especially recommend the oysters for starter and the mega maine lobster as the main. It was the biggest lobster tail I have ever seen on my plate, and it was sweet! Good visit!

We had an outstanding meal and evening at Aqua. It was a beautiful night and the sun reflecting off the water enhanced every aspect of our meal. We were celebrating a birthday along with commiserating on the loss of our son-in-law’s father’s passing. Not the best combination to be sure, but in this instance our discussions were actually deeply meaningful. Laughter was also on the menu. The food was delicious and our waiter excellent. Aqua remains one of our favorite Seattle restaurants and one we hope to return in the near future.

My wife and I enjoy Aqua, both the food and the service are exceptional. It is one of our favorite restaurants in Seattle. We visit Seattle occasionally so I requested a table with a good view when I reserved several days in advance. The staff selected an excellent table and the service was impeccable. We tried new appetizers both were interesting, wicked shrimp and salmon tartar. After a very fresh salad, both of us had king salmon, done to perfection. Later we had dessert and after dinner drinks at the bar. It was a truly pleasant evening.

Very nice atmosphere with holiday lights, piano playing in the background and nice views. Our server Morgana was absolutely lovely, prompt and very personable. Her recommendation for the grilled Octopus and Scallops was spot on. Very much enjoyed the cocktails as well. We were checked on by other hosts periodically which was nice given how every restaurant now is short handed and it is difficult to receive prompt service. Thanks will be back.

We were celebrating our anniversary and I was hoping to find a memorable experience for our special day. Aqua DID NOT disappoint! Everything was perfect! From the greeting at the door to the special touches to made us feel like Royalty! 👑 The food, AMAZING. The wait staff, AMAZING! Our waiter was Bob. He took extra care to see that we had a most wonderful time. Even walking through the restaurant on the way to our seat, other wait staff were wishing us Happy Anniversary. It was incredible. The restaurant is beautiful and there isn’t a bad seat in the house. Gorgeous sound views with ferry’s sailing by. Gorgeous sunset from our seat. What a perfect evening! Beautiful live piano music playing in the background and hospitality PLUS! If you’re on vacation and looking for that outstanding and special dining experience, look no further! Great for any memorable occasion. We will definitely be returning!

Firstly food and service very good with lovely views over the bay although a little expensive but quality often worth paying for. However, service charge arrangements are a little different and odd. Reservation email says that 20% will be included as standard, 100%is retained by Aqua but they pay their staff an “industry leading commission” and no gratuity is expected. A further note at time of the bill explains that they pay out 15% of the 20% service charge so they can pay staff “competitive rates”. I.e. they keep 5%. The service charge is include in the final bill but NOT included in prices. Why not if meant to be compulsory and included?? Also the final bill comes with a printout to add a further tip - but meant to be not expected. Fine if you want to leave some cash but to ask again not necessary. Finally, when we came to pay we were told they do not accept payments by phone such as APPLE pay. Luckily I did have my cards with me but do not always take them. This restriction should be clearly stated on the reservation confirmation and website to avoid issues at time of paying. We have been to many remote places across the world and nearly everyone takes Applepay. Seems very odd restriction and need to catch up. In summary a good meal and would recommend but service charge arrangement odd and seems to be in restaurant’s favour. No phone payments in 2025 in US city- wow!

Took my boyfriend to Seattle for his birthday and I made dinner reservations here after reading several reviews. The restaurant had flower petals on our table and a birthday card (photocopied, but still a nice gesture) from staff. We both got steak and lobster and it was just delicious. Yes, it is pricey (with drinks our final bill was $350) but the food, service and view is entirely worth it. We are from Southern California and have dined at restaurants in LA, Orange County and San Diego. We both agreed our meals here were the best yet! We were seated by the window just prior to sunset on what happened to be a clear day. It was stunning! We couldn’t have had a better experience and look forward to a second visit here in the future.

My favorite restaurant in Seattle! Beautifully decorated, stunning views of the Puget Sound, wonderful service, and most important... fabulous food. Came here with my GF for a birthday celebration - 3rd time dining here - and another fantastic meal!!! We were there for over three hours and our server (sorry - forgot his name) was unbelievable. Attentive - without being overbearing. Well paced - without feeling rushed. What more can I say except we will be back!!!

I made a reservation around 6pm and enjoyed the beautiful sunset! I ate oysters as starter, steamed mega lobster tail as main dish and dungeness crabcake as dessert. The amount of Mega lobster was enough to two adults. I think steamed dish was not very my type, but lobster tail was huge and felt very luxurious. Oysters were fresh and special vinegar sauce(?) served with oysters was interesting. Crabcake was so-so delicious. I actually enjoy crabcakes and english chowder whenever I visit Seattle all the time. I definately recommend Aqua by el gaucho for people who want to leave special memory in Seattle!!!

Food was fine not fantastic and definitely not worth the price. There are so many options available in Seattle that have better food at much more reasonable prices. I’m ok with paying more for a special meal but this place didn’t measure up.

Enjoyed a lovely dinner with co-workers and friends with a view of the water. The ambiance was great and service even better. My husband had the salmon and it was prepared perfectly. I had the halibut which was ok, but I felt it was more flash fried and I expected it to be grilled. The tomato purée was very nice though. We also had the creamy clam chowder chocked full of clams and also a Caesar salad. Had no room for dessert ! Would love to return and have the salmon next time.

What a beautiful location, friendly & polite staff, lovely piano music & a fantastic bar menu!!! We ordered the Wicked Shrimp & the Thai Ribs from the bar menu of appetizers! What a surprise on the serving size!!!! Great portions that are suitable as a meal!! The food was fresh, well displayed & delicious!!! Stroll thru the Seattle Sculpture Park and when you finish at the bottom of the park, go for a lovely meal at Aqua El Gaucho!!!!!

We were fortunate to celebrate a special birthday dinner for four recently. Very nice, on the water, pleasant ambiance. Wonderful service, most attentive, friendly and helpful. We enjoyed cocktails, brought our own wine and paid corkage, enjoyed delicious crab cake appetizers, split salads and each ordered an entree. Everything was delicious. I was stunned that the bill was nearly $600. Just be prepared.

This place has a great view. From all seats. Great food. Great staff. Went here for a birthday celebration. Great food. Just an awesome evening. We went for the view but were really pleased with the food and service. The bread pudding is da bomb

We, my wife and I, have been at a number of upscale restaurants but AQUA hit the upper limits. Is this most romantic, or historical, venue; no it isn't. Is there a perfect view of the water; no, but there's always going to be tables not near the window. So what made this a great experience? First, our waitress--Sarah--who made us feel welcomed and special; she gave us great recommendations. Second, the food was great; it tasted great, and was prepared and served perfectly. There is no denying that this is a high-end establishment, but it is worth it.

My wife and enjoyed a truly excellent dinner at Aqua. Not only was each course perfectly prepared (Sea bass for her, lamb rack for me), the service was superb - Sarah was a charming waitperson.

Still our favorite spot to celebrate a special occasion - personal or professional! The food is delicious as always, waterfront views are exceptional, and the outstanding wine selection rises to the occasion. The real notable highlight is the people who really care about those wonderful moments in your life and genuinely want to help you embrace them. Lee Spires is an exception sommelier who can introduce you to a wine that adds some sparkle to your dining experience. It’s a classic!

I have been a long time traveler, and frequently dine out. I have never been embarrassed my entire life. I made reservations for a table of 1 just to try their food, and experience the view. The hostess over the phone told me that she couldn't promise a seat at the window for the view at the time the reservation was made, however she didn't say that it would be impossible to get despite availability. When I showed up, she said that they cannot seat a single person at a table of 4, the restaurant was not busy at all. I spoke to the manager, and I never been embarrassed my entire life. They all knew I had been dropped off, it was snowing outside, and I just wanted to sit at the window, and they refused to serve me. He states "You want a table at the window? You can wait 2 HOURS!" The restaurant was not busy, and they refused to accommodate me. DISGUSTING BUSINESS, SERVICES. THE MANAGER SHOULD BE FIRED!

Beautiful restaurant. Scallops were wonderful. Ahi tuna quite tasty! Loved the Mac and cheese! Our first time in Seattle and such a great place to have dinner.

Had an amazing time having dinner at Aqua. Food was great and there was plenty. Halibut was really good but the corn was amazing. Sarah was awesome as she took care of us with recommendations and guidance. Well worth the fine dining price as the quantity and quality of food will give you a satisfied feeling after.

Went to Aqua a few nights ago as part of a work group. The service was attentive and engaged without being overbearing. Food was awesome. Ambiance was nice (though the piano was a bit loud).

A very average experience. Was expecting a lot more. Very noisy restaurant. Service was well-meaning but not professional. Food was just OK. Surprised that the hotel recommended it.

Overall this place is average & if you consider the price it is a crime to charge these prices for such average food. The service is outstanding & I would give 5 stars for the service but they charge you 20% for gratuity already on your bill for that. On arrival they didn’t have my reservation so that is weird when I booked it on their website!! They were kind & seated us quickly but the evening started a bit awkward! The atmosphere is nice but we had no spectacular view from our table. The bread was good but they brought 1 basket with no refills. My drink was served unstirred with straight tequila sitting ontop of the mixer. The crab cakes were delightful but the wicked shrimp was too hot! Hot is good but leaving my mouth burning after is not. My cod was flaky on the edges & so firm in the middle my fork could not pull it apart. My husband had the lobster & they cut it off the tail for him but the server could barely get it cut through!! We should have probably sent it back on that note. My daughter liked the lobster bisque. We skipped dessert in fear of disappointment & with this I cannot recommend AQUA to anyone.

The seafood chowder was amazing! I am still craving for it. After that I went for the tuna and it was super delicious. I really enjoyed this dinner and also the shareable sides. The crab Mac n cheese is a must! My favorite cocktail: life‘s a peach

Service was good. Feel bad for anyone who works here. Buyers are purchasing sub par old seafiod and poor quality beef.

My wife and I celebrated our 40th Anniversary in the Pacific Northwest and our first dinner was at Aqua by El Gaucho in Seattle. The food and wine here are very good--not extraordinary (we've eaten in some extraordinary places around the world) but very solid. The water front view can be fabulous, although our table didn't have the best view. However, I must compliment Aqua and their staff for making our dinner that night special. EVERYONE, and I mean EVERYONE there knew we were celebrating our 40th anniversary, from the receptionist, to our waiter, to the valet parking attendant. They made us feel special. Hats off to Aqua and their staff for delivering customer service-- a very fine meal and extraordinary service.Oh, and I almost forgot, the live pianist was extraordinary!!! Mark from Cincinnati

Fantastic view adds to the value of this restaurant. Elegant, but fancy in a cool way with the decor. The service is professional and kind. The piano man doing a great job practically without a break which and this gives a push to the overall mood. The food is also nice, and the portions are exceptionally and surprisingly (given the fine dining type) big, actually we could not finish our main courses (cod for my wife and prawn stuffed with crab for me) after the oysters and the soup we had. A nice experience altogether, we definitely would go back!

Loved the food, warm hospitality and the location is outstanding. Beautifully captured the sunset while enjoying our dinner.

Been here before several years ago and we still like it. Very lively atmosphere; it’s a big place. Great view of the bay and the sunset. Friendly staff, good menu and wine list. Crab cakes are ‘different’ but good and the fish/seafood excellent. Shared a desert as portions are generous. Good night out

My wife and I visited Aqua for our anniversary dinner. Everything was delicious and perfectly seasoned. We ordered the Seafood Bacchanalia (made for 2), which includes a mix of king crab, fish, shrimp, lobster, scallops, asparagus, and mashed potatoes. Although, being super hungry, we decided to add an extra king grab leg to the mix. That add-on turned out to be unnecessary. The Seafood Bacchanalia is more than enough for 2 hungry people. Our server was also great, being prompt and professional without being pretentious. It was great enough that I almost didn't mind being auto-charged the 20% service gratuity. I would've easily tipped that much, so having it automatically added to my bill just felt unnecessary. Aside from that note, I loved dining here and would recommend it to anyone craving good seafood.

Kelsey and the rest of the staff were phenomenal. We had 4 couples for New Year’s Eve and it was one of the best evenings we have all had in a long time.

Good: variety of decent seafood with some steak and other options. The restaurant has a great view of bay/ocean. Friendly service. A good place for a special occasion. Bad: El Gaucho is more known for steak than seafood.

We made a reservation for New Years Eve and I must say, it is the best food and service I've had in a very long time! We had the wicked shrimp and crab cakes for appies... delicious!! Then we ordered the filet and each having a large lobster tail, with mashed potatoes.... all cooked to perfection!! We had the best pineapple martinis and finished it off with the bread pudding. Server was John and he was awesome! We are from BC and cannot WAIT to go back!!!

Visited late in February. Birthday occasion. Quite fancy. This restaurant is what I call an "expense account" dining establishment. Wait staff top notch. I know Seattle is an expensive place but I wasn't expecting to pay this much for the overall ambiance tho. No next time for us.

A more formal place to dine in Seattle by the water. The food was excellent and ambiance outstanding.

Great location with fantastic food and service. Had a business meeting here for dinner. The service was great, very friendly and helpful. Several cocktails for the table and all had compliments. I had the seared scallops and they were some of the best I have had anywhere. Aqua is on the higher side of expenses but you get what you pay for here. Would recommend for sure.

As other reviewers have noted, the spot is ideal. Was able to secure a table outside so I could enjoy the sunset. The tranquility was marred a bit by a large group who thought that they were at the beach and whose kids were running around uncontrolled. The staff did nothing to temper the groups enthusiasm despite disturbing everyone around them The menu was comprehensive. I selected the scallops with squash puree which was prepared wonderfully. The scallops were not overdone as you encounter many times. Selected sautéed mushrooms as the side. The wine list was large with many options. The offerings by the glass were also plentiful which was a nice surprise. My disappointment was the overall cost of the meal. While the meal was excellent, the value was poor as the cost was extremely high, especially for the wine. I realize that many restaurants make their profit on the bar items, but at some point one has to say that the costs are obscene. The staff was attentive aside from the group that cited earlier, but the for the cost of the meal, I felt that the service should have been higher, as the wait staff member who served me was a trainee and had no supervision. They were kind, but the lack of experience showed

A lovely place to celebrate any occasion. I've been to Aqua few times and every time I leave happy and wanting to come back again. We celebrated our 2nd anniversary last valentines at Aqua. We enjoyed the amazing view, bottle of wine and fabulous dinner. Not to mention desert to die for.

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.

Amazing!!! Make reservations and enjoy the view of Peugeot Sound. The waiter Winter was attentive. The food was delicious. Was not necessarily impressed with the wicked shrimp but the cesar salad was so good with lots of cheese and a hint of anchovy. I totally enjoyed my sea bass it was delicate yet crunchy. However, the real winner was the macaroni & cheese with crab AMAZING do a half portion and get the Brussels sprouts they pair well together. Didn’t care for the house wine Long Shadows. Didn’t have room for dessert. Portions are just right. Valet parking available.

Ok, so we went there on a Saturday night so I guess you could expect it to be noisy, but to be so noisy that I had to lean across to within a foot of my husband to hear what he was saying is not good. We had mixed feelings over the food. Some of it was good (my tuna main course was excellent) but it seemed the chef's tastebuds are jaded as the mustard mash was way over the top, as was the spice on the prawn starter (couldn't even taste the prawn), and lots of sugar on the crispy kale was a bit bizarre. Also, if you're from the UK, then when the menu says 'pork belly' read 'gammon', and way over-smoked and salty at that. At $288 for a meal for two (one bottle of wine) it was very poor value for money. Had a MUCH better dinner at the Brooklyn tonight. Wish we'd skipped Aqua last night and eaten at the Brooklyn both nights...

Food 10-10 Service 10-10 Seriously, spectacular! Our table all enjoyed oysters, clams and beef medallions for appetizers. The oysters were so good we ordered another 12 ! As for dinner we ordered the Ahi Tune 👍, and the Swordfish. The Swordfish was seriously the best I have ever had. Moist and so flavorful. I truly don’t know what else to say to recommend this place other then if you want seafood, and a good meal - We’ll your an idiot if you don’t go here.

After reading all reviews, we were hesitate to go ahead with our reservations but decided to give it a try. In hindsight, this amount of money could have been better spent. We ordered the gnocchi appetizer and split it. The gnocchi itself was pillow light and very nice. The sauce on the other hand was very bland. A mediocre start. My husband had a cup of chowder while I had the Aqua salad. He said the chowder had sat on the line because it was forming a skin by the time they served it and it was not put in a hot bowl. As a result it was only lukewarm by the time it made to the table. The salad I had was very fresh but the dressing was very acidic. Halibut was cooked perfectly; however, vegetables and sauce were again barely warm. Sea bass I found did not have nice seasoning. It was almost like the spices on top were overpowering the fish. Crème brûlée for dessert was not properly caramelized. View is nice and our service was good. Overall a lackluster meal. We can’t say we would recommend it given the prices and the fact that every dish had an issue.

The setting, with water views and a lovely dining room, was fantastic. Service was attentive. The food was good, but not great. With $50 entrees, I don't think the price was justified.

The restaraunt is beautiful and modern and sits overlooking the Elliott Bay. I always seem to let the "2 B's" (Bread and bathrooms) jade my dining experience. The bathroom was immaculate , but the bread was day old, cold Italian bread, and not fresh baked as you would expect for a posh restaraunt. Overall food was mediocre, but very overpriced (probably due to location). The crab mac and cheese was flooded in garlic, the clam chowder with hardly any clams was 16 bucks (Pike chowder is half the price and 3 times as good), and the squid appetizer was loaded with filling other than squid. I had the seabass, and it was 58 dollars. I've had just as good seabass and paid under 30 at other restaraunts. Our other guests had steak, which was prepared well, but overpriced for the value. I would not recommend unless money is not an object.

On my visit to Seattle I was aware that my brother Mark wanted to treat me to dinner. Imagine my surprise when he asked me if I knew of Aqua By El Gaucho and said he had made reservations. I grew up in West Seattle and El Gaucho and Henry’s Off Broadway was the place to be! Well if I thought they were impressive I was in for the holy grail of upscale dining experiences. I’ll start with the valet and the attention they provided my mother who had a light walker. After being seated the evening flowed without a hiccup. Our server MIKIYA was most patient and informative as he explained menu items. Long story short...White sturgeon caviar, seared scallops and white cosmos made my palate dance and my belly delight! As my father enjoyed his English Breakfast tea he accidentally spilled on the table top. MIKIYA once again was graceful and allowed my father to dine with dignity as he cleaned up the spill. Hospitality training begins with great relationships between staff members and they pass it on to their guests. The training that Aqua El Gaucho offers is evident and most appreciated by me. If you want an Evening of Elegance and perhaps a walk along the pier as the sun quietly sets, let this be your Only choice!

The setting is stunning right on Pier 70 with views galore. Party of four ordered a Ribeye rare, Scampi stuffed with crab and a seafood platter. Steak was perfectly prepared as was the seafood. Max our server was awesome and helpful with decision making. Overall a great experience

This was our first evening so wanted a lovely place to eat. The views at the restuarent were lovely and the staff were great. Food was delivered promptly and couldn't fault it. The steak was cooked perfectly. However I did feel the prices were a little high. For two of us for starter and main along with one glass of wine each it came to over $250

Food: We had a broad sampling of the quisine. Most of the servings were Interesting but just OK, really. At over $150 per person, shouldn't "Wow, I've GOT to have some of THIS again!" have been triggered about SOMETHING besides the dinner rolls? Yes, the rolls WERE yummy! But I would have expected REAL butter, rather than that "pretend" restuarant butter they provided. Service: Staff were attentive and timely. It was disappointing, however, that I had to get up and steal a fork from a neighboring table so that I could eat my entree with something other than a knife and my fingers. That was a minor and and easily forgiven but notable oversight for me, but I'm afraid many people, would have been too ambarrased to have done that and would have just eaten their entree cold. BTW, they added an obligatory 20% gratuity to the bill. I ordinarily tip a minimum of 20%, but adding an obligatory tip the bill tells me they must KNOW that SOMETHING in their establishment is second-rate at best. Tacky, tacky, tacky! Ambiance: It's a lovely setting, overlooking Puget Sound with the table linens you would expect. We arrived early, and Aqua was almost empty. Nevertheless, after I asked to be seated inside where it was warm, we were seated without question or comment in a booth that was virtually as close as possible to the rather noisy open kitchen. If it had been about $50 per person, I suppose I might have given this review a three. What good is a show if the food is medeocre?

We had a private dinner at Aqua on a gorgeous evening which really highlighted the restaurant’s location right on the Sound. The restaurant is refined and lovely with great service. Our food was good though a few minor flaws which were disappointing - undercooked fingerling potatoes and a not great desert trio. We were on a set menu and certainly other food in the restaurant looked good; our experience was a bit of a let down. Would definitely like to return in the hope of a better experience.

Everything was perfect from the moment we arrived all the way to the moment we left. The menu has an excellent selection of seafood with some additional steak options if that’s your thing. The wine list mixes both classics with some exploring options. But, most of all, the staff was fantastic with a permanent smile and undivided attention.

Probably was a mistake to come here. In general this is not my kind of fine dining. Sure the room, atmosphere and service are great, but the food is pretty commonplace. I'm more French/Italian than steakhouse, and while a seafood place, this is steakhouse in style. I had seared tuna, my wife fried chicken, w/ side of brussels sprouts -- which were pretty good. Wife liked the chicken, Tuna was fine, but frankly I think I enjoyed the Brussels more. Wife had green beans and I had cauliflower too - both pretty good as well. For appetizer we had the tenderloin Diablo, which was in a "cajun" sauce -- but it was pretty bland -- not spicy at all. Also had a pear salad which was just fine. Dessert was bread pudding which was pretty good.

Oysters, champagne, Alaskan king crab, halibut all beautifully served and excellent table service . Highly recommended .

We had a great time at Aqua! Food and wines were delicious and the staff was professional and always present. Great view from the terrace on the pier. The piano player was a relaxing plus, thanks Sam! Complimentary shuttle to hotel was very appreciated. See you soon. Enjoy!

This is not our first time at Aqua. The food was good, not great. The service was pretty good. The evening was fine till we tried to use their Costco purchased Gift Card to pay. When we went to use the gift card we were told it could not be used for Seattle Restaurant Week. SRW is a fixed menu/price to help restaurants promote their business. So, giving a customer a hard time doesn’t seem the right way to go. They started talking about the card already being discounted and they can’t afford to take the card except for full price items. (You can’t even use it for happy hour). We did the same thing last year and they took the card so changing the rules and some customers not knowing should be understandable? The manager was not helpful. He just kept saying they won’t take the card. He even suggested we call the home office because his hands are tied. I doubt that very much since I’m sure they comp bad experiences. We told him that it should be the other way around: the office should be contacting us since we are so unhappy. Well, he claimed they would. They have not. And I don’t ever expect to hear from them. I’m somewhat confused why they made such a big deal of it and was just saying no, over and over. Ok, they may be “losing” $10-20 but they have forever lost us as customers at any of the restaurants. Seems they are the ones loosing and I will never have anything good to say about them. So please, there are many other places with better food and more willing to accommodate valuable customers - go there instead.

We were very impressed with the wonderful service sitting on the bay. The wine list was excellent and the food lived up to it's outstanding reputation. We were immediately met by very personable hostesses and the waiter was fantastic.

This restaurant has lovely ambiance overlooking the Sound, and especially enjoyable at sunset. However, while views are nice you come for the food. The food was excellent. We all had seafood and no one was disappointed.

We spent an enjoyable Saturday evening at Aqua, the food was outstanding each of the courses was a delight. However, the service was not so good, water spilt on the table, brusque plate removal and a general lack of the usual attention a restaurant like this delivers. Given the prices charged I expected more. Perhaps we just had a poor section of the restaurant.

Great setting right on the water. Known for fantastic food and service. Elegant atmosphere and great bar. Beautiful sunsets and sailboat regatta sails right near the pier on Thursdays.

This is a beautiful fine dining restaurant, and the prices reflect that. It is warm and inviting, and the service is excellent. Many dishes are served tableside, which is always impressive. We splurged on the seafood feast, and it was amazing. This is a great restaurant for special occasions.

We made reservations for a double Birthday celebration at AQUA for a Friday evening. We choose this restaurant based on the reviews and to see the sunset. Our server was Simon, and he was "okay". At times, he seemed to disappear on Us while we waited for our drinks, salads and entree. We were unclear if this was common practice as the table next to us had a different Server who was more attentive. We all choose the Caesar salad which is tossed and made directly at the table. It was "good", could have used less lemon and more anchovies and parmesan. My entree was the King Crab Legs which were 2 legs for $129. The legs were a little skimpy. We all shared the garlic mashed potatoes which were excellent. One Guest ordered the Black Cod which was "basic". My Hubby ordered the Manhattan NY strip. It was pretty small and looked very lonely all by itself on such a big plate! To our surprise, Aqua did provide us with 2 complimentary desserts for my son and his GF. They were the best part of the evening!!! NOTE: 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. Overall, a great location overlooking the water, Elliot Bay Trails and the Space Needle in the distance. Disappointing, we did not see the sunset and overall is was a 4.7. Pricey for the portions.

This was our second visit after being there in February for our wedding anniversary. Aqua has become one of our top favorite spots in the city. Restaurant week is a nice way to get out try our local spots dine and tonight’s dinner was about that. The environment on the waterfront, interiors atmosphere and lovely staff making it such a wonderful experience. This evening our server was Teri and she is a lovely, experienced, and very comfortable in her work. Felt so at ease with her and had a lovely chats. For us this is one restaurant we do not mind stepping up and paying a little bit more as that’s just what this restaurant has to offer its patrons. A little bit more. Their ingredients are fresh. Prepared and plated so lovely. Portions for us are plentiful and terrific care to preparation and seasoning. Only thought is the braised spare ribs this evening may have been heavy on the salt. Otherwise, it’s easy to say all foods were very yummy.

The Seafood Bliss is a must for starting your dinner. It's an appetizer that features lobster, shrimp, etc. It's just a great way to set the tone for what to expect from Aqua. Their food is excellent across the board.

Aqua manages to maintain a standard unmatched by many of the fine dining restaurants in Seattle. What a beautiful setting, right on the water. Beautiful food, absolutely delicious and beautifully presented. Beautiful service, from everyone on the team. And what a team! Now I must give a shout out to our waiter, Winter, for his extraordinary service and care. Our family got together for dinner and took advantage of Seattle Restaurant Week specials. Not only was it a great value, WE felt special. Thank you!

Came in underdressed. Was seated in bar. Service was great. Had the seafood appetizer platter. Served cold (didn't expect that) but it was delicious.

The food was fabulous. My husband and I shared the Seafood Bacchanalia. It had lobster tail, sea scallops, grilled wild prawns, seasonal fish, and blue king crab. We had the mashed potatoes and asparagus as sides. It was plenty to share. The view overlooking the water was beautiful and one of the servers was kind enough to take a picture of our group. We dined outdoors but we could still hear the music being played by the pianist inside. It was pricey but if you are looking for a place for a special occasion, it is perfect.

Whether I'm celebrating a special occasion, attending a work event or entertaining friends from out-of-town, Aqua has never disappointed. Even in the rainy winter season, the view and location are special. The food is mostly always good though I admit there have been a few misses. The Bailey's Bread Pudding is always worth the indulgence. And if you're not looking for a full meal, sitting at the bar is entertaining and drinks are great. The service is always spot on and makes up for any potential issues. Treat yourself or friends!

The service was competent though not personable. The food was high quality though one person ended up having to reorder due to running out of the entree. Poor planning on the restaurants part. A special evening ended up just OK.

This was my first visit to Aqua. I came with work colleagues; there were about 30 of us. They impressively seated us around one large rectangular table. The service was outstanding. There was one waiter who was absolutely amazing (he kept track of several drink orders without writing anything down) and was also very personable and offered great suggestions. The food was really good - with the exception of the house salad. The vinaigrette dressing was surprisingly tasteless. I chose the filet mignon for my entree, and it did not disappoint. The final 2-for-1 dessert was great - a macaron and cheesecake. I've added 2 photos of the view from the restaurant. One photo captures "Seattle": the two ball stadiums, the Port, Mount Rainier, and the ferry. You can't beat the views!

Had a great aniversary dinner, good wine list although waiter was a little pushy on the selections. Surprised they had no salmon on the menu but my Alaskan ling cod was excellent. Nice house touches for the occasion and an overall great experience. Ordered my after dinner Louis XIII and was served in a very impressive manner. Delightful.

The seafood at Aqua is very good and the service very professional. It is very expensive (expect to pay $350 - $400 for two people for three courses and a bottle of wine from the lower price range on offer) but you know that going in. I had the stuffed Sea of Cortez prawns and my friend the blackened cod - both delicious - and the side order of roasted corn was the best I have ever had.

We had read the excellent reviews of Aqua so decided to give it a try. The space is huge, and the views of the water are breathtaking. The menu and wine list had great variety, but we were a bit taken back by some of the prices. Our food was excellent, well prepared, fresh and delicious, served with great attention.

While we cannot speak to the food, we were awed by our time at the bar, the harbor views, the quality of drinks and the warmth of Chuey, our barkeep. We tried to return on a Thursday, but, alas, it was by reservation only. Would return for a light meal.

From the piano player at the front entrance, to the evening sunset views across the Puget Sound with the Olympics in the background-matched with amazing food and drinks-this is a place that delights effortlessly!

Many great features to this restaurant: provided coat check upon entering, table side creation of Caesar salad and a beverage. Very good service!

We were disappointed. The food was heavy and overly salted. The service was obtrusive - half way through a delicate conversation a waiter reaches between us to pour water we didn't request. We had to stop the staff pouring our wine so it would stay chilled in the bottle, not warming in our glasses on the table. The receptionist was indifferent on arrival. And it was expensive - we paid around $250 for a simple two course meal with a bottle of wine. I wouldn't go back. I wouldn't recommend it. Spend your money on something less commercial, Seattle has much better to offer.

I celebrated my birthday here and it was phenomenal! Food, Service, Drinks, EVERYTHING even the music - excellent piano player - it was simply outstanding!

My husband and I ate here for our “fine dining” experience on our trip to Seattle and it totally delivered! We sat outside and the sky was clear so we could see Mount Rainier. We got two appetizers, wicked shrimp and crab cakes... both good but the crab cakes were a bit bland. I had the coco cabana drink which was like a non-frozen pina colada... very good. For dinner we had the halibut and the filet aqua. Best halibut I have ever had and one of the best steaks as well! Well worth trying! However it is very pricey!!

Went here for a business meal recently and we really enjoyed ourselves. It's in a great location down by the harbour and with great views. I had the crispy fried calamari for starter, which was beautifully soft and well cooked but without being greasy. I then had the grilled swordfish, which was probably the nicest swordfish I've ever had - beautifully soft and tasty. Wasn't quite enough potato or vegetable to go with it, but a good balance of flavours. To finish, I had the Crème Brûlée which was perfect. Wine was fantastic and staff were excellent. A really good evening all round

We sat at the bar, with expansive view over our shoulder of water,Olympics. our bar tender was very warm and helped with tastes of the beer and wine choices. we had Wicked shrimp and bread which hit the spot!

We visited Aqua during Seattle's Restaurant Week recently. While the food was good, a few quibbles. As one can see by the menu they publish, this is a pricey restaurant. Maybe they cut back on portion size due to the $33 limit, but we left the restaurant somewhat hungry. The salad my wife had was measly, and while my soup was adequate, it was served lukewarm. The Scallops (3) were nicely cooked, and dessert was tasty and creative. I don't know who was to blame for the soup, but if it was the waiter's fault, at least the service was impeccable otherwise. The setting for the restaurant can't be beat, but in the end, I'd say that except for Restaurant Week, this is a restaurant for the 1%...Note that a service charge of 20% will be added to your bill; their website is somewhat contradictory as to how the 20% is distributed, but we assumed it went to the waitstaff and kitchen help....

Great food, excellent service, great ambiance. Overall, made it worth the trip, and would definitely return.

We spent the evening here for our wedding anniversary. The restaurant staff was very friendly and attentive, even putting rose petals and a lovely card to wish us a happy anniversary on our table. The service was outstanding! So attentive and accommodating. The restaurant itself was a little garishly decorated, like the 80’s meets modern contemporary with some children’s artwork thrown in for good measure. It just didn’t say romantic dinner to me, and perhaps that’s my fault, I should have researched it further. It was more executive expense account dinner-y. I liked the menu but I feel like the food was a little overpriced considering the setting. Food was good, nothing amazing. I chose to rate this restaurant “Very Good” simply on the basis of excellent service. Food was merely average.

Loved that we were seated right away although we didn't get to sit on the patio. Since we told them it was our Anniversary i believe they had selected tables ( couple next to us also had rose petals on the table). The ambiance is wonderful but the food doesn't quite fit the bill. Scallops were good, risotto was bland. The crab mac and cheese was yummy as well as the bread pudding.

Whilst being pretty expensive, what arrives at the table is fantastic quality. Service is excellent with very attentive staff. The views outside are really inspiring. A little difficult to get there - but well worth it. Please book a table beforehand!

My husband and I dined here over Memorial Day weekend and had a great experience. We started with cocktails and crab cakes. Both were great, though we were a bit surprised that the crab cakes were smaller than expected! The server was excellent - she was very friendly, stopped by frequently, and provided good recommendations. My only negative was that it took a little while for us to be greeted initially. Next up was a green salad with blue cheese and pecans - also delicious. I had Copper River salmon with asparagus that was perfect and my husband had a surf and turf that he really enjoyed. Finally, we had after-dinner drinks and dessert. The chocolate chip cookie sundae I ordered was sized for two people. I wish the server had warned me of that because I was only able to eat about a third and wouldn't have ordered it had I known. That said, it was fabulous. My husband had key lime pie that he was generally happy with. The view from this restaurant is outstanding. It's right on the water and a great spot for enjoying a meal during the Seattle summer. We do prefer the original El Gaucho steak restaurant in some ways, but this is excellent as well.

I cannot say enough about the service, the food, and the location! We had our rehearsal dinner here and a great time with our friends and family. The food was excellent and the drinks well made. The staff was wonderful and very attentive without being too much. Have been back several times just for dinner and the food is till great!

Super disappointed! The setting is beauitful. The service is tops! Everyone so friendly and very client oriented. We were very disappointed with the food. Too salty overall. The biggest issue for low rating is the fish. We ordered and paid for the Halibut. What we were served was NOT Halibut. I only eat Halibut and know what it looks like and tastes like. Shame on them. Also if you read the very fine print at the bottom of the menu, it tells you that a 20% service fee is added to all checks and goes directly to El Gaucho. It states this pays for the benefits including 401K. Reading this, it sounds like this is not the "tip" since it goes directly to the company. Come to find out, that IS the "tip" but you can add more that goes directly to your waiter.....Really!

This is a very famous restaurant for business meetings and celebration. The location, the view are outstanding (make a reservation and remember at 8PM they do not receive more people). Said that, the seafood here is very good!!! You can choose from a very complete menu and have all the regional favorites. As for wines they have a Sommelier. Washington State produce very good wines and bubbles, and are not known. Prices are very low compared with French or Californian and are very good!!! Ask for them,

This was stop #5 of our Seattle seafood tour and it was great. Very friendly knowledgeable staff, amazing appetizers and main dishes. Vallet parking was very convenient because parking in this area can be challenging.

It used to be all the waterfront restaurants in Seattle were tourist traps with nice views, poor food and high prices. This place is top shelf, as you would expect from El Gaucho. The food is very good, the ambience is great, the staff were all friendly and helpful. The piano player, Ben Fleck, is a Seattle treasure. If I still lived in the area, I would hang out there frequently!

We had asked to sit outside, and we were told they had heaters. No sign of them. For the number six best restaurant in the whole of Seattle on TripAdvisor I was not over-impressed. They offered us blankets and I politely declined, especially after seeing the hard metal very uncomfortable terrace chairs. So, we went back inside and were given a booth which was pleasant enough. We were quite near the pianist, however if I was going to give him marks out of 10 I would give the pianist at the Beverly Hills Hotel polo lounge a 10 and this guy a 1… I have never heard such self indulgent playing. I have done nothing but praise pianists in various hotels (who are always very good) on TripAdvisor and this is the first time I have done the opposite. Apparently this pianist has a band and appears on TV. However, he plays in a self indulgent way to amuse himself. For example, he started playing ‘take five’ by Dave Brubeck and appeared just to be amusing himself rather than trying to entertain. There were pauses, odd attempts at improvisation, speed changes and even stumbles in the 5/4 rhythm. And this was one of his better efforts. Our waiter was very attentive and I told my wife I was going to give him a 20% tip. 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 card also says that the company retains 100% of the service charge. I have photographed this andI now publish this on Tripadvisor. See photo. I asked to see the manager as the card also states, “if there is any aspect of your experience that does not exceed expectations, we will make it right and our manager and welcomes the opportunity to discuss your concerns.” I asked why a 20% service charge is retained in full by the company? She told me that this is not true, even though it says this on the card that I was handed. They told me that they only retain 5% and our server gets the other 15%. That is not what the card says. The card also says that additional gratuities are accepted, but not expected. I find that hard to believe, but who knows? The food was okay.

Somehow this waterfront restaurant doesn’t have a decent view of the water! There is not a decent table in the entire restaurant. It is loud and crowded. The service was impersonal and I felt as though we were just an inconvenience for the staff. The food was mostly average with the exception of the crab cakes which were small and barely edible. Aqua would not have been worth the money at half the price we paid. I will not be returning.

Beautiful decoration, great food, espectacular service (ask for Mr. Jorge Parra Garcia, waitress, outstanding friendly and respectful attention).

We’ve been here a few times over the years and we came back because of the location and the good quality of food and drink, which is more than reflected in the prices which are very high. What is annoying is they now don’t leave it to the customer to determine the service charge. I had a 180$ of wine, but I base service on a 50$ bottle because it’s the same work pulling a cork out of a bottle. Also, I might not deem 20% to be appropriate. So as prices are already very high I believe I overpaid. Either prices quoted are service included or not. If not, then I must be able to add the service I deem fit.

James Bushart, General Manager, warmly greeted us as we stepped into his incredible restaurant. He went out of his way to ensure our small group had a memorable experience, from the perfect table, to the numerous great recommendations on the menu. It was refreshing to watch the kitchen staff laugh and enjoy preparing meals. A sign of a great restaurant is a happy, cohesive staff. Our waitress, Natalie, was a joy. Such a sparkling personality and very, very attentive. She ensured everything was perfect. Their Sommelier, Jim, did not disappoint. His wine list is outstanding and featured several very hard to find varietals that we anxiously tried. The food was prepared perfectly; everything was simply over the top! Our group tried a variety from the menu, delicious seafood, steak, and tasty sides. The sea bass, lobster, salmon, scallops were fabulous and left you wanting more. And, the steaks were delicious - prepared perfect. Side dishes were magnificent with the same attention to detail as the main courses, incredible. If you ever get the opportunity to dine at this fine establishment, ask about the Copper River Salmon. Chef prepares this wonderful fish to perfection! We look forward to dining here again on our next trip through Seattle. Huge thanks to the entire Aqua el Goucho Team for a great dining experience!

Returned to Aqua during a short visit to Seattle. We enjoyed our prior visit and at that time learned that Aqua provided rides from downtown hotels so we booked a table and a ride. The van showed up on time and dropped us at the front door. We had a nice meal with great views but then the check arrived. Looking over it I noticed a $40 charge (20% of the bill) that was labeled as "service fee" or something to that effect. There was an explanation that this was NOT A TIP and that it was not a suggestion for a tip. It was a hidden charge. Maybe this fee was mentioned in the menu and I miss.This was not something that I am comfortable doing and I felt bad for a couple days after the visit, but I had been forcibly made to pay an extra 20% so I got over it. Is this a normal practice? If so I find it to be draconian and sneaky. There are a lot of great places to dine in Seattle. I don't need to go back to Aqua and be put in an awkward situation. .

I was so excited to take my daughter on her 19th birthday celebration to Aqua. My 3rd visit and always is amazing. From the water front views that surround the beautiful dining room, the pianist serenading the guests ,to the top notch service and incredible food. This is a restaurant that you need to visit. I highly recommend the wicked shrimp appetizer you will love it. On this visit we had filet Aqua with Lobster medallions and bearnaise sauce , Sea Bass, and Seafood the Aqua specialty Bacchanalia that has a large platter of scallops, prawns, lobster tail, sea bass and a king crab leg. It’s made for 2 to share but with the large portion of mash potatoes and asparagus 3 could share this. Don’t miss the roasted corn it is so yummy, and Mac and cheese. All sides are to share. Extensive wine menu and delicious desserts.

I research menus and reviews and I chose this restaurant because of the location and many food choices. I ordered the fish tacos and seasonal greens salad. The quality was amazing! Great flavor and display on the plate. The complimentary bread was served very warm too. Would definitely return whenever back up in the northwest.

Nice location reasonable food but with fine dining price tag!! Service charge included @ 20% 100% retained by Aqua nice evening but expensive for what it was wouldn’t return or recommend.

We came for our Anniversary and were very pleased. Great service and atmosphere. We had surf and turf and salad made at the table and stuffed prawns. It is a bit pricy, we spent $300 for 2 of us but excellent was worth it. We will be back next time we are in town.