Acqua Bistro is a true hidden gem tucked inside a condominium complex in Hollywood, Florida. Family owned and proudly Mom & Pop operated, the restaurant delivers classic Italian-American cooking that feels deeply rooted in tradition and heart. From the moment the food arrived, I had a genuine ratatouille moment. The flavors instantly transported me back to childhood, reminding me of the old and new country dishes my grandmother used to make.
The Clams Oreganata were easily the best I’ve had anywhere in South Florida. Perfectly seasoned, beautifully baked, and full of depth. A standout was their secret off-menu Steak Pizzaiola: a moist, savory cut of ribeye bathed in a robust, peppery tomato sauce that complemented the steak without overpowering it. The Grilled Salmon Piccata was equally impressive, fresh, flaky, and cooked flawlessly, finished with a bright, lemony piccata sauce that elevated the dish.
Dessert sealed the experience. The tiramisu, cannoli, and Italian-style cheesecake tasted like they were made the right way, with care, balance, and love, each bite reminiscent of home. Between the comforting decor, warm service, generous portions, and fair value, Acqua Bistro delivers an authentic experience that feels rare today. It’s the kind of place you want to keep secret, but can’t help recommending.
Morgan Ronan Cezar
The service was perfectly fine, but the food was a real letdown. I ordered the chicken parm, and it was disappointingly bland and forgettable. It's a shame, because the staff was friendly, but a restaurant really lives or dies by what's on the plate, and for us, it just didn't deliver.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 5
Nat Sved
What an incredible place! Aqua Bistro is honestly the best Italian restaurant I’ve ever been to. Everything feels so authentic and full of love at this family-run gem.
The food is unforgettable — the shrimp scampi was cooked to perfection, and the El Pescatore pasta was overflowing with the freshest seafood, every bite packed with flavor. And I can’t forget to mention the homemade bread… truly the best I’ve ever had! Warm, crusty on the outside and soft inside, it’s the kind of bread you keep reaching for even when you’re already full.
They also have a fantastic wine selection that pairs beautifully with the food, and it’s very reasonably priced, which makes the whole experience even better.
Between the amazing dishes, the cozy atmosphere, and the feeling that you’re being welcomed into someone’s home, this place is truly special. If you love pasta, seafood, and authentic Italian cooking, you’ll be in heaven here.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Roberto Figueroa
A hidden gem! This tiny restaurant inside the condominium has amazing food and an incredible staff. I can’t wait to come back again!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Andrew Dopipif
Authentic street food vibe with modern twists. Fun and tasty.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Alicia Muñoz
Delicious food, I really enjoyed the meals and desserts, everything is so fresh and delicious. I recommend this restaurant 👍.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Arlenes Hernández
Visited Acqua Bistro with my family and the food was delicious. Service was great!!! I will definitely come back again😃
Yamile Oakes
Over priced. Server had a serious anger, impatient issues.
Kathleen Krane
From the staff, to the food, this place is a 10/10. Authentic family recipes that have been perfected over 50 years, you’ll be disappointed you didn’t go!!
Recommendations: Bruschetta, Calamari, Caesar salad, Calamari Luciano, Lobster Ravioli, and Spaghetti and Meatballs 😋😋😋😋
Chris Bilous
Service was excellent and food was authentic and amazing
Absolutely Incredible Dining Experience at Aqua Bistro!
From the moment we arrived, Aqua Bistro delivered a truly exceptional culinary experience. Every dish we ordered was absolutely delicious — the flavors, presentation, and quality were all top-notch. The lobster ravioli was divine, rich and perfectly cooked, and the burrata was fresh, creamy, and beautifully paired with its accompaniments. The soup was bursting with flavor and comfort in every spoonful.
What truly elevated the evening was the chef’s personal touch — he came out to check on our table, ensuring everything was perfect. It’s rare to see that level of care and passion, and it really made the meal feel special.
Highly recommend Aqua Bistro for anyone looking for incredible food, a warm atmosphere, and exceptional hospitality. We can’t wait to return!
M Ford
Truly a hidden gem (tip: it's located inside the Aquarius Condominium building). Admittedly, I wasn't sure what to expect when we entered an empty restaurant with dated decor. But the food was delicious and reasonably priced. Our server, Luis, was friendly and made sure we were well taken care of. Would definitely recommend to anyone staying in the area.
Gareth Bradley
Great find. Sat out on the pool deck in the evening and had some amazing lobster ravioli.
Amanda Browne
I dine here often since I live across the street - wonderful place. Food and atmosphere is awesome. Waitress Jamie has been with the restaurant a long time and takes care of you always with a smile on her face .
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mark Wilson
Had the Veal Parmigian and lobster ravioli both were delicious
Acqua Bistro is a true hidden gem tucked inside a condominium complex in Hollywood, Florida. Family owned and proudly Mom & Pop operated, the restaurant delivers classic Italian-American cooking that feels deeply rooted in tradition and heart. From the moment the food arrived, I had a genuine ratatouille moment. The flavors instantly transported me back to childhood, reminding me of the old and new country dishes my grandmother used to make.
The Clams Oreganata were easily the best I’ve had anywhere in South Florida. Perfectly seasoned, beautifully baked, and full of depth. A standout was their secret off-menu Steak Pizzaiola: a moist, savory cut of ribeye bathed in a robust, peppery tomato sauce that complemented the steak without overpowering it. The Grilled Salmon Piccata was equally impressive, fresh, flaky, and cooked flawlessly, finished with a bright, lemony piccata sauce that elevated the dish.
Dessert sealed the experience. The tiramisu, cannoli, and Italian-style cheesecake tasted like they were made the right way, with care, balance, and love, each bite reminiscent of home. Between the comforting decor, warm service, generous portions, and fair value, Acqua Bistro delivers an authentic experience that feels rare today. It’s the kind of place you want to keep secret, but can’t help recommending.
The service was perfectly fine, but the food was a real letdown. I ordered the chicken parm, and it was disappointingly bland and forgettable. It's a shame, because the staff was friendly, but a restaurant really lives or dies by what's on the plate, and for us, it just didn't deliver.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 5
What an incredible place! Aqua Bistro is honestly the best Italian restaurant I’ve ever been to. Everything feels so authentic and full of love at this family-run gem.
The food is unforgettable — the shrimp scampi was cooked to perfection, and the El Pescatore pasta was overflowing with the freshest seafood, every bite packed with flavor. And I can’t forget to mention the homemade bread… truly the best I’ve ever had! Warm, crusty on the outside and soft inside, it’s the kind of bread you keep reaching for even when you’re already full.
They also have a fantastic wine selection that pairs beautifully with the food, and it’s very reasonably priced, which makes the whole experience even better.
Between the amazing dishes, the cozy atmosphere, and the feeling that you’re being welcomed into someone’s home, this place is truly special. If you love pasta, seafood, and authentic Italian cooking, you’ll be in heaven here.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A hidden gem! This tiny restaurant inside the condominium has amazing food and an incredible staff. I can’t wait to come back again!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Authentic street food vibe with modern twists. Fun and tasty.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Delicious food, I really enjoyed the meals and desserts, everything is so fresh and delicious. I recommend this restaurant 👍.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Visited Acqua Bistro with my family and the food was delicious. Service was great!!! I will definitely come back again😃
Over priced. Server had a serious anger, impatient issues.
From the staff, to the food, this place is a 10/10. Authentic family recipes that have been perfected over 50 years, you’ll be disappointed you didn’t go!!
Recommendations: Bruschetta, Calamari, Caesar salad, Calamari Luciano, Lobster Ravioli, and Spaghetti and Meatballs 😋😋😋😋
Service was excellent and food was authentic and amazing
Restaurantji Recommends
Absolutely Incredible Dining Experience at Aqua Bistro!
From the moment we arrived, Aqua Bistro delivered a truly exceptional culinary experience. Every dish we ordered was absolutely delicious — the flavors, presentation, and quality were all top-notch. The lobster ravioli was divine, rich and perfectly cooked, and the burrata was fresh, creamy, and beautifully paired with its accompaniments. The soup was bursting with flavor and comfort in every spoonful.
What truly elevated the evening was the chef’s personal touch — he came out to check on our table, ensuring everything was perfect. It’s rare to see that level of care and passion, and it really made the meal feel special.
Highly recommend Aqua Bistro for anyone looking for incredible food, a warm atmosphere, and exceptional hospitality. We can’t wait to return!
Truly a hidden gem (tip: it's located inside the Aquarius Condominium building). Admittedly, I wasn't sure what to expect when we entered an empty restaurant with dated decor. But the food was delicious and reasonably priced. Our server, Luis, was friendly and made sure we were well taken care of. Would definitely recommend to anyone staying in the area.
Great find. Sat out on the pool deck in the evening and had some amazing lobster ravioli.
I dine here often since I live across the street - wonderful place. Food and atmosphere is awesome. Waitress Jamie has been with the restaurant a long time and takes care of you always with a smile on her face .
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Had the Veal Parmigian and lobster ravioli both were delicious
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Veal Parmigiana, Lobster Ravioli
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