Living by the sea has nothing on dining under the sea, and that’s what we New Yorkers are now able to do thanks to NYC newcomer Aquarelle, the latest seafood-inspired restaurant and lounge to open its doors in the East Village.
Aquarelle feels like you’re taking a dip in the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean, with its meticulously designed interior that evokes the sensation of being inside a luxurious submarine and a stunning menu focused around seafood and raw bites to match.
That’s to say the space is enveloped in soft marine hues, shimmering mermaids subtly integrated amidst gilded fish, custom mirrors crafted to resemble the textured surface of barnacles, and captivating octopus murals adorning the walls. The centerpiece of the lower lounge is a bar meticulously designed to resemble the interior of a submarine, while a marble raw bar offers a tantalizing display of the day’s fresh catch.
The 200-seat, multi-level restaurant and lounge offers seven distinct dining experiences, each with its own unique identity and feel making it possible to enjoy a variety of experiences under one roof.
But the design isn’t all that gives you that under the sea feel–some of the freshest seafood in town is being served at Aquarelle. The restaurant’s culinary program celebrates the ocean’s bounty and locally sourced ingredients with a strong Mediterranean influence. The menu is a testament to both tradition and innovation and is divided into several sections.
Crudo and carpaccio selections feature delicate slices of Faroe Island salmon, pristine hamachi Nobu, and succulent tuna sashimi grade, alongside thinly sliced shrimp, tender octopus, and sweet scallop carpaccios. Tartare offerings include finely diced salmon, tuna, and steak, ceviches are bright and refreshing, showcasing the freshness of shrimp, hamachi, and a medley of seasonal seafood.
Small Bites offer tempting options like calamari, delicate shrimp kataifi, shrimp kofta, and perfectly golden crab cakes. The standout though is the grilled octopus, which is tender and perfectly charred.
Larger format dishes are along the likes of whole grilled branzino, lobster, squid ink linguine with crab meat, golden tomahawk, and wood fired roasted chicken. You can even get a massive seafood tower and caviar bumps! All are offered alongside several botanical-forward cocktails.
And with a kitchen that’s open until midnight six nights a week with extended hours on Saturdays, Aquarelle is certainly reviving the spirit of late-night Manhattan–and we’re not just talking about late night dining.
Beginning at around 11 pm, the entire mood transforms–the lights dim, the must swells, and a live DJ takes center stage, expertly curating a soundtrack that transports guests to the carefree, rhythmic shores of St. Bart’s or Ibiza. At this point, guests are invited to dance, linger, socialize, and embrace spontaneity. Talk about feeling like you’re on a seaside vacation!
Aquarelle is now open in the East Village. Learn more on their website.
📍 47 Avenue B