Waterfront dining, Italian style

Posted

AcQua Restaurant
1944 Bayberry Ave., Merrick
(516) 623-4400, www.acquamerrick.com

Dining at AcQua Restaurant is a truly amazing experience, from its unique setup and soothing atmosphere, to its Olde World Italian cuisine. The site of Aqua was originally the members-only clubhouse of the Blue Water Yacht Club. Now, it’s a restaurant open to the public.

Drive all the way down to the water. Walk into AcQua, go past the bar, and you’ll find yourself in a colorful and cozy heated tent surrounded by patio and boats, overlooking Merrick Bay. The view is incredible, and if you go up to the second level’s party room, you can see the Jones Beach Theater. In the warmer months, the tent opens up to an area that accommodates 250. There’s an outside bar and chef. Regardless of the season, if you dine late afternoon or early evening, an exquisite sunset will be part of your enjoyment. 

Salvatore Giambanco and his sons, Fabio and Francesco, who boast years of restaurant experience throughout Long Island, opened AcQua Restaurant in July 2012. But as with so many coastal businesses, it was devastated by Hurricane Sandy. Overcoming huge challenges in record time, they rebuilt and reopened on July 4, 2013.

The menu changes with the season. Most appetizers, pastas and entrees come in two sizes: half (to feed two to three), and full (for three to four). Fish is generally prepared for one. Your server can help you to order the right amount. Francesco, the executive chef, trained at the New York Culinary Institute. He blends traditional Italian cooking with his own creative twists.

From the winter dinner menu, appetizers and salads are $8.95/$15.95 to $18.95/$29.95. Pastas are $14.95/$19.95 to $23.95/$34.95, and  entrees, $17.95/$24.95 to $36.96. Certain items, like porterhouse steak, veal chop, lobster, or a chilled seafood platter, are more. Desserts are $7 to $11. Lunch offers salads, paninis, burgers, wings, and sandwiches.

Page 1 / 2