AQUA Forte — Restaurant in Galle

TL;DR: incredibly high quality ingredients, thoughtful execution of flavour, perfectly sized portions, welcoming staff and owners + a beautiful space. If you are willing to spend on a delicious, authentically Italian experience in Galle, then Aqua Forte is for you. Get the clam pasta.

We went into Aqua Forte, based off of previous reviews. The trending feedback we saw was “overpriced and small portions but good food”. We were craving Italian and saw that the menu was better than other restaurants in the area - so took the plunge.

Between 6 of us we ordered 2 scallop entrees, mushroom carpaccio and octopus carpaccio to start. Alongside, we had multiple Aperol Spritz, Prosecco and beer.

Each dish on the menu comes with a wine pairing and EACH dish was cooked and prepared exceptionally well. The only gripe I have is that the mushrooms in the mushroom carpaccio were low quality and flavoured by the toppings (the pecorino used was fantastic). Would have been nicer if a higher quality mushroom was used or if the mushrooms were seasoned to enhance the dish. The mushroom carpaccio was still good, just calling out the opportunity for improvement here.

The scallops were perfectly cooked, and combined with the Parmesan crisp had excellent textural contrast to accompany the flavour it provided.

The octopus carpaccio was refreshing and hit the spot for our group. Of the 3 starters though, the scallops stood out the most.

For the mains we ordered the steak, rack of lamb, lobster pasta, braised beef ravioli, clam pasta and eggplant lasagna.

Each dish was fantastic. The steak and lamb were cooked a perfect medium rare, the eggplant was a fantastic veg dish that did not leave us feeling like anything was missing and both the lobster pasta and braised beef ravioli were perfectly Al dente, meeting the brief.

The star of the show however, was the clam pasta. I am not a particular fan of clams and it wasn’t our first choice. However, the emulsified sauce, perfectly cooked clam meat and literally best pasta noodle we have ever had - came together in the best pasta dish many of us have had in YEARS.

After speaking to chef Roberto and co-owner Paolo they clarified that ALL seafood dishes are cooked in the broth of the seafood itself as an emulsion to intensify the flavour. It was clear to see as he explained the incredible skill and passion they have for Italian food.

Closing with the DELECTABLE passion fruit panna cotta and tiramisu, all we can say is BRAVO Aqua Forte. From the high quality glassware, plates, seating and room design to the high quality ingredients in every dish this was worth every dollar spent.

We will be visiting you again, and look forward to eating at your sister...

The food in this restaurant and the service is at the level of a Michelin restaurant. The owner and main chef in one person, Roberto Vicario, came personally to help me find a table even though I didn't have a reservation and the restaurant was full. And the whole evening he carefully watched that I was satisfied. This restaurant operates at the Michelin level. The service here is incredibly top notch. Before you even know you need something, it's already happening. I am still amazed at the perfect service I received. Food is an top luxury, life experience, also for vegetarians! I can recommend the mushroom tartare as a starter, the creamy ricotta-spinach ravioli and baked aubergine. It was so great and the tiramisu to finish was an amazing sweet spot with the fluffiest cream what was like clouds. Everyone who works in this restaurant is incredibly professional. I don't understand some of the bad reviews here. They were either written by competitors or absolute food barbarians. In addition, the prices are appropriate for the service and quality and are not high at all. I was fully fed. :-) People at other tables couldn't even finish their food, even though I heard words of praise from them too! I don't think I've been lucky enough to visit such a great Italian restaurant even in Italy! And I visited there many of them. I applaud you and admire your dedication and love for the work you do so well!!! I can't wait to bring my whole...

A Hidden Gem in Galle for True Italian Lovers

Anua Forte is one of those rare restaurants where everything just feels right. Set in a beautifully rustic space with simple yet thoughtfully curated decor, it creates a peaceful and intimate atmosphere that instantly transports you. From the calming tones of the furniture to the carefully chosen music that somehow reads your mood, this place is a full sensory experience.

Now let’s talk food; Italian done perfectly. The lobster pasta is a must-try: tender, flavorful, and cooked to perfection with none of that rubbery texture you sometimes find elsewhere. The mozzarella and jelly tomato salad gives a creative twist to the traditional Caprese; fresh, surprising, and beautifully plated. The mushroom carpaccio might look simple, but the flavors are anything but it’s a subtle masterpiece. And the fish carpaccio? Absolutely unmissable.

Honestly, I could go on and on about the dishes we ordered, each one more delicious than the last. And don’t get me started on the dessert; a sweet, elegant finish to a perfect meal.

What makes the experience even more special is that the chef himself takes your order,and here’s the surprise: he’s the owner too. His passion shows in every dish and every detail.

Truly, I wish we had a place like this back home. I’m in love with every...