A Delightful Evening at Aqua Nueva in London. Nestled high above the bustling streets of London, Aqua Nueva offers a dining experience that's nothing short of spectacular. From the moment you step off the elevator and into this chic Spanish haven, you're in for an evening of culinary magic and vibrant ambiance.
The entrance itself sets the tone – modern, sleek, and oh-so-stylish. As you walk through the restaurant, the panoramic views of London's iconic skyline immediately catch your eye. Whether it's the shimmering lights of the city at night or the stunning sunset, Aqua Nueva provides a backdrop that’s perfect for any occasion.
The interior is a beautiful blend of contemporary elegance and Spanish flair. Think plush seating, warm lighting, and intricate designs that make you feel like you've been transported to a trendy Madrid hotspot. The vibe is lively yet intimate – perfect for a romantic date night, a celebratory dinner, or a night out with friends.
Now, let’s talk about the food – because that’s where Aqua Nueva truly shines. The menu is a delightful journey through modern Spanish cuisine, with a selection of tapas and larger plates that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. Each dish is crafted with care, combining traditional flavors with a contemporary twist.
My husband, our colleague, and I were in London on business, and Aqua Nueva provided the perfect setting for a relaxing and memorable evening. The tapas are a must-try, with highlights like the perfectly crispy croquetas, melt-in-your-mouth Iberian ham, and the most delectable rustic tomato bread you’ll ever taste. The vegetarian paella was perfect and bursting with flavor – a hearty, vibrant dish that left me thoroughly satisfied. The rack of lamb was also a highlight. It was served with roasted baby parsnips, parsnip purée, and lamb jus…need I say more?
I don’t drink alcohol, but the drinks menu was impressive impressive. My dining partners enjoyed the “perfect” martini followed by a bottle from a curated selection of Spanish wines. I was more than pleased with my non-alcoholic drink; there’s something for everyone.
The service at Aqua Nueva is top-notch. The gentleman who attended to us was so friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about making our dining experience unforgettable. Whether it’s recommending the perfect dish or ensuring your glass is never empty, he went above and beyond to make us feel special.
Aqua Nueva is more than just a restaurant – it's an experience. From the stunning views (don’t miss the rooftop lounge) and stylish decor to the exquisite food and impeccable service, every detail is designed to delight. If you’re looking for a place to celebrate a special occasion, enjoy a memorable night out in London, or simply impress business colleagues, Aqua Nueva is the spot.
In short, dining at Aqua Nueva is like taking a mini-vacation to Spain, without ever leaving London. It’s fun, it’s flavorful, and it’s absolutely fabulous. Book a table, bring your appetite, and prepare...
Read moreAqua Nueva: A Tapestry of Flavors and Elegance
Located in the heart of London, Aqua Nueva is a culinary gem that takes your taste buds on an enchanting journey through Spanish cuisine. From the moment we stepped inside, we were captivated by the sophisticated ambience and warm hospitality.
The culinary adventure commenced with a delightful selection of tapas. The Rustic Tomato Bread was a divine introduction, boasting a crusty exterior that gave way to a soft and flavorful centre. The Padrón Peppers, grilled to perfection, provided a delightful zing, while the Truffle Croquette was a heavenly symphony of earthy aromas and velvety textures.
The Black Seafood Croquette was a true revelation, filled with succulent treasures from the sea. Every bite unveiled a medley of flavours that danced upon our palates. As the tapas continued, we were treated to the Roasted Delica Pumpkin with Artichoke Mayo, a harmonious blend of sweet and savoury notes. The Pearl Barley Risotto with White & Green Asparagus showcased a delectable combination of tender grains and crisp asparagus, leaving us craving for more.
The main course was a celebration of seafood mastery. The Creamy Mackerel Escabeche, delicately marinated in a tangy sauce, perfectly complemented the tender baby carrots and delicate herring caviar. The Cod Tempura, with its light and crispy batter, showcased the impeccable freshness of the fish, harmonizing flawlessly with the basil and red pepper sauce.
Dessert was a grand finale that left us in awe. The Seasonal Fruit Salad, adorned with vibrant sorbet and luscious mango-passion fruit sauce, provided a refreshing and invigorating conclusion to the meal. The Pistachio Churros, accompanied by a velvety dark chocolate sauce, were an indulgent delight, each bite revealing a tantalizing crunch followed by a burst of nutty sweetness.
To accompany our feast, we savoured the enticing mocktails. The Pink Paradise, with its refreshing blend of watermelon, pink grapefruit juice, and invigorating mint, was an oasis of flavours. The Lychee Lemonade, tingling with the tanginess of lychee juice and infused with ginger and lemongrass cordial, was a rejuvenating elixir. The Apple Mojito, with its crisp apple juice, zesty lime, and effervescence of Fever-Tree soda water, added a lively twist to our culinary experience.
The service was excellent. Magdalena and Ciprian were both fantastic. Magdalena made some great recommendations.
In conclusion, Aqua Nueva is a haven for food enthusiasts seeking a refined and vibrant dining experience. With their impeccable attention to detail, masterful execution of flavours, and ambience that transports you to the heart of Spain, Aqua Nueva has truly earned its place among London's...
Read moreRECENTLY: Updating my review as we visited again recently and this time the experience was utterly bad. Unfriendly staff, far too loud music that we had to shout to be heard, incredibly slow service - it was an hour before we had food on the table, and terrible food! The waiter tried to convince us that the dangerously salty prawn paella was normal- if you have to warn people before they order a dish, then you need to change the dish not double down that "that's how it's made". The portions were significantly smaller and dishes were either underflavoured or over salted. And despite asking how we wanted our meats cooked, came out with incorrect dishes. We didn't even bother with a second round of drinks or dessert. Utterly bad second experience. It was a real shame because I was particularly excited to revisit, to be let down so colossally.
PREVIOUSLY: Such a wonderful experience! The location was ba little difficult to find as Google basically sends you across the street but once I noticed the aqua sign, I came to ask for directions and found the place! Nueva & Kyoto share an entrance. We were welcomed warmly at every step, and shown to our table. The decor was beatiful, the dj was great and the vibe was chilled and classy. Our server Magdalena was lovely and attentive throughout our entire experience. Glasses were never empty- be it water, wine or the delicious cocktails. Our table loved the tapas dining style - we were able to sample so much on the menu. Our faves were the hake, the manchego and the mushroom croquettes (the seafood one was a bit lacklustre), and the bikini sandwich. Apart from the croquettes which came as 6, everything was served in portions for 2. Sadly the seafood paella was sold out, which was a real shame for an early Saturday evening booking, and the lamb was lacking a little something. However the desserts were lovely! I loved the flan, and my guests were won over by the crema Catalana. The churros could have been a little sweeter to counter the dark chocolate sauce but the citrus marmalade was a great touch. We left very happy after taking many photos on the beatiful terrace of course. Thanks to the whole team for a wonderful and beautiful and DELICIOUS evening! We'll be back...
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