Acqua di Dea — Restaurant in Cleveland

While the decor is beautiful and menu has great options, we were very underwhelmed by the service for our 5th wedding anniversary. It all started when we specifically asked for a nice table for our anniversary and received one of the worst tables in there restaurant when many others were available. My husbands chair was in the doorway connecting the two indoor sections and outdoor patio and my side of the table was so tight my chair was touching the person behind me. There should not be a table here. While we were waiting for our drinks (wine that just needs poured) for over 20 minutes, I asked to switch to another table, a nice 4 top out of the way near the window but still in our servers section. The hostess said “I guess so but your taking a 4 top away from me”. Throughout the remainder of our 4 hour dinner there was an open 4 top right in front of us and others throughout the restaurant. That same hostess also sat other 2 person groups at 4 tops near us off the bat. As such, I didn’t understand the attitude from her on our special night.

From a food standpoint, our server never told us the specials and we actually heard them midway through our dinner from the waitress at the table next to us, some of which we likely would have ordered. The server asked us “what do you want” without even going over the menu with us. When we asked for recommendations they pointed to the most expensive item on the menu, the seafood platter, and that was it. Our tuna appetizer came out and was presented with a fly stuck to the honeycomb. Our entree came out as we were finishing the appetizers, which is much too fast for an intimate dinner with several courses. Our silverware was cleared with the starters and no one replaced our silverware until 10 minutes later when our server came over and wasn’t aware the food was out. He then quickly walked away before we could order another glass of wine, so my husband sat with an empty glass for over 30 minutes until we got our after dinner drinks. The food was also severely under salted, coming from people who rarely add salt to food at restaurants. Once salt was added, the food was tasty and the quality of the food seemed high, however, under seasoned food at this price point is unacceptable.

A separate waiter came to bring us tiramisu with a candle for our anniversary, however, we were still eating our entree so he turned around and we never saw him again. When our waiter came we asked for the dessert menu and when he came back over 20 minutes later and asked “what do you want” we communicated we had never received the menu. We finally got the menu and ordered, and ended up paying full price even though the service was terrible and it was our anniversary.

Overall, as a couple who frequents other Luca restaurants, we were VERY disappointed with the service and seasoning of the food for the price. We understand that there is a shortage of workers, so we are willing to excuse some of the service (our waiter seemed to be working hard), however, that doesn’t excuse the service level we received once at our table or the attitude from the hostess. Additionally, while the ambiance is great, the restaurant was very warm and both my husband and I were sweating (even after the sun went down). This was amplified by the fact that our water and wine was...

Aqua de Dia is a remarkable dining destination that truly elevates the experience of enjoying food and drinks. From the moment you step inside, you're enveloped in a vibrant yet cozy atmosphere that strikes the perfect balance between lively and intimate. The decor is thoughtfully curated, with warm lighting, elegant furnishings, and artistic touches that create an inviting environment. Whether you're settling in for a casual happy hour or a special evening out, the ambience sets the stage for a memorable experience.

During happy hour, Aqua de Dia truly comes alive. The energy is palpable, and it's easy to see why this spot has become a favorite among locals. The selection of drinks during this time is impressive, with a range of expertly crafted cocktails that highlight fresh ingredients and innovative combinations. Each drink is a work of art, both visually and in terms of flavor. You can expect classics with a twist, as well as unique creations that reflect the creativity of the mixologists. The attention to detail in the drink presentation adds an extra layer of enjoyment, making each sip feel like a special occasion.

The culinary offerings are equally outstanding. The shrimp dish is a standout, featuring perfectly cooked shrimp that are succulent and bursting with flavor. The seasoning is spot on, enhancing the natural sweetness of the shrimp without overpowering it. Pairing this with a refreshing cocktail makes for an ideal combination.

Then there's the ravioli, which is nothing short of divine. The pasta is handmade, resulting in a delicate texture that melts in your mouth. The filling is rich and flavorful, often incorporating seasonal ingredients that showcase the chef's commitment to quality and freshness. Each bite is a delightful experience, and it's easy to see why this dish has become a personal favorite among patrons.

Overall, Aqua de Dia is more than just a restaurant; it's a destination for those who appreciate well-crafted drinks and delicious food in an inviting atmosphere. Whether you're there for a lively happy hour with friends or a romantic dinner, Aqua de Dia promises a memorable experience that will keep you coming back for more. Highly recommended for anyone looking to indulge in a fantastic...

Not worth the time or money. We wanted to like this place because Luca is one of our favorite restaurants in Cleveland, but Acqua di Luca proved to be mediocre to bad at every turn. The Good: The wine and the friendly wait staff, however, the restaurant was out of the bottle we originally wanted and the server was significantly over seated (ten or more tables), but the recommended replacement bottle was great and our server did all she could to attend to her tables. The Mediocre: Both of our main dishes, sea bass and dover sole, were dry and room temperature. Neither dish had a unique flavor or really much of a flavor to highlight or discuss. The ambiance and decor were very nice, but the restaurant was extremely noisy. The brick walls and uninsulated ceiling amplifies all the noise from conversations, the kitchen and outside traffic. The burrata and heirloom tomato salad could use a higher quality burrata, which was cold, chunky, and not your typical smooth and creamy quality burrata, but the heirloom tomatoes and dressing were pretty good. The Bad: Gnocchi bolognese reminded me of another Cleveland chef’s creation, Chef Boyardee. It was awful and not at all what you would expect from chef Luca. Cold, unmelted cheese, over-sweetened, and tasted exactly like it was poured directly from a can into the bowl. There are a couple very inappropriately placed tables inside the restaurant, including the set of two two-tops closest to the open kitchen, which the hostess tried to seat us at originally before rudely pointing us to an outside table and walking away. The service was very slow (I will note again that our server was well over capacity for a high-end restaurant and doing what she could), but it took 25 minutes from sitting down to receiving our first drink, and nothing else moved quickly or was timed appropriately either.

Overall, Acqua di Luca was not worth the price paid for the food and service, making it not worth our time on a Saturday...