This restaurant is a classic example of show over substance. The building its self is lovely, and is the high point of the experience, meanwhile the food is quite average and the service is appalling.
My family and I popped into Aqua yesterday afternoon at 3pm after helping my brother & his girlfriend move into their new flat nearby. At this time on a Saturday afternoon the restaurant was almost deserted, therefore we were very surprised to be met with a very rude response to our request for a table for 7: "Now? No reservation?" said waitress no.1, and then stormed off to push 3 two seater tables together in a far corner. When we then requested that another small table very close by also be pulled up for our use (it being difficult for 7 people to fit around a space designed to accommodate 6) the waitress resorted to face pulling and foot stamping before grudgingly allowing us sufficient space to eat.
Waitress no.2 took our order, as fast and as abruptly as she could, with the result that she missed one of our starters and one bottle of wine from the order.
When the food did arrive, quite unceremoniously, the bruschetta was on the hard side of crunchy, while both my salmon and my side salad were drowning with oil. The tagliatelle ragu was uninspiring by all accounts.
The only pleasant encounter during our meal, was with the friendly waiter who dealt with coffee and dessert orders. However, any chance for Aqua to claw back some respect was irretrievably lost when the bill arrived and we realised that they had attempted to charge us all for full price al a carte meals when 4 members of our party had ordered from the set daytime menu.
Any large restaurant, empty on a Saturday afternoon, should welcome with open arms a largish group of adults, who quite clearly are going to be spending over £100 at least on their meal. Further, but for this bad experience, Aqua may have found themselves with a number of new regular customers.
Aqua thinks its something special - its not. And it has a silly name.
Peter S. Cook
A high standard was maintained throughout. Excellent rack of lamb, venison and the vegetables were to die for! A very good menu and wine list, I could dine here without repetition for over a week. Friendly, attentive staff who are not overbearing. It was pleasant to be able to thank the chefs personally as the kitchen Servery opens directly onto the dinning area. I shall return when next in Bristol.
Tash
At first I was hesitant about Aqua as I got the feeling it was predominantly fish - however I was surprised.
It has some great veggie options and mine was delicious. My very fussy Mum also managed to find something scrummy.
Staff were very nice and the atmosphere was good. It's got a good range of dishes which I think would appeal to people with different tastes.
I didn't have anything to complain about and I think it feels different inside to perhaps the impression you get from the outside. Lots of outside seating too.
Aqua Bar & Restaurant
I recently had a meal at Aqua with 11 friends and we all agreed on how nice a night we had. The staff were all very attentive, the food was prompt and expertly prepared and the atmosphere was cool and calm (even though it was a Saturday night) I would recommend this place to anyone thinking of making a large booking in Bristol. The management made it effortless on our behalf and the waiting staff ensured a thoroughly enjoyable night