Highlights
- Live music
- Sports
- Rooftop seating
- Great coffee
- Fireplace
- Great beer selection
oChef » Aqua – Las Vegas
Aqua - Las Vegas
Photo from Aqua
Aqua at a glance
Las Vegas Downtown Las Vegas
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 105 of the guests
#8 out of 192 places to eat in Las Vegas
#4 Restaurant out of 31 in Las Vegas
Excellent
8.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
665
Reviews
89.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Elegant Ambiance
- Attentive Service
- Quality Cuisine
Frequently criticized
- Mandatory Charges
- Long Waits
- Billing Issues
The restaurant Aqua, nestled inside The Shalimar Hotel at 1401 S Las Vegas Blvd, is a vibrant spot in Downtown Las Vegas. This restaurant offers a unique experience, especially with its inviting rooftop seating where you can enjoy the city views.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal or a trendy night out, Aqua provides a casual yet engaging atmosphere perfect for any occasion. You’ll find it’s a great place to unwind and enjoy the lively Las Vegas scene.
Overview: Introducting Aqua
Aqua offers a truly inviting experience, with many guests praising its elegant ambiance and sophisticated decor. The attentive staff and impeccable service often leave a lasting positive impression, making diners feel right at home.
It’s a place where the atmosphere and care contribute significantly to the overall visit. While the culinary offerings are generally well-received for their quality and presentation, some experiences point to inconsistencies.
Concerns occasionally arise regarding the overall price point and certain aspects of the waiting time, suggesting areas where the experience might not always meet expectations.
Excellent
8.8
out of 10
665
Reviews
89.3%
Satisfaction
65
negative
6
neutral
594
positive
Aqua generally delivers a strong performance, reflected in its overall Restaurant Score of 8.8, which is excellent. This high mark is largely driven by exceptional feedback on its Ambience (9), creating a welcoming and elegant setting, and outstanding Service (8.9), where the staff’s attentiveness truly shines.
These aspects consistently receive high praise from guests. The Food also garners an excellent 8.8, indicating a consistently satisfying culinary experience.
However, the Value (6.3) score suggests that while quality is appreciated, some guests find the pricing a bit steep. This nuanced picture comes from 665 customer opinions, with 594 positive remarks balancing out 65 negative ones, leading to a solid Customer Satisfaction of 89.3%.
What people like
- Elegant, inviting ambiance
- Impeccable, friendly service
- Quality food presentation
What people don't like
- Mandatory service charges
- Long waiting times
- Billing discrepancies
Aqua presents a compelling option for those prioritizing a sophisticated atmosphere and attentive service. With a strong Recommendation Score of 8.7, it’s clear many guests find the overall experience highly satisfying, making it a solid choice for a pleasant outing.
However, be mindful of potential mandatory service charges and prepare for possible waits during busy periods. If you appreciate a well-crafted setting and good service, Aqua is certainly worth considering, but it’s wise to review your bill carefully.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Aqua
Food (8.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 87% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines, boasting an excellent score of 8.8 and a good customer satisfaction rate of 89.6%. With 268 positive remarks out of 299, guests consistently rave about the exquisite flavor and mixture, beautiful presentation, and overall quality. The varied menu also offers delightful options for every palate.
However, not every dish hits the mark, with 27 comments pointing out some areas for improvement. There were occasional mentions of inconsistent quality of the food, with some dishes being burnt, overcooked, or even raw. While these instances are few, they are worth noting.
Food
299
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
27
negative
4
neutral
268
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Exquisite flavor
- Beautiful presentation
- High quality food
What people don't like
- Burnt or raw dishes
- Inconsistent cooking
Often praised
- foodI'm still eating, but I had to share my experience of the amazingly good food! I ordered the Salmon with sauce over veggies and garlic rice, accompanied by an arugula salad with lemon dressing.
- drinksEverything was perfect, both the food and drinks. The bartender, who shares my name, provided excellent service.
- cocktailsThe food was delicious, and all the people there were very friendly. I especially want to mention Alain, who is a very nice guy and made many delicious cocktails. I highly recommend this place.
- presentationThe presentation and quality of the food was amazing
- portionsThis is one of the best places I've eaten in Las Vegas. The service is good, the food is delicious, with good portions and quality. 100% recommended.
- dishesI absolutely loved the food! The dishes were prepared very well. Lili and Ana provided excellent service.
- paellaThe service was very good, especially from the two young ladies, Reina and Compañera, who managed the dining room. I also want to highlight the exquisite paella that was served. Overall, everything was very good.
- qualityI loved the decoration and the very cozy atmosphere. The food and drinks were excellent, and of very good quality. I also enjoyed the photos taken by the girl who works there, taking pictures of the customers.
- appetizersThe attention from the girls who served us, Jessica and Reina, was excellent. We will definitely return for cocktails and appetizers!
- churrascoIt's a great hidden spot located in the middle of Vegas Boulevard, conveniently close to the art district. The food was amazing, and a special shout-out to Chef Rodolfo for the amazing churrasco – it was the best tender meat I've ever had. The drinks, expertly provided by Jany and Jessica, were also a highlight, and they offered great food recommendations.
Frequently criticized
- foodThe drinks were amazing, and I particularly loved the boat serving platter. However, despite being a large group with reservations and the place being empty, the food was dribbling in, suggesting the kitchen might have been understaffed. The prosciutto on the bruschetta was too thick and difficult to chew, though the smoked salmon bruschetta was delicious, it would have been better with capers.
- FoodThe churrasco was completely burnt. The service was rated a 2, atmosphere a 1, and food a 1.
- arroz moroarroz moro y sabía súper malo
- avocado toastthe avocado toast and llego frio
- breadthe pan sin tostar aguado
- churrascoThe only thing we could eat with pleasure was the appetizer boat. The churrasco was completely burnt. The service was rated a 2, atmosphere a 1, and food a 1.
- churrascoslos términos de cocción estaban completamente equívocos
- crabdisappointed that It didn't have any crab unlike what it said
- fishYou need to be careful and review your bill when you go. They also charged us $48 for a fish that they said was 1/2 lb, but it didn't even weigh a full pound. I felt ripped off and won't be returning to this place.
- fish sticks and shrimpfish sticks and shrimp were dry as a piece of wood
If you're looking for a culinary adventure with generally outstanding flavors and presentation, this restaurant is definitely worth a visit. While a few dishes might occasionally miss the mark, the overwhelming positive feedback suggests a delightful dining experience awaits.
Service (8.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 91% of the guests
When it comes to service, this restaurant truly excels! With an impressive score of 8.9 and an outstanding 90.1% customer satisfaction, guests consistently highlight the excellent service, attentiveness, and friendly staff. Out of 212 customer comments, a remarkable 191 were positive, often praising individuals and their helpful food recommendations.
However, it's not entirely without its minor issues. Around 20 comments mentioned concerns like waiting time, inefficient service, and some even encountered a rude owner. There were also mentions of staff being unprepared for groups, indicating a few areas that could benefit from some fine-tuning.
Service
212
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
20
negative
1
neutral
191
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent service
- Attentive staff
- Friendly people
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Inefficient service
- Rude owner
Often praised
- serviceThe decor is modern and elegant, creating an atmosphere that is both cozy and sophisticated. The service was impeccable, with attentive and friendly staff who made me feel right at home. The passion for gastronomy is evident in every detail, from the presentation of the dishes to the choice of ingredients.
- attentionIt was my husband's and my first time visiting, and I assure you it won't be the last. Thank you very much, Melissa, for your excellent attention. We were very satisfied with our choice to visit.
- staffThe decor is modern and elegant, creating an atmosphere that is both cozy and sophisticated. The service was impeccable, with attentive and friendly staff who made me feel right at home. The passion for gastronomy is evident in every detail, from the presentation of the dishes to the choice of ingredients.
- bartenderThe atmosphere, the drinks, and everything was on point. Special thanks to Edward — he’s an amazing bartender, super friendly, professional, and really made the evening special. Highly recommend this place!
- waitressesMelisa and Reina, the waitresses who attended us, were super attentive. The atmosphere was excellent.
- customer serviceGreat customer service and awesome design.
- AlainAlain was attentive and made amazing cocktails
- employeeslos empleados súper amables, atentos y dan un buen servicio
- EdwardI initially sat at The Bar just wanting A Drink, but the place quickly grew on me during Happy Hour. Edward explained the specials, and my time unexpectedly turned into a 5 Course Meal, complete with the freshest Margarita. Two pictures tell the story!
- cheffelicitar al chef por su dedicación y por sus platos tan deliciosos
Frequently criticized
- serviceel servicio creo que no están preparados para grupos grandes la espera fue de casi dos horas
- staffmuy amables al principio pero como vieron q dejamos toda la comida xq no pudimos comer ni nos preguntaron si kiera x educación
- waiting timeThey also tried to charge me for something that was already part of a special offer – buy a main course and get another dish free, but they wanted to charge me for it. The food took over 45 minutes to arrive.
- ServiceThe churrasco was completely burnt. The service was rated a 2, atmosphere a 1, and food a 1.
- business hourscan't stay open during listed business hours
- groupsno están preparados para grupos grandes
- guy working heregot was a dirty look from the guy working here
- hoursThe hours are not accurate at all.
- language and treatmentSobre todo en lenguaje y trato al cliente
- open signscan't be bothered to turn off the "open" signs
You can generally expect fantastic service here, with many guests raving about the attentive and friendly team. While a few reports mention longer waits or occasional inefficiencies, the overwhelmingly positive feedback suggests these are rare. If excellent service is a priority, this spot is definitely worth trying.
Ambience (9 out of 10)
mentioned by 62% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot truly shines! With an excellent score of 9 and a fantastic customer satisfaction rate of 94.3%, guests consistently rave about the beautiful restaurant and its good vibe. Out of 123 comments, a whopping 116 highlight the decorations, live music, and the overall cozy place and welcoming place feeling, making for a wonderful experience.
However, a few of the 6 negative comments mention minor hiccups. Some guests noted issues with the bathroom and felt the exterior seemed neglected. A couple of experiences described the place as empty or gave the atmosphere a very low rating, suggesting there might be occasional off-days or specific areas needing attention.
Ambience
123
Reviews
94%
Satisfaction
6
negative
1
neutral
116
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Beautiful decor
- Cozy, welcoming vibe
- Live music
What people don't like
- Neglected exterior
- Bathroom issues
- Empty feeling
Often praised
- atmosphereLocated in the heart of the city, Aqua has become my favorite spot for fresh and delicious seafood. From the moment you enter, you are greeted by an elegant and welcoming atmosphere, with decor that reflects the charm of the ocean. The culinary experience at Aqua is simply exceptional.
- placeIt was an extremely unique experience. We went for breakfast, and honestly, the flavor, the presentation of the dishes, the service, and the place itself made it feel like you were in another world. It was beautiful, and I loved it!
- restaurantHermoso restaurante localizado en el centro de Las Vegas Boulevard.
- decorFrom the moment I walked in, I knew I was in a special place. The decor is modern and elegant, creating an atmosphere that is both cozy and sophisticated. The service was impeccable, with attentive and friendly staff who made me feel right at home.
- decorationthe decoration of the place is perfect
- musicthe atmosphere and music are excellent
- cleanlinessplace was extremely nice and clean inside
- cozy placeLugar súper acogedor con su decoración y estilo del mar.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambianceMy experience at this restaurant was truly unforgettable. From the moment I stepped in, the warm and inviting ambiance, a seamless blend of coastal elegance and Spanish flair, made me feel right at home. The food was exceptional, especially the seafood, which was next level.
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereThe churrasco was completely burnt. The service was rated a 2, atmosphere a 1, and food a 1.
- bathroomdidn’t even know you had to pay to use the bathroom
- exterioroutside seemed to be neglected
- placePlus the place was empty
- platethe plate visibly was dirty
If youre looking for a place with a truly stunning and inviting atmosphere, this restaurant is definitely worth a visit. While a few minor points like the exterior or occasional quietness might come up, the overwhelmingly positive feedback on its beautiful decor and vibrant vibe suggests youll likely have a wonderful time.
Value (6.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 16% of the guests
When it comes to value, many diners find this spot offers a pretty good deal, with a score of 6.3 and a customer satisfaction of 61.3%, indicating a mixed but somewhat positive experience. Based on 19 positive opinions out of 31 total, guests frequently praise the reasonable price and price-quality ratio, often calling it a best bang for your buck option, especially for those on a budget. Many appreciate the fairly priced drinks and overall affordability.
However, its not all smooth sailing. The 12 negative opinions highlight concerns about the overall price and potential issues with the bill. Some feel the cost doesnt align with the food quality, while others have encountered unexpected charges, including mandatory service charges or tip percentages that can significantly inflate the final amount.
Be sure to check your bill carefully.
Value
31
Reviews
61%
Satisfaction
12
negative
0
neutral
19
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable prices
- Great price-quality
- Good value overall
What people don't like
- Mandatory service charges
- Billing discrepancies
- Price-quality mismatch
Often praised
- priceslos precios demasiado razonables para la buena calidad
- priceAnd you can't beat the price
- budgetbest bang for your buck if you're tying to be on a budget
- drinksreasonably priced drinks
- extra tipwe also gave him more tip since the guy deserves it
- fairly pricedThe drinks we had were fairly priced and delicious
- high valueEverything from food presentation and taste to service and atmosphere is top notch. High quality, high value, highly recommended!
- included tipthere was a 20% tip included
- price-quality ratioEl precio-calidad 20/10
- value for the priceas well as great value for the price
Frequently criticized
- pricepagamos 180$(con eso comemos nosotros en Fogo de chiao q es un restaurante de lujo)
- Uber costI'm out 30 bucks in Ubers for nuthin'
- billWe waited 45 minutes for the paella, which felt like too long. When it was time to pay, they tried to charge us for items that were supposed to be included with our main courses. Luckily, we noticed and pointed it out.
- credit cardtake some for themselves from my credit card
- dishesdishes q are of 30 for up
- mandatory tipyou'll pay a mandatory tip of 50 dollars
- pricesthe prices are not affordable
- service chargeautomatic 20% service charge for 2 people even though the website said
- special offertried to charge me for something that was already in special
- tipte incluyen la propina d forma obligatoria con un 25%
Overall, this place can offer good value, especially if youre mindful of your budget and appreciate reasonable prices. However, be cautious of potential billing surprises and mandatory service charges that could impact your final experience. Its worth trying if you're prepared to scrutinize the bill.
How are the prices at Aqua?
On average, you’ll spend around $38 per person – from 105 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $31–$40 category. For a Restaurant, that’s comfortably mid-range, maybe slightly above.
While $38 is the average, we see a nice spread of options; many guests enjoy meals in the $21–$30 range, but there are also some premium choices for those special occasions.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 105 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in Las Vegas.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Restaurant in Las Vegas, offering good value across its menu. Its a solid choice whether youre looking for something casual or a bit more upscale.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Aqua
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Amazing Bartender and Food!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic. The bartender, Edward, was truly amazing – he was very attentive, fast, and intelligent. I would definitely recommend having him as your bartender.
The food and drinks were also amazing!
- bartender10
- food10
- drinks10
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Spectacular food, service, and atmosphere!
My experience at the restaurant was spectacular. The food was exquisite, and the service was very good, especially from the waitress named Yessica. We loved everything; the music was good, and the atmosphere was very pleasant.
- food10
- service9
- Yessica10
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
A Hidden Gem with Exquisite Flavors!
We stumbled upon this place by chance, and it turned out to be our best option! The presentation of both drinks and food was impeccable. The flavors were homemade with elegance and glamour.
The service was top-notch for all customers. Jessica provided professional and knowledgeable service, and her colleague was an excellent host as well. We visited on 12/15.
Food Highlights: - Croquetas Béchamel: 15/10 - Empanadas de jamón: 10/10 - Cóctel Camarón: 20/10 - Ceviche Caribeño: 20/10 - Camarones Empanizados: 10/10 - Pargo Rojo: 20/10 - The New York: 10/10 - Salmón a la plancha: 10/10 - Estofado Rabo Toro: 15/10 - Churrasco con salsa Chimichurri: 15/10 - Arroz Congris: 15/10 Dessert: - AQUA'S: 20/10 Drinks: - Piña Colada and another blue and yellow drink: 20/10 The atmosphere is pleasant; although small, it's cozy and ideal for a dinner with a partner, family, or friends. The price-quality ratio is outstanding at 20/10. Our only recommendation is to give it more publicity, as we found it purely by chance and had never heard of it before.
- presentation10
- flavors10
- service10
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Excellent Food, Drinks, and Service!
Everything was perfect, both the food and drinks. The bartender, who shares my name, provided excellent service. We were there for about an hour and a half, and he was always attentive to us.
There were 6 of us, and a 20% tip was included, which is understandable for a group of over 5 people. We also gave him extra tip because he truly deserved it.
- food10
- drinks10
- bartender service10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
1
Closed Despite "Open" Sign
I took an Uber to this restaurant because they advertised being open until 11 pm, and I was really craving creme brulee. However, upon arrival at 9 pm, despite all the lights and "open" signs being on, all the doors were locked. I only discovered this after exiting my Uber.
Now I'm waiting for a ride back. I'm very disappointed with this place; I hope they go out of business if they can't adhere to their listed business hours and can't be bothered to turn off their "open" signs. I spent $30 on Ubers for nothing, and the only interaction I had was a dirty look from an employee when I tried the door.
- business hours1
- open signs1
- Uber cost1
What Aqua offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Happy hour drinks
- Quick bite
- Salad bar
- Vegan options
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Counter service
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Drive-through
- No-contact delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed inside
- Dogs allowed outside
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and entertainment can you expect at Aqua?
At Aqua, you’ll discover a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for unwinding. You can enjoy live music, catch sports on screen, or relax by the fireplace. The rooftop seating offers a unique vantage point, making it an ideal spot for a memorable experience in Las Vegas.
Does Aqua cater to specific dietary needs and offer a variety of beverage options?
Absolutely! Aqua provides a range of healthy, vegan, and vegetarian options to suit various dietary preferences. For beverages, you can choose from a great selection of coffee, beer, wine, and hard liquor, including cocktails and happy hour drinks.
What is Aqua's overall standing and what do customers say about its key aspects?
Aqua holds a strong Restaurant Score of 8.8, indicating an excellent overall experience. Guests particularly praise the Ambience (9) and Service (8.9) as exceptional, with the Food (8.8) also receiving high marks. The Value (6.3) is considered average, suggesting some price sensitivity.
What are the main strengths that guests highlight at Aqua?
Guests frequently commend Aqua for its elegant and inviting atmosphere, often describing the decor as modern and sophisticated. The service consistently receives praise for being impeccable, attentive, and friendly, with many positive mentions for the staff and bartenders.
What are the common concerns or drawbacks at Aqua?
Some guests have raised concerns regarding pricing, including mandatory service charges and occasional discrepancies on bills. There have also been instances of long waiting times for food and service, and a few reports of specific food items not meeting expectations.