Trattoria Acqua
La Jolla, CA 92037
Phone: (858) 454-0709
- Price:
- $$$$
- Best of Citysearch:
- Mediterranean Food 2007
- Hours:
- Mon-Sun 11:30am-2:30pm, 5pm-close
Editorial Review for Trattoria Acqua – by Erin Chambers
The Scene
Reminiscent of a hillside in Portofino, Italy, this fine Mediterranean destination's perch above La Jolla Cove is among the most prime real estate in the city. Enter through the covered patio and you'll see multilevel terraces connected by trumpet vines, ceramic tile walkways and strung lights. Tables are quiet, well-separated and often occupied by couples or groups celebrating special occassions.
The Food
From starters to entrees, the flavors here are rich and Mediterranean. Baked greenlip mussels with bread crumbs, garlic and fresh herbs have been a signature dish for 11 years for good reason. Both steak preparations--filet and New York strip--are divine entrees as well, but it's the seafood dishes like baked jumbo shrip with Parmesan bread crumbs and pastas like wild mushroom and black truffle-filled ravioli that shine. For dessert, it has to be the traditional, Sicilian frozen zabaglione mousse with fresh berries and whipped cream.
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Insider Tips
Look GoodNothing is forced here, from dress code to dinner conversation, but the atmosphere is light and sohpisticated. Dress accordingly.
ParkingValet is the only way to go on Prospect on the weekends.
Where to SitThe slightly elevated Gazebo Room is perfect for small private parties, but call in advance for a reservation.
User Reviews for Trattoria Acqua
09/18/2008 Posted by lexmonster
When i first stepped foot into the place I was blown away by how cute it was. This place is the best for adventurous eaters and picky ones. Chef Demaso Lee is the BEST chef, he accomidates to the best of his abilities. Alot of high end chefs are rude and its "my way or the high way" Not this chef he is truely in it for the love of the food and making customers happy. I HIGHLY suggest making a reservation and being on time! There are only 10 tables TOPS that have views but i assure you that the rest of the place is beautiful to sit in too. You can request a view table but there are NO promises. The wine list is extensive and waiters are well knowledged in them. This is a great place to dine with great selections! I know from lots of experience since i have worked there. If you are going to dine in La Jolla this is the place to be!
08/07/2008 Posted by azngurlfoodie
My husband and I have dined here multiple times and the first several visits were very good. Our last two dining experiencing however, was terrible! Last night we arrived and were seated promptly which we thought was a good sign that things are better again, however, it took them 50 minutes to give us our bread (good thing we had each other and conversation to pass time) but as time went on, and as I got hungrier, we realized that 1 hour and 15 minutes had elasped and we still did not receive our appetizer and other diners around us was already contemplating dessert. The waiter apologized for the delay, letting us know that the kitchen had burned our lobster bisque and was making a new one for us. Since we had both also ordered salads, I dont know why they didnt give that to us first during our wait or offered to serve us our salad or replenish our bread (by 9pm we were famished!). What was upsetting to us, is that people who dined around us arrived after us, but aso left before we received our main entree. While they enjoyed some semblance of service, we felt we were totally forgotten. By the time we received our check, we were the last patrons at the restaurant. They had forgotten about us again because the waiter did not come by to pick up the check and since we had been there for 2.5 hours, we decided enough was enough and brought the check to them. Its a shame because this used to be one of my favorite places, but it seems the food and the service has took a turn for the worse. Since this is my second bad dining experience at Aqua in a row, I plan not to return to this restaurant and I urge you to try neighingboring restaurants that have much better food and service.
