R.R.Gill's review of Aqua Nueva

Aqua as a whole venue is a place I've been eagerly anticipating all summer long, having come across some PR releases the concept and the design looked awesome and very similar to the Hong Kong branch. Well the wait is finally over and I took a trip to the Spanish restaurant Aqua Nueva as soon as the doors opened. From the warm greeting on the ground floor to the dining experience I have to say I'm very impressed – a lot of thought has obviously gone into the design and form of the kitchens and the result is a spectacular looking duo of restaurants. In contrast to the dark and sexy Aqua Kyoto the Spanish side is bright and airy and has a chic Mediterranean feel to it.

The food itself from Alberto Hernández is so good – presentation is excellent and taste is divine.Partridge with classic summer salad started me off well with beautiful light tastes and Iberian Pork Neck with peppercorn for main got a huge thumbs up from me also very tender and tasty – the portions large but no so much that I had no room left for the delicious chocolate dessert – very rich and smooth. Service was very friendly and smooth – perhaps a few opening night nerves but nothing to detract from the experience. Finishing off the evening with a couple of cocktails on the rooftop terrace enjoying the views over the west end seriously adds an extra level of enjoyment.

I'm planning on revisiting very soon to try Aqua Kyoto but Nueva will also be revisited very soon. I can see the restaurant being a huge hit in the coming months and I'm sure will be one of the hottest venues in town.