19th May 2022 – (Hong Kong) One of the famous dining spots in Hong Kong, AQUA, has moved to the 17th floor of the stylish new H Zentre on Middle Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, next to The Peninsula and The Sheraton hotels.
Aqua has long been celebrated for its winning combination of glamorous design, beautifully presented Italian and Japanese cuisine and lively ambience, all set against the backdrop of the most awe-inspiring views in the city. The new aqua promises to wow diners more than its predecessor with a truly stunning new design that accentuates the harbour and city views all around.
Outdoor Terraces & aqua spirit bar
Two expansive outdoor Garden Terraces are signature additions to the aqua spirit bar. Here guests sip on cocktails crafted by aqua’s master mixologists in a vibrant garden setting with a backdrop of incredible panoramic views of one of the densest urban high-rise cityscapes on earth and the world’s most stunning deep water harbour. Amongst the cocktails making their first appearance is the glistening Gold Rush and the showstopping Eye of the Storm – an asparagus-infused Don Julio tequila shaken with grapefruit sherry, Frangelico, earl grey, pineapple, Seedlip Garden 108 and Supasawa – all served in a dramatic swirl of cherry wood smoke. Another firm favourite is Violet Dusk crafted with smooth Tanqueray gin, red berry-infused vodka, butterfly pea flower tea and clarified lime, topped with a giant berry scented bubble. Aqua’s music team and guest DJ appearances ensure a high energy vibe late into the night alongside the city’s bright lights.
Championing the cocktails is newly appointed Creative Bar Director for Aqua Restaurant Group; Livorno-born Lorenzo Coppola. His passion for elevating cocktails and creating sensory guest experiences truly knows no bounds. Lorenzo will design new menus and showcase his ambitious plans for aqua spirit Bar and its spacious Outdoor Terraces as well as overseeing the entirety of Aqua Restaurant Group bars.
Design & Ambiance
Aqua’s new design is a collaboration between recently crowned Hospitality Designer of the DecadeRobert Angell from London and Aqua Restaurant Group Founder David Yeo. Water is the inspiration for the interior design – aqua of course means water in Latin – bringing it in harmonious unity with the dramatic scenery of Hong Kong’s magnificent Victoria Harbour. Throughout the new venue, the interplay of different textures, unique rippling light features paired with gold and blue finishes create an atmosphere of aquatic theatrical glamour.
Whisked to the 17th floor, guests step out of the elevator and into a glamorous ‘water world’ of contrasting light and mesmerising reflections. Heading for the dining room, guests sashay along aqua’s fabulous mirrored catwalk. An elegant illumination is thrown on them by one hundred and eight specially created glowing lights which on close inspection reveal tiny water droplets intricately bedded in the glass. Stepping out of the catwalk (after an Instagram photo or two) guests enter the stunning main dining room, where breath-taking views of the harbour and cityscape unfold as a backdrop to the dining experience.
Throughout the venue are hand-made brass metre-wide “ripple lights” as David Yeo calls them. These have been painstakingly crafted to create a moving light effect all through the restaurant, mimicking the sunlight dancing on waves. Among the other unique design features, fitting the water theme, are aluminium ‘sea shell’ panels, repurposed from 1970s architectural wall panels which were designed and produced in France by a group of artists, architects and ceramicists known collectively as “L’Oeuf Centre d’Etudes’. David Yeo rescued them from an antique market in Paris and sent them to Hong Kong to be incorporated in the design.
The Food
Aqua is famous for not one but two distinct cuisines – Italian and Japanese – overseen by separate master chefs each with their own team of culinary experts. Italian and Japanese cuisines pair wonderfully – both have a focus on outstanding fresh produce prepared with simple craft so the flavours of the produce shine through. At aqua, diners can enjoy the best of both cuisines at the same table – choosing perhaps a Japanese starter followed by an Italian main – or vice versa. The possibilities are limitless.
The new aqua’s Japanese cuisine continues to be overseen by Chef Iwahashi Tatsuya, while the Italian kitchen takes an exciting new direction under the stewardship of Chef Andrea Mura, who has just relocated from London to take the helm. Chef Andrea introduces a new menu of classic Italian dishes with modern influences such as a delicate King crab salad which is dressed with tomato consommé and parsley oil. Other highlight include the deliciously rich Lobster and king crab tortelloni, bisque mousse, peas and Amalfi lemon gel which has been meticulously designed to highlight and not overshadow stand-alone ingredients which is a true Italian approach. Must-order mains are the sumptuous Duck ragù tagliatelle topped with rich dark chocolate and ricotta salata cheese, and the Confit suckling pig presented with balsamic-glazed pear, carrots & Tropea red onion purée.
In the Japanese kitchen, beautifully presented platters of premium market fresh sushi and sashimi are signature highlights such as the glorious Signature tataki platter featuring wagyu and foie gras wrapped in cucumber slices. Japanese favourites include the Chilli teriyaki lamb with yuzu, garlic & miso and colourful Grilled Japanese eggplant dengaku topped with rich yuzu miso & ginkgo nuts. The revamped menu also includes all-time favourites such as the Stone-grilled wagyu sirloin which can be cooked to your liking, melt-in-the-mouth Charcoal-grilled black cod marinated with Saikyo miso and aqua’s signature dessert platter. Both the Italian and Japanese kitchens present new lunch, dinner and brunch menus continuing aqua’s legacy of warm hospitality in an iconic setting.
Our team members were invited to a food tasting session last week and we were served with an eclectic variety of fusion dishes from the tantalising King crab salad to the mouth-watering Signature tataki Platter which includes wagyu & Foie grais in cucumber slices. We also tried the refreshing red prawn and scallop crudo, caviar, celery granita, watermelon & grapefruit gazpacho. The grilled Japanese eggplant dengaku and Lobster/king crab tortelloni are must-try dishes.
The grilled angus rib eye houraku-yaki and seasonal vegetable tempura truly showcase the chef’s talented culinary skills as these simple dishes exude all essential flavours.
Last but not least, our team also savoured the Buffalo mozzarella cheesecake, a must-try for those with sweet tooth.
Meanwhile, on weekdays, guests can enjoy the three- or four-course set lunch starting from HK$380 per person which includes innovative dishes from the Japanese and Italian kitchens and of course aqua’s signature tiramisu. On weekends and public holidays, guests can enjoy aqua’s Non-Stop Brunch for HK$988 per person which offers 3.5 hours of free-flow Champagne, sake, wine, beer and cocktails. Early Brunch with free-flow is also available for HK$688 per person. Day or night, be sure to visit aqua’s outdoor Garden Terraces for a cocktail or two overlooking the Victoria Harbour.
The new aqua at H Zentre with its stunning design, delicious cuisine, unmatched outdoor terraces and of course breath-taking harbour and cityscape views delivers on Aqua Restaurant Group’s promise ‘Where there is water there is life’.
aqua, 17/F H Zentre, 15 Middle Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong.
Tel 3427 2288 | aqua.com.hk | FB @aquahk | IG @aquahongkong