Boasting one of South Florida’s most striking views of the Atlantic Ocean and a fabulous menu by acclaimed chef Dewey LoSasso, AQ by Acqualina made its highly-anticipated debut in the heart of Sunny Isles Beach in late April. Located in the Forbes Travel Guide Five Star and AAA Five Diamond Acqualina Resort & Spa on the Beach, AQ is making waves and invigorating the local dining scene with its vibrant food and drink culture, sprawling menu of farm-to-table Modern American fare and creative libations.
At the helm is LoSasso whose menu draws inspiration and flavors from across the globe including Mediterranean, Latin and Asian among others. Known for his imaginative cuisine, the chef uses ingredients from local farmers and purveyors, giving his dishes fresh flavors while presenting vibrant and artful presentations.
Starters ($8-$19) include cured snapper beignets served over thinly sliced pear, pecorino cheese, finished with olive oil and peppercorns; rough falafel fritters with ricotta smear, crispy olives and sliced prosciutto; and LoSasso’s whimsical version of Green Eggs and Ham – baked eggs with chives, Iberico ham and dollops of mascarpone. Crostini and other Small Plates ($6- $12), sized perfectly for sharing, include sunflower crostini with spaghetti squash topped with St. Andre cheese and crispy onions; 20-hour charred octopus crostini with roasted garlic spread and olives; and chicken and basil meatballs served with a red salad consisting of radicchio, red cabbage, and sundried tomato, tossed in an apple cider vinegar. Succulent Entrées ($16-$38), with options to satisfy every palate, are cooked to perfection. Standout selections include grilled salmon served with horseradish mash, garnished with radish shoots and Chinese mustard; panseared local black grouper served with celery root and apple cakes over a carrot-pomegranate reduction; and grilled hanger steak sliced and served atop a bed of wild boar black beans with foie gras maduro. No oceanfront restaurant is complete without a full sushi and raw bar. At AQ by Acqualina, sashimi, nigiri and signature rolls are crafted by sushi chefs from the illustrious eatery, Hiro’s Yakko-San in North Miami Beach. Decadent desserts are made in-house by pastry chef Rodney Barchi.
The beverage program at AQ features an array of creative and classic cocktails, as well as an extensive wine program. Matched perfectly to the menu, AQ offers a unique selection of artisan wines produced by old and historic estates on a global scale. Regions include France, Italy, Turkey, Israel and Greece, as well as the United States.
The spacious yet cozy 170-seat restaurant features an open dining room, charming outdoor veranda and raised bar. The stylish dining room with its lush seating and marble tabletops exudes a sophisticated elegance that is both comforting and approachable. TheAQ Veranda, with its romantic lighting, seaside breezes and unparalleled views of the ocean, gives diners an intimate dining experience.
AQ by Acqualina is located inside Acqualina Resort & Spa on the Beach at 17875 Collins Avenue in Sunny Isles Beach. Hours of operation: Sunday – Thursday, 5:30 – 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 5:30 – 11 p.m. Valet parking available. Telephone: 305-918-6816. For further information about Acqualina, visit www.acqualinaresort.com.
