Aqua Nueva, London

Stunning views and spacious interiors - we visit a dramatic new dining space on top of the former Dickens & Jones department store.

By Debbie Djordjevic

What’s the story?
Ultra modern interiors combine with stunning views across the West End of London but that’s not the only combination on offer here. Aqua Nueva is actually one of two restaurants (the other one is Aqua Kyoto serving sushi and sashimi) and a bar (Aqua Spirit) all housed under the one roof and linked by a sparkling glass internal corridor. Aqua Nueva takes diners to the heart of traditional northern Spanish cuisine and the head chef, Alberto Hernandez, trained at El Bulli in Catalonia, one of the finest restaurants in Spain, if not the world. The all-day Tapas Bar is perfect for lunch or more casual dining but serves tapas with a difference. Particularly good is the baby squid with a chickpea puree, and the Iberian ham croquettes take some beating. For more grown-up dining there is a full à la carte menu served at lunchtime and in the evening. Signature dishes include 24-hour braised oxtail with pumpkin puree and an apple jelly and apple ice with yogurt ice cream and dark chocolate nibs. Particularly good was the raspberry coulis with fresh cheese ice cream sitting in a lacing of caramel shard which, although clear in colour, was full of flavour.

Liking
Both restaurants open out on to their own roof-top terrace complete with an outdoor bar and a scattering of large seats. The roof comes down should it rain and there are patio heaters so you can take in the view even if the weather is bad.

Who should I take?
Someone you want to impress or people you want to pose with. Romantic dinners for two would work here along with a girls’ night out – you choose.

What’s the damage?
Tapas is infinitely more affordable than the à la carte menu though pricing is in line with most restaurants of this quality in the West End. A tapas lunch including service will be around £25 whereas dinner will set you back around £70 a head including wine and service.

Location, location, location
Nearest tube is Oxford Circus and it’s close enough (and over the road from the Palladium) to be the perfect venue for a pre-theatre drink.

Aqua Nueva, 5th Floor, 240 Argyll Street, London W1B 3BR. Reservations 020 7478 0540, reservation@aqua-london.com

Visit aqua.com for more information 

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