Aquavit just gave us our best meal last night! We have dined in several Michelin starred restaurants, and this place just became our top favorite in NYC. Presentation on point and attention to details unlike any other. The complexity of each dish and layers of flavors that all come together perfectly for a one of kind culinary experience. Service by the staff was superb and hats off to Chef Emma Bengtsson for orchestrating such wonderful collection of dishes with elevated taste and artistry. The chef even came to chat with us for a little bit despite a very busy night. This restaurant easily should be a 3 star Michelin bec we’ve dined at those other establishments, and Aquavit beats them hands down. We’ll certainly be back!

+6

Amazing two star Michelin star premier Nordic restaurant. Exceptional chef tasting menu with wine pairing. Phenomenal service and staff. Really worth the visit and I definitely recommend dining at Aquavit if you are in NYC and have the opportunity to book a reservation in advance.

+6

Aquavit, a wonderful experience. This was my first time at Aquavit, so I am very happy they survived 2020. The restaurant has been on my list and my partner took me for my birthday. She spoiled me and we had the chef's grand tasting, which they only offer for a few days per week. We didn't even know it was an option, what a lucky surprise! The decor is so lovely and very comfortable. The dining area was so clean and just beautiful. The staff was so great. Our main server, James, was so engaging and knowledgable about not only the menu but food in general. I love talking with the staff about all aspects of food and drink culture. When I asked about a cocktail ingredient, ice wine vinager, in the Sour You Never Wanted that I found interesting, James talked a length with me. He then because of my own knowledge and interest he then got the vinager bottle to show me. It was above and beyond in my opinion and a highlight of the whole experience. Every dish was fantastic. Hands down the halibut and white peach is one of the best plates of food I have ever eaten. It was such a visually beautiful course and the flavors were exquisite. Each sliver of peach was made to look like a flower with a lingonberry on each flower, so pretty and so delicious. The duck was also top notch. Their famous, Arctic bird's nest dessert, was so good. The "eggs" are the best part, the white chocolate is perfect not too sweet, just right. They also offer a three course dinner, I can not wait to come again. The food is some of the best I've had in the world, the staff and atmosphere are what will have me back. Do yourself a favor and treat yourself to the experience of Aquavit.

+3

I had an incredibly delightful experience at here. The food was exceptionally umami and delicious. Celebrating my birthday here was truly special, and the restaurant even surprised me with a pretty little cake. Highly recommended!

+4

My buddy and I grabbed lunch here during a weekend outing. The workers were exceptional, remarkably focused and likable. Their menu offerings are superb & honestly, all my selections have been outstanding. The area is convenient and the employees are friendly. This restaurant meets all requirements.

It was a differentiated and unusual kind of experience. The food is seafood based, but the set menu also offers a Lamb dish. The desert was excellent, and on the wine list, you can find nice options from the Kenzo estate. We tried the Aquavit drink, but it was not for me. I can understand that some people can like it.

+6

Amazing foods and very nice service. I had a lunch and I picked meatball as a main menu. It’s Must HAVE menu. I think they put something special ingredients in meatball. It’s not a regular meatball.

+5

It was a great experience to have lunch here. We ordered the three courses menu, all of the dishes were amazing and plating were so beautiful. Most importantly, services here was so attentive and accommodating😊😊

+1

I've been to Aquavit before. This time, we went a la carte am in the Bar Room. The food was phenomenal, the service warm, and I'm looking forward to returning. Our two starters were the Isterband and crispy gnocchi. The crispy gnocchi were wonderful: we both agreed we would easily eat a plate of them. The Isterband was meaty and wetted our appetites for our main courses. I had the Wagyu Strip Loin, which was perfectly cooked with a flavourful savory sauce, served without broccoli and piquant onions. My partner had the kroppkator, which delighted in the pairing of earthy mushrooms with lingonberries. Dessert was a chocolate creme brulee and a raspberry roulade. Both were sweet endings for a great meal. A big thank you to the kitchen and staff for another great Aquavit experience!

+2

Food: 5/5; Plating: 5/5; Service: 5/5; Drinks: 4/5; Atmosphere: 3/5 One of the rare 2 Michelin star places that actually live up to their cost and reputation. The tasting was very cohesive while also being nuanced and teaching me some things about food. Overall, the courses had good flavor combinations and were mostly well-balanced texturally, with the exception of perhaps the scallops dish. Most fine dining restaurants have morel mushroom on their tasting menu right now, but Aquavit prepared it the best – hands down. I couldn't tell what the high points of morels were until tasting their preparation, which is crucial for mushrooms. Their caviar dish was really well balanced and didn't ride the coattails of caviar. Surprisingly, the other elements (split peas, langoustine, salted cream with spinach oil) really shone. It's one dish that I wish I could eat in entree form. I'm not a dessert person at all but wow, the birds nest dessert was fantastic and easy to finish in its entirety. The drinks were satisfactory/OK. Interesting to try and you can get a flight of aquavit at a good price point, so might as well try them out. The cocktail (Coffee & cigarettes) started off good and seemed interesting, but was quickly watered down by the ice. The service set up was kind of weird because the waiters do rounds in a square formation throughout the whole meal; it makes it a bit harder to have privacy/be relaxed while eating. Felt a liiiittle bit like a panopticon. The service itself was fine.

+6

What an absolutely amazing culinary experience this restaurant was from start to finish. This was my second tasting menu I had in the city, and it blew my expectations out the water. I initially came here due to hearing about their famous Artic Bird’s nest dessert. The dessert was incredible as was every other dish on the chef’s tasting menu. Atmosphere was lovely, with a view of the inner workings of the kitchen as well. I would definitely come back to experience it all over again.

A million times better than Per Se. No joke. I will be thinking about the cucumber fluke dish for the rest of my life!

+1

It’s been months since I visited Aquavit for the first time and I still think about it all the time. The entire meal was gorgeous and the wine paring was wonderfully done. The staff were inviting and remembered the note my partner left, welcoming us both with a “Happy Anniversary”. Throughout the dinner service, other staff did the same and it really helped make our evening a special one. I’m looking forward to visiting again in the future. It’s been on my mind to do so and I cannot recommend it enough to friends and family.

+4

Amazing a la carte dinner experience at 2-star Michelin restaurant! We celebrated our anniversary here, and it felt like the entire staff knew us and our celebration the entire time; they went out of their way to make us feel special. They offered a complimentary glass of champagne to start. We had the juiciest herring sampler and two amazing entrees! They were incredible. The best part was the Princess Cake (not for those allergic to nuts, unfortunately). The restaurant easily accommodated food allergies. Highly recommend Aquavit!

+2

Am incredible birthday surprise! I had no idea about dinner and yes, I was pleasantly surprised! The plating, presentation, taste, elegance and above all the amazing personalities running around taking care of us. James and River were incredible and they were professionally fun to be around all night. We had the 5 course tasting menu and we have a few allergies they had to work around. I will say, if your allergies are severe you should really make that clear!!! There are a variety of wines of all prices and from around the world. They have a homemade aquavit that you can take a flight! You can make an advance reservation If you have a chase reserve card!

+5

We decided to visit for Friday evening dinner last minute because they had reservations available within the hour. It was a fantastic decision! The chef's tasting menu was very creative from beginning to end, and every dish was delicious. I was also impressed with their non-alcoholic cocktail collection, the ones we tried were all very high quality. To top it off, the service was personable, funny and totally unpretentious. Loved it!

+6

2 Michelin stars. Fine dining. Wonderful experience with both food, service, and setting. A very reasonable price on the lunch pre-fixe (compared to others in the same class). I'm ashamed that I haven't come here sooner. Fun and delicious. I usually talk about the dishes in detail - but I believe the surprise is part of the experience so, if you can resist, skip looking at the photos if possible and dive in blind. I did go in expecting heavy sea food - but was hit with a nice balance of creative dishes. This was my first visit. I surprised my wonderful beautiful wife (who might be reading this) with a visit here for her birthday. I added the non-alcoholic pairing (I still had work to do later haha) and was impressed by how excited I was for not only the food but the drinks. Staff were super kind and professional. And the restaurant has a simple gorgeous tone to it. What I couldn't figure out was why some chairs were draped with a sort of fur shawl. I'll ask next time.

+6

Fantastic experience at Aquavit. Came in for a celebratory lunch and they were very welcoming and accommodating of dietary restrictions as well. Service was superb from start to finish. Bread service was a great way to start. The cute little gluten free loaf comes with a side of olive oil and is delicious! The butter is fantastic as well. First course: we had the herring and king crab Skagen. The herring was good and the dish was well balanced even though ours was dairy free and went well with the gluten free crackers. The king crab Skagen was a standout - essentially a perfectly executed king crab salad on a delicious buttery brioche bun. Second Course: the cod was an absolute stand out. Our expectations was high given its nordic cuisine and fish forward and even then they were exceeded...the cod was beautifully cooked where it was moist inside but somehow still maintained a nice crust. The flavors were perfectly balanced and we couldn't stop raving about this dish. The Wagyu short rib was decent but we wouldn't really recommend it and would advise to stick to the fish forward dishes here...ours was a bit dry but the seasoning and demi-glace was on point. Dessert: the artics bird nest is a thing of beauty and as delicious as it is pretty. Flagship worthy and honestly transcendent. This is a dish that cannot be missed. They were kind and also gifted us with a complimentary chocolate dessert which was also very good. Our server was the perfect balance between being friendly and warm while still delivering Michelin level service and attention. Food was beautifully presented and well executed. We really enjoyed our meal and will definitely be back with our daughter as she loves seafood. Thank you for such a memorable experience and lunch team Aquavit!

+3

This was a dream-like experience! Had the chef’s tasting menu with wine pairing, everything was a perfect match - smells, flavors, textures, everything. The simplicity in the dishes allowed all the ingredients to shine through and maximize their natural impact on the dynamics within each bite, with me lingering on the magnificent flavors wanting for more! I called in last-minute this afternoon, and despite being fully booked, the Aquavit team worked their magic and fitted me in for a 9pm sitting. Sean took incredible care of me and showed great pride and knowledge in the culinary arts of the institution and the wine pairings. It was also an honor (and absolute highlight of the meal) to speak with Chef Bengtsson as she made her rounds in the dining room - surreal to chat with someone who I have an immense amount of respect & admiration for, who also turned out to be super cool and fun! Definitely hope to be back soon & thanks again to the Aquavit team for an absolutely incredible experience!

+6

It was a nice restaurant with great food (Swedish meatball is our favorite) and tentative service (you never run out of water to say the least!). Lunch menu is decently priced and well served. We might come back again if they decide to add more Norwegian dishes ;) just kidding (a Norwegian wife’s comment haha)

+2

I was recently at Aquavit for a birthday (party of 2). The food was absolutely phenomenal. Definitely very creative and very tasty. What I loved was the simplicity of the dishes and how the flavors complemented each other (while not much related in some sense it reminded me of the Heston Blumenthal molecular gastronomy ideas but definitely distinct from it with a simplicity to set it apart). In short I loved it. I really have nothing to complain about. If I were to nitpick I'd ask the staff to explain the dishes at a slower pace ;) Personal preference feedback: the Mangalista Pork dish is really good on its own and the black truffle addon does not improve it really. One of us had it with truffle and one of us didn't. We both think it was actually better without the truffle.

+4

Fantastic experience. Attended an event here and got a chance to meet the chef. She is an inspiration and so talented. The food and service were top notch. It was a refreshing reprise from the busy Manhattan streets outside.

World-class Michelin Star dining in NYC. Outstanding meal and service in a stylish/minimalistic Scandinavian space. Don’t miss the Ostetra caviar service on homemade waffles!!

The chef's tasting menu is a must have. Overall I was very surprised to see that this place only received two Michelin stars as this easily competes with other 3-stars. The food was on point, full of textures and flavors between courses, and impeccable service from the staff. It feels weird coming from a pandemic world to seeing some staff and guests not wearing masks still, but hopefully this is a positive sign for the future. Regardless, I highly suggest visiting Aquavit for a special occasion such as birthday or anniversary. Service I wanted to highlight how impeccable service was. It was like watching a ballet, as everything was choreographed, our sparkling water was filled consistently, and by the pairs they came by to clear off between courses. All the staff worked together very well with no issues to the evening. Venue The restaurant was lovingly built, provides a lot of warmth from the current cold New York weather, and creates a very intimate environment in the main dining area. You're able to watch the kitchen as well, which is amazing to see how they're all working in-tandem to create a delicious experience. One down-side to the side circular booths was very little leg-room. As there was a wide variety of seating options, I'm sure this wasn't an issue for other patrons. Meal We went with the Chef's tasting menu, not knowing what to expect, as I like to be surprised. This meal did not disappoint. There were a couple of items that had a slightly interesting twist on crunch that I wouldn't expect nor really enjoyed myself, but the flavor pairings and elements were so carefully crafted that each bite was something to savor. Our meal featured both seafood and fowl. My most favorite dish from the night was a caviar and lobster dish. It had this delicious and psychedelic green and white sauce that was the best compliment to caviar and lobster ever. If that dish was served to me 9 times in a row, I would die from delight. I was extremely tempted in getting another plate, but I didn't want to throw off any balance that was carefully prepared for the evening. The salmon char was something out of a fantasy novel. It was both charred deliciously on the skin and had that hearty crunch but the meat itself was warm, soft, and full of flavor. It was certainly magic used for crafting that piece. For the main course, which featured duck breast and leg, I fell in love. The two pieces somehow tasted completely different from each other but both were savory and the sauce used helped enhance the flavor. They were very kind enough to include a palate cleanser between the two pieces of duck which I appreciated. One downside was that we opted to add the black truffle, I would suggest against it as the black truffle felt more like it was an additive versus complimentary. I love black truffles, but I would urge you to avoid it with this dish. For our last course, the desert was something out of a dream, a bird's nest with a winning combination of sweet, sour, creamy, and savory. I'm a huge sweets fan and this certainly hit all the spots for me. Final Note If you're looking for a lovingly-crafted dining experience in New York, you definitely need you treat yourself to Aquavit. Go for the Chef's tasting menu and allow yourself to be surprised and delighted with every course. Unfortunately, things don't last, and I had wished our dining experience never did, but I can say you won't regret a visit and dinner. The experience lasted just over two hours and even after the restaurant closed they let us finish our coffee and tea never asking us to leave. The warmth, love, care, and deliciousness is unmatched by many restaurants.

+6

The lunch is a wonderful option and I highly recommend doing it. And now they have the birds nest dessert as a lunch option (its supplemental charge). Overall the lunch was amazing and a great way to squeeze in a wonderful meal. The shrimp toast skagen was really smooth with that lemon finish to it. The Swedish meatballs was a very healthy portion size. Not something I expected from a 2 star Michelin but a welcomed surprise for sure. The birds nest was, to put it simply, fun. There was so much going on and the experience of eating it was as good as the taste.

+2

Had the five course meal here and it was lovely! The non-alcoholic pairing was great as well, with some pairings from non-alcoholic makers. I added pictures of the bottles. We were seated in the executive table which was over looking the whole restaurant and had very fun big chairs. I look forward to come back and have the larger menu next time!

+6

Never explored Scandinavian cuisine previously and decided to give it a try. Lots of dill and tart berries keep the dishes fresh. The service staff was very attentive yet not ovoverbearing. The wine pairing option was a bit pricey but I think it was an important part of the experience. The Crab and Corn dish and the Caviar courses were exceptional especially with the accompanying pairings. Great customized dining experience as the server notified the bar director we were in the food and beverage industry and they sent out a complimentary tasting flight of aquavit to finish the meal. Not for the faint of heart cost-wise but a great experience.

Fantastic food in a tastefully minimalist setting. Everything in the eight course tasting menu was excellent, but the Arctic bird's nest dessert was the biggest standout. This two Michelin star restaurant seems comparable to some three star places. Well worth a trip.

+5

Indoor dining on October 3, 2020 A great first experience at Aquavit! This was only their third day of indoor dining since start of the COVID-19 pandemic and we were overall quite impressed given the circumstances. The service seemed to be slightly reduced, as the menu was trim, there was no bread service (which was a bit disappointing because rye bread is a Scandinavian staple and the gravlax screams for some bread), and there was no sommelier (as far as we could tell). The prices do seem to also be reduced though, as the à la carte appetizers and entrées are roughly $15-40 each and they have a $145pp four-course tasting menu. The wine menu is still impeccable, and for our dishes: - the Löjrom waffle dish for sharing was very nice; - the tarte flambée dish for sharing was forgettable (nothing special compared to what you can get elsewhere); - the scallop crudo appetizer was sublime with both the quality of scallop and its textured preparation; - the gravlax appetizer was very good (also not special compared to what you can get elsewhere though, and missing bread); - the halibut entrée was delicious, although with the occasional inconsistently salty piece; - the duck confit salad entrée was very tasty; - the sea buckthorn ice cream (forgot to take a picture) was delicious; - the kladdkaka was very nice (especially with aquavit!); and - the complimentary hazelnut donut sticks were unique, cute, and tasty! The service from the maître d'hôtel, our waiter Douglas, and the other staff was fantastic! Douglas was very knowledgeable and friendly. Our à la carte dishes took slightly longer to come out than those around us with the prix fixe tasting menu, but that makes sense. They did a good job with social distancing, with plenty of room between occupied tables (they left every other table empty), and mask-wearing seemed uniform across the staff. Overall, we were very happy with our dinner! We are definitely thinking about coming back again, particularly for their winter specials later in the year.

+2

We picked 5 courses with no extra stuff but small appetizers, mushroom soup bread, and complimentary chocolates filled me up. My favorite dish was scallops and cauliflower. The foam on top and acallops were blended so well together. And Iberico pork was so tender and melted in my mouth. But the seabass, honestly, I've had this before at a different michellin restaurant. Overall I had a good dinner at Aquavit. Thank you!

+6

Weekday lunch menu was excellent here; both salmon and the birds nest dessert were delicious. Quick service too.

Tried the chef’s tasting menu, was excellent! Definitely worth the value and worthy of 2 Michelin stars. The service I received was above and beyond (lol watched the servers iron the table cloth). I also tried alcoholic and nonalcoholic wine pairings, they were all delicious too.

+6

Creative, elegant & impressive. This is an award-winning restaurant with good reason. The service was impeccable & the food was truly next level. Really incredible dishes and also appreciated that the portion sizes were just right. I often get too full mid-way through tasting menus and can’t fully enjoy the remaining courses, but this menu really thoughtfully prioritized flavor & uniqueness over scale.

+1

Tried the chef tasting menu for bf birthday. I recommend.

+2

Our experience here was outstanding! We had the Chef's testing menu. All courses were phenomenal. Service was great. The wine pairing provided exceptional wines from small producers. Service was attentive and responsive to requests.

+6

The food was exquisite. Definitely try the butternut squash soup and wagyu and meatballs

+1

All the food was really delicious and special, and the atmosphere was great! The servers are really nice. I'm not good at eating fish, but the fish here doesn't have any fishy taste and is very delicious. I think I've tasted the best fish dish ever! My fav one is cod dish in set menu. The combination with sauce & cod was super amazing! The garlic butter that came with the aperitif bread was really interesting. You must try the dessert menu too

+2

Great experience, great food, fantastic service. Went for our anniversary and they surprised us with a welcome drink and gift at the end, and they were able to accommodate our dietary restrictions. We had the 5 course tasting menu, and it did not disappoint. The dishes were stunning and tasted just as great.

+1

I treated myself to the chef's tasting menu, and couldn't be happier with my experience. I was a bit worried I would regret spending so much money, but the morning after, I am still feeling elated. The flavors were spectacular, especially the sauces. The crab and duck really stood out to me. The wine pairing is a really nice addition to the experience and I even got a princess cake for my birthday. The parting gift was a nice touch. Overall, spendy but worth it in my opinion. I also dined solo and was warmly welcomed and not made to feel weird for being by myself.

+4

Overall, my experience at Aquavit was excellent. The food was above average, especially the seafood, and the service was generally okay, despite a small accident when we were served the first small bite. When we arrived, we were greeted warmly and professionally. The refreshment drink, made of cucumber, lime, and oil, was refreshing and excellent – a great start to the meal. After the refreshment drink, we were served a small bite, but unfortunately, the whole dish slipped from the waiter’s hand. It wasn’t the waiter’s fault; the design of the dish was not user-friendly and difficult to handle with one hand. The food ended up on my pants and the floor, but thankfully, I had a napkin covering my lap. I wasn’t upset, as accidents happen. I went to the bathroom to clean myself and sat on the other side of the table while they cleaned the mess. They asked if I wanted to sit on the other side of the table or remain seated in the same place. I chose to remain seated. While I was waiting, one of the waitresses in a gray suit (an Asian lady) informed me that I couldn’t sit on that side because people would walk by. I believe they should have communicated internally before addressing the guest. A more professional approach would have been to say, "Sorry for the mess. We will have someone clean it for you, and you can remain seated in the same place. I apologize, but we can't let you sit on this side because people would walk by." Once the dinner resumed, we started to enjoy our meal again. All the seafood tasted excellent. I loved the king crab leg, scallop (so fresh and perfectly cooked), caviar, spot prawn, and red snapper. The chef is truly skilled at making sauces. Additionally, the restaurant made it up to us by adding caviar to our scallop, which was a delightful gesture.

+5

Two Michelin star tasting Excellent food. Unique and expertly prepared. I couldn’t find a flaw in any of the dishes. All of the fish were delicious. The crab was unbelievable. The birds nest is also really something special. I really recommend the chef’s tasting. The shorter tastings would probably lead to disappointment and a desire for more. We left full and happy. The experience took 2.5-3 hours. I also didn’t feel the wine pairing was worth the cost of $225, so we opted for their homemade aquavit and tonics, which were absolutely delicious. The service is very thorough and can be dizzying at times given the amount of them there are. It will be a pricey evening, but one you will always remember especially when tied to a special occasion.

+6

Love this place. The taste is pretty good. I got the 3-course lunch set. I had the salmon appetizer, cod as the main dish, and chestnut dessert. The salmon and cod were great. But my friend's bird nest dessert apparently tasted better than mine 😂. Next time, I will try the chocolate dessert. The waiter asked when we had to leave and reminded us when the time was almost up. I guess they're used to having many working people eat here who have limited lunch time. Overall, it was a good experience.

+3

Truly an exceptional dining experience. I had high expectations for this 2 star Michelin restaurant and the food did not disappoint. The venue itself is on the smaller side and not particularly fancy but that's ok as the more important parts, the service and food, were both outstanding. We came hungry and decided on the chef's tasting menu over the regular tasting menu which included 8 courses instead of 5. It was the right amount of food for us (the 5 course menu would have left us wanting for more). Upgrading to the caviar experience is a must. Every course was carefully choreographed and delicious. The climax was the "bird's nest" dessert which not only was visually stunningly beautiful but an explosion of carefully balanced flavors that melted together into delightful arrangements of flavors and textures at every bite. I look forward to dining here again.

+4

My partner and I have eaten at virtually every Michelin starred restaurant & fine dining in our home city of Vancouver, and stopped by Aquavit after arriving in NYC for the first time as it was close to our hotel. We had the five course & added on the Bird’s Nest dessert upon the recommendation of our waitress. The highlight was the dessert for sure. After eating a lot of nice places with similar cuisine, things can get boring (you can only have salmon/tuna, caviar, steak… etc so many times). I appreciate the wow factor/artistry of the dessert which made the meal special. I wish the other dishes had that similar wow factor. I also think our primary waitress, the young lady with black hair & nose ring, did an excellent job and I appreciate the friendly & personable yet professional attitude. Some staff felt a little stiff otherwise.

Predictably a bit austere decor, both for the Nordic theming and midtown location. That said, the service is warm without being familiar and impeccably synchronized. The food is superb, perfectly portioned, excellent variety of flavors, seafood focused and precisely cooked. My favorite was the lobster, my companion liked the scallop best. The wine list is excellent. It's expensive, and unless you've got lots of cash hanging around it's maybe more for a special occasion, but they'll make it worth your while. The parting gift was a wonderfully smoked flaky salt; perhaps longer lasting than other restaurants of its caliber but less fun. I loved it and will come back when I can afford it

+5

This was a beautiful dining experience. The only flaw was that some dishes were a tad salty. But since we were given Scandinavian salt at the end of our meal as the parting gift, perhaps that was the point? My favorite was the dessert. It was an arctic bird's nest made whimsically and charmingly with various flowers berries and spun sugar. The "eggs" were made of a delicious sweet goat cheese base. It's hard to describe but this dessert was just beautiful and tasted amazing. It captured a spirit of the wild in the middle of a concrete jungle. You can actually feel a breeze when eating this dish- Michelin level to me! The first two bites were also incredible (arctic char and elk tartare). Taste was balanced and explosive in the mouth- very vibrant flavors. True Michelin beauty. I loved the Norwegian langoustine too (the one with the delicate crispy on it)- just thought it was a bunch of great flavors and textures- really fun! I didn't like the lamb. But I enjoy well done meat like someone uncultured. Don't trust me on this one. Also, everyone there was super nice. Really lovely seeing people be so passionate about their work and the story behind the food. Definitely will be back someday hopefully, salty and all.

Lovely dinner on what turned out to be Midsommarafton, a Swedish holiday. This is probably one of the better 2-Michelin Star "bargains" in NYC. To the middle-aged "hostess" who told us that there was no availability in the dining room when there clearly was - why would you turn away $500+ of revenue?

+2

Great experience visiting a two-star Michelin restaurant for the first time. The service was fantastic, and the atmosphere felt so comfortable. The food was beautifully presented and full of incredible flavors—I was surprised to enjoy dishes I wouldn’t normally dare to try. It really made an emotional impact, especially with the perfectly paired wines suggested by the server. I highly recommend the full chef tasting menu. My favorite dish was the Osetra caviar with langostinos!

+1

Amazing value for their absolutely beautiful lunch. The food was a dream, light, delicious and full of flavour with some wonderful ingredient combinations. Our server was perfect, so friendly and attentive from the second we sat down. The restaurant is an absolute joy.

+6

Came here for a celebration and the price was well worth it. Every dish had incredible depth (don’t sleep on the cocktails). The service was friendly and the atmosphere was not pretentious. The menu is seasonal so I’m excited to save up and come back for another meal!

+3

First time here. The broth is poured over the croutons which are multigrain with cheese Superb. A rare treat, wild King. A crunch in the skin. The cooking was magnificent in appearance and taste. And pear dessert was my treat after walking from Penn Station! I believe they have 2 Michelin stars. Very much reminds of Le Bernardin I looks forward to my next visit!

came here solo on my birthday. it was my first time at a 2 star place, and omg was it impeccable! the food was mindblowing, the service was so thoughtful especially for my birthday and the ambiance was very nice. the smoked sea salt free gift is the gift that keeps on giving.

+6

This is an upscale Scandinavian restaurant. The atmosphere is charming and elegant. Let's just say there's good reason this place has Michelin stars. I've been to multiple upscale restaurants in Manhattan; this is my favorite. The menu is a smorgasbord (pun intended) of Nordic cuisine. The restaurant has two dining options: a formal dining room and a less formal bistro. The Swedish meatballs and Princess cake are the two dishes I recommend. But anything you get here will be great. The service is great. The atmosphere and decor are great. The food is great.

Great food and good service. Slightly salty for my personal taste, but overall a nice experience.

+5

Aquavit is pure class. Its status is shown in the details- as most amazing things are. I dined here for lunch and participated in their three course meal option. The value of my meal greatly exceeded the price I paid- which is rare in this day and age. I started with the scallops which where incredibly fresh and rich. I then ordered the Ora King Salmon which was perfectly cooked, although I should have went with my gut to try the Swedish meatballs. The trout roe on the salmon was a perfect addition though, and didn't feel too 'fishy'. Now... onto the star of my meal, The Artic Bird's nest. Iconic and one of the best desserts I'd ever had. It was balanced, fresh yet indulgent and decadent. I will definitely be back to try the full tasting menu!

+1

Wonderful lunch at Aquavit. Did a 5-course tasting which is such a great deal for the city for what you get. Everything was good to exceptional with the wagyu sup, birds nest (obvious) and Chilean sea bass winning out for me. Other secondary components/dishes like the creamy elk opener, Swedish caviar, and Iberico rillettes were awesome bites or compliments to the primary dishes. The pairing was very complimentary and service was excellent. Highly recommended

+6

Beautiful dining experience from start to finish. We chose to eat in the bar room because we wanted to choose our items rather than have a tasting menu. We started with the breads which included a traditional sourdough and a danish rye. Both delicious but the danish bread was the star and worth ordering the bread to try. The tartare was very good, a small portion but tasty. We ate at the bar and the bartender was great, he provided very welcomed recommendations and descriptions of the food. We also shared the shrimp skagen pancake. I will ruin the description but it was like a light crepe filled with shrimp in a creamy sauce. I am not doing it justice but it should be a must try. We then split the meatballs and KROPPKAKOR. Both were delicious but the kroppkakor was the star. A light dumpling like potato filled with mushroom and surrounded by crispy mushrooms and accoutrements. Again not doing this justice but it was delicious. We ended with chestnut cake and the tasting menu dessert that has apparently been on the menu since opening. Both delicious, beautiful presented and complex in flavor. All the food was great and the portions are small which allows you to try many things. You also need to try some of their Aquavit selections. I was unfamiliar with this alcohol but it is Nordic and they have several selections including some of their own. Our bartender was very helpful in explaining these and helping us choose. Overall a beautiful restaurant with interesting food. Completely recommend.

+6

JaySan Avante

Aquavit is an excellent 2 star rated Michelin restaurant! We ordered the 7 course Chefs tasters menu. Everything that came out of that kitchen was excellent. The service was very good. The ambiance was equally very good. I must say, in all my life- i've never had a more fun time eating the Chefs special dessert. The Birds Nest! This dessert is absolutely one of the best deserts i've ever eaten.

+4

NYCBuddha

Always a great time here. The chefs menu is on my top 3 food experience. The photos here are from the bar menu. A very different and playful menu. Food was excellent. That lobster was 🔥. The tuna crudo perfect and the beef tartare was wow. The service is always impeccable. If you have a foodie bucket list, add the Chefs menu..Chef Emma Bengston is amazing.

jymer1102

I absolutely loved this place. The food was incredible, thoughtfully prepared, and full of flavor, and the service was easily a 100/10. Every staff member was attentive without being overbearing, and the pacing of the meal was perfect. I honestly don’t see why anyone would say anything negative about this restaurant—everything from start to finish was top-tier. Totally lived up to the hype and the Michelin star.

+1

Ian Pilgreen

Aquavit was my first 2 Michelin Star dining experience. Having had the privilege of dining at a handful of 1 Star restaurants before for lunch and dinner (like Le Pavillon, one of Daniel Boulud's restaurants in NY), I wanted to see what, if any, discernible difference there was between the two. The thing I truly appreciate about Aquavit is its lack of pretentiousness and inviting model. I snagged a day-of 5:30pm reservation for 1 person in the bar area (a la carte menu only) at a gorgeous 2 Michelin Star fine dining restaurant and spent *under $100* for a 3-course meal WITH an aquavit flight. Incredible! They even take walk-ins at the bar if you're feeling the itch for excellent Scandinavian cuisine one night. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted and my coat was checked by the woman at the front of house. To my surprise, she guided me to a booth table in the bar room (I was assuming I'd just be relegated to a high chair at the bar, but those are just for walk-ins). My waiter quickly introduced himself, and there was a brief awkward moment when he put a second menu down and asked if I'd like to wait for my guest. I made a reservation for one and was dining alone, so I had to tell him it was just myself 😂 Not a huge deal at all, but a more sensitive guest might not have appreciated the assumption. He then asked for my water preference (still and sparkling are both complimentary) and a second waiter quickly filled my glass from behind once I indicated my preference. I ordered the Nordic Breads (sourdough & Danish rye), a flight of 3 aquavits (Fig & Cardamom, Bränneri, and Høvding) and the Swedish Meatballs. The surprise stars of these was the Danish rye and the Fig and Høvding aquavits. The rye was arguably the best bread I've ever had (and I'm not a lover of hard seeded loafs), and the complex depth of flavor present in the drinks was a pleasure to experience. The meatballs were nothing to sniff at, though. They certainly will go down as the best meatballs I've ever had, and the dish as a whole was beautifully balanced. The meatballs' texture was perfect, the pommes puree was luscious, the lingonberry provided a bright sweetness, and the house-made shaved cucumber pickles added a much-needed crunch and acidity. After much deliberation and a recommendation from my waiter, I opted for the Apple Vacherin dessert as my final course. When it came out, it was accompanied by a small birthday Princess Cake, as I was having this dinner as a birthday celebration. It was a very cute moment, as the diners next to me, seeing I was alone at the table with my small birthday cake, all wished me a happy birthday 😊 Both desserts were excellent, but the Apple Vacherin was truly sublime. Each element gave way to a depth of flavor I wasn't expecting. The apples were tart and crisp which contrasted beautifully with the light vanilla creme fraiche. It was followed on the palate by the crunch of the tarragon-infused meringue, and the toasted sunflower seeds at the bottom laid dormant in your mouth until the very end when they gave a gorgeous kettle corn note to round out the meal. Truly excellent experience from start to finish. I look forward to coming back in the dining room and trying out the tasting menu, especially the famous bird's nest dish which was not present on the a la carte menu.

+12

Desmond

Honestly, I've dined at Aquavit over 5 times now, having making the trek from Eastern Long Island to Manhattan just to come here. This place is world class. From the relaxing ambiance, the vibe, the serenity, and the friendliness of all the staff. The food is simply divine. Everything about the dishes presented as careful thought and execution. And it shows. I've had the Chef's tasting menu on my first visit, and enjoy the Bar menu consistently there-after. Last night I had a remarkable Steak Tartare, Chilled Corn soup, and my date had the pancake shrimp skagen. As usual, world class food. For the seconds, we enjoyed the Atlantic cod and Kroppkakor. Again, everything outstanding. The steak tartare should remain on the offering all year round, in my opinion! Dessert I had the Swedish Pancake Huckleberry with the heavenly vanilla whipped cream. On previous visits, I had a wonderful Chilean Sea bass burger. Aquavit is a place that feels like home and I hope they never change it. For the price point, its insane value and this cannot be denied. I'm shocked they do not have a 3rd Michelin Star. I've attached photos from my multiple meals here, most recent from last night. My compliments to the entire Aquavit team for making this such a fantastic experience, every time. Desmond Bhimull, MD

+15

Yilin H

Appetizer through main together with bread course are 10/10. There are depth, complexity, and harmony among the elements for each course. Big room for improvement in the desserts. Look >> Taste

+2

Victor Borowski

First time dining at a Michelin star establishment. Incredible experience. Walking into the restaurant introduces you to a pleasant, relaxing aroma, as well as kind staff ready to help. The ambient music established a super serene atmosphere, and I was looking forward to dining. The dining experience itself was phenomenal. The staff was incredibly polite and accommodating for dietary restrictions of any kind. The food was incredibly creative. Some dishes were innovative, while some were meant to be cozy and nostalgic. Every dish performed how it was meant to. We were each given a gift: a complimentary container of the restaurant’s smoked sea salt along with the day’s menu. I’m excited to use this sea salt in my own dishes, and I hope to return soon.

+2

Leighton Vignola

Aquavit NYC – A World-Class Dining Experience That Earns Every Star I recently had the pleasure of dining at Aquavit NYC, and from the very first moment, it was clear that this was going to be a truly elevated and unforgettable experience. Aquavit isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a masterclass in fine dining, hospitality, and Nordic culinary artistry. The service was truly exceptional across the board. Ray, one of our servers, was gracious, attentive, and incredibly knowledgeable. Alongside him, another server—a kind and professional Asian gentleman whose name started with a “T”—added a wonderful sense of calm and care to the evening. The female server who helped throughout was equally warm and detailed in her presentation. Together, the service team moved with such harmony and fluidity, it felt like a well-rehearsed performance—graceful and genuine. A special mention goes to the bar manager, who curated a beautiful drink pairing for me. Though I didn’t catch his name, his selections were thoughtful and balanced, perfectly complementing each dish without ever overpowering the food. His understanding of flavor and restraint elevated the meal and demonstrated real expertise. The food itself—led by Chef Emma—was extraordinary. Each dish told a quiet, confident story. The flavors were clean, inventive, and deeply rooted in Nordic tradition while still feeling fresh and modern. The progression of the menu showed great attention to balance and seasonality. Every detail, from temperature to plating to the final seasoning, was executed with precision. A true highlight of the evening was being invited into the kitchen for a tour. It was an honor to witness the incredible calm, discipline, and focus that goes into every plate. The team worked like a symphony—sharp, quiet, intentional. It was inspiring to see. Aquavit deserves every bit of its two Michelin stars. The entire experience—from the impeccable service to the innovative cuisine to the atmosphere of composed elegance—was simply world-class. I would recommend Aquavit wholeheartedly to anyone who values true hospitality, culinary mastery, and an experience that lingers long after the meal is over.

+2

Esfira Shakh

Dining at Aquavit was a refreshing and inspiring culinary experience that fully lived up to its prestigious two Michelin stars. From the moment I stepped through its modern, chic entrance, I knew I was in for something special. The attention to detail, both in the ambiance and the service, was pristine and thoughtful. We were warmly welcomed by Catherine, our server for the evening, whose grace and professionalism, along with the attentive support of the entire team, made the night flow effortlessly. Each course was served with impeccable timing, and dishes were changed seamlessly between courses, every gesture contributing to the seamless dining experience. I opted for the Chef’s Tasting Menu, a seven-course exploration that was nothing short of extraordinary. The kitchen kindly and impressively accommodated my dietary restrictions (no dairy or shellfish), without compromising on creativity or flavor. Every plate was a work of art, visually stunning and masterfully composed with bold, yet balanced Nordic flavors. The starters included a delicate fluke with cucumber, a beautifully presented cod with white asparagus, caviar, and apple, each dish showcasing refreshing elements with a rich complexity of flavor. The entrees featured a vibrant salmon with Meyer lemon, a perfectly cooked Chilean sea bass with turnip, and a standout lamb with morel mushrooms. The fish was impeccably fresh and cooked to perfection, highlighting the natural taste of the sea, while the lamb served medium, was tender, herbaceous, and deeply satisfying. Dessert was a lovely finale: a luscious chocolate mousse paired with strawberry, a sweet and elegant ending to an evening of pure culinary delight. Aquavit is not only a restaurant, it’s an experience. A beautifully orchestrated blend of Nordic innovation, seasonal freshness, and flawless execution, it absolutely deserves every accolade and star it has received. A must-visit for any gourmand seeking something unique and memorable in New York City.

+3

Grace Park

Came for lunch! Light and airy vibes, lovely staff! They spoiled us with an extra dessert to celebrate our anniversary. The tasting menu was short but a good amount of food. My favorite were the finger food bites of tartare and herring! The desserts are on the more sugary side but they had a buckwheat tea that complemented it quite well (: A fun touch at the end involves a bit of fancy salt for you to take home!

+11

The Chef's Table

An unforgettable dining experience shared with my favorite dining companion. Beautiful technique was executed in each and every dish, with depth of flavor throughout. We started the meal with an Amuse of Elk Tartare which definitely amused the palate and got us ready for the whole experience. We shared a bottle of Timorasso which was perfect with many of the light dishes we enjoyed in the Chef's Tasting. The kitchen is in full sight with a glass wall and we enjoyed seeing them at work. We opted to add the Caviar supplement which was a nice touch. Service was top notch. Highly recommend.

+6

Ravisara L

Had the best lunch experience at Aquavit! We went with the tasting menu and every single dish was delicious. Amazing technique, finest ingredients, and super warm hospitality. The cocktails are a must-try, and we had fun exploring new liqueurs too. Everything felt thoughtful but not too serious. Totally worth it. Can’t wait to go back!

+19

S. B.

This Michelin two-star restaurant in Manhattan offers excellent service and a beautifully designed interior. Through the large glass windows, we could watch the chefs busily preparing dishes, which was fascinating. Since Nordic cuisine is quite rare in New York, this place is a real gem. The desserts were especially delicious. Although it was a bit difficult to find parking, we ended up using an Icon Parking nearby.

+7

ぴぴたん

The service of the staff is very good. I had a good dinner time. All the meals look great and taste delicious. They also let me sample the wines so I could choose the one I liked best. I would like to do this again the next time I visit the US.

+11

Bryan Moiles

Nice downtown location. Atmosphere is relaxing and the service was impeccable. Enjoyed the Bar Menu. Started with speciality cocktails. Enjoyed the Yes Chief! Had to go with the waffles and caviar. Don’t pass on the bread basket.. mains were excellent! Prices are quite reasonable for the experience.

Jimmy Shen

Located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, Aquavit is a renowned Michelin-starred restaurant that delivers an exceptional take on Nordic cuisine under the direction of Executive Chef Emma Bengtsson. During a recent lunch tasting, the restaurant exceeded expectations with its refined atmosphere, impeccable service, and beautifully crafted dishes. The meal began with an Arctic char appetizer, impressively fresh and elevated by delicate seasoning and a well-balanced dressing. The king crab followed, offering an elegant texture and vibrant presentation. The sea bass, flawlessly cooked, showcased remarkable depth of flavor, while the Iberico pork stood out as the highlight of the menu—its tender texture and rich taste a testament to the chefs’ expertise. The experience concluded on a perfect note with a white chocolate and sweet potato dessert, both light and playful, leaving a lasting impression. With its seamless execution and attention to detail, Aquavit continues to uphold its prestigious reputation, proving why it remains a cornerstone of fine Nordic dining in New York City.

+2

Celebrate our Mother’s Day earlier due to we have trip next month. The food quality and presentation is average. The dish, rainbow trout is very disappointing. So I give 3⭐️ only. The server are great, especially Bobby. Also, Sean who gave us a great advice for the wine is a lovely person too. Due to their wonderful service, we have a great time and raise 1 more ⭐️for this restaurant.

+4

Our lunch experience at Aquavit in NYC left us with mixed impressions. While we were initially excited to dine at a 2 Michelin star restaurant, we felt a bit underwhelmed. Opting for the a la carte menu instead of the tasting menu might have played a role, but we couldn't shake the feeling that other restaurants in the same category offered better lunch options. The service was notable, but both the service and food took longer than expected, which affected the overall experience. Despite the slight disappointment, we did enjoy the meal and appreciated the ambiance. We will make sure to give the tasting menu a try for the next time!

+4

The food was ordinary; it looked appealing, but tasted just average.

Elegant and tasty dishes. The server carefully listened to our food restrictions (no alcohol even if it's cooked). Accommodating to our substitution (fruit plate instead of dessert) and additions (cheese plate). Beautiful background music. The only negative but a huge one is that the server, although attentive and professional, was too stiff and stern - hardly smiled.

+1

Came to aquavit with a large party for a special occasion, and overall it was great. The food is exceptional, and at the end of the day, that’s what really matters. The Arctic birds nest is perhaps the greatest thing I have ever eaten, on top of it being a piece of art. The service was pretty poor for a restaurant of this standing, but that may be because we had a large party. Nevertheless, when you pay the money you do for an experience like this, you hope for something a bit more special. When I think of the “experience” I want from a restaurant like this, I’m not sure aquavit lived up to that, but the food was incredible and is worthy of the praise and price tag.

+2

The food was incredible. The service was great. The alcohol pairing was great. I didn't feel like the ambience was intimate or magical, but overall the experience was beautiful. The eggs in a nest is truly special, lives up to the hype. Try the aquavits and the cocktails, I recommend the tasting menu and I definitely recommend the wine pairing

The food was excellent and clearly deserving of its reputation. However, we were seated about 30 minutes past our reservation, which set a frustrating tone. Service improved once we were seated but still felt uneven for a two-star Michelin restaurant. Overall, a very good meal, though the experience didn’t fully match the level of refinement we expected.

This 2 Michelin-starred fine dining restaurant has a clean, formal atmosphere with slightly warm lighting, pale yellow walls with some blue in the hallway, and hickory floors. There are some small paintings here and there. There's definitely a Scandinavian influence on the decor. The lighting is nice and bright. It's perfect for any formal occasion - business dinners, date night, there was one wedding reception going on when we were there. The restaurant is accessible. I'll let the photos speak for themselves, as far as the food is concerned. The Arctic nest dessert is quite famed, and it's easy to see why. The dish is a complete showstopper. I do rather wish that all the dishes lived up to this, since otherwise, it did feel a bit like some of the best non-Michelin restaurants I've been to, and of course people have higher expectations than that for a 2 Michelin-starred restaurant. All of the food was delicious. Nothing was too heavy or the like, and the size of the meal was just right. We had the dinner tasting menu, and my companion also had the drinks pairing and greatly enjoyed it. But it was a tad underwhelming for the Michelin distinction and the price. The service is top notch, and our server was incredibly knowledgeable. There was one occasion when I finished my water and our server was quick to refill it, but at such a high-end establishment, I would have expected my water to be refilled at the half mark, rather than once I'd finished the glass. We received a little copy of the menu to take home, to remind us of our time here, which was unique and something we haven't seen elsewhere. For full disclosure, our bill for two people came out to $1k, so it's definitely an investment to come here, and I believe that everyone at Aquavit fully understands and respects that. Personally, I suppose I'd expected to be blown away a tad more than I was, given the price and Michelin-star distinction. The Arctic bird's nest did blow me away in a way I've never been, but I was hoping for that wow factor in every dish.

+6

I got the lunch tasting menu. The food was a bit underwhelming for a 2-Michelin-star. Nothing was bad, but nothing stood out either. The best dish was probably the king crab leg. Maybe the dinner tasting menu is better? Service was excellent. Ambiance is upscale and thoughtful.

+6

We went for the tasting menu in the dining room. Service was very good indeed, from start to finish no mishap. Well appreciated that they serve either sparkling or still water which is included in the menu - this is a really nice touch. The food - well, it is very good indeed. Is it two star michelin good? I'm not sure. Everything is well designed, well thought out and nicely prestented. We were impressed with the fritters over salad, they were amazing and you somehow felt the connection to the swedish roots of the restaurant. This feeling kinda lacked in the other courses. Altough well executed, they were a bit bland from a creativity and concept perspective. I really would have liked more connection to traditional swedish dishes. I think I'd have preferred to dine in the bar room with a more traditional menu and go for the swedish meatballs. Would I go again? Maybe yes, but only for the bar. The tasting menu in the dining room isn't worth the money.

+4

The service and atmosphere was good and exactly what you'd expect for a restaurant at this level. The food was excellent although to be honest, I am not sure what separates it as two stars. It was definitely on par with any one star restaurant I've been to. The tasting menu was very good.

+1

Carrie

Aquavit is a two Michelin star Nordic restaurant for 2025, and in terms of food quality it’s easily one of the best value fine dining spots in New York. Published on Main, which was once ranked number one in Canada with one Michelin star, shares some similar DNA with its Nordic based fusion approach, but there is still a noticeable gap when compared to Aquavit. We chose the five course tasting menu but not the chef’s menu with seven courses. I was a bit worried about portion size at first, but in the end two adults were completely full. A big part of that credit goes to the excellent rye bread and house butter. Unlike the rye bread most people are used to, Aquavit’s version is neither hard nor sour. The nuts baked inside even add a subtle sweetness, which makes it quite distinctive. Overall, all five courses were solid. That said, to be honest, the last three courses the fish, the meat, and the dessert were less impressive than the first two courses: the appetizers and the shrimp. Those first dishes were close to perfect, delivering delicate flavours with remarkable depth and freshness, and showcasing Nordic culinary character at its best. Among the later courses, the fig jam stood out. Paired with the meat, it really elevated the overall flavour. The pork itself, however, was a bit too soft for my taste. Even with crispy elements added for texture, it wasn’t my personal favourite. The seabass dish had slightly too much turnip, and combined with the fish’s naturally mild and soft texture, the vegetables ended up overpowering the dish. Dessert was the weakest part of the menu. It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t memorable either. Since it was a birthday dinner, the restaurant kindly offered a small fresh cream cake with jam and sponge cake wrapped in fondant. It was a nice gesture and added emotional value, but the flavour itself was nothing special. Service was solid overall. The staff were warm, friendly, and professional. If there’s one small complaint, it would be that sweeping under tables while guests are still dining slightly disrupts the atmosphere. As we were leaving, we were given two bottles of smoked sea salt, a thoughtful and distinctive gift that will probably come in handy for a cold platter on Christmas Eve. I might come back around the New Year to try the seven course chef’s menu. Hopefully it brings a few more surprises.

+8

sean levine

Not 2 Michelin star worthy. 7 courses and wine came to $1,250 with tip. Everyone underdressed, table next to us were 2 young adults in sweaters. 7 courses is also very little, I’ve spent less at other Michelin restaurants for 15-20+ courses. I for sure wouldn’t recommend this place to anyone, it truly underwhelmed me in all respects. Should be 1 star Michelin and come with a warning: overpriced, not many courses.

Not worth the Michelin stars or the money. Don't get me wrong, it is good food and has an interesting taste. It's just that at the price point, you can get muuuuch better food in NYC, and for a restaurant with 2 Michelin stars, the taste, food presentation, and overall experience are underwhelming. The taste was interesting, and definitely had the signature smoke&salt notes that you would associate with a Scandinavian restaurant. But a lot of dishes were just that little bit much too salty, and for some, the smokey flavor just didn't fit. Overall, the dishes on the menu just seemed not special at all and even a bit mundane. The presentation was really nice for some of the plates, but it fell short for quite a few of the dishes. The dessert seemed to have been prepared very carelessly and definitely did not give high dining vibes. The atmosphere was ok, and the servers are extremely attentive. Apart from the service, I would not recommend Aquavit for special occassions, as (again) it felt quite mundane and without any special touches. One of the highlights was the alcohol free German wine! It was divine and had a unique taste to it! We actually ordered some after our visit! Overall, I would say skip this one! There are so many, seriously amazing, haute cuisine options to choose from NYC, and Aquavit just really fell short (even compared to 1 Michelin star options in the area).

+6

Haokun Sun

Decent dining room atmosphere. Service is thoughtful but stiff. Food ingredients and tastes are merely comparable with 1-star Michelin restaurants (I just tasted Jua and Oiji Mi the day before). The 2-star award doesn’t really stand out in the food and service. PS. Before having the dessert, pay attention to any drinks asked/provided by the servers. Confirm the price before saying YES.

+6

Went for Valentine's Day and we were sorely disappointed by the food. The meal was quite bland and tasteless with the exception of the caviar, oysters, and bread. The tasting menu is also misleading with an item in the middle not considered part of it even though it's in the middle of the list of the section. Over our 6 years in NYC this was by far the worst date meal we've had. If you're considering eating, I'd strongly recommend considering any other restaurant.

Traveler Gu

After my wedding ceremony at city hall, I had a terrible experience at this Michelin-starred restaurant. I have no idea why it was awarded a star. The only celebration dessert was a disappointing sorbet. The food was okay, but the portions were small and not great. I would recommend visiting other restaurants instead, where you’ll have a much better experience.

I rarely write negative reviews, but this experience honestly left me shocked. The portion sizes were some of the smallest I have ever seen, especially considering the price. What was served felt more like a sample than an actual meal. I’m not someone who expects oversized portions, but there should at least be a reasonable balance between cost and what the customer receives. Unfortunately, that balance was completely missing here. It’s disappointing because when businesses charge full prices while serving extremely minimal portions, it makes customers feel taken advantage of. I would strongly recommend that management reevaluate how food is being portioned and presented. Customers shouldn’t feel like they need to order two or three meals just to get a normal serving. They are telling you need to order 3-5 meals. That’s insane. I have not left many negative reviews in the past, but this experience was frustrating enough that I felt it was important to share. I haven’t posted reviews everywhere yet because I’d prefer to give the business a chance to respond and address the issue directly. I hope management takes this feedback seriously and reaches out to resolve it.