10 Ridge Square, NW
From an email:
“WHAT: Chef Michael Mina, the award-winning culinary visionary behind Bourbon Steak, will debut his newest restaurant, Acqua Bistecca. The concept celebrates the convivial spirit of Italian dining with house-made pastas, fresh seafood, chargrilled steaks, and Mina’s signature flair. Guests can expect vibrant crudos, modern takes on Italian classics, and spirited cocktails inspired by Italy’s coastal towns, all set in a space designed to channel the warmth and joy of a dinner party.
WHEN: Opening September 8, 2025 Dinner service begins nightly at 5:00 PM.”
Full press release:
“In 2015, Chef Michael Mina redefined Georgetown as a culinary destination with the opening of Bourbon Steak. On September 8, he embarks on his next career-defining opening with the debut of Acqua Bistecca at 10 Ridge Square in the CityRidge development. Conceived by Michelin-Starred Chef Michael Mina and his Mina Group team, Acqua Bistecca celebrates the convivial spirit of Italian cuisine through shareable bites, house-made pastas, fresh seafood, and chargrilled steaks—all crafted with Mina’s signature blend of precision, innovation, and hospitality. Mina has always had a passion for seafood and meat and finding new and innovative ways to showcase these ingredients, so he and his team had an incredible time finding the right purveyors and creating dishes that showcase these beautiful products.
For Chef Mina, whose career began at San Francisco’s acclaimed Aqua and solidified at Bourbon Steak with his groundbreaking butter-poached steak technique, Acqua Bistecca is both a homecoming and a progression. “When we opened Bourbon Steak nearly 20 years ago, we ushered in a new style of dining in Georgetown,” says Mina. “I was excited to have the opportunity again to add something impactful in a new destination that CityRidge has created. Acqua Bistecca is the dinner party I’ve been dreaming of for years. Every night is about creating joy around the table—a true celebration of flavor, conversation, and togetherness.”
A Feast of Classics with a Twist
Guests can expect a menu that combines beloved Italian traditions with contemporary flair:
Daily Crudos showcasing seasonal ingredients, like Long Island fluke with late summer peach, Calabrian chili, and mint.
Lasagna alla Piastra, reimagined for conversation and sharing.
Barolo-Braised Osso Buco with saffron risotto, an indulgent nod to Northern Italy.
Chargrilled Steaks, butter-poached, brushed with lambrusco butter, and finished with bone marrow vinaigrette.
Simply Grilled Seafood, featuring striped bass, black bass, and Maine lobster, paired with saffron-orange fregola and preserved lemon.
Sweet Ending
Bomba Donuts, a light and citrusy version of ricotta zeppole, paired with huckleberry jam and mascarpone cheesecake perfect for dipping and sharing.
The Lemon, Inspired by Michael’s travels to Sorrento, this literally bright and fresh take on vanilla bean mousse, candied citrus peel and vanilla crunch is reminiscent of a walk through a sweet and tranquil Italian Orchard.
At the heart of the restaurant lies its vibrant centerpiece: a soaring bar, shelves stacked to the ceiling with a kaleidoscope of bottles and rare spirits. More than a gathering place, it’s where evenings begin with anticipation and often linger long after dinner has ended
Spirited Sips & Local Ties
Acqua Bistecca’s beverage program offers playful cocktails inspired by Italy’s coastal towns, including:
Capri – A clarified milk punch with bourbon, tomato water, and basil.
Marina di Ragusa – A tequila-based cocktail with Sicilian flair and a striking prickly pear foam.
Venice – A reimagined Bellini with whiskey, spiced peaches, and a gondola-inspired garnish.
The wine list highlights small and niche producers from Italy, California, and France, featuring varietals like Arneis, Carricante, and Nero d’Avolo alongside Barolo and Chianti classics—an alternative to the predictable, big-name labels.
Acqua Bistecca also proudly champions the local spirits and brews of the DMV region, including McClintock Forager Gin (MD), Sagamore Rye (MD), Cotton & Reed Rum (DC), Atlas Brew Works (DC), Port City Brewing (VA), and ANXO Cider (DC).
A Space for Celebration
Designed by Nunzio Marc DeSantis Architects (NMDC), the space exudes warmth and elegance, channeling the intimacy of a dinner party with modern Italian charm. From vibrant crudo bars to communal tables, the design invites guests to immerse themselves in la dolce vita.”
Dining and Cooking