Photo Credit: Dyske Suematsu
Since opening in the East Village, Aquarelle has distinguished itself not only for its food but also as an immersive statement in design. The raw bar at the center of the restaurant showcases the fresh seafood, while velvet banquettes, glowing nautical lights, and a yacht-inspired private dining room conjure the intimacy of a Mediterranean voyage.
Every detail is intentional, an atmosphere designed to blur the line between functional hospitality and art. For aesthetes, it’s as much an underwater installation as it is a delicious dinner and brunch hot spot.
Dining at Aquarelle is an instant passport to the coastlines of Mykonos, Saint-Tropez, or Ibiza. The menu reads like a seaside holiday with branzino kissed with Meyer lemon, scallop piri-piri with charred lime, and a royal seafood tower overflowing with oysters and lobster. Add in a lavender sea-salt martini or a yuzu-thyme spritz, and suddenly a Wednesday evening in Manhattan feels like a summer weekend abroad.
Photo Credit: Dyske Suematsu
Yet Aquarelle is not meant to be merely beautiful. As night falls, the energy shifts. Equal parts restaurant and lounge, Aquarelle becomes a gathering place where elegance lingers late, and conversation flows as effortlessly as champagne. It recalls the great institutions of New York nightlife, but with a distinctly refined, sea-inspired edge.
Behind Aquarelle are two men whose combined talents make this balance possible. Baris Koroglu, the creative force, brings an artist’s vision and a background in design-driven hospitality, shaping the interiors and atmosphere like a curator. Marcus Andrew, with roots in architecture and a history of shaping downtown institutions, lends his gift for creating spaces that hum with energy and community. Together, they’ve created not just a restaurant, but a stage for experiences, equal parts visual, culinary, and social.
Ultimately, Aquarelle is not meant to be seen once. Like the sea it celebrates, the space and experience shift constantly, from an elegant dinner to a late-night celebration, from serene escape to a lively rendezvous. For those who prize design, crave Mediterranean indulgence, and seek a new cultural tide in Manhattan nightlife, Aquarelle is already making waves.
Disclaimer: Written in partnership with APG.
Dining and Cooking