It’s not every day that a new waterfront restaurant opens in Southwest Florida.
And it’s even more rare when it’s helmed by a globally renowned chef.
You’ll get both with Acqua Bistecca, which opened Wednesday, Jan. 21, overlooking Estero Bay at Saltleaf Marina in Bonita Springs.
The chic waterfront restaurant is powered by James Beard Award-winning and Michelin-starred chef Michael Mina.
“What’s happening in Estero Bay right now is nothing short of transformational,” Mina said. “Luxury developments like The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Estero Bay and Saltleaf on Estero Bay are completely changing the area, drawing a new generation of people who value world-class hospitality as part of their lifestyle. Acqua Bistecca answers that demand, offering a destination-worthy experience that is both elevated and deeply rooted in the identity of the region.”
The Mina Group, which Chef Michael founded in 2002, operates more than 30 restaurants throughout the U.S. — including in Las Vegas, Miami, Hawaii, and San Francisco — and internationally in Dubai and Saudi Arabia.
And now, Bonita Springs can be added to the list.
“Acqua Bistecca is about bringing people together over food that feels both familiar and special,” Mina said. “The setting on Estero Bay is extraordinary, and we want the experience to feel warm, celebratory, and rooted in the pleasures of dining well — from the first cocktail to the last bite.”
Open at 5 p.m. daily for dinner, guests can dine in the intimate, open dining room awash in soothing blues, greys and beige tones or outdoors on the coveted deck. Both provide lovely marina views.
More seating can be found at the lively and stylish marble-topped bar or in the intimate chef’s private dining room.
Then settle in, sit back and enjoy.
Acqua Bistecca (which translates as water steak) is all about Italian-inspired cuisine and celebration, where fresh seafood, chargrilled steaks and handmade pastas abound.
For starters, there are raw and chilled seafood options (think stone crab claws, oysters, and caviar), antipasti (featuring a caviar & gigante mozzarella stick) and soups & salads.
Diving into the pastas, you’ll find pappardelle (vermentino braised lamb, mint, pecorino), lasagna alla Piastra, due bucatini (savory clams, nduja butter, sour orange gremolata crumb) and more.
Then come classics, including swordfish picatta, black Berkshire pork chop, risotto alla Marchesi. And last, but not least, are the acqua and bistecca.
True American red snapper, wild black bass, local hog fish and a 2-pound Maine lobster are featured. Fish dishes are grilled or roasted on a bed of saffron-orange braised fregola.
An 8-ounce filet, 16-ounce delmonico, 12-ounce New York strip and 40-ounce fiorentina — all oak-grilled and served with caponata-stuffed cippolini onion — round out the bistecca offerings.
Find it all and more at Saltleaf on Estero Bay, 5500 Coconut Road, Bonita Springs. Reservations strongly suggested. (239) 319-2301, acquabistecca.com or on Instagram
Dining and Cooking