4 of us went to Acqua on a rainy weeknight. We were the only customers (which is never a good sign) from 6-7:30. We dine out a lot in Manhattan, but we don't visit the South Street Seaport area very often, so we didn't have many places on our ""must eat there"" list.\r
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Our server recommended tuna tartare and it was very good. The swordfish ceviche was also above average, as was the serving size. The cheese assortment appetizer was uninspired and small for the price. A pear salad was comprised of unripe pears and arugula past its prime.\r
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The entrees were definitely subpar. On my server's recommendation I order the gnochette with pesto. It was dreadful. Heavy, chewy, and tough.\r
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A chicken breast on arugula was overcooked and underseasoned. \r
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One friend ordered the sea bass, which was the fish of the day, and he was quite pleased with it. \r
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With tip, our dinner, which included 2 glasses of prosecco, was $175.00, which I felt was too high for the quality. \r
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The staff was pleasant, but no one seemed like he or she had been in the business for very long. For example, the server asked if I wanted to take the gnocci home. I said I left so much because it was awful. He smiled and shrugged. Not the reply of a professional who relies on repeat customers.\r
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In all, I'd put the meal in the bottom 10% of places I've visited in the past year.
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