One of my favorite Italian restaurants. They serve both family and half portions, which is perfect for sharing. I usually come on special occasions since it isn't a casual environment; but, it is not very expensive. I've tried a few different dishes and love pretty much everything. The Calamari Fritti is very good! Not too chewy, but it has a good crunchy breadcrumb-coating. Served with tomato sauce. Their tomato sauce is very good. It has a smooth consistency that's tangy with the perfect amount of seasoning. I always put a generous amount on the calamari. The Zucchini Fritti is really good!! It's cut up into long slender strips, coated in bread crumbs and lightly fried, served with tomato sauce. The Petto Di Pollo Parmigiana or Chicken Parmesan is really really good!! I love it! Their Baked Ziti is also very good! But you will feel the effects of eating a dish like that 30 minutes after eating. Don't worry, it's normal!! The Pasta and Meatballs is not my favorite, but it's still delicious. The meatballs are cooked perfect and you can have it served with your choice of pasta.
(4)
Tony H.
Went here for a business dinner and we had a large group. The atmosphere was very nice. The food was great, very tasty,and fresh. The servers overall were attentive but there was one guy that was a little over the top (pushing food, kind of rushed, etc.). Lots of parking at no cost. If I was in the area eating on my own I would not hesitate to eat here again.
(4)
Ryan E.
The ambience is very nice and they do create a relaxing atmosphere. The presentation is spot on and the food looked delicious. My guests and I are in our early twenties and it seemed that right from the start our waiter was judging us like we've never eaten in a restaurant before. He made several comments that made us uncomfortable and brought our focus away from the meal. He was courteous and able to assist when needed, we just didn't appreciate the comments he made. Other than that, the food was ok; some of the best Bruschetta I've ever had. But our Baked Ziti was lacking in the "Baked" department and at times was very watery. Overall, I will say our experience was Ok. We will most likely not be returning to Acquolina.
(3)
Sarah L.
Service was good, but food is not worth the price at all. Food was bland, pasta overcooked, tiramisu was all heavy cream.. and the list goes on. There are plenty of amazing places to eat in Broward and Miami where your money can go much further and give you a more enjoyable experience- go check those out instead.
(2)
Jeffrey D.
Excellent service and wonderful food. My wife and I went here for a date night out for the first time in months! Couldn't have been nicer. They sat us near the water, explained the menu, and were very attentive the entire duration. The manager made sure we had a wonderful evening and was very attentive as well. A wonderful restaurant that we will be sure to return to.
We arrived early on a Saturday night, they were not busy at all. We did not have a reservation, so the hostess tried to seat us at a table in a room off the main room which was just added as part of the bar area. When I requested a booth in the main room, she said she couldn't do it, as they were all reserved. Then we ran into the manager who we knew personally, and chatted for a bit. I mentioned the table dilemma, and he said he could move some reservations around, that it was not a problem. I wonder if the hostess could have done that? Once seated we ordered cocktails and bottled water. The martinis are average size, but since I ordered Belvedere there is a premium charge added, I think they came out to $13 a piece. We then ordered meatballs for an appetizer, seabass and filet as the main courses. The meatballs were pretty good, served with ricotta cheese. The seabass special, at $40, had sundried tomatoes and a light sauce. The steak, also at $40, was cooked right served with tomato sauce. All in all a good meal, was it worth $200 including tip? Great atmosphere, decent drinks and food, but all in all I feel it is overpriced.
(3)
Thomas M.
Celebrated our anniversary here and really enjoyed our experience. Our server, Nadia, was terrific and attentive. We shared their chopped salad and also ordered their grouper and osso bucco. Both were excellent. We also shared a dessert of mixed berries and coffees. We'd go again soon!
(4)
Debbi N.
Totally annoyed by the management last night. Asked to sit in bar area to take advantage of happy hour specials. Made reservation on line and when I got there they said there was no room in the bar area but we sat 20 feet away on the other side of the bar. I asked if they would still honor the specials. The waiter said no and then the manager came over - he said since I made the reservation on line they couldn't do anything and the happy hour specials were just for the bar. In other words if I stood up and drank the wine at the bar it's 5 bucks but if I sit in this dumb table a few steps away it's $11. Out of principle I wouldn't get it. The food was still good but I think they handled the situation wrong. I was there last week and sat in the lounge area so I assumed I would be able to enjoy the same this week. I'm a regular here. The food is ok but the attitude towards customer appreciation and attitude in general is lacking. They're always so busy do maybe they don't care. Ehhhhh....done whining over wine.
(2)
Marco E.
Went there after mom sons graduation. Food was good. I have to say though the "family style" calamari was rather small considering they charge like $20 for it. Otherwise the food was good and so was the service. I give it 3 stars because if they claim to be family style they should serve big portions.
(3)
Lawrence P.
No no no!!!! If you are going to call yourself a "ristorante" you have to do Italian well. I have been here three times. The first time, we came with friends as this was their preferred Italian restaurant in the area. I had the Gnocchi Pesto... and it was bland. The pasta was overcooked and, thus, too soft, and it lacked flavor. The service was horrible all night as they brought us the wrong salad and the entrees came out at different times... a big NO-NO for me. We ended the night with a cannoli... whcih was like a pastry, not crispy as a cannoli is supposed to be. It had been a while so, when a buddy of mine that works in the area said let's do it, I hesitated but agreed. The first thing I can say is that the Wine List is way over priced. Caymus ($58 retail) for $110? Cakebread ($65 retail) for $110? Jordan ($45 retail) for $100? Look it, I am used to paying two even three times over retail for wine. But in Weston? At Acquolina? My bud ended up ordering a bottle of Villa Antinori (retails for $18) for $45. Oy!!!! We began with an Eggplant Stack for appetizer which was nice and I moved on to the Sea Bass Special. The fish was nice as were the accompanying vegetables though I thought the fish was basically swimming in the accompanying sauce. If you are going to serve a Chilean Sea Bass make it the show! I went in feeling great but ended the night not feeling so hot. Stomach began acting up. I had to excuse myself twice to go the bathroom and I never EVER go the bathroom in a restaurant. I don't know, I want to like this place given its proximity to home but it just doesn't do it for me. I could have paid the same and gone to Cafe Vico or paid a little more and gone to Casa D'Angelo's. And next time I probably will.
(2)
Jose P.
When first walking in the restaurant the ambiance was very nice and you can go there a bit more dressed up for the occasion. - The waiter was great and very helpful. Fast service when asking for drinks. We have a son and they brought his food very quick to start off. -appetizers were delicious we had the bruschetta and calamari which both were delicious! -we had for our main course the eggplant parm. it was perfect! and our friends had the lasagna which was also very yummy. I would suggest if your starving you can eat a plate on your own. But if you aren't that hungry you can easily split the plates and share because they do serve a large portion. Overall I really enjoyed everything and I will be going back for sure!
(5)
Camp L.
I went to this place this weekend and the food was really bad. The salad was soggy , the pasta was over cooked and worst of all the waiter did not seem to care. They cannot call themselves an Italian restaurant when they do not know how to cook pasta! I am a pasta lover and definitely this place is not good. Service overall was really bad. We kept on waiting for the food and even for the bill. I would not recommend this place at all.
(1)
A B.
Always great. I love this place!
(5)
Karen A.
It's Saturday night and my friend and I arrived before her boyfriend so we tried order him some appetizers and a cocktail before he arrived. The waiter explained to us that you can't order appetizers without ordering the main course at the same time so we should wait until the other person arrived to order. When we told him that was crazy he asked if we wanted to speak to the chef so he could explain why. We said no we don't want to speak to the chef we just want to order appetizers to have before we select our main course! Meanwhile we are starving and were able to flag down a runner for bread. I guess the waiter could see we were getting upset so he came over and said they made an "exception" and we could order the appetizers now. If it weren't for the fact that my friend's boyfriend was meeting us there I would have paid for my cocktail and left. It was really interesting how the waiter's attitude changed once the man arrived on the scene! We had Brussels sprouts and cauliflower which was delicious and calamari and the eggplant stack. It was very tasty but not really worth the drama we had to go through to simply place the order. By that time we had filled up on cocktails and bread and appetizers so we were not that hungry anymore. We ordered spaghetti and meatballs family style and were done. We usually order steaks or something more exciting but at this point we just wanted to eat something so we could get out!! Although the food wasn't bad, it was not worth the drama! Also I forgot to mention that the hostesses seemed shocked that we didn't have a reservation and acted as if we should be grateful that they were able to get us a table for 3. I don't think I will be going back unless forced to go for a business lunch.
(1)
Jorge G.
Out of all the Italian restaurants I've been to this is one of my favorites! This gem is tucked in a corner of a shopping plaza but has the most amazing food. The back patio area is very romantic, try to make reservations on weekends as it tends to get very busy. Although it's a casual restaurant everyone always dresses up nice. The service here is amazing as is the food, try the lasagna it's the best I've ever had.
(5)
Alex A.
Great location. Service was good but not over the top great. Wait staff had some stumbles trying to tell us about how some of the specials were prepared and also on offering suggestions. Food was freshly prepared and nicely presented. Reservations are required on weekends. Very full the night we went and they were booked solid till after 9pm. Had the sea bass - very good. Light dish. Had some capellini pasta as a side with a very light tomatoe sauce. Nicely done. Wife had lasagna. Good bit spectacular. Pretty nice wine list.
(3)
Loralei P.
I rarely go to italian restaurant's and whwn o do I always get dissapointed, but this place is something different. Reminiscent of the authentic italian restaurants in New York, Acquolina is the most consistent and the most authentic ristoranre ive been to in South Florida. Fhe service is superb and the staff is very accommodating. This is the second time ive eaten here. The first time was impressive also. We sampled a smorgasbord of italian staples and ate family style. Tonight we all ordered ala carte and it was still delish. From appetizers til the coffee and dessert it was amazing. Definitely a jewel in weston worth visiting.
(5)
Doris L.
Il Tuscano, the other Italian restaurant on Weston Road I have been crushing on for a while, has some formidable competition with Aqualina. The (much) smaller, more cosmopolitan, and expensive of the two, Aqualina offers many of the same Italian classics but with a more Northern Italian dish selection and a (much) more downtown bistro kind of feel. And the Puttanesca was perfection. They offer family style dishes at 40 bucks a pop which I guess is a value if you have a large crowd with a moderate appetite. If you are an all -you-can-eat type, make sure your wallet is packed because this place is not cheap. But the way I see it, I would need to travel to Miami or the Gables for the kind of meal and atmosphere that is served up at Aqualina , so I factor in the travel time, frustration, and gas money I am saving by coming here - just minutes from my front door. And did I mention that Puttanesca was to die?! I see they have specials on weekdays at the bar. Nice wine list, too. Definitely worth another visit. Sorry, Il Tuscano, I have a new crush. And his Puttanesca is hot.
(4)
Shareen G.
There is an employee at this restaurant who needs to be fired. I called to place an order for pick up and Jason answered the phone. I was shocked at how disgustingly rude he was too me. As a business owner I understand the importance of excellent customer service and he would not last a day working for me with his attitude. It is a real shame because the food isn't bad. The owner of this restaurant deserves to know that Jason is treating customers in such a nasty way. I am the type of person who is well liked and gets along with everyone. He was so rude that I asked him to speak with someone else there who wouldn't be so mean on the phone and he refused! Wake up owners and monitor your employees! You will lose customers like me who won't tolerate his attitude.
(1)
David G.
This restaurant is really terrible. I keep giving them a second chance, but I always end up disappointed. The food is mediocre, but it routinely comes out ice cold. Every single time I've eaten there, which is at least five or six times, I've had to send the food back to be heated up. The service is awful. It is very inconsistent. Today the food was served at all of the surrounding tables, but not to us. The plates were just dropped off. This is not what you would expect from a fine dining establishment. We had a spill at our table, and the waiters did not even bring another napkin, despite multiple requests. We eventually got up and got one from the next table. The ambience is nice and the restaurant itself is very pretty. But this is not what keeps customers returning to a restaurant. We won't be coming back anymore.
(2)
Morgan C.
Well I give his place a zero. This is the first time I give a review without eating in the restaurant.i mean I called for a reservation and a very rude person answered the phone, then he said let me take care of this call coming in ??. I told him was calling for a reservation. Wow! He came back on was very rude in demeanor, said inside or outside I said inside like close to the bar. He fast said we dont do reservations for the bar area, I said near inside in a table he was so frustrated he repeated the same thing. What a dissapointment. This is what service is in Florida, no respect for the customer at all.
(1)
Danielle S.
Like a lot of reviewers, I'm torn on this place. I've been here a few times over the years and unfortunately the quality and experience have worsened over time, likely as the place has gotten more and more crowded. While I initially loved this place, it feels like the food and service have gotten less memorable. I normally order the clams as an app and the lasagna as my entree. The lasagna is one of the best I've had. Very soft, melt-in-your mouth pasta with a nice sauce and a hearty portion. I've had mixed experiences with other entrees, especially the fish. The restaurant is small and normally full, so it can get very loud. Service is spotty. If the weather is nice, try to reserve a table outside by the water. It's a lot quieter and less hectic. Overall, it's still one of the better restaurants in Weston. I would just stay away on a Friday or Saturday night.
(4)
Roni S.
Loved the place and the service. Desserts not really good, yet everything else was awesome.
(4)
Robin T.
The food is usually wonderful here but tonight here to learn about a new drug for MS. Hopefully we will be served what the restaurant normally serves. It could be interesting. I don't know a soul here except my doctor. Well dinner is over and it was excellent. Everything was served family style. Caprese salad, stuffed mushroom , calamari and chopped salad for appetizer. Dinner consisted of Penne ala vodka, chicken francese, eggplant parmigiana and roasted garlic green beans. The staff was very accommodating for this large crowd. Oh and then dessert, cannoli, biscotti and your choice of coffee. Lovely !
(5)
Andrew S.
The food is generally good. The service is hit or miss. On a recent night, we tried to order food to bring home since the kids were not in the mood to go out. The hostess picked up the phone, and asked us to "hold." Unfortunately, what she actually did was place the phone on the desk, forget about my call, thereby making the phone busy and unable to call or reach the restaurant for 30 minutes. The staff did not seem to care at all.
(2)
Greg B.
I took my wife and my kids for my wife's birthday. We had a nice bottle of wine and order the chicken Marsala... The Marsala source was excellent. My wife had the grilled chicken with Alfredo pasta she loved it. On the other hand, I was little disappointed as the service and the staff was not friendly or disengaged. Had to asked for things twice. I gave them 3 stars as the food was great, but the service they need to improved. I do not know if it was because we were seating outside, witch it should not make a difference. We will return to give them another chance, but they better improve their service staff.
(3)
Charles M.
First time here--made a reservation and arrived and told no guarantee of inside seating and that they "called me"....well they didn't leave a message so I had no clue. Nonetheless we were seated in short order. Bread piping hot with real butter. Eggplant stack was good but not great, but the stuffed mushrooms were amazing. My veal saltimbocca was great with a huge portion of tender veal. The spinach and bean side was overcooked. The side of Risotto was first class. My girl's Lobster Ravioli was great. Overall a solid B. ps--the wine service was flawless.
(4)
Brenda P.
Dear Acquolina: I have now confirmed that we, in fact, are not a good fit. I wish you all the best but you will not hear from me ever again. Sincerely, Brenda REVIEW UPDATE: This was my original review yelp.com/biz/acquolina-f… I had been here twice before and was not convinced. This third (and last) time confirmed it. I just do not like it here. There is always something! I visited with some girlfriends. They chose the place since it's near us and one of them really loves it here. I had just met her so I went with the flow and did not tell her it was not my favorite. As a regular, she ordered for us. *Zucchini Fritti- meh *Chopped Salad- delicious. BUT, the salad that I enjoyed so much? Right after I posted this review and photos a fellow Yelp Elite friend pointed out I should take a closer look at the plate. It had a hair on it! I guess one can argue that it was my own hair. Thing is that I took that shot I posted the second the waiter put it in front of me. Urgh! *Chicken Parm- how do you mess this up? the chicken was gummy and borderline hard. Not even the cheese could save it. I took a bite and had to leave it. *Lobster Ravioli- remains the only thing I like on the menu. It's pretty good. *Gnocchi Bolognese- Honestly, I was embarrassed for them. They take the delicate gnocchi and drench it in this tomato sauce. All you can taste is the sauce! Take a look at my photo. Where was my gnocchi? I vote they rename it "Bolognese Sauce with a sprinkle of gnocchi" and serve it with a spoon so you can drink it. Search for the gnocchi at your own risk. I asked for some parm on the side. What I got was a small bowl of grated parm that looked and tasted like it came right out of a Kraft container. Did they buy this in bulk at Costco? I have no problem if this was Olive Garden but it's not. Why were they not grating or shredding it instantly from an actual block of parm? Acquolina looks and is priced like the big boys (Casa D Angelo comes to mind) but they are far away from being that grown up, elegant and graceful. It was the most painful credit card receipt I have ever signed. I do have to give them credit for an exceptional wine list which is also priced very fairly. Other than that, I really think the only reason they are busy is because the choices in Weston are somewhat limited. I hope to never have to come here again. It's just not for me.
(2)
Larry R.
Excellent Northern Italian cuisine, consistently good food and drink. There is a bar special Monday-Wednesday with $5 drinks and $5 bar food which is an incredible deal. The Acquolina chopped salad is a good starter, easily shared by 2-3 people, top it with Balsamic vinegar for the full effect. The Pollo or Shrimp a la Griglia is my favorite, others in our group enjoy the veal Milanese or Parmagiana. Portions are outrageously large. Best seats are outside next to the lake as the inside gets noisy. Service is quite good.
(4)
Yesil G.
Nice restaurant and good place to dine at. Little bit expensive but at the end it s ok.
(4)
Beth C.
Acquolina is a great restaurant with a wonderful staff and the atmosphere is awesome! ! I have never had a bad meal here, the food is always cooked to perfection! Well worth it!
(5)
Aline H.
Tasty food with friendly staff... the only thing thats a bit salty is the price... but totally worth it
(5)
Lauren R.
I am giving this place one star only because our server was nice I guess, but in no way does this one reflect my opinion of the food. First I'll start with the atmosphere. We got a table outside by the lake, which was nice but I guess since we arrived early, there were about 10 employees just standing around out back, I felt like they should have just pulled up a seat at my table they were standing so close. Second, the food. We ordered the "fried" calamari. Hmmm let me just say it came out in exactly 2 minutes. I would love to know how they made it that fast! Oh I know how, it sucked and tasted like I was chewing on a balloon. I'm guessing they just threw the plate in the micro for a minute and served us, only explanation! The sauce, tasted like something a child concocted while mixing things in the kitchen, aka not good. Ah, then we ordered the chicken parm, spaghetti and meatballs. At this point I did not have very high hopes for this meal and what do you know, they met my expectations. Meatballs were dry, spaghetti was spaghetti, didn't think that could possibly taste bad but somehow it did. And lastly the chicken parm, pretty sure what I was eating wasn't even chicken...I don't even want to attempt to guess what it was. Lastly, don't order their dessert, it came right out of the fridge! Or the freezer, not sure but tasted pretty horrible. So finally, I would just like to say I do not recommend this place and next time I want to eat imitation italian I'll head over to the Olive Garden....at least they got bread sticks!
We made a reservation, which was recommended by previous reviews. My husband and I split the veal parm and shrimp scamp. The shrimp was a bit overcooked and made it tough to eat. The veal parm was DELICIOUS! It was large enough to share. We ordered a dessert, the Vesuvius cake that was absolutely yummy, but I don't recommend sharing. Our server was attentive and friendly.
(4)
Anonymous ..
Upscale. Clean. Excellent food. Good service. Great for groups or a celebration. This is likely the best choice for a private event in Weston. But you get what you pay for and I just don't have the money for table linens anymore.
(4)
S M.
Solid Italian fare - from the breads to the dessert. Family size portions so order diligently. Take out lunch a bargain. Service with a smile. A Weston gem.
(4)
Stu W.
Service has improved greatly over some posts. The tentacles(calamari) was just ok the sauce too salty. The lasagna was good but the meat was ground too fine for me, the sauce excellent. All meals available ind or family style except the lasagna. The rest of the table had chicken parm and chicken and broccoli both good. Tiramisu and Vesuvius cake good. Moderate pricing drinks pricey.
(3)
Parker D.
The fettuccine Alfredo is excellent! But a world of caution (for all entrees) order the half size. And don't order an app. The half size is enough for 2 people. Just go and order a half size entree and it is more than enough food.
(4)
Sandy W.
Three of us went to this restaurant on Sunday early evening. They were somewhat busy but we managed to get a table quickly. The service was great. We first started with the tuna carpaccio and the stuffed artichokes. The presentation was very nice. The lemon, arugula and capers added to the tuna dish made the flavors really pop. My friends ordered the lasagna and the penne vodka pasta both were very good and big portions (they both ordered the half size). I had the rustic pasta with penne and homemade sausage. That dish was simple but full of flavor. We ended with tiramisu and coffee. Great place.
(5)
Esther B.
Love this location of Acquolina just as much as I love their Hallandale location. In fact, they are just about exactly the same. One exception? This location has a really nice outdoor area overlooking a lake. I just finished writing a review for the Hallandale location, and this one can be identical, so look over there if you want more menu detail. That location has been renamed Acquo 124, but at least for now, is still coming up as Acquolina. Ambiance...cozy, intimate. Service...attentive and professional. Food...delicious. And more impotrantly, consistant. Love the wine list. Lost the 5th star for serving their chicken Francaise without even a side of pasta. Sorry, not buying the "family style" excuse. Pasta is cheap! Raise the price a buck if you have to, but this dish needs to be complete, not naked. I listed attire as dressy. There really needs to be a choice between casual and dressy for places like this. Smart casual!
(4)
Brian S.
Great restaurant in Weston for my girlfriend and I to be a regular at. I live in Weston, and there really isn't too much in terms of date night for us. This is a nice place for us to get dressed up and have a nice meal. We are big fans of the chopped salad and stuffed mushrooms, get that every time. The entree, we usually mix it up.. Great service, too!
(5)
Ann-Gelina T.
Food was bad. Service was ok. The shrimp tasted frozen. I'm from Italy and they told me my pasta was home made ... It was not. Not going back
(3)
Leza G.
Although I am not often in this area, I had to something for work so I went to Acquolina for dinner. It got really busy but the bartender and host were super nice. The one thing that absolutely blew my mind that went on my top 10 things everyone has to try is their Spedino- it is AMAZZINNGG! It is this traditional Italian appetizer with mushroom sauce and cheese on a crusty bread. Although I didnt try them, I heard the woman in the bar seat next to me talk about the clams being really great so that is my next appetizer to try there next time I am in the area. Everything else I had (fish, cheesecake) was great as well. It was overall a really great experience, between the friendly service and good food.
(5)
Richard B.
Ask for the pizzaola sauce to dip your bread.
(5)
Tammy D.
Went back again on a recent visit to Weston. Had the vodka pasta and it was very good. Wait staff is consistently good. I am now a fan.
(4)
Maria R.
I have been coming here with family and friends for years now. It is consistently good. Good service. I prefer to sit outside, but you usually have to make a reservation and request it because this place is always busy.
(4)
V A.
One of my favorite places to dine in Weston! My boyfriend and I had our first dinner date here and love visiting regularly. The stuffed mushrooms, chopped salad and chicken parm never disappoint! The service is also amazing, spot on!
(5)
Nancy W.
After a disastrous experience at another restaurant in Weston ( where we ultimately chose NOT to eat), my husband and I decided to take our chance at being able to get seats at Acquolino on the Saturday before Christmas at about 7 p.m. Obviously, they were extremely busy , but after explaining our predicament, they very graciously said they would find a way to fit us in, and we were seated after a negligible wait. We had the Floridian salad and the pasta bolognese with meatballs. I'm 1/2 Italian, and this was better bolognese than my mama used to make! The food was awesome, and the portions huge. We got the family style to split, and had enough left over for 2 lunch size portions (each!). The only thing that doesn't thrill me about this place is the issue mentioned in many of the other reviews; it's pretty small, and so noisy and not intimate. This place is definitely like a big Italian family - loud, lots of sharing of meals at a table, making new friends, etc. I just wish I could have the choice between that AND a nice intimate evening with my sweetie. We will be back.
(4)
Melissa P.
I give this place an "ok" with a nice atmosphere. Portions are family style, the staff is attentive and the food is generally good. I was disappointed in the $35 scarpiello, as it only contained 1/2 a chicken, and for that price I felt there should have been more, considering chicken is not an expensive ingredient. Otherwise it was delicious. The shrimp scampi was made with jumbo shrimps that were over cooked, which was really too bad as the spaghetti was perfect! The spinach with garlic was amazing. Good wine list. Also has patio seating that is air conditioned with portable units.
(3)
Ralph P.
Linguini and clams was great!
(4)
Damian D.
Don't let the menu fool you if you're tired of the same old Italian crap that is taking over South Florida like some space fungus. The Acquolina menus *looks* pedestrian, but it's in the execution that they do well. The sauces are the thing and they have sure hands with their sauces. Try the salads as well, simple but well done like everything else. My only complaint is with the wine list. Not nearly enough reasonably-priced choices and the glass selections are just okay. It's the type of food you can get in Miami but if you're out west you don't need to pack your bags for the trip. If you're in the area it's definitely worthy of your visit -- but be aware that the prices are a bit steep. Get what you pay for and all that.
(4)
Mitchell M.
Mediocre restaurant in Boca Raton South (Weston). Popular place and it is true that service is mediocre as waiters can leave you hanging for long periods of time. But food is just so so to be polite. I liked the chicken parmagiana but the other 4 diners were not impressed. The strawberry salad with balsamic vinaigrette had dressing that was too thick for my taste but some tablemates felt that was the best part of the meal. What was AWFUL was the soggy penne with broccoli that was absolutely tasteless regardless of the garlic buds (no taste of garlic) and the chicken scarp (Acquolina special) which was heavily laden with red peppers but was tasteless and dry with little sauce. All in all we wanted to get out of there quick because it just was not good. Go east because most restaurants west are either mediocre or awful.
(2)
R C.
A group of six of us came here for dinner on Saturday night. Reservations were good to have since it was pretty full. Outdoor seating was nice, on the water, breezy and warm. I'm assuming outdoor seating is normal here in Weston but I'm not sure. There was live music, and a lively crowd enjoyed it. A few diners decided to go at it karaoke style. Fun overall, though it can get loud if you're near the speakers - if you're sensitve to noise or want it a bit quieter, be aware of the live music nights and how close you are to it. You may prefer indoors. Service was good, despite the place being packed. The food was good too. Huge servings. If you order anything with pasta, expect a lot of pasta. Stuffed mushrooms were flavorful, but heavy on the breadcrumbs. Meatballs were good (not fantastic, but pretty good). The ragu is pretty thin. The sole was good too, as was the ravioli. No complaints on the food at all - everyone enjoyed it, though no one could finish their dishes. If you're looking for a fun place to dine in Weston, this place is for you.
(4)
Salomon S.
Let me start by saying that the food at this joint is solid. Nothing wrong with the food but this restaurant is to fine dining what the Jersey shore cast is to italian americans. It has this arrogance about it that is laughable. I think the owner believes that he is running the French Laundry of Weston when in reality he's trying hard to pretend its a high class outfit. During tonight's visit, we asked for a reservation outside and despite having multiple tables available, he made a mistake and could not sit us outside. Did he apologize -- why would he? The waiter however did follow protocol and instructed us to put all our order in at once - uh? Its really our fault because we have been there before and did not feel welcome. We should not have gone back. If you want outstanding experience and food try runway 84, martoranos or Kittchenetta (where italian americans go.) Wanna pay less go to Marolas. Bottom line -- pointed out a nice place for them to hung my picture since they won't see me again.
(2)
Roberto T.
The decor was nice, service lacking , food avarge, over priced would not recommend or return. FYI the waiter included a 20% tip on the bill said it is required as per the owner
(1)
Dede P.
We love Acquolina for special occassions and casual dining. Especially when the weather is nice so we can sit outside by the water. Food is really tasty!
(5)
Fernando S.
My wife and friends went to this restaurant on a friday night. They were kicked out of the restaurant by a guy named Jason who said he was the owner. He was extremely rude and nasty to them. He did not want to accommodate them because he said he did not have tables, but almost all restaurant was empty. Then they sat outside in the patio, which was totally empty when he tried to move them to another table because he did not want to "waste" a table with 5 chairs for 4 people, and lastly and worse he even told them that they should not speak Spanish! What kind of ownership is that? What kind of service and hospitality this restaurant has? I'm glad they left that place and went across the street to Mallardis in which they were treated as "divas" as they deserve! Just by reading other reviews, Acquolina is certainly not known for good food or service!... if you want to be mistreated and eat average to bad, then Acquolina is your place!
(1)
Cristina C.
Great food, some dishes super overwhelming on their size! Good service & some great atmosphere...
(4)
Sam H.
In our never ending search of fine Italian food in Broward, we tried Acquolina just a few minutes from our house...For the first and last time, oh let me tell you. It is a very busy place, ridiculously loud, and it "appears" like a very upscale white cloth Italian restaurant. For an app we ordered some potato ball things, I wish I could remember what they were called. They were frozen and still half frozen when they arrived at our table on a plate with no garnish or sauce. We had to send them back to be re-microwaved since they were inedible. They are no longer on the menu FYI. My girl gets the chicken francese, I decide to try my usual chicken marsala. The abundance of oil that was used to sautee the chicken etc. in our dishes, was separated from the other sauces on our plates. So I had a plate 3/4 full of oil separated from the stock/marsala wine, and my girl had a plate 3/4 full of oil separated from the lemon butter sauce...disgusting to say the least. If you are using so much oil, dump it before you add other sauces. I was extremely disappointed especially after a $100+ bill for a plate full of oil. Maybe they have good food, but our experience was so bad it's hard to even consider going back. Actually no Thanks, the search for decent Italian in Western Broward continues....
(1)
Crystal N.
Excellent service with family style entrees. The portions are large! I went with 4 other people. We ordered 2 entrees and a side of burnt broccoli. The food was delicious! And, we had leftovers! The frutti di mare is well worth the money! Seafood is fresh! For dessert, we had limoncello shots, which our server, Alonso recommended, with Tiramisu. The dessert was great. It tasted as if it was right out of mama's kitchen! Lol. Overall, the ambiance, service, food, and portions were all worth the price. Our bill was around $180 including roughly a $40 tip for excellent service. We had caesar salad, 2 main courses, dessert, shots, and dessert. The price is really not bad for getting exactly what you want in South Florida.
(5)
Jocelyn J.
Went for the first time last night with a friend. First impression was that it was a quaint little restaurant which, once inside, didn't feel like it belonged in a shopping center/strip mall type of location. The lighting, decor and wait staff gave this restaurant a feel of a cool, mediterranean oasis. We were lucky to have a charming waiter who told us the specials soon after we were seated. We decided to share the buffalo mozzarella and prosciutto appetizer which was delish but HUGE!! They also served up some warm, crusty bread which was yummy. I ordered the lobster ravioli which was very tasty. My friend had the gnocchi in a cream sauce which she said she loved. Our waiter was very attentive and had a great manner. We will definitely be going back to try some of their other dishes.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Accepts Bitcoin : No Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Classy Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
Sara M.
One of my favorite Italian restaurants. They serve both family and half portions, which is perfect for sharing. I usually come on special occasions since it isn't a casual environment; but, it is not very expensive. I've tried a few different dishes and love pretty much everything. The Calamari Fritti is very good! Not too chewy, but it has a good crunchy breadcrumb-coating. Served with tomato sauce. Their tomato sauce is very good. It has a smooth consistency that's tangy with the perfect amount of seasoning. I always put a generous amount on the calamari. The Zucchini Fritti is really good!! It's cut up into long slender strips, coated in bread crumbs and lightly fried, served with tomato sauce. The Petto Di Pollo Parmigiana or Chicken Parmesan is really really good!! I love it! Their Baked Ziti is also very good! But you will feel the effects of eating a dish like that 30 minutes after eating. Don't worry, it's normal!! The Pasta and Meatballs is not my favorite, but it's still delicious. The meatballs are cooked perfect and you can have it served with your choice of pasta.
(4)Tony H.
Went here for a business dinner and we had a large group. The atmosphere was very nice. The food was great, very tasty,and fresh. The servers overall were attentive but there was one guy that was a little over the top (pushing food, kind of rushed, etc.). Lots of parking at no cost. If I was in the area eating on my own I would not hesitate to eat here again.
(4)Ryan E.
The ambience is very nice and they do create a relaxing atmosphere. The presentation is spot on and the food looked delicious. My guests and I are in our early twenties and it seemed that right from the start our waiter was judging us like we've never eaten in a restaurant before. He made several comments that made us uncomfortable and brought our focus away from the meal. He was courteous and able to assist when needed, we just didn't appreciate the comments he made. Other than that, the food was ok; some of the best Bruschetta I've ever had. But our Baked Ziti was lacking in the "Baked" department and at times was very watery. Overall, I will say our experience was Ok. We will most likely not be returning to Acquolina.
(3)Sarah L.
Service was good, but food is not worth the price at all. Food was bland, pasta overcooked, tiramisu was all heavy cream.. and the list goes on. There are plenty of amazing places to eat in Broward and Miami where your money can go much further and give you a more enjoyable experience- go check those out instead.
(2)Jeffrey D.
Excellent service and wonderful food. My wife and I went here for a date night out for the first time in months! Couldn't have been nicer. They sat us near the water, explained the menu, and were very attentive the entire duration. The manager made sure we had a wonderful evening and was very attentive as well. A wonderful restaurant that we will be sure to return to.
(5)Suzie O.
Excellent food and excellent service. Beautiful décor and love the outdoor seating! Will always go there when in Weston!
(5)Rebecca U.
We arrived early on a Saturday night, they were not busy at all. We did not have a reservation, so the hostess tried to seat us at a table in a room off the main room which was just added as part of the bar area. When I requested a booth in the main room, she said she couldn't do it, as they were all reserved. Then we ran into the manager who we knew personally, and chatted for a bit. I mentioned the table dilemma, and he said he could move some reservations around, that it was not a problem. I wonder if the hostess could have done that? Once seated we ordered cocktails and bottled water. The martinis are average size, but since I ordered Belvedere there is a premium charge added, I think they came out to $13 a piece. We then ordered meatballs for an appetizer, seabass and filet as the main courses. The meatballs were pretty good, served with ricotta cheese. The seabass special, at $40, had sundried tomatoes and a light sauce. The steak, also at $40, was cooked right served with tomato sauce. All in all a good meal, was it worth $200 including tip? Great atmosphere, decent drinks and food, but all in all I feel it is overpriced.
(3)Thomas M.
Celebrated our anniversary here and really enjoyed our experience. Our server, Nadia, was terrific and attentive. We shared their chopped salad and also ordered their grouper and osso bucco. Both were excellent. We also shared a dessert of mixed berries and coffees. We'd go again soon!
(4)Debbi N.
Totally annoyed by the management last night. Asked to sit in bar area to take advantage of happy hour specials. Made reservation on line and when I got there they said there was no room in the bar area but we sat 20 feet away on the other side of the bar. I asked if they would still honor the specials. The waiter said no and then the manager came over - he said since I made the reservation on line they couldn't do anything and the happy hour specials were just for the bar. In other words if I stood up and drank the wine at the bar it's 5 bucks but if I sit in this dumb table a few steps away it's $11. Out of principle I wouldn't get it. The food was still good but I think they handled the situation wrong. I was there last week and sat in the lounge area so I assumed I would be able to enjoy the same this week. I'm a regular here. The food is ok but the attitude towards customer appreciation and attitude in general is lacking. They're always so busy do maybe they don't care. Ehhhhh....done whining over wine.
(2)Marco E.
Went there after mom sons graduation. Food was good. I have to say though the "family style" calamari was rather small considering they charge like $20 for it. Otherwise the food was good and so was the service. I give it 3 stars because if they claim to be family style they should serve big portions.
(3)Lawrence P.
No no no!!!! If you are going to call yourself a "ristorante" you have to do Italian well. I have been here three times. The first time, we came with friends as this was their preferred Italian restaurant in the area. I had the Gnocchi Pesto... and it was bland. The pasta was overcooked and, thus, too soft, and it lacked flavor. The service was horrible all night as they brought us the wrong salad and the entrees came out at different times... a big NO-NO for me. We ended the night with a cannoli... whcih was like a pastry, not crispy as a cannoli is supposed to be. It had been a while so, when a buddy of mine that works in the area said let's do it, I hesitated but agreed. The first thing I can say is that the Wine List is way over priced. Caymus ($58 retail) for $110? Cakebread ($65 retail) for $110? Jordan ($45 retail) for $100? Look it, I am used to paying two even three times over retail for wine. But in Weston? At Acquolina? My bud ended up ordering a bottle of Villa Antinori (retails for $18) for $45. Oy!!!! We began with an Eggplant Stack for appetizer which was nice and I moved on to the Sea Bass Special. The fish was nice as were the accompanying vegetables though I thought the fish was basically swimming in the accompanying sauce. If you are going to serve a Chilean Sea Bass make it the show! I went in feeling great but ended the night not feeling so hot. Stomach began acting up. I had to excuse myself twice to go the bathroom and I never EVER go the bathroom in a restaurant. I don't know, I want to like this place given its proximity to home but it just doesn't do it for me. I could have paid the same and gone to Cafe Vico or paid a little more and gone to Casa D'Angelo's. And next time I probably will.
(2)Jose P.
When first walking in the restaurant the ambiance was very nice and you can go there a bit more dressed up for the occasion. - The waiter was great and very helpful. Fast service when asking for drinks. We have a son and they brought his food very quick to start off. -appetizers were delicious we had the bruschetta and calamari which both were delicious! -we had for our main course the eggplant parm. it was perfect! and our friends had the lasagna which was also very yummy. I would suggest if your starving you can eat a plate on your own. But if you aren't that hungry you can easily split the plates and share because they do serve a large portion. Overall I really enjoyed everything and I will be going back for sure!
(5)Camp L.
I went to this place this weekend and the food was really bad. The salad was soggy , the pasta was over cooked and worst of all the waiter did not seem to care. They cannot call themselves an Italian restaurant when they do not know how to cook pasta! I am a pasta lover and definitely this place is not good. Service overall was really bad. We kept on waiting for the food and even for the bill. I would not recommend this place at all.
(1)A B.
Always great. I love this place!
(5)Karen A.
It's Saturday night and my friend and I arrived before her boyfriend so we tried order him some appetizers and a cocktail before he arrived. The waiter explained to us that you can't order appetizers without ordering the main course at the same time so we should wait until the other person arrived to order. When we told him that was crazy he asked if we wanted to speak to the chef so he could explain why. We said no we don't want to speak to the chef we just want to order appetizers to have before we select our main course! Meanwhile we are starving and were able to flag down a runner for bread. I guess the waiter could see we were getting upset so he came over and said they made an "exception" and we could order the appetizers now. If it weren't for the fact that my friend's boyfriend was meeting us there I would have paid for my cocktail and left. It was really interesting how the waiter's attitude changed once the man arrived on the scene! We had Brussels sprouts and cauliflower which was delicious and calamari and the eggplant stack. It was very tasty but not really worth the drama we had to go through to simply place the order. By that time we had filled up on cocktails and bread and appetizers so we were not that hungry anymore. We ordered spaghetti and meatballs family style and were done. We usually order steaks or something more exciting but at this point we just wanted to eat something so we could get out!! Although the food wasn't bad, it was not worth the drama! Also I forgot to mention that the hostesses seemed shocked that we didn't have a reservation and acted as if we should be grateful that they were able to get us a table for 3. I don't think I will be going back unless forced to go for a business lunch.
(1)Jorge G.
Out of all the Italian restaurants I've been to this is one of my favorites! This gem is tucked in a corner of a shopping plaza but has the most amazing food. The back patio area is very romantic, try to make reservations on weekends as it tends to get very busy. Although it's a casual restaurant everyone always dresses up nice. The service here is amazing as is the food, try the lasagna it's the best I've ever had.
(5)Alex A.
Great location. Service was good but not over the top great. Wait staff had some stumbles trying to tell us about how some of the specials were prepared and also on offering suggestions. Food was freshly prepared and nicely presented. Reservations are required on weekends. Very full the night we went and they were booked solid till after 9pm. Had the sea bass - very good. Light dish. Had some capellini pasta as a side with a very light tomatoe sauce. Nicely done. Wife had lasagna. Good bit spectacular. Pretty nice wine list.
(3)Loralei P.
I rarely go to italian restaurant's and whwn o do I always get dissapointed, but this place is something different. Reminiscent of the authentic italian restaurants in New York, Acquolina is the most consistent and the most authentic ristoranre ive been to in South Florida. Fhe service is superb and the staff is very accommodating. This is the second time ive eaten here. The first time was impressive also. We sampled a smorgasbord of italian staples and ate family style. Tonight we all ordered ala carte and it was still delish. From appetizers til the coffee and dessert it was amazing. Definitely a jewel in weston worth visiting.
(5)Doris L.
Il Tuscano, the other Italian restaurant on Weston Road I have been crushing on for a while, has some formidable competition with Aqualina. The (much) smaller, more cosmopolitan, and expensive of the two, Aqualina offers many of the same Italian classics but with a more Northern Italian dish selection and a (much) more downtown bistro kind of feel. And the Puttanesca was perfection. They offer family style dishes at 40 bucks a pop which I guess is a value if you have a large crowd with a moderate appetite. If you are an all -you-can-eat type, make sure your wallet is packed because this place is not cheap. But the way I see it, I would need to travel to Miami or the Gables for the kind of meal and atmosphere that is served up at Aqualina , so I factor in the travel time, frustration, and gas money I am saving by coming here - just minutes from my front door. And did I mention that Puttanesca was to die?! I see they have specials on weekdays at the bar. Nice wine list, too. Definitely worth another visit. Sorry, Il Tuscano, I have a new crush. And his Puttanesca is hot.
(4)Shareen G.
There is an employee at this restaurant who needs to be fired. I called to place an order for pick up and Jason answered the phone. I was shocked at how disgustingly rude he was too me. As a business owner I understand the importance of excellent customer service and he would not last a day working for me with his attitude. It is a real shame because the food isn't bad. The owner of this restaurant deserves to know that Jason is treating customers in such a nasty way. I am the type of person who is well liked and gets along with everyone. He was so rude that I asked him to speak with someone else there who wouldn't be so mean on the phone and he refused! Wake up owners and monitor your employees! You will lose customers like me who won't tolerate his attitude.
(1)David G.
This restaurant is really terrible. I keep giving them a second chance, but I always end up disappointed. The food is mediocre, but it routinely comes out ice cold. Every single time I've eaten there, which is at least five or six times, I've had to send the food back to be heated up. The service is awful. It is very inconsistent. Today the food was served at all of the surrounding tables, but not to us. The plates were just dropped off. This is not what you would expect from a fine dining establishment. We had a spill at our table, and the waiters did not even bring another napkin, despite multiple requests. We eventually got up and got one from the next table. The ambience is nice and the restaurant itself is very pretty. But this is not what keeps customers returning to a restaurant. We won't be coming back anymore.
(2)Morgan C.
Well I give his place a zero. This is the first time I give a review without eating in the restaurant.i mean I called for a reservation and a very rude person answered the phone, then he said let me take care of this call coming in ??. I told him was calling for a reservation. Wow! He came back on was very rude in demeanor, said inside or outside I said inside like close to the bar. He fast said we dont do reservations for the bar area, I said near inside in a table he was so frustrated he repeated the same thing. What a dissapointment. This is what service is in Florida, no respect for the customer at all.
(1)Danielle S.
Like a lot of reviewers, I'm torn on this place. I've been here a few times over the years and unfortunately the quality and experience have worsened over time, likely as the place has gotten more and more crowded. While I initially loved this place, it feels like the food and service have gotten less memorable. I normally order the clams as an app and the lasagna as my entree. The lasagna is one of the best I've had. Very soft, melt-in-your mouth pasta with a nice sauce and a hearty portion. I've had mixed experiences with other entrees, especially the fish. The restaurant is small and normally full, so it can get very loud. Service is spotty. If the weather is nice, try to reserve a table outside by the water. It's a lot quieter and less hectic. Overall, it's still one of the better restaurants in Weston. I would just stay away on a Friday or Saturday night.
(4)Roni S.
Loved the place and the service. Desserts not really good, yet everything else was awesome.
(4)Robin T.
The food is usually wonderful here but tonight here to learn about a new drug for MS. Hopefully we will be served what the restaurant normally serves. It could be interesting. I don't know a soul here except my doctor. Well dinner is over and it was excellent. Everything was served family style. Caprese salad, stuffed mushroom , calamari and chopped salad for appetizer. Dinner consisted of Penne ala vodka, chicken francese, eggplant parmigiana and roasted garlic green beans. The staff was very accommodating for this large crowd. Oh and then dessert, cannoli, biscotti and your choice of coffee. Lovely !
(5)Andrew S.
The food is generally good. The service is hit or miss. On a recent night, we tried to order food to bring home since the kids were not in the mood to go out. The hostess picked up the phone, and asked us to "hold." Unfortunately, what she actually did was place the phone on the desk, forget about my call, thereby making the phone busy and unable to call or reach the restaurant for 30 minutes. The staff did not seem to care at all.
(2)Greg B.
I took my wife and my kids for my wife's birthday. We had a nice bottle of wine and order the chicken Marsala... The Marsala source was excellent. My wife had the grilled chicken with Alfredo pasta she loved it. On the other hand, I was little disappointed as the service and the staff was not friendly or disengaged. Had to asked for things twice. I gave them 3 stars as the food was great, but the service they need to improved. I do not know if it was because we were seating outside, witch it should not make a difference. We will return to give them another chance, but they better improve their service staff.
(3)Charles M.
First time here--made a reservation and arrived and told no guarantee of inside seating and that they "called me"....well they didn't leave a message so I had no clue. Nonetheless we were seated in short order. Bread piping hot with real butter. Eggplant stack was good but not great, but the stuffed mushrooms were amazing. My veal saltimbocca was great with a huge portion of tender veal. The spinach and bean side was overcooked. The side of Risotto was first class. My girl's Lobster Ravioli was great. Overall a solid B. ps--the wine service was flawless.
(4)Brenda P.
Dear Acquolina: I have now confirmed that we, in fact, are not a good fit. I wish you all the best but you will not hear from me ever again. Sincerely, Brenda REVIEW UPDATE: This was my original review yelp.com/biz/acquolina-f… I had been here twice before and was not convinced. This third (and last) time confirmed it. I just do not like it here. There is always something! I visited with some girlfriends. They chose the place since it's near us and one of them really loves it here. I had just met her so I went with the flow and did not tell her it was not my favorite. As a regular, she ordered for us. *Zucchini Fritti- meh *Chopped Salad- delicious. BUT, the salad that I enjoyed so much? Right after I posted this review and photos a fellow Yelp Elite friend pointed out I should take a closer look at the plate. It had a hair on it! I guess one can argue that it was my own hair. Thing is that I took that shot I posted the second the waiter put it in front of me. Urgh! *Chicken Parm- how do you mess this up? the chicken was gummy and borderline hard. Not even the cheese could save it. I took a bite and had to leave it. *Lobster Ravioli- remains the only thing I like on the menu. It's pretty good. *Gnocchi Bolognese- Honestly, I was embarrassed for them. They take the delicate gnocchi and drench it in this tomato sauce. All you can taste is the sauce! Take a look at my photo. Where was my gnocchi? I vote they rename it "Bolognese Sauce with a sprinkle of gnocchi" and serve it with a spoon so you can drink it. Search for the gnocchi at your own risk. I asked for some parm on the side. What I got was a small bowl of grated parm that looked and tasted like it came right out of a Kraft container. Did they buy this in bulk at Costco? I have no problem if this was Olive Garden but it's not. Why were they not grating or shredding it instantly from an actual block of parm? Acquolina looks and is priced like the big boys (Casa D Angelo comes to mind) but they are far away from being that grown up, elegant and graceful. It was the most painful credit card receipt I have ever signed. I do have to give them credit for an exceptional wine list which is also priced very fairly. Other than that, I really think the only reason they are busy is because the choices in Weston are somewhat limited. I hope to never have to come here again. It's just not for me.
(2)Larry R.
Excellent Northern Italian cuisine, consistently good food and drink. There is a bar special Monday-Wednesday with $5 drinks and $5 bar food which is an incredible deal. The Acquolina chopped salad is a good starter, easily shared by 2-3 people, top it with Balsamic vinegar for the full effect. The Pollo or Shrimp a la Griglia is my favorite, others in our group enjoy the veal Milanese or Parmagiana. Portions are outrageously large. Best seats are outside next to the lake as the inside gets noisy. Service is quite good.
(4)Yesil G.
Nice restaurant and good place to dine at. Little bit expensive but at the end it s ok.
(4)Beth C.
Acquolina is a great restaurant with a wonderful staff and the atmosphere is awesome! ! I have never had a bad meal here, the food is always cooked to perfection! Well worth it!
(5)Aline H.
Tasty food with friendly staff... the only thing thats a bit salty is the price... but totally worth it
(5)Lauren R.
I am giving this place one star only because our server was nice I guess, but in no way does this one reflect my opinion of the food. First I'll start with the atmosphere. We got a table outside by the lake, which was nice but I guess since we arrived early, there were about 10 employees just standing around out back, I felt like they should have just pulled up a seat at my table they were standing so close. Second, the food. We ordered the "fried" calamari. Hmmm let me just say it came out in exactly 2 minutes. I would love to know how they made it that fast! Oh I know how, it sucked and tasted like I was chewing on a balloon. I'm guessing they just threw the plate in the micro for a minute and served us, only explanation! The sauce, tasted like something a child concocted while mixing things in the kitchen, aka not good. Ah, then we ordered the chicken parm, spaghetti and meatballs. At this point I did not have very high hopes for this meal and what do you know, they met my expectations. Meatballs were dry, spaghetti was spaghetti, didn't think that could possibly taste bad but somehow it did. And lastly the chicken parm, pretty sure what I was eating wasn't even chicken...I don't even want to attempt to guess what it was. Lastly, don't order their dessert, it came right out of the fridge! Or the freezer, not sure but tasted pretty horrible. So finally, I would just like to say I do not recommend this place and next time I want to eat imitation italian I'll head over to the Olive Garden....at least they got bread sticks!
(1)Joe S.
Service and food are always excellent, staff really goes out of their way to make sure you enjoy your meal and it's obvious they appreciate their customers. Have dined there dozens of times and this is by far the best Italian food in Weston. The pork chop is fantastic and the chicken pram is always outstanding, but if you like something with a little kick try the sautéed spicy calamari (I can never remember the name on the menu but it's ridiculously delicious)
(5)Emily G.
We made a reservation, which was recommended by previous reviews. My husband and I split the veal parm and shrimp scamp. The shrimp was a bit overcooked and made it tough to eat. The veal parm was DELICIOUS! It was large enough to share. We ordered a dessert, the Vesuvius cake that was absolutely yummy, but I don't recommend sharing. Our server was attentive and friendly.
(4)Anonymous ..
Upscale. Clean. Excellent food. Good service. Great for groups or a celebration. This is likely the best choice for a private event in Weston. But you get what you pay for and I just don't have the money for table linens anymore.
(4)S M.
Solid Italian fare - from the breads to the dessert. Family size portions so order diligently. Take out lunch a bargain. Service with a smile. A Weston gem.
(4)Stu W.
Service has improved greatly over some posts. The tentacles(calamari) was just ok the sauce too salty. The lasagna was good but the meat was ground too fine for me, the sauce excellent. All meals available ind or family style except the lasagna. The rest of the table had chicken parm and chicken and broccoli both good. Tiramisu and Vesuvius cake good. Moderate pricing drinks pricey.
(3)Parker D.
The fettuccine Alfredo is excellent! But a world of caution (for all entrees) order the half size. And don't order an app. The half size is enough for 2 people. Just go and order a half size entree and it is more than enough food.
(4)Sandy W.
Three of us went to this restaurant on Sunday early evening. They were somewhat busy but we managed to get a table quickly. The service was great. We first started with the tuna carpaccio and the stuffed artichokes. The presentation was very nice. The lemon, arugula and capers added to the tuna dish made the flavors really pop. My friends ordered the lasagna and the penne vodka pasta both were very good and big portions (they both ordered the half size). I had the rustic pasta with penne and homemade sausage. That dish was simple but full of flavor. We ended with tiramisu and coffee. Great place.
(5)Esther B.
Love this location of Acquolina just as much as I love their Hallandale location. In fact, they are just about exactly the same. One exception? This location has a really nice outdoor area overlooking a lake. I just finished writing a review for the Hallandale location, and this one can be identical, so look over there if you want more menu detail. That location has been renamed Acquo 124, but at least for now, is still coming up as Acquolina. Ambiance...cozy, intimate. Service...attentive and professional. Food...delicious. And more impotrantly, consistant. Love the wine list. Lost the 5th star for serving their chicken Francaise without even a side of pasta. Sorry, not buying the "family style" excuse. Pasta is cheap! Raise the price a buck if you have to, but this dish needs to be complete, not naked. I listed attire as dressy. There really needs to be a choice between casual and dressy for places like this. Smart casual!
(4)Brian S.
Great restaurant in Weston for my girlfriend and I to be a regular at. I live in Weston, and there really isn't too much in terms of date night for us. This is a nice place for us to get dressed up and have a nice meal. We are big fans of the chopped salad and stuffed mushrooms, get that every time. The entree, we usually mix it up.. Great service, too!
(5)Ann-Gelina T.
Food was bad. Service was ok. The shrimp tasted frozen. I'm from Italy and they told me my pasta was home made ... It was not. Not going back
(3)Leza G.
Although I am not often in this area, I had to something for work so I went to Acquolina for dinner. It got really busy but the bartender and host were super nice. The one thing that absolutely blew my mind that went on my top 10 things everyone has to try is their Spedino- it is AMAZZINNGG! It is this traditional Italian appetizer with mushroom sauce and cheese on a crusty bread. Although I didnt try them, I heard the woman in the bar seat next to me talk about the clams being really great so that is my next appetizer to try there next time I am in the area. Everything else I had (fish, cheesecake) was great as well. It was overall a really great experience, between the friendly service and good food.
(5)Richard B.
Ask for the pizzaola sauce to dip your bread.
(5)Tammy D.
Went back again on a recent visit to Weston. Had the vodka pasta and it was very good. Wait staff is consistently good. I am now a fan.
(4)Maria R.
I have been coming here with family and friends for years now. It is consistently good. Good service. I prefer to sit outside, but you usually have to make a reservation and request it because this place is always busy.
(4)V A.
One of my favorite places to dine in Weston! My boyfriend and I had our first dinner date here and love visiting regularly. The stuffed mushrooms, chopped salad and chicken parm never disappoint! The service is also amazing, spot on!
(5)Nancy W.
After a disastrous experience at another restaurant in Weston ( where we ultimately chose NOT to eat), my husband and I decided to take our chance at being able to get seats at Acquolino on the Saturday before Christmas at about 7 p.m. Obviously, they were extremely busy , but after explaining our predicament, they very graciously said they would find a way to fit us in, and we were seated after a negligible wait. We had the Floridian salad and the pasta bolognese with meatballs. I'm 1/2 Italian, and this was better bolognese than my mama used to make! The food was awesome, and the portions huge. We got the family style to split, and had enough left over for 2 lunch size portions (each!). The only thing that doesn't thrill me about this place is the issue mentioned in many of the other reviews; it's pretty small, and so noisy and not intimate. This place is definitely like a big Italian family - loud, lots of sharing of meals at a table, making new friends, etc. I just wish I could have the choice between that AND a nice intimate evening with my sweetie. We will be back.
(4)Melissa P.
I give this place an "ok" with a nice atmosphere. Portions are family style, the staff is attentive and the food is generally good. I was disappointed in the $35 scarpiello, as it only contained 1/2 a chicken, and for that price I felt there should have been more, considering chicken is not an expensive ingredient. Otherwise it was delicious. The shrimp scampi was made with jumbo shrimps that were over cooked, which was really too bad as the spaghetti was perfect! The spinach with garlic was amazing. Good wine list. Also has patio seating that is air conditioned with portable units.
(3)Ralph P.
Linguini and clams was great!
(4)Damian D.
Don't let the menu fool you if you're tired of the same old Italian crap that is taking over South Florida like some space fungus. The Acquolina menus *looks* pedestrian, but it's in the execution that they do well. The sauces are the thing and they have sure hands with their sauces. Try the salads as well, simple but well done like everything else. My only complaint is with the wine list. Not nearly enough reasonably-priced choices and the glass selections are just okay. It's the type of food you can get in Miami but if you're out west you don't need to pack your bags for the trip. If you're in the area it's definitely worthy of your visit -- but be aware that the prices are a bit steep. Get what you pay for and all that.
(4)Mitchell M.
Mediocre restaurant in Boca Raton South (Weston). Popular place and it is true that service is mediocre as waiters can leave you hanging for long periods of time. But food is just so so to be polite. I liked the chicken parmagiana but the other 4 diners were not impressed. The strawberry salad with balsamic vinaigrette had dressing that was too thick for my taste but some tablemates felt that was the best part of the meal. What was AWFUL was the soggy penne with broccoli that was absolutely tasteless regardless of the garlic buds (no taste of garlic) and the chicken scarp (Acquolina special) which was heavily laden with red peppers but was tasteless and dry with little sauce. All in all we wanted to get out of there quick because it just was not good. Go east because most restaurants west are either mediocre or awful.
(2)R C.
A group of six of us came here for dinner on Saturday night. Reservations were good to have since it was pretty full. Outdoor seating was nice, on the water, breezy and warm. I'm assuming outdoor seating is normal here in Weston but I'm not sure. There was live music, and a lively crowd enjoyed it. A few diners decided to go at it karaoke style. Fun overall, though it can get loud if you're near the speakers - if you're sensitve to noise or want it a bit quieter, be aware of the live music nights and how close you are to it. You may prefer indoors. Service was good, despite the place being packed. The food was good too. Huge servings. If you order anything with pasta, expect a lot of pasta. Stuffed mushrooms were flavorful, but heavy on the breadcrumbs. Meatballs were good (not fantastic, but pretty good). The ragu is pretty thin. The sole was good too, as was the ravioli. No complaints on the food at all - everyone enjoyed it, though no one could finish their dishes. If you're looking for a fun place to dine in Weston, this place is for you.
(4)Salomon S.
Let me start by saying that the food at this joint is solid. Nothing wrong with the food but this restaurant is to fine dining what the Jersey shore cast is to italian americans. It has this arrogance about it that is laughable. I think the owner believes that he is running the French Laundry of Weston when in reality he's trying hard to pretend its a high class outfit. During tonight's visit, we asked for a reservation outside and despite having multiple tables available, he made a mistake and could not sit us outside. Did he apologize -- why would he? The waiter however did follow protocol and instructed us to put all our order in at once - uh? Its really our fault because we have been there before and did not feel welcome. We should not have gone back. If you want outstanding experience and food try runway 84, martoranos or Kittchenetta (where italian americans go.) Wanna pay less go to Marolas. Bottom line -- pointed out a nice place for them to hung my picture since they won't see me again.
(2)Roberto T.
The decor was nice, service lacking , food avarge, over priced would not recommend or return. FYI the waiter included a 20% tip on the bill said it is required as per the owner
(1)Dede P.
We love Acquolina for special occassions and casual dining. Especially when the weather is nice so we can sit outside by the water. Food is really tasty!
(5)Fernando S.
My wife and friends went to this restaurant on a friday night. They were kicked out of the restaurant by a guy named Jason who said he was the owner. He was extremely rude and nasty to them. He did not want to accommodate them because he said he did not have tables, but almost all restaurant was empty. Then they sat outside in the patio, which was totally empty when he tried to move them to another table because he did not want to "waste" a table with 5 chairs for 4 people, and lastly and worse he even told them that they should not speak Spanish! What kind of ownership is that? What kind of service and hospitality this restaurant has? I'm glad they left that place and went across the street to Mallardis in which they were treated as "divas" as they deserve! Just by reading other reviews, Acquolina is certainly not known for good food or service!... if you want to be mistreated and eat average to bad, then Acquolina is your place!
(1)Cristina C.
Great food, some dishes super overwhelming on their size! Good service & some great atmosphere...
(4)Sam H.
In our never ending search of fine Italian food in Broward, we tried Acquolina just a few minutes from our house...For the first and last time, oh let me tell you. It is a very busy place, ridiculously loud, and it "appears" like a very upscale white cloth Italian restaurant. For an app we ordered some potato ball things, I wish I could remember what they were called. They were frozen and still half frozen when they arrived at our table on a plate with no garnish or sauce. We had to send them back to be re-microwaved since they were inedible. They are no longer on the menu FYI. My girl gets the chicken francese, I decide to try my usual chicken marsala. The abundance of oil that was used to sautee the chicken etc. in our dishes, was separated from the other sauces on our plates. So I had a plate 3/4 full of oil separated from the stock/marsala wine, and my girl had a plate 3/4 full of oil separated from the lemon butter sauce...disgusting to say the least. If you are using so much oil, dump it before you add other sauces. I was extremely disappointed especially after a $100+ bill for a plate full of oil. Maybe they have good food, but our experience was so bad it's hard to even consider going back. Actually no Thanks, the search for decent Italian in Western Broward continues....
(1)Crystal N.
Excellent service with family style entrees. The portions are large! I went with 4 other people. We ordered 2 entrees and a side of burnt broccoli. The food was delicious! And, we had leftovers! The frutti di mare is well worth the money! Seafood is fresh! For dessert, we had limoncello shots, which our server, Alonso recommended, with Tiramisu. The dessert was great. It tasted as if it was right out of mama's kitchen! Lol. Overall, the ambiance, service, food, and portions were all worth the price. Our bill was around $180 including roughly a $40 tip for excellent service. We had caesar salad, 2 main courses, dessert, shots, and dessert. The price is really not bad for getting exactly what you want in South Florida.
(5)Jocelyn J.
Went for the first time last night with a friend. First impression was that it was a quaint little restaurant which, once inside, didn't feel like it belonged in a shopping center/strip mall type of location. The lighting, decor and wait staff gave this restaurant a feel of a cool, mediterranean oasis. We were lucky to have a charming waiter who told us the specials soon after we were seated. We decided to share the buffalo mozzarella and prosciutto appetizer which was delish but HUGE!! They also served up some warm, crusty bread which was yummy. I ordered the lobster ravioli which was very tasty. My friend had the gnocchi in a cream sauce which she said she loved. Our waiter was very attentive and had a great manner. We will definitely be going back to try some of their other dishes.
(4)