Acqua Via
500 Capitol Way S, Olympia, WA, 98501
Acqua Via Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Olympia for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Olympia for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Olympia for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
500 Capitol Way S
Olympia, WA, 98501 - Phone (360) 357-6677
- Website https://www.acquavia.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
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Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : No
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Intimate
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
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Dakota R.
A smaller, lighter and casual option to its cousin, the over-priced and heavy Waterstreet Bar and Cafe down the street. Get the Panzanella Bread Salad or the Lamb Ragu Pasta with cinnamon creme freche. Small plates are great for sharing and the cocktails ("seasonal hooch") are worth exploring. Only pitfall is the service--one amazing hostess running to keep up with the bar and restaurant. Owners need to triple her salary and hire some extra help. To-go orders can be tricky, since they rarely answer the phone. But, if you have a few minutes after work, stop by, place your to-go order and sip a cold beverage. If you are in a hurry, move on. Chopped salad is a to-go staple for us during legislative session.
(4)Sarah S.
Great for lunch! Had a delicious boar & black bean chili alongside a chicken, pesto and goat cheese half. Everything was delicious to include the glass of Aglianico the sweet server recommended. They put mint in the water. It's generally just a charming place. For five stars... I was one of two small parties but food still took about 20 mins to come out. The chili was lukewarm and couldn't melt the cheese garnished on top. Lunch menu was a little small for my preference. Reviews should mention this is a soup or sandwich sort of lunch place and the rave reviews on fonduta etc won't apply.
(4)Ali D.
I'm going to be very honest: I daydream about the goat cheese thyme fondue at Acqua Via. Creamy and luscious, it's mild yet still sharp from the goat cheese and fragrant from the thyme. It's a good thing it's served with a side of baguette otherwise you might just find me just drinking it with a straw... Other than the delectable goat cheese fondue, Acqua Via is a modern, hip little cafe/restaurant in the heart of downtown Olympia. If you're in the mood for delicious, upscale food in a laid-back, intimate environment, this is a neat and unique place to try. Perfect for a date or dinner with friends. Another item I would highly recommend is the baked penne with lamb ragu. Sounds ordinary enough, right? WRONG. This baked penne has succulent braised ground lamb in a tomato cream ragu baked to cheesy perfection drizzled with cinnamon creme fraiche and fresh basil. It's comfort in a bowl.
(4)Matt K.
We found this place on our drive from Portland to Vancouver when we were looking for some lunch. And we're glad we did! The service was good, and the food very tasty. I had the chicken pesto sandwich and it was very good. And they have a decent selection of wine and beer, which was also a plus. We didn't stay and check out Olympia, but we're grateful we found this place for a great lunch!
(4)Smart Shopper P.
My new favorite restaurant! We ordered several different items to share since it was our first visit. Our night consisted of Clams, cheese plate, fingering potatoes, oxtail cannelloni and crème brûlée with a bottle of the Bruno wine. Really seemed like magic was happening in the kitchen and found myself asking "Who is this amazing chef!" The flavor in every single bite was extraordinary!!! Can't wait for our next visit. YUMMY!!!
(5)Kate M.
I went here with my boyfriend to get drinks and some dessert last night, and we had a pretty scary experience. First of all, the good: the waitress/bartender was very sweet and made us some delicious drinks. She was running ragged trying to wait/bartend by herself and still managed to be very friendly and helpful. The bad: Since it took a while to get our drinks, we were watching the chefs in the kitchen. The first thing we saw was a chef without gloves who put his hair up into a bun, then immediately grabbed a handful of carrot shavings to put on a salad! Then, we saw him put his finger in his mouth and touch another dish of food! All of this happened without him washing his hands. We were so grossed out that we decided not to eat and just left after our drinks. Why would you have an open kitchen if your chefs are unhygienic?? We are definitely never going back here. If you do, be aware there will probably be unwashed hands touching your food.
(1)Paula B.
Absolutely fantastic. The food, atmosphere and service were all great. What a great little restaurant, I will remember this next time I am in Olympia.
(5)Richard S.
I'll definitely go back. This restaurant is a cozy place with nice atmosphere, terrific food, and great service. My partner and I stopped in for dinner last night. There were several tables that were designed for 2, plenty of seating at a counter, and tables for 4. My partner got a signature cocktail while I got their fresh ginger ale. The cocktail was a little overpowering on the rosemary. If you love ginger, as I do, then the ginger ale is incredible. We had the Twin Oaks goat cheese - thyme fondue and split a Panzanella salad to start. Both were fantastic. The salad was spinach, tomatoes, basil pesto crostini, carmelized onion, mushrooms, and caulifower tossed with a lemon vinaigrette. Tip: take some of the salad and dip it into the fondue. The lemon flavors on, say, the roasted cauliflower, pair well with the fondue. For dinner my partner had a Dover Sole Special which had an herbed butter sauce, spinach, shaved fennel, and gnocchi. Very good. I had the lamb ragu with herbed polenta, tomato cream, cinnamon creme fraiche, a blend of four cheeses, and fresh herbs. The ragu was rich and perfect for a chilly fall day. The polenta was light and almost cake like and helped lighten the ragu a bit. Save room for dessert. My partner had the goat cheese cheesecake with graham cracker crust, and a vanilla syrup. I had the Pot de Creme with a beet sauce and topped with fresh sage leaves. Do eat the leaves with the dessert, but a little goes a long way. Wines are by the glass or the bottle. All of them. It's a tasteful selection of European and Northwest wines. A number of varietals in a variety of styles are represented. Just long enough to feel like you have a choice and not too long to be confused. Our server was wondeful. She knew her dishes and kept an eye on us. When my partner switched to wine and asked for a suggestion, the server brought out tastings of her two recommendations. One of them was chosen and enjoyed. The dishes are not large, but they were more than enough for us. We brought home leftovers.
(4)Marie J.
My favorite dinner spot in Olympia...
(4)Craig J.
Wonderful dining at Aquas Via! Creative and scrumptious food is pleasantly served. The Pork Cheeks were tender and the almond green beans add a compliment to the making of a deconstructed fall meal. The blueberry reduction tasted strong at first, but I was sopping up the sauce with everything on the plate by the end. Yum! The Skirt Steak was very tender and the broccoli was cooked just right. It was over a light cucumber and creme freshe sauce that was so light, and added a nice new taste to the dish. We ordered entree sizes, but small plates allow you to order more of the menu. Next time!! I would definitely come back to try new dishes here. I hear all the ingredients are organic and locally sourced. And the menu changes monthly, if not weekly.
(5)Rachel H.
I wish I could rate this place more highly. The ambiance is nice and I know it's pretty good by Olympia standards. The waiters were friendly and the food was just decent. The service was a bit slow and distracted - I waited for a long time before being greeted even though the place was less than half full and there were five staff members in plain sight - and the server forgot to bring parts of my order, and then had to be reminded. Not a huge deal, but not a four star experience and probably not quite good enough for the price, which was very high. The wine was regrettable, unfortunately. I might give this place another try, but with much adjusted expectations. Overall disappointed.
(3)Ken A.
What pretty food! What mediocre ambiance & service, excessive prices, small portions and merely adequate cooking. Cobwebs hanging from the ceiling. I won't be back.
(1)Pearl W.
I didn't try any of the food here because nothing really sounded good, but I did order one of the special cocktails. I ended up not liking the cocktail and sent it back for a glass of wine. The server was nice, but kind of slow.
(2)Lark C.
Some of the worst service I have ever experienced, the waiter blamed the kitchen. Irrelevant as we had theatre tickets, allowed an hour and 45 minutes, ordered cold oysters which were mediocre and salads, an hour later they had managed the oysters and bread. Salad was over the top, too many salty proteins. At this price, the whole experience was appalling. We will not return. The waiter forgot several small requests to boot, adding insult to injury.
(1)Morgan H.
Food was pretty good!y boyfriend and I dined here last week for the first time. It was a Saturday night around 715. We got a cozy corner table, which was nice considering we made reservations that day. The bruschetta was really really good. It had some prosciutto on a piece of toast, not your standard loaf used for bruschetta. When choosing my entree I was disappointed because almost everything had mushrooms in it, which I can't eat, and I was told they couldn't be made without them. So I ended up getting a butter lettuce leaf salad with pancetta and a few old things. It was very good. My boyfriend got a wild boar penne, which was also very good. We had creme brûlée for dessert, and it was pretty standard. The server wasn't the most attentive I've ever had, but she was nice enough. The menu was slightly overpriced, but I feel that the food was worth it. I'd recommend!
(4)Derek H.
Our fav in Olympia. Great food and staff. needs to be updated / FIXED, , especialy chairs and tables.
(5)Brooke U.
Been here for twenty minutes now, with half of my delicious caprese sandwich gone and a good dent in my impressively creative cocktail. I'm absolutely in love with this place! I might have to order something else to accompany my next cocktail... This is amazing.
(5)Roger R.
Ordered the calamari steaks. Excellent! Undecided about Red Wine so they bought several samples to try. Settled onD'Angelo Aglianico del Vulture 2010. Spicy and Robust! Service was excellent and friendly. No rush to finish. When dinner is finished, go for the forbidden rice pudding with toasted coconut gelato!
(5)Janet B.
It was a special evening for us, and Acqua Via was EXQUISITE that night (9/6). The two dishes in particular that were WOW were the steak scallopini with chantrelles and crispy kale and the forbidden rice pudding with toasted coconut gelato. OMFG!!!! Both of these were incredible. I don't usually like "crispy kale" but it was SO light and scrumptuous atop the thinly sliced steak. The sauce and chantrelle mushrooms were - again - so delicate and savory at the same time, and the combination of flavors was so layered and musical. TOTAL wow moment. We got the forbidden rice pudding thinking it would be great. Let me just say this: eating it was orgasmic. UNbelievably sensuous, ambrosia-like. TOTAL wow moment #2. Thank you Acqua Via.
(5)Jessica R.
A cute, romantic downtown Mediterranean restaurant in downtown Olympia. You are given a glass jar of ice water with a sprig of mint that you pour yourself. For drinks, you have a great selection of wines which range from low to high in price, as well as seasonal cocktails. The Ares Blood was my favorite! The menu is small and mostly consist of small plate appetizers and fresh salads. We had an anti pasta and the goat cheese fondue (food heaven!). For our dinner, the chop salad and the chicken salad. Both were equally filling and delicious! For dessert, we had the molten cake. It was beautiful to look at, but pretty so-so on flavor. This is a great spot for drinks, apps, and date night!
(4)S B.
Extraordinary everything...food, drinks, ambience- just a really special place serving great food. Worth a long drive for sure
(5)Allie S.
A friend of mine went there for lunch, he ordered a salad and a carbonated water. He waited 45 minutes before leaving without being served. There were three other people seated. Ridiculous. I'm upset to hear about this service, because I heard they had great food. Needless to say, ill never be going there..
(1)James C.
I am moving out of Olympia soon and will definitely miss AV. The pace of the meal, the creativity, and the friendly staff all make the place a great spot for dinner. It has slowly grown into my favorite restaurant in town. Farewell Acqua Via. I will miss you.
(4)Jeff S.
After walking around downtown Olympia for an hour we needed something to eat. Thanks to the Yelp app, Acqua Via showed up with good ratings and luckily it was right around the corner. The restaurant is very welcoming inside. An old building with the typical tall ceilings, but thoughtfully updated with white walls and rustic wood floors and tables. They seemed moderately busy and I noticed they had only one server working the lunch shift. Okay, patience now. Our server was very nice and we ordered a few glasses of wine as we made up our minds. They had a display case full of fresh vegetables and we noticed a few bins of fresh oysters. Hmm, didn't see oysters on the lunch menu but the server and chef were happy to accommodate us. Nice creamy, mild local Virginica oysters served on the halfshell with a WA state pinot gris. Very nice. From the menu we ordered a trio of bruschettas. Small plates but very generous portions. Smashed corona beans and onions, mushroom and aritchoke, and an egg salad with kalamata olives. All were quite tasty and just the right portions for lunch. We also ordered the creamy artichoke soup. It was rich and flavorful, but the consistency was very grainy and fibrous. I'm know chef, but they really should have used an emulsion blender. It was actually a bit difficult to eat this way. The server was great, but it seemed like they could have used another person to assist at this time of day. I could tell other people were waiting a long time for their food. I enjoyed my wine and tried to remember my New Years resolution to be more patient. If Yelp had 3.5 stars I'd probably give that rating for my initial experience. Overall, it was a tasty lunch and a nice find for downtown Olympia.
(4)Dennis K.
A wonderful discovery in downtown Olympia, just around the corner from the Washington Center for the Performing Arts. Nice, sturdy wooden tables with ample space for all the little/big plates you'll want to order. I opted for an antipasti plate without cheese (lactose intolerance), and what was served was a huge platter with crostini, two sliced charcuterie meats, a small pike of roasted garlic cloves that melted in your mouth, exquisite apple slices and serving of quince, plus a bowl of pickles, pickled carrots and green olives...absolutely wonderful! Whatever space remained after this was amply filled by a braised pork cheek and reduction with fresh asparagus and cauliflower gratin. The coffee was excellent and my only regret was not having the time to look at their dessert menu! Excellent, low-key service complemented by minimal background noise (some places have music playing so loud you can't hear yourself think; this restaurant space invites conversation between two or more!). I know I will be back the next time I'm in Olympia.
(5)Amandine C.
Wow!!! Everything was so so good!!! HIGHLY recommend, so do my coworkers... we had dinner there during a conference and were looking for a place. Just picked this one because it had good reviews. They were way right!
(5)Andrea B.
Amazing spot for happy hour. Goat cheese fondue is wonderful. Salads are entree sized and really good. Wine list is excellent. Service is unobtrusive and they give great recommendations.
(5)Melissa F.
Alright, I came back here for a Sunday dinner and I've reduced one star. The reason I said this was my favorite type of food before is because I felt the food tasted like the food it was meant to. The clams I ordered the last time tasted like clams rather than like butter and herbs. Great cooking should bring out the wonderful natural flavor of things, rather than mask them. (Nothing bugs me more than seeing mahi mahi on a menu covered in tomato sauce. Blech!) There were 4 of us this time. We had a slice of Manchengo cheese, Bruschetta Catalan, Roasted Chicken Salad, Penne with Lamb Ragu, and Tiger Prawns. First off, the Manchengo was from Costco. Really? I'm paying $3 for this tiny wedge of Costco cheese. Very disappointed!! The bruschetta catalan was totally delicious. Little wedges of toasted bread with melted cheese very artfully arranged, topped with bits of bacon, and I think basil and some kind of pesto sauce. Everyone loved this. Roasted Chicken Salad got a very positive vote. The medley of flavors went together very nicely, as did the Tiger Prawns. They really were prawns and not little shrimps that people try to pass off as prawns. They tasted very fresh and were served in a cream sauce over a crostini with some salad greens. Everything just tasted fresh and the flavors were new to me but all blended nicely. The lamb ragu was lacking. You could barely taste the lamb and the sauce itself was very mild and bland. Clearly this is a hit or miss, and some dishes are better than others. Normal with every place, certainly. The Costco cheese really bugged me. For a place that claims to serve a lot of local and organic and yadda yadda best quality foods (which I love!), what is up with the cheese? If it's not obvious by now, I'm a bit of a cheese snob. Take a hint from Swing's cheese plates, please. They have amazing cheeses!
(3)Brent W.
My wife and I gave this place another try to get a consensus on what we think of Acqua Via. A table for two was waiting for us hidden in the corner. The temperature inside was a bit coolish and the noise a bit loud. The old interior has character and so do the lights they use. The interior design reminded me of a cafe you would find in a large city. I tried the seafood stew while my wife did a salad and appetizer - skirt steak with polenta. My seafood stew was good and the portion size was just right. The seafood was very fresh. My wife had to send back the skirt steak as it was too 'grisely'. They tried again and it seemed to work for her. For dessert my wife tried a coconut macaroon rice pudding. It was interesting tasting but not divine. Our server was attentive and the atmosphere was casual. I felt the chef and menu designers try to come up with creative selections. However the end result is only above average at best. Acqua Via offers a good option for downtown but at this price point there is plenty of competition for your culinary dollar...
(4)Greg S.
A few of my buddies go here to drink wine and eat meats and cheese, great place to have a conversation...
(5)Dion R.
Visiting from out of town and ate at acqua via twice. The food is AMAZING! Don't let the rustic food label fool you, their food is rich and savory. I tried the prawn and flank steak and the pork belly over kale and grape sauce. Both were beautifully presented and legitimately delicious. Their cocktails are a work of art and Elle at the bar puts them out like pancakes at an orphanage. Try the Lavandula made with lavender and honey vodka they also have great beers enjoy.
(5)Heather S.
I came in for a working lunch when there was one other table. Despite my clearly having a stack of books and a large portfolio, the waitress insisted I move to a tiny booth...just in case they got busy. I grudgingly obliged and wound up next to two loud women who dropped F bombs every other word. When I explained that I would like another table she could've cared less. I left. I am not going back. No food can excuse such abysmal service.
(1)Brandon H.
Capitale salad was really good, as were meatball sandwich for lunch. Overpriced though. Haven't had dinner there. I found portions to be small especially for sides. Be prepared to order a salad that costs as much as an entree.
(4)M B.
I dig Acqua Via, they have tasty food and it's approximately decently priced (some things are a bargain, others aren't). The atmosphere is meh, sparse and kinda ugly. I have eaten several things here and while they usually are not what I'd imagined they would be, they generally have thoughtful ingredients which are plated with care. The two main problems I have with this joint are: 1. The bread. We are ordering lots of plates, with cheese, cured meats (love the duck prosciutto), and other things. I like my cheese n meats to come with bread. Well getting bread is tricky. They said "we only warm up one baguette at a time." This shocked me since the restaurant was full and I'm would venture that EVERYONE in the place wanted more bread! Bread ain't that expensive, PLEASE GIVE US MORE BREAD. 2. They might be going for the slow, not in a rush, aloof waiter thang, here. If so then they nailed it. Nobody's in any hurry to get anything here. And they can make you feel like an asshole for asking where the food is. Especially for more bread. Hipster chic is one thing, being very slow is another. I wouldn't let these things stop me from eating here again as it might be one of the better places in Oly. If it were in any other city, it would be mocked. Give it a try, wines are great. Foods actually pretty good. Just don't be very hungry or in a rush, or anywhere close to 9pm (they close then).
(4)Olivia T.
I will apologize in advance to the out-of-towners & the untrue Olympians who THINK that Acqua Via is the place to be, because it's not. It's made to look classy and a spot for the fancier to enjoy. However, myself being an avid walker, is constantly passing this restaurant only to find 0 to maybe 3 people in the place at a time. It's dead! I've dined here 3 times. The first two times I had to have them take my food back because of temperature problems and them adding ingredients I asked kindly to leave out. Third times a charm? Maybe. I knew this would be my last experience in this restaurant so I ordered the simple sorbet. They were out of sorbet. I settled for the Creme Brulee. Not the best I've had but it was okay. As a side note, I wish there were more options on the menu itself. Overall, I can't say I'm feeling this restaurant and as far as the service goes, I'd say a "face palm" is in order. I've definitely experienced better.
(2)Melanie F.
Food here is Fantastic! Sandwiches and salads!! Cheesecake was the best I have ever had! Service is the only reason I'm giving this 4 stars. It could definitely be improved.
(4)Nicole Z.
Stopped in for appetizers with a couple girlfriends. Took a while for us to get acknowledged when we walked in, this put us off a bit but once seated the service was better. We split the fingerling potatoes, goat cheese thyme fondue, and the creme brûlée. Everything was super tasty, but the fondue was absolute heaven. The sugar coating on the brûlée was the thickest I've had, so it was a bit to bite through. They also seemed to have a very good wine selection both in variety and price with many glasses starting as low as six dollars which is very reasonable for a swanky place. Overall a good Oly find.
(4)Daniel M.
I've eaten here twice and had excellent food and service both times. The small dishes/appetizers vary from being small to large, so if you aren't sure which is which, ask. All were good, as were the entrees. I haven't had a bad dish yet at Acqua Via, and service was friendly and attentive. Two quibbles: - The wine list could be more expansive. Really, I'd spend more on wine if you'd let me. - On weeknights, the restaurant closes at 8:00 p.m. Really? I realize Olympia isn't necessarily Manhattan, but it's not like everyone in this town is up at the crack of dawn to feed the livestock. If you're serving dinner (especially a dinner as good as one at Acqua Via) you should keep the doors open until 9:00. Even on weekdays.
(4)Madelyn D.
LOVE this place. So delicious and the ingredients are good quality and local. The lunch menu is really reasonably priced with a wide variety of unique sandwich and salads. There's usually a few delicious soups as well. I have no complaints! My favorite sandwich is a pork sandwich with apple butter and carmelized onions with like white cheddar. It's grilled. It's SO good. Served with homemade chips. I usually get a side salad or soup to go with, just because I'm greedy. Dinner is more expensive and for my budget it definitely has to be a special night to spend the extra money, but it's always worth it to me. I just think their food is really special. Also they serve pitchers of water with some kind of herb in the bottom which gives the water a really yummy taste. But yeah, food is always unique and pleasing to the taste-buds, you can tell the chef considers it an art not just a job. The only thing I will say about Aqua Via is that the service is not always amazing. It's never bad though, just not always up to the standard of the food. Sometimes you can feel a little unwanted. But I get the sense that it's just because they seem to hire shy women as waitresses. If I were the owner I would encourage my wait staff to get a little more enthusiastic about the food and sell it a little. When I go to a nice restaurant for dinner I want to be encouraged that what I'm ordering is worth the price. Overall they kick ass and are definitely in my top five favorite places to eat.
(5)Dorothy G.
Had a fabulous dinner here recently. Shared three small plates and three large plates among 3 adults. Bruchetta was best I've ever eaten. Penne with lamb ragu was perfect. Steak salad was delicious. Great service.
(5)Jennifer K.
If you're in the mood for a slow dinner with a glass and wine and friends, this is a great place to go. Not recommended for those in a hurry since there's usually only one waiter to serve all tables, but not a problem if your intention was to linger and chat. Entrees, cheeses, and wines by the glass rotate out on a generally bi-annual schedule, and the cooking is solidly good, whether you're there for lunch or dinner. Most desserts are made in-house, and they serve Olympic Mountain ice cream. Except when they're out.
(4)J.D. M.
We had the "small plates" or appetizers for dinner tonight. We had lox with watercress and local caviar, lambs tongue on toast, 3 pesto, and the goat cheese fondue. The coffee was very good too. The lamb's tongue was somewhat disappointing because the sauce on the toast overpowered the subtle flavor of the lamb. Over all we were happy with the selections. I had the Praline Gelato for dessert, it was creamy and delicious. The service was excellent.
(4)Beth W.
Enjoyed my second visit at Acqua Via last night as much as my first. The food was very satisfying and our server did a great job making recommendations and guiding our wine selection. I love the fact they change up the menu and bring new things as well as keep some of the top favorites. I went for the penne with gorgonzola which was delicious and wasn't too heavy (as I had wondered when I was deciding what to order). A nice restaurant in the heart of downtown Olympia that I'll definitely visit again.
(4)Anna R.
The food is absolutely delicious and the service is professional and thoughtful.
(5)Lacey C.
My husband and I stopped in for lunch on a Sunday afternoon. The decor is decent, but there is not much seating and it felt cramped at our tiny table. Once we sat down it took quite a while for the server to come, because he was the only one there: running the bar, waiting tables, cleaning tables, and cashing out customers. We chose the special, which was angel hair pasta with kale and clams. It took FOREVER to get our food! It took approximately 45 minutes for us to get it. The clams were good, but the pasta was bland. Also, the portion size left something to be desired for an entre. I am a small girl, and don't normally eat a lot anyways, an left hungry. I was disappointed in my overall experience.
(2)Sam M.
Food is fantastic! Service is lousy. Had to wait about an hour before we got our meal...good thing we weren't in a hurry. Interior is cute
(4)Jen C.
This is, by far, our favorite restaurant in Olympia, particularly when we don't want to spend a ton. The pros: -Great vibe, great wine, great food, AMAZING coconut rice pudding dessert! -Stick with the regular menu, as the specials have yet to outshine One con: -There are multiple chefs, each who execute the meals slightly differently. SO, if you fall in love with a dish, it might be a bit different the next time you go. No dish has ever been bad, but sometimes the tweaks don't make the dishes better than the other time(s) we've had them.
(5)Nora M.
I dine out frequently. The food I ate at Acqua Vi in August 2009 is the best food I have ever eaten in a restaurant. Never before, have I wanted to make loud eating pleasure noises in public, but I wanted to do the whole hand gesturing and exclamation thing, like they show in movies set in Italy. For a second opinion, I took some takeout home to my adult daughter and her husband. Since they were at home, they didn't have any problems exclaiming loudly over the PRAWNS WITH CROSTINI hazelnut, blue cheese sauce, toasted organic bread, shredded fennel, black olive, spring mix. I would like to give a complete description of the olives, cheese and wine, but I will just say that it was so incredible, I went back the next day. Next time, I'm in the Olympia area, I will go with computer in hand and write a fuller review!
(5)JOSHUA K.
Love this place. My wife and I love eating here for lunches and dinner and the wine list is great (good italian wines). The linguini is so delicious (a favorite) and any of the cheese/meet platters will please.
(5)mister k.
One night on a very specific quest for a good dessert date, the wife and I settled on trying Acqua Via. We were celebrating, so we decided to go all out and do drinks and appetizers, too. Luckily for me, not really a wine drinker in a wine joint, they have a couple beers on tap. Some beer and their goat cheese-thyme fondue seemed like a perfect start, and it was. The fondue was incredible, and our server noticed right away that we would need more bread to sop up every last bit of cheesy goodness. Thank god we didn't only get dessert, because the fondue saved the night. We ordered two different desserts to share, and both were so stale they should have been tossed at least 2 nights before. Disappointing, but at least the night wasn't a total loss.
(3)Juli M.
Casual but classy, and especially the food which has an air of sophistication that is missing at the more rustic and less relaxed Portofino. Excellent cured meats from Seattle's Salumi and a great selection of cheeses. Well worth going in and just ordering a number of meats and cheeses and enjoying them with the frankly fantastic bread. I'd been put off before worrying I'd feel too out of place or underdressed, but with a dull roar on a packed night and a TV behind the bar, it's obviously not fine dining and perfectly comfortable once you're in the door. The desserts made on site are good but a little simplistic though with excellent craftsmanship in the details, like a hint of honey in a chocolate accent. There's pretense but the food is really crafted well enough to back it up. It's mediterranean with a heavily-seasonal menu and through a distinct New American filter. Head and shoulders above snooty Mercato across town and for a light but exquisite meal it's no more expensive than a heavy and sloppy meal at the nearby Darby's Cafe.
(5)Adrian S.
This place is nothing to get excited about. The lunch service was very slow. Which shouldn't have been a surprise, since there was only one waiter working the whole restaurant. Also, I would bet that there was only one cook in the kitchen. Anyway, I had "The Cubano" -- a black forest ham, roasted pork, and swiss cheese panini. I couldn't really taste the pork. It just tasted like a grilled ham and cheese sandwich to me. My wife had the "The Italian," which is a panini with smoked mozzarella, artichoke hearts, roasted tomato, and roasted peppers with an italian vinaigrette. She said it was just okay. Also, I got the feeling that they were trying to save on the heating bill, since it was pretty cold inside. This place could be a lot better.
(3)TOM O.
I'm Confused. It seems as if this place is trying to be all things to all people. The menu seemed varied to me. Italian, French, Northwest or some kind of fusion? I don't get it. Or, maybe it was the music playing overhead that threw me off. Smooth Jazz? Oh wait, Crosby, Stills and Nash? Nope, now it's James Brown. Ok seriously, is that Usher? Overall, the meals were pretty decent and prices reasonable. There is plenty of room but the large space was cold (temperature). The staff was pleasant and accommodating.
(2)Aaron F.
We were driving through Olympia for the first time, seeking out some dinner on the way to the Washington coast, when we noticed a particularly nice looking - yet down to earth - restaurant with a "cafe" sign on it. Sometimes the best meals are the complete surprises; on a road trip I'm happy to eat almost anything, but little did I know I was about to have one of the best meals of my life. I ordered the yellowtail tuna, an extremely fresh piece of fish served with grilled cauliflower (yum), carrots and a particularly good sauce. On the side was a simple house salad covered with particularly tasty grated Parmesan. I was one happy camper. What else can I say? It was so good we stopped again for lunch on the way back. The prosciutto panini is out of this world. Enjoy!
(4)Jamie G.
I enjoy sitting in Acqua Via and people watching. The wine is always good and the food ( although expensive), worth the visit. The "little bites" are truly little, but thank goodness as we live in a culture where big bigger huge meals are usually awful. A nice bite of cheese and dried meant can be awesome without eight or mine bites tempting you.
(4)Floozy Q.
I come here somewhat frequently since Olympia is severely lacking in reasonably decent restaurants and this is slightly above par for this town. Both the food and service can be hit or miss, but unfortunately it is still one of the better restaurants in this culinarily barren town. I have had some good pasta dishes, including a truffled mac n' cheese that the obnoxious manager told us we shouldn't order because we would never like it (it was heavy but delicious). I usually get the Vermont panini (black forrest ham, apple chutney, caramelized onions and melted swiss if I am correct) which is totally awesome. Sometimes I will get the duck prosciutto salad with almonds, orange coulis and blue cheese dressing which I enjoy but none of my friends who have tried it share the same feelings. Some of the charcuterie items are good but if I recall correctly most of them come from Armandino Batali's Salumi in Seattle. One thing I will say is they make a kick ass coconut cream pie. Unfortunately I have also many mediocre to just plain bad dishes including a truly disgusting lasagna (so dry I couldn't taste the filling, it looked like it was just layers of overcooked pasta). I was once charged $4.50 for an olive oil marinated octopus salad that literally came in one of those plastic take out condiment containers. And not the bigger size either! The ones that hold about two tablespoons! I have had VERY slow service on several occasions despite the place being nearly empty. Overall I think that they are trying to be an upscale place in a town that doesn't really do that kind of thing. Olympia seems to like it overall but I think Aqua Via would flounder and close within the year in any real city where people have better palates.
(3)Sally P.
I've been to Acqua Via 4 times because I love the food and the wine, however the rude service drove me away. I generally dine alone and always do so early when there are few diners so I don't take up a full table. Once I was turned away when there was only one occupied table because they would get busy within an your. Another time I met my friend and after 30 minutes, we were still savoring the last morsels on our plates and we were told they needed out table because people were waiting. The one wait staff has never been friendly and her rudeness makes us feel like we intruded on her restaurant. The prices are a little high. I would pay them if the service was better and not su rude. I gave up on this restaurant.
(2)Kristina B.
A great place to try some wine and have a panini or salad for a late afternoon lunch. They get docked for the fruit fly situation, which they really need to get a handle on. The staff is very knowledgeable and they can make a mean cheese plate to pair with your wine selection. We split a panini and salad, which was very filling. That being said, I would put this place in the lunch category and probably not go here for dinner. I can see how it would get expensive and I think they do better with quick service food rather than fancy dinners.
(3)Sarah L.
I go at least once each time I visit Olympia... Great, casual atmosphere, reasonable prices and tons of unique wine choices. I prefer the lunch menu over the dinner menu. But, what's up with being closed for Monday lunch...don't folks lunch on Mondays??
(4)Yosafena C.
Tasteful, casual atmosphere and well prepared food. The pastas and salads are particularly delectable. My favorite is the linguini caprese. And sandwiches are great too - excellent selection on the lunch menu. Honestly, I haven't had a meal here that I didn't love. The coconut cream pie is truly heavenly. While the wine list includes an interesting global variety, it would be nice to see a few local offerings. Service is generally top notch. Tho there's one guy who can be a little nonchalant. I wouldn't recommend dining here if you're in a hurry. But then no one should dine in a hurry ever. Sitting at a window table, you feel you are participating in the bustling downtown scene on a Saturday afternoon. Well, as bustling as things get in Olympia anyhow.
(5)Zap R.
I honestly can't review the food at Acqua Via, unfortunately. We opted to go elsewhere to spend our money after waiting 30 minutes to be seated for our reservation - after being told they had our table it was being setup. Which was a blatant lie as the table they offered us was right next to the door and the people were still eating when we arrived. I would recommend walking across the street and dining at Basilico instead - we did and we loved it!
(1)Autumn M.
Great place for lunch! The fondue was delicious. I will definitely be back, especially for the artichoke soup.
(4)Melissa J.
Very European feel. Quality food. Loved it.
(4)Sara W.
This place has totally redeemed itself for me. I brought my daughter in once more and the service was great. I haven't seen the crabbier waitress in awhile and the others here are top notch. The food delivers each and every time I'm here. The goat cheese fondue is a staple for us and their small plates are fun to try. Recently had the pig belly and it was delicious. So glad they've decided to go with friendlier waitstaff. This is my go-to place for date night.
(5)Cory C.
The fare is lighter than most places but you can definitely get your fill by selecting a variety of menu items, all delicious, and there is surely a wine to pair with any of it. Lenny Young does a fantastic job both here and at Water Street with the wine; I love his poignient and accurate descriptions. Will Taylor, the chef, is certainly a great young talent and brings awesome innovation to the table. If you are in the 5th Avenue area of Olympia, which is anywhere, definitely check this place out.
(5)Kyle N.
After opening Waterstreet Café & Bar, Jeff and Connie Taylor's ability to revamp the downtown Olympia dining scene is once again reflected in the fresh and inspiring creations at their newest dining establishment, Acqua Via. After enjoying many meals at Acqua Via's sister restaurant, Waterstreet Café and Bar, I was looking forward to dining at the latest Taylor establishment. On a sunny and humid Saturday afternoon, Acqua Via's space on the south-east corner of 5th Avenue and Capitol Way in downtown Olympia glistened in the afternoon sun. The open atmosphere, enhanced by the stained concrete floor and unique lighting, sets the tone for a "different" Olympia dining experience and reinforces Acqua Via's motto of "Elevating The Art Of Simple Rustic Food." Executive Chef Jeff Taylor and Chef William Taylor are the masterminds behind Acqua Via's dedication "to the presentation of hand made products." This notion is reflected in their lunch and dinner menus consisting of such items as house cured duck prosciutto, a pesto trio, goat cheese-thyme fondue, roasted beet Carpaccio, yellow fin tuna loin and a plethora of pastas graced with accompaniments such as truffle oil, anchovies, clams and the duck prosciutto. Acqua Via's diverse, international wine list compliments the menus well, including the specialty cheese and charcuterie menu. This particular menu consists of a nice selection of cow, goat and sheep cheeses from France, the Netherlands, Spain, Italy and the Basque region of Europe. Charcuterie items consist of Strawberry Mountain beef tenderloin Bresoala, house-cured Moulard duck breast, and various salamis; three of which come from Seattle's Armandino Batali. The seafood sampler was a delicious selection of roasted day boat scallops, salt cod, sashimi tuna with avocado and olive oil marinated octopus salad. The duck prosciutto and chicken entrée salads were equally delicious and unique. As a cool accompaniment to my delicious plates and the warm afternoon, I opted for glasses of the 2007 Domaine Brice Beaumont Taval Rosé, which tied together my delectable selections. Upon realizing that Acqua Via's desserts are all made in-house (with the exception of the gelato made my Olympic Mountain), one is naturally inspired to indulge. The chocolate éclair, coconut cream pie, flourless chocolate mint torte and the lemon ginger layer crème brûlée were all fantastic and provided a delightful conclusion to my experience. Although the menus entice one to sample various selections, leave room for desert! You will be whisked away by the delectable items available. If you are in the Olympia area and are seeking cuisine that will awaken your palate, Acqua Via should be at the top of your list. You will find the selections to be fresh, delectable and creative. If for some reason you are unable to obtain a seat, head south-west a few blocks to Waterstreet Café and Bar (610 Water Street) and you will be equally pleased. Mise en Place Seattle culinarykyle.blogspot.com
(5)Mel E.
The food here is overpriced in my opinion. Just cuz you put something on a nice white plate & surround a room w/ mirrors & white linen, doesn't mean you can charge a premium rate. The creativity & quality of food has to reflect the prices more than any other aspect. It's not to say the food isn't good & the wine list isn't creatively selected. I just think it's overpriced. Especially the lunch menu.
(2)Alysia A.
So everyone in town has been hawking this place during its build-out. I've actually seen the nosier of our Olympian friends walk right on in to see how the progress is going. Life in a town like Mayberry, I mean Olympia means, everybody is up in your bidness. Somehow, I was able to hold myself back and must only admit to a few daring side long glances as I walked by on my way to work. Last week, however, I didn't even try to stop myself from gaping like the true Texan hick that I am as people ate their food and drank their wine. It's a lovely place, worth gawking at. (Insert Minnie Pearl joke here.) A friend and I dared to dine this Friday night, I say dared because there are, what, 4 restaurants in all of Olympia, and were immediately in love with the place. It has really smart seating and with the amount of space the building has, it has a very airy and well lit quality about it. They left their ceilings with open aspect, and the lighting is dim enough to feel romantic, but well lit enough so you're not a mole, digging a hole blindly to your food. Acqua Via is a "seat yourself" kind of place which on one hand, feels comfortable and familiar, but on the other hand, can make you feel like a couple of lemon sharks, looking for your next bloody meal. You find yourself staring people down, willing them to finish their god damn dessert, or by golly, you'll finish it for them! It's worth it though, because after that comes the food. Oh the food. My date and I got the small green salad, delicious with an Italian dressing with a hint of sweetness. We decided it must be a sweet onion that gave it such a warm sweet flavor. We also got a cheese sampler platter that hosted a creamy walnut flavor, a delicious sheep cheese with lovely blue veins running through it, and two other soft cow cheeses that we're of equal deliciousness. The best part of the meal, however, was the meat sampler that was comprised of Duck, Salami, and Prosciutto. For dessert we had an eclair and the coconut cream pie, both so delicious that we reenacted the when Harry met Sally moment, but much louder, and for much, much, much longer. Our bottle of champagne was superb, crisp like apples in the fall, and dry enough to cut out any extra sweetness I personally don't enjoy in a good champagne. The service is impeccable, friendly and familiar without any putting on of airs. With its fair pricing, city style atmosphere, and impeccable food, this is place is going to have no issue staying busy.
(5)Essex E.
This place is a perfect gem! Great ambiance, service, and the food is delicious. A great find in downtown Oly!
(4)Jane S.
I have been pretty dissapointed with the food in Olympia. Much of it is average, but I don't go out for average. Aqua Via always looked a little intimidating with white tablecloths & candles, but I decided to venture in. I sat at the bar which was warm & inviting. Great wine list and reasonable prices. I had a couple of appetizers. Both were incredible! One had an array of incredible cheeses & another had various pesto sauces with crostini. The waiter made excellent recommendations. I saw other plates go by that made me excited about going back again. I would highly recommend it. Upscale ambience with reasonable prices. A great combo.
(4)A R.
Perfect place for a gray afternoon!!!
(4)Megan M.
We really enjoyed eating at Acqua Via. All of the entrees came with salads which made the bill a little easier to stomach after filling up on delicious beef stew, lasagna, and an appetizer. The wine was great. The service was great. We had no complaints!
(4)Matt G M.
I've walked by many, many times...never really felt compelled to go in? But decided to give it a try...The food was good, well prepared...The staff was friendly...the overall experience was good...I'm not sure what it is though there's just something that does NOT draw me to Acqua Via??
(3)Ronnie Z.
Another chance to get to know this place- and I'm in love! Great lunch spot.
(5)Christopher C.
What a disappointment. After a refreshing Lavendar cocktail I was given the news that you had run out of shrimp. The reason given was that the theater was in attendance and the nearby diners cleared you out. I also see that the menu has been pared down (comparing it to the current on line sample menu which I've ordered items from in the past). Gone was the shrimp with risotto dish and the top sirloin with morels. Looks like you are trying to save money in the tough current economic climate by trying to avoid expensive food costs, seafood spoilage or are shrimp just suddenly hard to come by? Olympia could be, should be a seafood diner's town, at least in part. And yes, you should be held to a Seattle standard. You were 40% booked and service seemed slow and less than attentive. You must understand, that I can take my dollars elsewhere if I feel I won't get some value and leave satisfied. Your special tonight was pork. Minus the shrimp appetizer that you were out of there was no other seafood option. This was my birthday and this was to be my birthday treat. The sommelier offered a complimentary smoked salmon (with greens) plate to appease, but it was slow in coming and it was not fresh, hot seafood. Look around you, opportunities abound in Olympia for creative fresh fish specials and you should have at least one dependably present entree like sea bass, oysters (hello, Olympia), crab, shrimp etc. permanently on the menu. I wanted to give you the chance to perform in a craftsman, non restaurant chain creative kind of way. This was a let down. The next time I go out in Olympia for dinner to include one or two seafood elements it will be back to Anthony's for me. Boring, but dependable. Aqua via is asleep at the wheel.
(2)Kate H.
stopped by for lunch on a sunday. ambiance, decor, service and food were all great!
(5)brenda t.
I always enjoy my lunch at aqua via. I'm a huge fan of the panzanella salad and cream of artichoke soup. Often, the lunch service takes a little longer than it should. Only one server (she is super - but is only one person) cramps it for me if I don't have much more than 60 mins.
(4)Gail R.
This is a low-key, casual but classy restaurant with excellent waitstaff, small menu and tantalizing features. My shrimp were cooked perfectly, and the sauce, with hazelnuts and olives, was so good that I savored the piece of bread they sat upon as much as I did the shrimp. My friend had chicken with squash and cheese which was beautifully prepared. For dessert, we had a slice of apple pie ala mode, and it was the best I have ever eaten. The wine recommended to go with dinner was perfect, and the cost of the meal was not much more than standard pub fare: $52 for two entrees with wine and dessert. This is a true gem in the heart of Olympia!
(5)Jim I.
I like this place, though its not as good as water street. The portions are moderate, so go there if you are a light eater or want to become one...all of the dishes we have had have been good, but keep your eye out for the chocolate pudding in ramekins by the register. I know it sounds like something from Duncan Hines, but this shit is jammin good...otherworldly, really!
(5)H. L.
We had lunch here the other day and I can honestly say....I have no idea why they are open unless their dinner is better handled. The food had no personality and neither did the waitress.....
(1)Bebe B.
I was surprised by this restaurant. The ambiance was comfortable, not a linen tablecloth establishment and I'm interested what the place could look like with some more inspiration, but it was welcoming. What qualifies my five star rating is the food and service. We arrived and chose a seat other than what was reserved for us. The server (whose name I failed to learn, or I would credit her) graciously let us sit where we wanted. More than patiently, she offered us tastes of the two wines we were vacillating between and made excellent recommendations. I have dietary restrictions which at times makes it anguish to dine out, but the server and the chef accommodated me in every way. I appreciate excellent food excellently prepared. At Acqua Via, the flavors and presentations were beautiful. Big, bold, yet balanced, every bight was an exquisite meal in itself. My companion's scallops were heavily and richly sauced, but arranged in such a way that one could use the sauce to their taste. The idea of the "small plates", basically a number of appetizers, is the secret to their success. Brilliant. An interesting and delicious menu as long as the entrée list, there are many savory items to choose from. My companion and I had an amazing meal well presented and delivered by a personable and knowledgeable server. We absolutely will be back.
(5)C B.
Was treated to a Mother's Day dinner. Good thing we had reservations; even at 5 pm, it was almost fully booked. While rounding around the corner, I peered in the window and was a bit afraid as it appeared as if this was one of these pretentious restaurants that gives an artful display on one's plate, but very small portions. So when we ordered, we acted accordingly. Big mistake. First of all, the appetizers were more than enough for three; we had leftovers of the goat thyme fondue ($11) and the Pesto Trio (reasonable at $7). The spinach, chicken, dried cranberry, and walnut salad ($16) was a plattersful. The penne with lamb ragu ($18) was filling a little less than half of an almost pho-sized bowl. The only dish that was fairly small (and quite expensive at $28) was the 5 oz. halibut with chanterelle mushrooms (one of the evening specials - which I thought was incredibly overpriced; usually that's reserved for filet mignon or some other steak!). The penne with lamb ragu was mind-blowingly delicious. Quite a bit of meat. Very nicely spiced, a bit "hot," but just enough to give a little kick. And I could taste the cinnamon, not too much and not too little. One dinner companion absolutely enjoyed the halibut and most definitely savored the mushrooms. Another companion could not finish the salad, so I assisted - and it gave me an idea for a new salad to serve at home since it was so good. The appetizers, too, were very delicious. The fondue was served with toasted mini-baguette pieces while the dips were served with toasted bread triangles. A previous reviewer mentioned problems with getting extra bread. However, although we had to ask, the server (who was a bit aloof and a little pretentious but also was, in direct opposition, very accommodating and gracious) accommodated us immediately and informed us that if we wanted more bread, all we had to do was ask. We did not drink any alcohol, but overhearing our waiter suggest wines to a patron seated right behind us, it did sound like he knew his stuff, especially judging from the patron's reactions to his suggestions.
(4)Sean C.
Until I ate here, I wasn't sure where the foodies from Seattle like myself were eating in Olympia. I was here for work for two weeks, and if you're in town on business, this is a reasonable and friendly place to eat. A colleague and I had dinner here and it was lovely. The staff is on top of it. Our waitress was very accommodating. This is the "nice" restaurant you are looking for in downtown Olympia!
(5)Peter A.
This is a great restaurant for a casual, yet fine dining experience. The food is fantastic. The menu is seasonal and the wine list is fairly large and diverse. The staff is very attentive but provide you with enough space to have intimate conversations. I had the braised ground lamb, tomato créme, cinnamon créme fraiche, blend of four cheeses, and chiffonade of basil. It came with a fresh seasonal salad. It was perfectly cooked. When in Olympia, give Acqua Via a chance.
(5)Aaron H.
The decor is clean and nice. Waitress is friendly. I like the menus, they 're clear and concise. Very classy. I just had the carrot cake but it was very tasty. The prices seemed high.
(3)Mike M.
Take this with a grain of salt... At 615 we were seated. At 630 we ordered, "small plates". At 720, our food had not arrived. We did get said fancy water that has been mentioned previously, and the atmosphere is nice however the wait staff was inattentive at best and I don't know what the food tastes like. Never in my life have I gotten up and left after ordering but to me, that's just a ridiculous amount of time to wait. Perhaps that's the norm though, and if so, it would be nice to be informed accordingly.
(1)Zeker T.
Best carrot cake I've ever had! I'm generally not a frosting person, but that cream cheese frosting was incredible!! Only came in for dessert, so I can't comment on anything else. Service was ok, but for the size of the facility, I would've expected a bit more attentiveness. Next time I'll just get carrot cake to go! Loved it!
(4)AngelinaChica Y.
What a day I had at work! A lovely orange drop was just the ticket to a relaxing meal with a girlfriend. The lamb ragu was incredible and very filling. I ate so much of it I did not have room for all of my creme brulee; which they served....warm! I so love that. Our server was very sweet and attentive. Each time I eat here I have a wonderful experience.
(4)nicky f.
THE COCONUT CREAM PIE IS TO DIE FOR! Oh wait, I'm getting ahead of myself. What a beautiful restaurant in downtown Olympia. Clean and simple decor with what looked like reclaimed wood tabletops and cool lighting. Very minimal in decoration. Our meals were spectacular! Acqua Via features an everchanging cheese menu that we went bonkers over. What a complexity of flavors that we sooo enjoyed with our bottle of Plaiser Des Lys and sliced bread drizzled with olive oil. Our entrees were roasted chicken with au gratin potatoes (5 stars for the potatoes BTW...absolutely delicious!) and penne pasta in a creamy gorgonzola sauce with spinach and walnuts, which was amazing! Now to the dessert. The coconut cream pie is probably the best I've ever had. A couple suggestions. More staff; there was only one server working the floor. And glam the restrooms up a bit. Other than that we had a wonderful dining experience.
(4)Travis D.
I have only been here for lunch. I like the location and its a nice place to grab a seat by the window and have a bite. I had a chicken bacon salad and bread and I have no complaints. Their lunch menu really doesn't have a whole lot on there. So my choices seemed very limited. I like this place though.
(3)Ha T.
Dinner was relatively bland. Scallops were flavorless and the fondue bread did not taste fresh like the menu claims. Not good at all, even by Olympia fine dining standards. I don't buy into fancy presentations and upscale all-white décor . If you want to make that special someone feel special, take them to another place where the servers actually care.
(2)Lisa W.
A great addition to Oly! We randomly stopped in for a quick bite before a performance at the Washington Center.We were quickly seated in a quaint booth for two by the window in the back. After quickly deciding on some appetizers and drinks, our waitress was back with some bread drizzled with olive oil and and took our order, graciously acknowledging that we were going to be quickly in and out due to our time constraint. When she came back with the wine she mentioned that she let the kitchen know we were in a rush and assured us we'd have plenty of time. And that we did. Our dishes arrived wonderfully plated and tasted equally as good. The green salad was lightly dressed and had delicious fresh grated cheese. The lamb chop was perfectly petite and accompanied with a nice pistachio/olive tapenade. The highlight of our small plates was the grilled artichoke heart. Presented with a fried egg it was the perfect blend of rich creamy yolk and angular bite of the artichoke. Acqua Via is a great find that we happened upon because we parked outside of it. But, we can't wait to go back to more fully and intentionally experience it!
(4)Serene L.
My boyfriend and I go here for date night to have wine, try a few different cheeses and order a few small plates/appetizers. In particular, the roasted fingerling potatoes and bruschetta are great. We didn't care for the clams and the server took it off our bill without us needing to ask.
(4)Ab T.
Very solid restaurant in Downtown Oly. The food is first-rate. Staffers could be sharper and the decor is a bit meh but I recommend Acqua Via anyway. Go for the food.
(4)Thomas J.
Had the roast beef and mushroom sandwich for lunch. These sandwiches are on the subtle side of things - which is a nice way of saying that the portion sizes are continental. That is to say, like you might find in a European cafe, not the size of Africa or Antarctica. It was nice - reserved, almost. But you have to be in the mood for this, in a city filled with good sandwich shops - here it's more about the total package, as opposed to the grab-your-sandwich-eat-it-and-go variety. I'd probably go back if I was in the mood to sit on that corner and people watch, and linger - it's that kind of place. But you need to be in the right mood.
(4)Laura B.
We have been back to Acqua Via so many times - I cannot believe I didn't write a review. First off, the drinks are great. Hats off to the bartender (Sharylyn ?). Second is that the food is also great, with a menu that changes regularly. Third is that it is really fun and never disappoints. Fourth is that it is not overpriced. One of our favorite spots in Olympia.
(5)Samra S.
I decided to wait until I had been twice before reviewing Acqua Via. I was a little hesitant after all the mediocre reviews but I was very pleased with both my experiences. First time I went was with two friends, 7pm on a Tuesday evening. And just last night, Saturday 6pm, with my mom and step-dad. The food was excellent both times. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the menu had, in fact, changed substantially from my first visit to the next. While that is not an uncommon occurrence in larger cities, you don't find that a whole lot in Oly. It shows thoughtfulness for seasonal foods and a basic appreciation of keeping things fresh and interesting. On my first visit I ordered a creamy pasta dish with beans. Most recently I had the grilled steak salad. While I enjoyed my pasta dish, I REALLY enjoyed my salad. They let the flavors of the individual ingredients do the heavy lifting instead of trying to make the dressing do all the work. In my book, that's a quality salad. The lemon olive oil dressing served only to act as supporting cast to the perfectly cooked steak and mushrooms atop a delectable plate of butter lettuce. Both times I've gone I have ordered a starter (or two...or three) which have all been scrumptious: the pesto trio, the fondue, the bruschetta. In fact, I would recommend stopping in with a small group and just ordering 3 or 4 of their small plates and some wine. The serving size is surprisingly ample and the quality was certainly above par. I WILL say that this doesn't strike me as the type of place that necessarily lends it self to a casual, quick lunch stop for a sandwich. But it is a great place to go for a dining experience - a full sit down, spend an hour or two, order a full course meal, sit and enjoy your company. Lastly, I found the service both times to be more than adequate. The waitstaff was attentive without being overbearing. And on several occasions made genuine and thoughtful recommendations based on our parties' stated preferences. Overall, I would highly recommend Acqua Via. As long as you know what to expect upon walking in you shouldn't be disappointed.
(5)JP M.
Tough call between a 3 and 4 for Aqua Via. First up, we ordered the goat cheese fondue and a bottle of Saladia Tempernillo. Great price on the wine...but they were out. really?? The Mcrea wine shop is right across the street!! Subbed in a Rioja which wasn't nearly as good. The fondue was very good. Compared to the fondue at The Swing, this one wins hands down. First entree was the Gorgonzola Penne. Very nice with plenty of gorgonzola flavor and nicely cooked pasta. Second entree was the Spanish rice. Interesting crispy rice, scallops, shrimp and sausage. I found this to be average. The scallops didn't add much and the rice was a bit dry. Service started out well enough but then slowed down as the tables filled in. We had a long wait between the bill arriving and then being picked up. The location here is great. Superb people watching location and nearly all of the tables are on the windows. Overall, this seems like a better wine-app or coffee-desert and people watching spot then a full fledged dinner option.
(3)Mary S.
I don't know how helpful my review will be, since I didn't actually eat there. But here's why: we walked in, got seated after a little bit of a delay, and got beautiful glasses of water brought to our table. I mean, this water was a work of art, with some kind of greenery inside (an herb or something I imagine, I'm not a botanist at all obviously). Sadly, the waitress (or anybody for that matter) never came back to our table. After like 10 minutes or more of waiting, we finally lost hope of ever eating anything besides the green stuff in the water glasses and we left. I don't know if they are seriously overstaffed or too busy artistically decorating their beverages or what, but the service here falls flat.
(2)Jim K.
If you ever make it up to Olympia, Washington, be sure to check out Aqcua Via. Patiently wait for a table by the window and enjoy a quiet meal. The artichoke soup was delicious and so was the Cubano sandwich. I wish I had more time to return and try some of their salads!
(4)Marla D.
This used to be one of my favorite spots, and I'm saddened to say that it's now a restaurant on the decline. I've been here at least a dozen times. It has a wonderful ambiance, perhaps the best in Olympia. I actually like restaurants that you can go to and sit for an hour or two over a bottle of wine and a few courses instead of rushing in and out, and this is a good place for that. The real issues are the inconsistencies in the food and the service. The goat cheese and thyme fondue, offered during dinner service, is wonderful! This is consistently the best thing on the menu, even though it's a starter. I've tried many of their main plates, but you can't count on the quality. I once overheard the kitchen staff saying they couldn't make a dish for a customer because the meat needed to be thawed. While Aqua Via isn't the most expensive restaurant in Olympia, it's too expensive to serve food that's been frozen. The server with the long white hair is wonderful and sets a good tone for the rest of the staff when she's working. However, there are a few young women who've been working lately who lack the courtesy, professionalism and maturity to run the front on their own. If you go, I'd say go with the fondue, a bottle of wine and salads that don't feature any cuts of thawed meat.
(2)