Aqua Nueva is an elegant Spanish tapas restaurant in Soho. Aqua Nueva is the second restaurant Shiima and I went on a date more than six years ago and we haven’t been back since. Mainly because it was an odd experience… Shiima didn’t like anything on the menu. But again, that’s six years ago and Shiima’s taste has absolutely evolved since then. So, when I across Aqua Nueva on Instagram, I excitedly showed Shiima the menu and she was in!

Aqua Nueva, along with its sister restaurant Aqua Kyoto and the bar that shares the same location, haven’t changed much since we were last here although the décor in each is distinctly different.

Aqua Nueva has the feel of a luxurious wine cellar, darkly lit with grand modern furnishing. The service was really good. Very friendly and knowledgeable about the food, and also very prompt. Now, the food. 

Classic Plates

This was good, although a tad different than we expected because the bread was crispy. Almost like breadsticks. 

We absolutely loved these croquettes. The seafood filling was so rich and delicious. 

I enjoyed this, although I would’ve preferred them spicier. The prawns were fresh and really well cooked, and the sauce was packed with flavour. 

Another really enjoyable dish. The pastry was flaky and delicious, and the oxtail filling was just as delicious. And the combination was elevated by the avocado purée. 

From the land

Ohhh, I loved this. The beef short rib was so soft and well seasoned, and the potato gratin was fantastic… and I’m not a fan of potatoes. 

Didn’t really get this. Everything about it was just basic. They could’ve done much better. 

Awesome. Perfectly spiced, perfectly cooked, and perfectly presented. Every slice was heaven. 

From the sea

Fantastically presented, like the presa, and almost as delicious, which was unexpected because I’ve never quite liked monkfish. The anchovies really gave the fish a salty kick too. 

From the garden

I wasn’t against us ordering this, but I’m so glad Shiima pushes for it because we both really enjoyed it. Crispy pastry and a gooey cheesy chickpea filling. 

Dessert

Very fruity and light, but not much else to it. 

Not a fan, although the popcorn ice cream was well decent. 

Verdict

We really enjoyed our dinner at Aqua Nueva. It’s elegant, the service was really good, and, unlike our first visit, there was so much on the menu that intrigued and most of it was delicious. We recommend for romantic dates, special occasions (for groups up to 10), and drinks at the terrace bar. Aqua Nueva is also moderately priced. 

Cuisine: Spanish
Dress Code: Smart Casual
Shiima’s Star Dish: Black seafood croquettes
Amen’s Star Dish: Beef Short Rib
Price: £40-£50pp
Rating: 4.7 out of 5

Aqua Nueva
5th Floor
240 Regent Street (Entrance 30 Argyll Street)
London, W1B 3BR
Book through OpenTable,
Or call 020 7478 0540