Aquariva

reedita 

on Citysearch

17 years ago

A really big miss tonight – Big Miss Though billed as an Italian restaurant , there is no warmth or ambiance anywhere. The restaurant decor is black and white and very cold. I don?t know who?s idea it was to choose the dinner hour to move excess table out the back door making everyone within 20 feet of the door turn to ice. We started with the seared ahi tuna and the baby kumoto oysters, they were both great. The beet salad was also very good, but when it came to the entrees, oh my gosh. The osso bucco was way over done and ... read more

stronzo 

on Citysearch

17 years ago

Aquariva is not a hot spot – As I gazed into the restaurant I noticed the unfamiliar placement of the hostess stand. It was awkward and unapproachable. The hostess had a fine demeanor and sat us quickly with a fine ethic and detail towards her work but sat us in a space that seemed nearly inhabitable. The service was curt at best and seemed nearly rushed. I found myself pushed between highly priced bottled water and tap water that was equal in price but not quality. The quality of the bottled water was absolutely sub par and... read more

redshoesnob42 

on Citysearch

17 years ago

Excellent concept for food – My husband and Is first visit was on our honeymoon. We were staying at the adjoining Avalon Hotel & Spa(Also very fabulous). We were both exhausted and hungry. I recognized the restaurant as the old Rivers, but much more clever and chic. The moment we walked in the door, it was evident that customer service is important to them. Our server, Miguel was excellent. He knew the menu selections and had great recomendations. The focacia bread and white bean spread were awesome, and I am not a bread eat... read more

Contributor 

on Citysearch

17 years ago

Waterfront dining as it should be at this elegant Italian standby. – In Short Located on the South Waterfront, this private Italian spot is somewhat off the beaten path. With large windows that look out at the Willamette River, the setting is relaxing, the food is well-executed and the Italian wine selection is one of the best in town. The menu has an Italian influence with an American panache, and includes items such as Oregon mushroom risotto with white truffle oil and tagliolini and Dungeness crab with plum tomatoes and c... read more

iamb 

on Citysearch

17 years ago

Great food, wonderful space – I had a business lunch here today and loved the space. It was very chic and comfortable. They have outdoor seating right on the river if you get there before the weather changes. The two kinds of foccaccia bread (Kalamata and Sea Salt) were served with white bean spread and olive oil were outstanding and promptly delivered to the table upon arrival. We shared a heirloom tomato salad ($7) which consisted of two huge tomato slices, one red and the other yellow, drizzled with a little olive oil and... read more

dishhound 

on Citysearch

17 years ago

A pleasant surprise – I have to say that I did not know what to expect. I was looking for a place to eat on the river. This town seems to not have that many optionsfor dining on the river. I was surprised by what I found at Aquariva. I had read something in the Oregonian a while back about the spot and heard that the chef used to be at Bluehour, one of our favorite places. The space is gorgeous. We realized upon ariving that this used to be Rivers restaurant. Wow, they had completely remodeled the space. I did not event reco... read more

josie27x 

on Citysearch

17 years ago

Best Restaurant in Portland – This restaurant is incredible. The decor is simple and elegant. So nice to see an Italian restaurant that isn?t all fake terra cotta stucco and faux finishes. Think the fashion districts of Milan, not tourist commercials. The service wasn?t slow at all. If you want to get a quick meal that?s slammed in front of you while the servers are hustling to free up your table, don?t go here. If you want a luxurious dining experience that lets you appreciate all the nuances of beautifully prepared food an... read more

slimchanse 

on Citysearch

17 years ago

Finest Dining Experience Ever – I travel all over the world for a livng and my favorite tourist activitiy is fine dining. It's not unusual for me to spend several hundred dollars on a meal for two. Aquariva was the finest dining experience I've ever had, it's in my own backyard and I spent $67 for two. It's a beautiful place with a great view, a genius chef and the service was very nice--informed but not in my way. 

northwester 

on Citysearch

18 years ago

Trying too Hard – The service was slow. The place was empty. The food was passable but not great. It seemed like we were there FOREVER. The interesting points: The menue is divided into red wine and white wine accompaniments. They serve you watermellon cotton candy for dessert.