Chef Michael Mina is Back in DC With Italian Steak & Seafood ‘Acqua Bistecca’
Michael Mina is back in DC — and this time he’s making waves with an Italian steak & seafood house that has more than a little touch of theatricality. A few weeks ago, Acqua Bistecca opened its doors in the new CityRidge development near Tenleytown, and now the restaurant’s dazzling dinner party vibe is ready to take center stage.
If its splashy opening is any indication, Acqua Bistecca’s goal is to bring back the dinner night out. Musical beats, glimmering glassware, guests in mid-toast, and staff in motion — a kind of visual overture to what the evening promises — a great meal and a great time.
There are both intimate nooks and communal tables throughout, combined with low lighting and an absolutely soaring mirrored bar stealing focus at the back. (Clearly, the party starts at the bar even before the first dish arrives.)
“When we opened Bourbon Steak nearly 20 years ago, we ushered in a new style of dining in Georgetown,” Chef Michael Mina said. “Acqua Bistecca is the dinner party I’ve been dreaming of for years—every night is about creating joy around the table.”
Mina’s menu revolves around both Acqua (seafood) and Bistecca (steak) featuring delights like simply grilled seafood (striped bass, monkfish, lobster) over saffron-orange fregola, sometimes accompanied by preserved lemon or seasonal vegetables; and steaks chargrilled and brushed with Lambrusco butter (a Mina signature twist) and often paired with a bone marrow vinaigrette or a caponata-stuffed cipollini onion.
But in addition to the main event, there are showy starter standouts like “The Only Caviar and Gigante Mozzarella Stick”; and whimsical desserts like bomba donuts dipped in huckleberry jam.
The beverage program is also playful. We anticipate the Venice, Mina’s take on the Bellini, with whiskey, spiced peaches, and a gondola-inspired garnish, will be especially popular with DC’s always ready-to-jetset crowd.
Acqua Bistecca is currently open for Happy Hour and Dinner at 14 Ridge Square Northwest.
