Aqua Grill

So, you need a restaurant with waterfront views, an area suitable for fine dining, and a sports bar. All of this and more await you at Aqua Grill, considered to be one of the top Jacksonville Beach restaurants. 

While the eatery opened in 1988, it closed in 2015. But like the phoenix, it rose from the ashes in a new facility next door to the original in 2016, again becoming a popular spot in Ponte Vedra Beach. 

Aqua Grill is located on the lake in the renovated Sawgrass Village shopping center. It serves eclectic, multi-ethnic food crafted with fresh local ingredients. Additionally, the restaurant offers private banquet facilities and a covered lakefront deck with climate control. Toss in the full-service bar with HD TVs and it is easy to see why it is a hot spot. It is an "all for one" place to suit a romantic dinner, sports fans, and patrons off to see a show at the Florida Theatre.  

When your Jacksonville vacation needs original cuisine with multiple dining areas, add Aqua Grill to your itinerary.

Vibe

The exterior of Aqua Grill, with its off-white walls and picturesque setting on the lake, blends with the surrounding shopping area buildings. 

Inside, one discovers various dining areas to choose from. For instance, the main dining room blends sophistication and elegance with a Florida beach vibe. The setting is idyllic for romantic dinners or families needing a hearty meal after scuba diving with First Coast Divers.

The covered outdoor deck offers unobstructed lake views that will appeal to the "shop until you drop" crowd. Additionally, it will appeal to families, friends, and groups who prefer al fresco dining in Florida's mild climate. 

The sports bar is a magnet for fans no matter the season. With multiple screens and plenty of bar stools and tables sprinkled around the room, there's not a bad view in the room. This is also where local bands and entertainers perform, adding another layer of entertainment to the room.  

Such diverse settings make pigeonholing the restaurant into one specific vibe or atmosphere impossible. This attribute is its strength: a restaurant that caters to the martini and steak crowd and the beer and burger sports fans. 

Aqua Grill: Menu & Drinks

Like the various dining areas, the menu at Aqua Grill is diverse and multi-layered. 

An example is the chef-inspired specials that appeal to those seeking fine cuisine. The Scallop Mousseline Black Grouper is a masterpiece with pureed scalloped mousse, blistered heirloom tomatoes, char-grilled scallions, sundried tomato risotto, and a kale dust beurre blanc.

The award-winning crab cakes are ideal for dining on the back deck and feature generous chunks of succulent crab meat encased in a seasoned crust with a delightful crunch. While these are appetizers, some find them filling enough to serve after a meal.

Another highlight is the grilled scallops that appeal to those watching a game at the bar or a romantic dinner in the main room. The scallops are cooked perfectly to have a caramelized exterior and a tender, buttery interior. Seasonal vegetables often complement this dish, drizzled with a delicate lemon beurre blanc that creates a harmony of flavors. 

The blackened Mahi-Mahi is a crowd favorite. It's infused with bold seasonings and served with a refreshing mango salsa that balances the dish's spices. It's the go-to meal after a day of walking at the Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens.

Aqua Grill offers an impressive list of specialty drinks, wine, and beer when you need an adult beverage. An example is the signature Aqua Mojito, a refreshing mix of rum, fresh mint, and zesty lime. It is ideal for sipping on warm Jacksonville evenings. 

Aqua Grill will enhance any First Coast getaway with its various dining sections, fresh fare, and lively atmosphere. Visit and discover why it is one of the top Jacksonville Beach restaurants.