Aquavit Introduce
In the global culinary capital that is New York City, certain restaurants stand as benchmarks of excellence, and Aquavit is undoubtedly one of them. Holding two prestigious Michelin stars, this Scandinavian and Swedish restaurant offers a dining experience that is both a feast for the senses and a testament to culinary artistry. Located at 65 E 55th St, Aquavit transports diners to the serene landscapes of the Nordic region through its innovative and authentic cuisine. The atmosphere is a perfect blend of cozy, romantic, trendy, and upscale, creating an environment that is as memorable as the food itself.
Aquavit’s reputation for excellence is built on a foundation of respect for tradition and a bold approach to new techniques. Under the guidance of its acclaimed chef, the restaurant serves a menu that is a creative exploration of seasonal and regional ingredients. Dishes are crafted with meticulous attention to detail, balancing bold, complex flavors with delicate presentations. From the moment you enter, a pleasant aroma and the serene ambient music set the stage for a truly phenomenal dining experience. It's a place where every element—from the service to the food—is thoughtfully orchestrated to provide a unique and inspiring culinary journey.
Aquavit's prime location at 65 E 55th St, New York, NY 10022, USA, places it in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, between Park and Madison Avenues. This central position makes it an ideal destination for a special lunch or a romantic dinner. It is easily accessible for both New York residents and tourists. The surrounding neighborhood is home to corporate offices, luxury hotels, and high-end retail, making it a convenient stop for a variety of occasions. For those driving, paid parking lots and paid street parking are available in the vicinity.
As a high-end establishment, Aquavit is committed to ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests. The restaurant features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, wheelchair-accessible restrooms, and wheelchair-accessible seating. This thoughtful approach to accessibility allows a broader audience to enjoy the incredible dining experience without any limitations, reinforcing its reputation for impeccable service and attention to detail.
Aquavit provides a range of services tailored to its upscale clientele, with a strong emphasis on a refined, dine-in experience. Here's a look at what they offer:
- Dine-in: The primary service is a full dine-in experience with table service, perfect for a special evening.
- Takeout & Delivery: While primarily a dine-in establishment, Aquavit also offers takeout and no-contact delivery, making its celebrated food available for enjoyment at home.
- Reservations Required: Due to its popularity and limited seating, reservations are required for both lunch and dinner. It is highly recommended to book well in advance to secure a table.
- Onsite Bar: The restaurant features an onsite bar, which is known for its great cocktails and extensive wine list, providing a perfect pre-dinner or post-dinner experience.
What makes dining at Aquavit a truly extraordinary experience? Its two Michelin stars speak volumes, but the magic lies in the details that create a cohesive and memorable journey. Here are some of the key highlights:
- Great Cocktails and Wine List: Aquavit is celebrated for its beverage program, which includes an extensive and "great wine list" and a variety of "great cocktails," perfect for complementing the innovative menu.
- Michelin-Starred Excellence: As a two-Michelin-starred restaurant, Aquavit is recognized for "excellent cooking" and an unwavering attention to detail in every aspect of the dining experience. The food is described as "incredibly creative" and "masterfully composed."
- Innovative Nordic Cuisine: The menu offers a creative blend of classic and modern Scandinavian dishes. Offerings like the Shrimp Skagen Toast and Swedish Meatballs provide a comforting, nostalgic touch, while others, such as the Yellowtail Crudo and the inventive tasting menu, showcase bold and modern techniques.
- Exceptional Service: The staff at Aquavit are consistently praised for being "incredibly polite," "accommodating," and "attentive." The service is described as a "masterclass in seamless dining," with each course served with impeccable timing.
- Accommodates Dietary Restrictions: The kitchen is known for its ability to kindly and impressively accommodate dietary restrictions, ensuring that all guests can enjoy a full and flavorful meal without compromise.
- Cozy, Romantic Atmosphere: The ambiance is serene and sophisticated, making it an ideal setting for a romantic dinner or a special celebration. The minimalist Nordic design and serene lighting contribute to a truly luxurious feel.
- Thoughtful Details: Guests have noted the personalized touches, such as receiving a complimentary container of smoked sea salt and the day's menu, which adds to the feeling of a truly special and exclusive experience.
When you choose to dine at Aquavit, you are selecting a premier culinary experience that transcends a typical meal. What is worth choosing here is the full-sensory journey that the restaurant provides. For a first-time visitor, or for those who want to fully immerse themselves in the chef’s vision, the tasting menu is a must. It’s an extraordinary exploration of Nordic innovation, from delicate fluke to perfectly cooked salmon and lamb, all beautifully presented as works of art.
The a la carte menu is also a fantastic option, featuring iconic dishes like the Swedish Meatballs and the Gravlax, which are both comforting and refined. The "Great cocktails" and "Great wine list" are not just a highlight but an essential part of the experience, offering perfect pairings for every course. The restaurant is an excellent choice for a special occasion, whether it’s a romantic dinner or a celebration with a group of friends. It is also well-suited for solo diners who want to appreciate the art of the food and the serene environment on their own terms. Aquavit lives up to its prestigious accolades by consistently delivering a refined, thoughtful, and unforgettable experience that is a true gem in New York City's fine dining scene.
For reservations or more information, please refer to the following contact details:
- Address: 65 E 55th St, New York, NY 10022, USA
- Phone: (212) 307-7311
Aquavit Menu
FIRST
- Nordic Breads $9.00
sourdough, danish rye, cultured butter
- Grilled Gem Lettuce $20.00
swedish anchovies, priest cheese, brioche
- Herring Sampler $25.00
selection of three , cheese, potatoes
- Yellowtail Crudo $28.00
cucumber, sea buckthorn, radishes
- Mushroom Soup $18.00
sourdough, brown butter, sour cream
- Gravlax $25.00
hovmästar sauce, mustard seeds
- Shrimp Skagen Toast $28.00
brioche, dill, lemon
SECOND
- Cod $38.00
dill, shrimp, caper brown butter
- Swedish Meatballs $36.00
pommes purée, lingonberry, pickled cucumber
- Short Rib $52.00
truffle potato, maitake mushrooms, broccolini
- Arctic Char $46.00
sunchokes, trout roe, sandefjord sauce
- Spätzle $35.00
leeks, squash, priest cheese
- Amish Chicken $38.00
carrots, shallots, chicken jus
DESSERT
- Princess Cake $18.00
raspberry, whipped cream, marzipan
- Chocolate Semifreddo $17.00
coconut, cara cara orange
- Rice Pudding $17.00
cinnamon cake, plum, toffee ice cream
- Saffron Cheesecake $16.00
rum ice cream, raisin, spiced streusel
- Artisanal Cheeses $25.00
marmalade and seeded cracker
Aquavit Details
Service options
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great cocktails
- Great wine list
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Upscale
Crowd
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Reservations required
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
Aquavit Photos










Aquavit Location
Aquavit Reviews
tasting menumichelinbirds nestcaviarherringswedishprincess cakelangoustinenew nordic cuisinearctic char
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1First time dining at a Michelin star establishment. Incredible experience. Walking into the restaurant introduces you to a pleasant, relaxing aroma, as well as kind staff ready to help. The ambient music established a super serene atmosphere, and I was looking forward to dining. The dining experience itself was phenomenal. The staff was incredibly polite and accommodating for dietary restrictions of any kind. The food was incredibly creative. Some dishes were innovative, while some were meant to be cozy and nostalgic. Every dish performed how it was meant to. We were each given a gift: a complimentary container of the restaurant’s smoked sea salt along with the day’s menu. I’m excited to use this sea salt in my own dishes, and I hope to return soon.
August 05 · Victor BorowskiDining at Aquavit was a refreshing and inspiring culinary experience that fully lived up to its prestigious two Michelin stars. From the moment I stepped through its modern, chic entrance, I knew I was in for something special. The attention to detail, both in the ambiance and the service, was pristine and thoughtful.We were warmly welcomed by Catherine, our server for the evening, whose grace and professionalism, along with the attentive support of the entire team, made the night flow effortlessly. Each course was served with impeccable timing, and dishes were changed seamlessly between courses, every gesture contributing to the seamless dining experience.I opted for the Chef’s Tasting Menu, a seven-course exploration that was nothing short of extraordinary. The kitchen kindly and impressively accommodated my dietary restrictions (no dairy or shellfish), without compromising on creativity or flavor. Every plate was a work of art, visually stunning and masterfully composed with bold, yet balanced Nordic flavors.The starters included a delicate fluke with cucumber, a beautifully presented cod with white asparagus, caviar, and apple, each dish showcasing refreshing elements with a rich complexity of flavor.The entrees featured a vibrant salmon with Meyer lemon, a perfectly cooked Chilean sea bass with turnip, and a standout lamb with morel mushrooms. The fish was impeccably fresh and cooked to perfection, highlighting the natural taste of the sea, while the lamb served medium, was tender, herbaceous, and deeply satisfying.Dessert was a lovely finale: a luscious chocolate mousse paired with strawberry, a sweet and elegant ending to an evening of pure culinary delight.Aquavit is not only a restaurant, it’s an experience. A beautifully orchestrated blend of Nordic innovation, seasonal freshness, and flawless execution, it absolutely deserves every accolade and star it has received. A must-visit for any gourmand seeking something unique and memorable in New York City.
June 27 · Esfira ShakhAn unforgettable dining experience shared with my favorite dining companion. Beautiful technique was executed in each and every dish, with depth of flavor throughout. We started the meal with an Amuse of Elk Tartare which definitely amused the palate and got us ready for the whole experience. We shared a bottle of Timorasso which was perfect with many of the light dishes we enjoyed in the Chef's Tasting. The kitchen is in full sight with a glass wall and we enjoyed seeing them at work. We opted to add the Caviar supplement which was a nice touch. Service was top notch. Highly recommend.
June 09 · The Chef's TableHad the best lunch experience at Aquavit! We went with the tasting menu and every single dish was delicious. Amazing technique, finest ingredients, and super warm hospitality. The cocktails are a must-try, and we had fun exploring new liqueurs too. Everything felt thoughtful but not too serious. Totally worth it. Can’t wait to go back!
May 29 · Ravisara LAppetizer through main together with bread course are 10/10. There are depth, complexity, and harmony among the elements for each course.Big room for improvement in the desserts. Look >> Taste
September 09 · Yilin H
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