A
qua New York made a splash with its Monday opening at 902 Broadway between East 20th and 21st streets. The massive restaurant, spanning two levels and 25,000 square feet, flew under the radar during an 18-month construction period without any advance publicity.

    Founder David Yeo's Aqua Restaurant Group, which operates successful eateries in London, Miami, Hong Kong, Beijing, and Dubai, has brought a unique dual-cuisine concept to New York. Italian and Japanese dishes are prepared separately in different kitchens, offering customers a choice between two distinct menus.

    The 432-seat restaurant stretches through the entire east blockfront, visible from Broadway windows at the southern end and extending behind an Okta "Experience Center" to East 21st Street. The design nods to both Italian and Japanese traditions, featuring a soaring hemp rope tower above the oval bar installation Aqua Spirits. A 70-foot-long sushi counter with cushioned seats is said to be the city's longest.

    Yeo coveted the space for six years but was outbid by WeWork when leasing portions of the retail space. Despite little name recognition in the city, Yeo remains confident about Aqua's prospects. When asked about increased street traffic on Broadway, he chuckled, "Yes, they heard we were coming."