We were in for a treat this week when we paid a visit to experience the delights of Acqua Italian Restaurant, one of 8 restaurants at the recently opened Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya, at Wong Amat Beach, Naklua.  

This magnificent resort is the first themed resort in Thailand and offers its guests the experience of a fascinating Lost World-Safari setting with an amazing water park, waterfalls and other aquatic features.  The restaurants and eateries here present a wide range of international cuisine and for this visit we chose the resort’s signature restaurant, Acqua, which serves genuine Italian fare courtesy of Executive Chef, Stefano Belardi from the Tuscan region of Italy.  Acqua, located near the lobby, exudes luxury through and through, being stunningly decorated in contemporary style and seats 100 guests indoors and 24 on the outdoor terrace overlooking the resort’s grounds with spectacular views over the Gulf of Thailand.  The menu offers an extensive range of traditional and modern Italian cuisine, including Stone Baked Pizza ranging from 280 to 390 baht, homemade Pasta selections from 250 to 460 baht and main courses with an emphasis on imported grain fed Australian Steaks and fresh Seafood dishes from 460 to 820 baht.  There is also an excellent monthly promotion offering distinctive dishes from 260 for Spaghetti sauteed with fresh Mussels and Chili to 1,400 baht for Spaghetti with Canadian Lobster.
Acqua has an excellent selection of international wines and champagne, including Italian classic wines, also presented in the monthly promotion with bottles of vintage wines from 1,600 to 3,400 baht.

And so to the food!  We tried an assortment of Antipasti dishes including delectable 18 month cured thinly sliced Proscuiutto di Parma Ham (390 baht), a first class Caesar Salad (350 baht) with crisp Romaine Lettuce, roast Garlic dressing, Pancetta and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese.  This was followed by a delicate tasting seared Yellow Fin Tuna Timbale (450 baht) with Red Onion Salad, Tomato and Coriander together with a classic Tomato and Italian Mozzarella dish (320 baht).  The second course incorporated great tasting Ravioli stuffed with Ricotta and Spinach and tossed in Gorgonzola and Walnut Sauce (320 baht), plus a terrific creamy tasting Carnaroli Risotto with Porcini Mushrooms and aged Parmesan Cheese (340 baht).  For the main course, we sampled top quality Seared Salmon Fillet (520 baht) and a house specialty – prime grain fed Australian Beef Fillet (950 baht), cooked medium rare and tasted superb served with Wild Mushrooms, Polenta Croutons and Spinach. To end this exceptional meal we sampled an assortment of tempting Desserts (190 baht a portion) such as Chocolate and Mocha Tart, Panna Cotta and classic Italian Tiramisu. Scrumptious!   For its extremely professional service and outstanding cuisine, we highly recommend Acqua as one of the finest Italian restaurants in Pattaya.

Open every day from 6pm until 11.30pm.  Telephone: 038 301 234.