from the top: verde gnocchi, vongole, gorgonzola gnocchi and spicy fusilli
Caprese Salad
Old fashioned. Lacks garnish but tastes excellent. For $16 it had better. Giant ice cube is a nice touch.
a bar with bottles of alcohol
Cool placemat
a brick wall with plates on it
the interior of a restaurant
Menu cover
Loved the vibe and decor
cocktails
Upper level dining room
It's not really a beer place, but they have 2 IPAs and this one was refreshing.
Sitting outside
from the top: ribeye, blueberry and balsamic steaks
Upper level bar
Old fashion!
I believe it was a blueberry martini
food
pizza, interior
Menu
Bread
Pasta ( meh)
Seafood over fettuccine and choice of wine
Tahja P.
Jan 1, 2025
In the name of all things DIVINE and HOLY add this amazing dining experience to the list! There is not a perfect starting point for this review so imma just jump in head first and figure it out as I go along! The cocktails : you'd be hard pressed to find any to supersede their YUM and "I need just one more" factor! The ricotta and spinach balls (Strozzapreti al Radicchio Rosso) are heaven and my go to appetizer! Divine!My daughter is completely allergic to dairy so the Pici alla Fiaccheraia(pasta in a spicy tomato sauce with a touch of garlic) is her go to and TASTE AMAZZZZZING! I actually believe they can adapt other items but she is obsessed with this!!For my mains I have tried SEVERAL! When I want pasta, I do the Mushroom pasta (Cannelloni Mascarpone e Funghi) - OMG! Delish!If I'm feeling like steak, it is either the Filetto al MirtilloHand-carved filet mignon cooked in a blueberry reduction sauce or the Filetto all'Aceto BalsamicoHand-carved filet mignon cooked in a balsamic reduction sauce! There are not enough adjectives for the amazing flavors of these dishes! Just know that if I had to have an absolute LAST MEAL, it would be one of these! All the sides are yummy and I have never been disappointed by any but I came here to highlight my MAINS! The service is top tier and place is always full so make a reservation!You want to know why I WAS going to take a star away?? Because they LEFT Eastern Market in DC and moved ALL THE WAY to Annapolis! What used to be the date night spot for hubby and me is a "ride out there on special occasions" spot! We miss them so!!
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Olivia S.
Jan 24, 2025
We visited Annapolis for a long weekend and headed to Acqua Al 2 after enjoying some cocktails at their sister/basement speakeasy, HB. To start, the service at the host stand was inadequate. The man who appeared to be in charge was dismissive and did not welcome us when we approached the stand. The younger male who escorted us to our table was very pleasant, though. Plus, our server, Kevin, earned 5 stars. He was upbeat, clearly knew his stuff, and we enjoyed his service. I made a reservation for 2 several weeks prior and I was slightly disappointed that we were seated at a table for 2 in a back room, near the waiter/waitress service station/computer screens. There was almost consistently one or multiple servers behind us, entering orders or chatting to each other. We skipped appetizers since we had indulged in the fries at HB prior. I ordered the penne alla vodka and my partner ordered the clam pasta. In retrospect, I wish I would have done more Yelp research and ordered a red sauce pasta as their offerings seem to get rave reviews. The vodka pasta was pretty average, no crazy flavors and a bit of a sad presentation. However, my partner loved the clam pasta and was thoroughly impressed. Portions are great--not too overwhelming. To follow, we ordered their infamous light and fluffy cheesecake which was delicious.
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Nathan N.
Nov 12, 2024
A former Washington, DC establishment, Acqua Al 2 brings the classic vibes with a new twist to their Italian restaurant in Annapolis. We recently ventured here for an overnight trip and were not disappointed. We started the evening with the salad sampler and martinis. We absolutely loved the variety and were excited to be able to try all three dinner salads. For our main pasta dishes we had the Bucatini al Mascarpone e Funghi and the Tagliatelle al Ragu Toscano. Both were perfection in their own ways. The bucatini was vegetable forward and the tagliatelle was much more rich and savory. Overall, we loved this restaurant. The service was great and the staff was very kind. We definitely will be back!
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Brian L.
Feb 11, 2025
$235 a bit pricy for (2) people with only one glass of wine each, but good for a date night out or special occasion, wouldn't recommend as a regular weekly night out spot! My Chilean Seabass special was amazing!!
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Justin B.
Oct 1, 2024
I went here once years ago. I still tell people about the blueberry reduction filet I had there almost 10 years ago. It was the best steak I've ever had. I can't get you out of my mind.
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Cal B.
Jan 17, 2025
We purchased a gift card for a relative as a birthday present. The restaurant refused to honor it. Asked for a refund and received promptly. Be wary of e-gift certificates.
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Jennifer L.
Oct 13, 2024
We have been in search of an Italian restaurant for years since we were stationed in Northern Italy. We never eat Italian anymore because we've been so disappointed. BUT, not here!!For my birthday weekend, we took a leap of faith and walked in here and the ambiance is super intimate, while being packed! It's a hard balance to create and achieve. We had the Bucatini al Mascarpone e Funghi to share, followed by the Bistecca alla Fiorentina with grilled asparagus and shaved parmesan. Bucatini is a perfect portion for two. The bistecca is enough for three. Our server was outstanding and knowledge and recommended the best red wine to go with the meal. We cannot wait to take our friends and family back here.
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Katrina G.
Feb 16, 2024
This is a very late review! But we thoroughly enjoyed the authentic experience of Acqua al 2. We shared a pasta dish to start Tagliatelle al Ragú Toscano and a salad. Our entree choices were the Filetto di Branzino and Controfilleto al Pepe Verde. Both very good and perfectly prepared. The service throughout our dining experience was just the right amount of attentiveness. We were fortunate to grab a reservation at the last minute on this early evening as reservations can be hard to come by. I was happy to have finally tried Acqua Al 2 and definitely recommend.
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Christopher S.
Feb 25, 2024
This is my second visit to this fine establishment. Once again, very good service! I like the decor and vibe of this place. It does get very load in the back dining area. Since there are already two fantastic steak houses in Annapolis I focus on their pasta dishes. One person in our party had a steak and thought it was very good. I believe they excel at pasta entrees. I also give their salads high marks.The wine list is a little on the expensive side, which is typical for Annapolis restaurants.Overall, an okay price/value relationship. I repeat, the service is over the top, or a least it was on my two visits.If you are visiting Annapolis, this is one of your better choices in a city where most restaurants are mediocre. Make reservations or wait a very long time for a table.
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Amy B.
Aug 26, 2024
Really impressed. We have wanted to go for a while. The decor and vibe are so cool! Our server was fantastic, super knowledgeable and friendly. Next time I think I will do the sampler specials they have to try more pastas.
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