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Aqua Terra Bistro
Categories: Restaurants Southern Restaurants American (New) Southern, American (New) [Edit]
55 E Main StBuford, GA 30518
(770) 271-3000
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
25 reviews for Aqua Terra Bistro
Review Highlights
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"The bread and dipping sauce is awesome." In 4 reviews -
"Food is always fresh, great quality and cooked to..." In 2 reviews -
"The atmosphere is perfect - relaxed and casual, yet upscale." In 3 reviews
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25 reviews in English
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Review from Colin L.
Dacula, GA
1/12/2012
Aqua Terra is friggin delicious! I love to go for lunch and either get the crab cake sandwich or the steak sandwich. I take my office there for lunch when they have been on their best behavior! Haha. Doc Lentz - Lanier Valley Dentistry - 3625 Braselton Hwy, Dacula, Georgia, 30019. (678) 802-1209
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Review from Dave L.
Updated - 3/25/2012 3 Check-ins Here
Still a fan, wife and I last night for dinner.
Had the grilled shrimp and Penne dish, which I finished. Another 3,000 calorie conquest!
Wife had the scallops. Minus 1 star due to one not being cooked. When spending $50+ per person one expects food to be cooked, especially seafood. There is no room for error on raw seafood that can be just as bad as raw pork.
The waitress was very apologetic, and we did get over it since we are regulars here and will continue to be. This has been the very first error in well over 20 visits in the past few years.
Note to owner. This is a suggestion. Need some updating on the blinds. When sitting in the booth one cannot see the other when a giant land yacht parks in front of the restaurant. As the sun sets and reflects from giant land yacht taking up the whole window, one's retina begins to burn out of one's eye.;-)
Another note to owner: Please buy L brackets and screws. Use 2 per booth to secure the back of the booth so customers will not feel they are on a roller coaster ride while dining. Last night, I had bouncing Bob sitting behind me. Bob liked to lean forward, bite, fall back and bounce, thus Bouncy Bob! With this I became Bouncy Dave thus not to my amusement. The booths are worn, if you do not want to replace them then enforce them with the brackets. They are very cheap at Lowe's.
Until then I suggest patrons ask for a table, thus to be removed from Bouncy Bob's.
Lastly, this is a very trendy and classy restaurant, independent, and not low price. Everything here speaks modern deco class, until you sit at a table with a giant spread of cardboard sheet! This is Aqua Terra! A classy restaurant, not Bingo's Crab Shack. I expect a nice dinner not a bucket of crabs dropped in front of me. For that I go to Baltimore.2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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12/3/2011
Party of 10 this week, as usual great service, great food, great times! Read more »
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Review from Kathy H.
3/16/2012 1 Check-in Here
Aqua Terra is just reliably GOOD. Dirty martinis are the BOMB - kudos to the bartender. Wine list is always interesting, Liberty School chard is one of their regular offerings.
Bread and that tomato-ey dipping sauce they do is fab, very fresh - crusty outside & chewy inside just like it should be.
Menu doesn't vary much from visit to visit (possibly my only complaint - I'd love to see the chef rock some new dishes) but there are usually one or two specials and the permanent fixtures are good - consistently good. In fact, come to think of it, I've never had anything I didn't like here. Not even anything mediocre really. Great standby haunt, great for a date or just hanging out with friends. Great atmosphere!
Seared scallops on risotto is possibly their best dish... -
Review from Wendy D.
Buford, GA
4/15/2012 1 Check-in Here
After Rico's World Kitchen, this is probably the best choice in Buford. Food is consistent and good. Smoked Gouda Polenta is heavenly. Also, most folks love the dipping sauce for bread--I prefer butter. Steaks are always good and the pork is a gift!
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Review from Krifka S.
Philadelphia, PA
1/10/2012
I've been to Aqua Terra more places than I can count. My go-to is always the french-country salad and the Barbecued Pork Tenderloin, with creamy smoked Gouda polenta, country coleslaw & crispy sweet potato strings. Delish! The filet is always ordered by someone at my table, but also the nightly specials are a great choice as well. Of course the tomato dipping sauce is always popular. I love the cool artsy, yet classy feel of this place, with exposed brick and soft lighting, it is good for a date, but also perfectly suitable for kids too.
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Review from Jeff L.
San Francisco, CA
10/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
Probably one of the top 5 steaks that I've had, and I love steak, from the ritzy steakhouse at Grand Central, NYC to Harris to Bobo Quivari's on Lombard in SF.
Their steak was perfectly done, and the melted bleu cheese was deliciously melted such that I wasn't even sure where the steak ended and the cheese began. A true hidden gem in the booneyville of Buford, Georgia. -
Review from Olga B.
Duluth, GA
3/20/2012
The food here has always been great. Service has been somewhat pretentious! Our boss purchased all of his employees $50 gift cards to this restaurant as a thank you on Employees Day, seemingly because they are only a few doors down from our business. As we have gone in to redeem the cards, everyone has gotten the unfriendly, somewhat rude and impatient treatment from the staff at this restaurant when the gift cards are presented. These cards were paid for with real money, and everyone knows to tip on the total value of the bill, so we cannot understand why we are getting this type of service. It might seem that they don't realize, by treating their patrons this way they are turning off some of their much-repeated lunchtime business. I hate feeling like I am some sort of annoyance or inconvenience when I patronize ANY business and spend good money. Please consider educating your waitstaff on great customer service techniques.
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Review from G S.
Oakwood, GA
1/18/2012
Very good restaurant.
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Review from Larry W.
Cumming, GA
12/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
I am compelled to speak up for Aqua Terra Bistro, what I think is one of the top ten restaurants in all of metro Atlanta. After 7 years of enjoying their superb food, service and atmosphere, I had to witness a roudy, and totally self-absorbed group of young "adults" (maybe ranging 30-40 yrs old) display everything that's wrong with our youth today. They were delivered by charter bus from Cumming, already way overserved, super obnoxious, rude, and imposing on everyone. We witnessed the antics of these 'occupy wall street' rejects, dressed like upper class but acting like low class trailer-trash, especially the women. Their nasty language spewed from their mouths as if it was their backed up sewer. Three of them totally contaminated the ladies room with their 'monthly matter' - requiring ATB staff to stop and do a clean and disinfect. How gross is that. What a disgraceful act. And we wonder why their children act the way "they" do...fruit always falls close to the tree!! The women vebally assaulted the owner like a pack of vicious pit bulls with loud 'F' n 'B' bombs the entire restaurant heard. Then their 'Napoleonic' loudmouth-shortbread boy in his elevator kicks standing maybe a towering 5'6", challenged the entire staff to a rumble "touch me, just touch me" he screamed like a grade school bully to an underclassman. The police had to be called. They even beat on the front glass windows while waiting for their bus (should have been the patty wagon). What a shamefull display of putred, immature public drunkeness deserving of a night in the slammer. I would love to show them a security video of their night of drunken foolishness and the most disgraceful women I have ever seen in such a high end restaurant. These women tried to steal a table top Christmas tree, shakers and even an expensive pager but the staff caught them. We just wonder what that 'mob' of 20 actually did steal! My congratulations to Aqua Terra for finally ridding us of that fowl gang. They failed to ruin our night. As always, the Aqua Terra experience was delicious, perfectly waited upon and still the envy of Buckhead restaurants wondering how they do this year after year !! Great job Aqua Terra please excuse that crowd of 'spoiled brats' masquerading as patrons deserving of such a great restaurant as yours.
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Review from Melissa R.
Buford, GA
Updated - 10/13/2011
Good not great and overpriced. Had lunch there twice. Chicken pasta, salmon sandwich, steak sandwich, choc cake, custard....all good nothing overly exciting especially for the price.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/7/2011
It was good. We went for lunch. Had the penne Alfredo and beef tenderloin sandwich. The pasta was… Read more »
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Review from Tracey A.
Lawrenceville, GA
2/19/2011
The hubs and I have been dining at Aqua Terra since they first opened their doors years ago. The chef, Brian, goes to our church (we found out coincidentally). The food is FABULOUS... always creative, always fresh, always delicious. The restaurant is upscale "tasting" without being upscale "feeling" (does that make sense?) It's a great date spot, and a great spot to take clients, but not overly stuffy, and never pretentious.
Hubs and I are both foodies.... love to eat at high quality excellent restaurants, and Aqua Terra is easily in our Top 5 Favorites in the entire metro Atlanta area. -
Review from Kathleen C.
Chicago, IL
10/23/2010
Delicious spot!
I really love Aqua Terra. My only complaint is that I can't get people to go with me for work dinners due to the slightly higher prices than other restaurants in the general area.
I have been to Aqua Terra on multiple visits to Georgia. I have never had a bad meal. I really love the $29 3-course price fixed menu. Portions are great and each item is always delicious. I've had meat and seafood dishes and all have been perfect.
The atmosphere is perfect - relaxed and casual, yet upscale.
The wine list is excellent - reasonably priced and with plenty of options. There is also a full bar for those who do not like wine.
I wish I could visit Aqua Terra every time I visit Georgia! -
Review from Wendy P.
Decatur, GA
8/24/2008
Yes, it's Historic Downtown Buford. Can you believe there's actually some place unique and tasty to eat?
Aqua Terra could be in the middle of Decatur and still do fine - it's up-to-par with any "Bistro" ITP (and you can believe that; afterall, I'm an entitled Decatur bitch!)
Look, I work out in Buford. Aqua Terra is the place we go for celebrations and the place we take clients and guests when they are in town. Would I make a special trip up to Buford from the city for Aqua Terra? Probably not, but it being *in* Buford is the key! There are now a few "bistro" type places in Historic Downtown Buford, but Aqua Terra will always be the first and only in my heart.
And the food?
The bread and dipping sauce is awesome. We call it crack-sauce, and you can buy it to take home. It's a thick balsamic dressing with tomatoes and onions .. really tasty. Make sure to have their signature salad, also really good. All of the entree's i've had are delicious .. lunch and dinner.
It's a tad pricey, but to be expected for the quality of the food. They have a great wine menu, a great dessert menu, and the staff is usually pretty good. If you find yourself in Historic Downtown Buford looking for a upscale dinner or lunch this is your best bet. 4-stars if you're grading it against every place i've ever been; 5-stars if you grade it against everything else in 30518.Listed in: Adventures in 30518
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Review from Malika H.
Kennesaw, GA
6/22/2007
This is some of the best food I've ever tasted!
When I go to a restaurant, I look at 3 things: atmosphere, service and the quality of the food. All of these were superb at Aqua Terra Bistro. It's a small place with some of the funkiest decor I've ever seen but it works. I made the mistake of filling up on the appetizers and getting soup. If you are going here, keep in mind the portions are pretty big, so don't fill up on the appetizers, cause the entrees are the star here.
My only complaint: It's so far away! -
Review from Randy A.
5/8/2010 1 Check-in Here
Great find in a small town. Upscale but not stuffy. Cool vibe in old historic downtown Buford, GA. Nice looking place for a date or business meal. Eat here and go rock out down the block at the rock n roll bar.
Creative take on food such as their calamari appetizer served in a bowl sprinkled liberally with fresh cilantro and grilled peppers in a slightly sweet sauce. But the thing that really stood out was their bread dipping sauce. Big tomato pieces with spices and olive oil. A surprising taste treat that actually makes you pull the food away from your mouth and look at what you're eating-- know what I'm talking about?
Both the entrees were tasty and portion sizes were good. Good variety of approachable wines at all price points. They have tasting dinners and specials on wine on the first Sunday of every month. Very cool place to eat. If I wasn't concerned about getting fat I'd eat here frequently. -
Review from Rachel V.
Cumming, GA
8/11/2010 1 Check-in Here
My husband and I had the Prix Fix menu on Sunday night. The table spread and bread were so good we bought a bottle of the spread to take home.
1st Course:
Panko Crusted Tomatoes - panko crusted red tomatoes with basil and goat cheese
French Country Salad
2nd Course:
Seared Scallops with pasta, spinach, and an exotic mushroom truffle sauce - this was one of the best scallop dishes I have had in a long time.
3rd Course:
Creme Brulee
Bread Pudding
Everything we tried was excellent, served at the correct temperature, and flavorful.
We will definitely be back here the next time we are in Buford. -
Review from Cate H.
Suwanee, GA
3/9/2011
I first discovered Aqua Terra about 9 years ago and have had many opportunities to enjoy the wonderful food and quirky ambiance. It's been a little while since my last visit so when my husband and son asked where I wanted to go for my birthday dinner, I voted for Aqua Terra, and am happy to say, I'm still a huge fan!
I am not a tomato lover, but the panko breaded tomato appetizer is amazing, and I order it every time! The crunchy,creamy, cheesy concoction is a delight to the taste buds!
Our entrees that evening were spot on, and I have to say the cocktails, especially my pomegranate cosmopolitan, were also excellent.
As mentioned by another reviewer, I think the pricing is a bit prohibitive for frequent visits, but if you need a great date, or special celebration locale, this would be a wonderful choice! (I would also recommend that you visit during lunch, when the prices are a bit less). -
Review from Ibiyomi J.
Buford, GA
10/4/2011
The food and service are exceptional...from beginning to end. The bread and dipping sauce is incredible and great add-on to the lunch sandwiches. The dinner is great too. Love it!!!
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Review from Marcie J.
Buford, GA
11/8/2010
Great food although a little spendy. I do love their once a month wine tasting dinners; four courses & five different glasses of wine for $50.
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Review from Bradley S.
Buford, GA
9/19/2009
Aqua Terra never lets me down. Food is always fresh, great quality and cooked to perfection. The bread and dip is a added plus. Highly recommended.
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Review from Rocco B.
Winder, GA
9/19/2010
Great quality. Great service. My lamb chops were cooked perfectly, but I wished I had ordered my wife's sea bass with lobster risotto.
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Review from Rox R.
10/29/2008
This place was good. I love the atmosphere of the downstairs, I would request the downstairs. It was good food but didn't live up the the hype. Good presentation and service. I would go again but I'm not that excited to go again.
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Review from Vicki G.
Duluth, GA
10/19/2010
Coming from Cali (SF Bay area) I know me a good bistro! And this is the first (and only) one I've found thus far outside the perimeter. My boss took me and a client here for lunch one day, I hardly spoke to them since I was enjoying my food so much! I tried to go back with some friends from out of town, but sadly we missed their lunch hours (they close after lunch and reopen for dinner). Can't wait for my next visit!
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Review from Matt Z.
Monroe, GA
8/4/2009 2 photos
A very quaint little spot with great food and a wonderful ambiance. Service was fast and friendly. We ate for lunch on a Friday and had the whole place to ourselves. Got the scallops and filet tips sandwich and finished with creme brûlée. All good! Probably gets very busy in the evenings, since its not very big.
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Review from Kevin M.
Cumming, GA
7/13/2010
Wonderful southern noveau.
