In a city that prides itself on never sleeping, Aquarelle aims to offer New Yorkers and those who appreciate the city’s unique energy a reason to stay out, linger, and enjoy the ambiance of the night. Opening June 26, 2025, at 47 Avenue B in the heart of the East Village, Aquarelle presents itself as more than just a restaurant. It strives to be a nod to the New York that many remember: a city where kitchens stayed open late, neighborhood spots felt welcoming, and diners could often count on warm hospitality and elevated food well into the night.
Founded by hospitality veterans Marcus Andrew and Baris Koroglu, Aquarelle is a seafood bar and cocktail lounge designed to feel like a refreshing escape without leaving Manhattan. Step inside, and you’ll be greeted by soft marine hues and natural textures. The space hums with the unmistakable energy of downtown New York but carries the breezy charm of a coastal European retreat. “We wanted to create a place that feels timeless, where great food, music, and hospitality come together naturally, without pretension,” says Koroglu.
At Aquarelle, the kitchen remains open until midnight six days a week, with extended hours on Saturdays—a welcome feature in a city where late-night dining options are often limited. But this is not solely about late hours. It’s about bringing back a spirit of generosity and connection that was once a hallmark of Old New York. As the evening progresses, Aquarelle’s atmosphere shifts. Around 11 PM, the lights dim, the music picks up, and the energy feels almost reminiscent of a European beach town or an island retreat. Guests are encouraged to relax, converse, and enjoy the night as it unfolds.
The menu, crafted by Koroglu, celebrates the ocean’s offerings with vibrant, seasonal dishes that highlight the freshest available ingredients. Diners can expect fluke crudo brightened with blood orange and fennel pollen, scallop piri piri with shiso leaf and charred lime, octopus carpaccio finished with smoked paprika oil and finger lime, and a rich summer lobster pasta with heirloom tomatoes and basil. Whole branzino with Meyer lemon and capers and a salt-baked red snapper with wild herbs and olive oil offer memorable main dishes. The Royal Seafood Tower, overflowing with oysters, clams, mussels, lobster, ceviches, and king crab, sets the tone for indulgence. And at Aquarelle’s interactive seafood bar, guests can choose their catch of the day, prepared simply to let the natural flavors shine.
Everything is sourced with care. The produce comes from Marcus’s Long Island farm, while seafood is brought in several times a week from Maine and Montauk, ensuring freshness that’s noticeable in every bite. The thoughtful sourcing extends to the bar, where a botanical-forward cocktail program pairs harmoniously with the menu. Lavender sea salt martinis, yuzu-thyme gin spritzes, and elderflower negronis encourage slow sipping and lively conversation.
For Marcus Andrew, Aquarelle is deeply personal. “Aquarelle is my love letter to this neighborhood,” says Andrew, whose previous ventures include East Village staples like Le Souk and Lamia Fish Market. “It’s about restoring that sense of belonging—a place where locals and visitors can come late, eat well, connect, and feel like part of something once again.”
(Marcus Andrew and Baris Koroglu)
At a time when much of New York’s dining scene focuses on early reservations, fleeting trends, and quick turnover, Aquarelle invites you to stay. It’s a place where the night lingers on, where hospitality feels personal and welcoming, and where every evening offers the opportunity to rediscover what made New York’s nights memorable in the past.
