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AQUAVIT

Updated

Phone: (212) 307-7311

Address: 65 EAST 55 STREET 10022

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TLDR

Two-Michelin-star Nordic fine dining featuring a signature Arctic Bird's Nest dessert. Renowned for its elegant, quiet atmosphere and refined Scandinavian flavors in the heart of Midtown.

Reddit Sentiment for AQUAVIT(based on 84 Reddit opinions)

65% Positive30% Neutral5% Negative

Achievements and Accolades

2 Michelin Stars
NYT Top 100

Tags

scandinavian 35nordic 33swedish 22dessert 11cake 9seafood 7View All

Neighborhoods

Midtown

Featured Articles

Dedicated reviews and comprehensive features focusing directly on this restaurant.

Aquavit
very positive

Anya von Bremzen interviews executive chef Emma Bengtsson about running Aquavit, a Midtown institution that has successfully blended Nordic heritage with precise, modern culinary innovation for over 40 years.

Anya von Bremzen • Sep 14, 2026
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Resy

Other Article Mentions

Lists, round-ups, and guides where this restaurant is mentioned alongside others.

Mentioned In
The Greenmarket at 50: A Love Letter to New York’s Farmers Markets
neutral

Marcus Samuelsson recalls the difficulty of sourcing quality ingredients in New York three decades ago, even with connections, before the Greenmarket's influence.

Julia Moskin • Jun 22, 2026
Read More →
Grubstreet
Mentioned In
Midtown Evolves Into a Power Dining Corridor
positive

This two-Michelin-starred restaurant focuses on local, sustainable ingredients, particularly seafood. Chef Emma Bengtsson's "Arctic Bird's Nest" dessert is a must-try artistic creation.

N.B. • Date unknown
Read More →
Eater

Details

A storied Midtown institution serving modern Nordic and Swedish cuisine since 1987, this two-Michelin-starred destination is celebrated for its precision and seasonal approach [3]. Under the direction of executive chef Emma Bengtsson, the menu evolves to reflect contemporary Swedish techniques, earning praise for both traditional foundations and innovative flair [3]. With options ranging from accessible lunch prix-fixe menus to indulgent chef's tasting menus, it provides a sophisticated yet accommodating experience [1], [3].

Food Overview

Specializing in Nordic and Swedish cuisine, the kitchen is noted for extreme precision and excellence in seafood, gravlax, and classic meatballs [1], [3]. Guests frequently highlight the signature Arctic Bird's Nest dessert as a standout, visually stunning creation [1], [3]. While the restaurant offers varied tasting menus and a la carte options, some diners have occasionally found certain components, such as the bread course, to be less impressive compared to competing establishments [1], [3].

Customer Sentiment

Patrons overwhelmingly praise the restaurant for its consistent quality, sophisticated ambiance, and memorable dining experiences [1], [3]. While most feedback is highly positive, some diners have noted that the overall cost can quickly exceed budget expectations once extras are included [1], [2].

Most Mentioned Dishes

  • 01
    bird's nest
    7 mentions
  • 02
    arctic bird's nest
    6 mentions
  • 03
    dessert
    2 mentions

Reddit Opinions & Reviews

Top Reddit Posts About AQUAVIT

Had lunch at Aquavit. Total bill was about $285.
This thread provides multiple perspectives on the lunch experience, highlighting the wagyu/caviar soup, the famous Bird's Nest dessert, and the rye bread with seaweed butter.
Aska vs Aquavit
A direct comparison between two prominent Scandinavian options, noting that this establishment offers a more traditional and refined atmosphere.
$150 classic lunch weekday tasting menu for...
This post highlights the value of the lunch tasting menu experience, recommending it as one of the best ways to enjoy the restaurant's signature style.

Recent Reddit Mentions

From post: Visiting New York In November How Is My Food

"Recommended as a high-quality alternative for fine dining."

Positive
Sep 13, 2026View Comment →

From post: Restaurant Suggestions For A 12 Person Client

"Suggested as a dining option in Midtown."

Neutral
Sep 13, 2026View Comment →

From post: Sept 1418 Solo Lunch Cocktail Dining In Manhattan

"A 2-star Michelin restaurant offering a 3-course prix fixe, a 5-course tasting menu, and an optional add-on."

Positive
Aug 31, 2026View Comment →

From post: Recommendations For Upscale Lunch On A Sunday

"Recommended as an upscale lunch option, though the user notes the need to verify if they are open on Sundays."

Neutral
Aug 4, 2026View Comment →

From post: Help Me Impress My Celebrity Chef Friend With A

"Recommended for a more expensive, awesome lunch if a table can be secured."

Positive
Aug 4, 2026View Comment →

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