Aquavit is a Scandinavian restaurant located at 65 East 55th Street in Midtown Manhattan, New York City.[1] In November 2016, an outpost was launched in London by Philip Hamilton.
| Aquavit | |
|---|---|
 The restaurant's exterior in 2024 | |
 | |
| Restaurant information | |
| Established | 1987 |
| Head chef | Emma Bengtsson |
| Food type | Scandinavian |
| Dress code | Smart casual |
| Rating |  (Michelin Guide) |
| Street address | 65 East 55th Street |
| City | New York City |
| State | New York |
| Postal/ZIP Code | 10022 |
| Website | www |
History
editAquavit was created and opened by Håkan Swahn in 1987.[2] and was a pioneer in New York in creating two distinct dining rooms, a casual café with modern but rustic fare as well as a cutting-edge modern dining room. This was conceptually based on the Stockholm restaurant, Operakällaren, whose owner, Tore Wretman, was one of Aquavit’s original partners. With the arrival of Chef Marcus Samuelsson in 1995, Aquavit garnered greater culinary recognition.[3]
After 17 years in one location (13 West 54th Street[4]), Aquavit relocated in 2005 to new premises, giving the restaurant an entirely new look. Aquavit opened a second restaurant in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1999, but it failed to take hold and ultimately closed in mid-2003.[5]
Aquavit enjoyed a three-star rating from The New York Times from 1995 until 2010, and 2015 onward.[6][7] and was ranked by New York Magazine in 2006 as the 9th-best restaurant in New York.
In 2002 the cook book “Aquavit and the new Scandinavian Cuisine” was written by Marcus Samuelsson based on the food of the restaurant.[citation needed]
The Michelin-starred Aquavit outpost in Greater London, United Kingdom closed in 2023.[8][9][10]
Awards
editThe restaurant has received a number of awards and accolades over the years, including:
- Two stars in the Michelin Guide in 2015-2023;[11] one star in the Michelin Guide in 2013-2014[12]
- Three-star rating by the New York Times in 2015 [7]
- AAA Five Star Award (2022-2023)[13]
- Selected 9th-best restaurant in New York 2006 by New York Magazine[14]
- Marcus Samuelsson voted Best Chef New York in 2003 by The James Beard Foundation[15]
- Inducted in Restaurant Hall of Fame USA in 2000[16]
- Receiving the Ivy Award[2]
- Best Sunday Brunch New York Magazine[17]
See also
edit
References
edit- ^ "Aquavit Restaurant New York - Seasonal Nordic Restaurant in Manhattan New York". Archived from the original on 2012-08-26. Retrieved 2012-09-10.
- ^ a b "Reed Business Information". Rimag.com. Retrieved May 1, 2011.[permanent dead link]
- ^ Reichl, Ruth (September 29, 1995). "Restaurants". The New York Times.
- ^ New York Magazine, June 27-July 4, 1988, p. 192.
- ^ "Minneapolis Aquavit closes; business-travel falloff cited". Nation's Restaurant News. 2003.
- ^ Grimes, William (May 23, 2001). "A Fearless Chef With an Artistic Streak". New York Times. Retrieved May 1, 2011.
- ^ a b Sifton, Sam (July 20, 2010). "Restaurant Review – Aquavit in Midtown". NY Times. Retrieved May 1, 2011.
- ^ "Aquavit quietly closes London outpost". restaurantonline.co.uk. 2023-09-04. Retrieved 2024-08-22.
- ^ "Aquavit review: with smorgasbords galore, Scandi chic never tasted so good". theweek. 2021-12-23. Retrieved 2024-08-22.
- ^ Rayner, Jay (2017-01-08). "Aquavit, London: restaurant review". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2024-08-22.
- ^ "Svenskkrogen Aquavit får ytterligare en Michelinstjärna". Dagens Nyheter. 2014-10-01.
- ^ "New York City 2013-Michelin Travel and Lifestyle". michelintravel.com. Retrieved January 11, 2013.
- ^ "Five Diamond Restaurants" (PDF). AAA. 2022.
- ^ "101 Best New York Restaurants for 2006 – New York Magazine". Nymag.com. 29 December 2005. Retrieved May 1, 2011.
- ^ "Welcome to the James Beard Foundation". Jamesbeard.org. Retrieved May 1, 2011.
- ^ "NRN's fine-dining inductees named | Nation's Restaurant News". Findarticles.com. April 17, 2000. Retrieved May 1, 2011.
- ^ "Best Sunday Brunch – Best of New York Food 2007 – New York Magazine". Nymag.com. Retrieved May 1, 2011.
- ^ "Zagat Stories".