The culinary scene along Southwest Florida’s Gulf Coast just welcomed a spectacular new destination. Acqua Bistecca, the much-anticipated restaurant from acclaimed chef Michael Mina, has opened its doors at Saltleaf on Estero Bay, offering locals and visitors alike a refined yet inviting Italian-inspired dining experience with breathtaking marina views.

A World-Renowned Chef Comes to Estero Bay

At the heart of Acqua Bistecca is Chef Michael Mina, a chef and restaurateur whose influence on American dining spans decades. Born in Cairo and raised in Washington state, Mina trained at the Culinary Institute of America before working with celebrated chefs such as Charlie Palmer and George Morrone. His early career includes co-opening the landmark AQUA in San Francisco, a restaurant that helped define his approach to seafood and hospitality. Over the years, Mina has built The MINA Group into an internationally respected restaurant family, with more than 30 acclaimed concepts coast to coast, and accolades including James Beard awards, Bon Appétit’s Chef of the Year, and Michelin recognition.

With Acqua Bistecca, Mina brings his signature balance of creativity, precision, and convivial energy to Southwest Florida, crafting a menu meant for sharing over long, laughter-filled evenings by the water.

A Menu Rooted in Land and Sea

The essence of Acqua Bistecca, literally “water and steak,”  is reflected in a menu that celebrates both the rich harvests of the Gulf and Italy’s timeless culinary traditions.

Guests can start with elegant antipasti like Jumbo Stone Crab Claws with mustard sauce or crispy Caviar Cannoli with whipped burrata, then share delights from the raw bar, including oysters with limoncello mignonette.

Pasta lovers will relish house-made pastas like Campanelle Verdi with arugula-pistachio pesto or Due Linguine with Florida clams and nduja butter — dishes that link simple ingredients with bold, memorable flavor.

Steak and seafood stand center stage: oak-grilled steaks such as 14oz Wagyu Picanha and the impressive 40oz Fiorentina Porterhouse are served with red Lambrusco butter, while fresh fish like Gulf Black Grouper and 2 lb. Maine Lobster showcase Mina’s respect for prime ingredients and thoughtful technique.

To cap the evening, desserts like tiramisù affogato and olive oil cake with citrus mousse bring a refined, sweet finish — and the thoughtful wine and cocktail program blends Italian classics with Florida-inspired twists.

A Gathering Place in a New Coastal Village

Perched on the Saltleaf Marina within the master-planned community of Saltleaf on Estero Bay, Acqua Bistecca offers more than dinner – it offers a setting. The restaurant’s elegant design, with expansive terraces and sweeping views of the water and mangroves, makes it the perfect backdrop for casual sunset gatherings or special celebrations alike.

Saltleaf itself is shaping up as one of Southwest Florida’s most anticipated coastal villages, anchored by The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Estero Bay, and enriched by miles of nature preserve, trails, and a championship golf preserve.

An Invitation to Savor the Moment

With Acqua Bistecca now open for dinner service, this new waterfront restaurant brings a fresh and elevated dining option to the region- one rooted in community, hospitality, and the spirited joy of shared meals. Whether it’s a casual night out or a special occasion, the restaurant invites diners to experience la dolce vita right here on Estero Bay.

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