Acqua Bistecca Brings Bold Flavors and Playful Twists to Washington, DC

On September 8, The MINA Group proudly opened Acqua Bistecca at CityRidge, marking Chef Michael Mina’s latest culinary chapter in the nation’s capital. Nearly two decades after bringing Bourbon Steak to Georgetown, Chef Mina returns with a new concept inspired by the convivial spirit of Italian dining—a spirited dinner party where bold flavors, playful twists, and hospitality set the stage for unforgettable evenings.

RESERVATIONS

A Feast of Classics with a Twist

The menu blends beloved Italian traditions with Chef Mina’s signature creativity. Guests will find:

• Lasagna alla Piastra layered with spicy sausage ragù, swiss chard, and roasted pepper marinara
• Daily Crudos like Long Island fluke with peach, Calabrian chili, and mint
• Risotto ‘alla Marchesi’ with barolo-braised osso buco and saffron
• Chargrilled Steaks brushed with lambrusco butter and finished with bone marrow vinaigrette
• Simply Grilled Seafood including striped bass, monkfish, and lobster paired with saffron-orange fregola
• Sweet Endings like airy bomba donuts with huckleberry jam and “The Lemon,” a bright take on vanilla bean mousse inspired by Mina’s travels in Sorrento

Spirited Sips

At the center of the restaurant is an epic bar—its soaring shelves stacked to the ceiling with rare spirits and a kaleidoscope of bottles. The beverage program balances playful Italian-inspired cocktails with a thoughtful wine list and local DMV spirits. Standouts include the Capri, a clarified milk punch with bourbon and tomato water; the Marina di Ragusa, a tequila cocktail topped with prickly pear foam; and a Venetian-inspired riff on the Bellini.

Designed for Celebration

Created by Nunzio Marc DeSantis Architects, Acqua Bistecca was designed to channel the intimacy of a dinner party with modern Italian charm. From vibrant crudo bars to communal tables, the space invites guests to linger, celebrate, and enjoy la dolce vita.

Continuing a Legacy

For Chef Mina, Acqua Bistecca is both a homecoming and a progression. “When we opened Bourbon Steak nearly 20 years ago, we ushered in a new style of dining in Georgetown,” he says. “Acqua Bistecca is the dinner party I’ve been dreaming of for years—every night is about creating joy around the table.”