Agua Dulce, a Latin restaurant on Ninth Avenue in Hell's Kitchen, opened quietly three weeks ago. A few blocks from Piers 92 and 94 as well as the diverse array of hotels, offices, and museums surrounding Columbus Circle, the eatery is a convenient spot for business groups as well as those attending or hosting trade shows at the nearby piers. With a total of 3,750 square feet spread across two levels, Agua Dulce seats approximately 200 and can fit an additional 20 on the sidewalk during the warmer months.
Done up in bright yellow, celadon, and aquamarine, the restaurant was designed by Peter Sibilia and Damien Vizuete, whose previous projects include Sugar and the Dream Hotel's Ava Lounge. Inspired by Morris Lapidus and Dorothy Draper, the interior includes a white marble-topped communal table, tiled walls, striped patterns, and curving black metal partitions.
The 2,500-square-foot main floor houses Agua Dulce's bar, main dining room, rear terrace, and sidewalk seating. Among the different areas in this section are an elevated lounge, dining area, and adjacent terrace with space for 50 seated or approximately 100 for receptions. There's also a 10-person semiprivate nook and a seven-seat communal table facing the grill station. Also available for groups is the dining room on the restaurant's lower level, which seats about 40 guests and has a view into the kitchen.
In addition to serving executive chef Ulrich A. Sterling's dishes, Agua Dulce offers water infused with fruit and vegetables. All proceeds from the sales of these flavored drinks benefit the Resource Foundation-supported Latin American Clean Water Initiative.