Seafood 101:
Pairing Drinks With Seafood
If you’re looking for a taste of the ocean, Las Vegas is definitely the place to be. There are endless seafood options available in this city, from casual eateries to fine dining establishments. With so many choices, it can be tough to know where to start. Whether you’re in the mood for Mahi-Mahi, grilled fish, or something else entirely, we’ve put together a list of our favorite types of fish to eat in Las Vegas.
Welcome to Aqua Seafood & Caviar Restaurant, where every meal is an occasion to savor and enjoy. We believe that pairing drinks with seafood is an essential part of the dining experience, and we are excited to share some great ideas with you. We have carefully curated a list of food and drink pairings that will delight your taste buds and enhance your social occasion.
Check out our menu online to see the array of amazing dishes offered at Aqua Seafood & Caviar Restaurant.
Whether you prefer wine or beer, we have some great ideas for you. And if you’re not sure which one to choose, our knowledgeable staff will be happy to assist you. Here are some of our favorite pairings:
1. Grilled Seafood and Chilled White Wine
There’s nothing quite like the taste of grilled seafood on a warm summer evening. Whether you’re enjoying grilled shrimp, lobster, or scallops, a chilled white wine is the perfect complement. We recommend a crisp, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or a bright, citrusy Pinot Grigio.
2. Spicy Food and Beer
If you’re a fan of spicy food, you know that it can be challenging to find a drink that can handle the heat. That’s where hoppy beer comes in. Hop-lovers should stick to an IPA with an IBU below 60, or go with something on the fruity side like a watermelon IPA.
3. Steak and Red Wine
It’s a classic pairing for a reason. A juicy steak and a full-bodied red wine are a match made in heaven. Whether you prefer a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or a smooth Merlot, you can’t go wrong with this food and wine pairing.
4. Lobster Roll and Brown Ale
Lobster rolls are a popular seafood dish that can be paired with a variety of beers, but Brown Ale is a particularly good match. Its caramel and nutty notes can complement the rich, buttery flavors of the lobster, creating a satisfying and hearty pairing.
5. Chocolate Dessert and Port Wine
Not only do we have the best seafood Las Vegas Strip style, we will also amaze you with our dessert choices. And you won’t want to miss out on this pairing. A rich, decadent chocolate dessert is the perfect match for a smooth, sweet port wine. The combination of flavors is truly divine.
6. Sushi and Sake
Sushi is a delicate and nuanced dish that requires a light and refreshing beverage to complement its flavors. Sake, a Japanese rice wine, is an ideal pairing for sushi. Its subtle sweetness and acidity can enhance the flavors of the fish without overpowering them.
7. Oysters and Champagne
Oysters are a luxurious delicacy that pairs perfectly with a glass of bubbly Champagne. The two foods contain complementary sets of umami flavors that act “synergistically” to enhance taste, working together harmoniously. This is a classic and sophisticated pairing that is sure to impress.
8. Lobster and Chardonnay
Lobster is a rich and decadent seafood that requires a full-bodied white wine to stand up to its intense flavors. Chardonnay, with its buttery, oaky flavors and full body, is the perfect pairing. Its richness can complement the buttery, nutty flavors of the lobster, creating a truly indulgent experience.
9. Grilled Steak and Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is a versatile and elegant wine that pairs well with many different foods, but it’s particularly well-suited to grilled steak. Its earthy, fruity flavors and light body can enhance the flavors of the meat without overpowering them. This is a classic and sophisticated pairing that never goes out of style.
10. Oysters and Muscadet
Oysters are a classic seafood dish that pairs well with a variety of wines, but Muscadet is a particularly good match. Its light body and minerality can complement the briny, fresh flavors of the oysters, creating a crisp and refreshing pairing.
11. Clam Chowder and Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is a versatile wine that pairs well with many seafood dishes, including creamy clam chowder. Its light body and earthy, fruity notes can complement the savory, creamy flavors of the chowder, creating a rich and comforting pairing.
12. Fish and Chips and Light Lager
Fish and chips is a classic pub dish that pairs well with a variety of beers, but Light Lager is a particularly great beer and food pairing. Its crisp, refreshing flavors can cut through the rich, fried flavors of the fish and chips, creating a balanced and satisfying pairing.
13. Grilled Octopus and Sauvignon Blanc
If you’re looking for a great Sauvignon Blanc food pairing, this is it. Sauvignon Blanc’s crisp acidity and herbaceous notes can make it a perfect pairing for grilled octopus, a dish that can be difficult to pair with wine. The wine’s citrusy flavors can cut through the smoky, charred flavors of the octopus, creating a refreshing and flavorful pairing, but a more neutral Sauv Blanc would be best so not to overpower the flavors of the octopus.
14. Caviar and Champagne
When it comes to pairing caviar with a drink, there are a few options that really stand out. One classic pairing is caviar and Champagne, as the effervescence of the wine helps to cut through the rich, buttery flavors of the caviar.
If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, consider pairing your caviar with a high-quality mineral water or a sparkling grape juice. These beverages can help to cleanse your palate between bites, allowing you to fully savor the complex flavors of the caviar.
Aqua Seafood & Caviar Restaurant is the place to be for the best caviar in Las Vegas!
15. Shrimp Cocktail and Light Lager
For a classic seafood pairing, try a light lager with a chilled shrimp cocktail. The beer’s crisp, refreshing flavors can balance the cocktail sauce’s tangy, spicy flavors, while its carbonation can help cleanse the palate between bites.
16. Crab Bisque and Pinot Noir
A creamy dish makes the perfect Pinot Noir food pairing. The rich flavors of a crab bisque can be beautifully balanced by the light, fruity notes of a Pinot Noir. The wine’s subtle tannins can help to cut through the soup’s creaminess, while its bright acidity can enhance the sweetness of the crab.
Seafood and More on the Vegas Strip
There’s something truly special about enjoying a delicious seafood meal with the perfect drink pairing. It’s not just about the flavors and textures — it’s about the experience of sharing a meal with friends and loved ones, creating memories and enjoying each other’s company.
At Aqua Seafood & Caviar Restaurant, we pride ourselves on offering honest, elegant cuisine that’s perfect for any social occasion. Our fresh, high-quality seafood dishes are designed to be enjoyed with the perfect drink pairing, whether you prefer a crisp, refreshing wine or a hearty, full-bodied beer.
But it’s not just about the food and drink. When you dine at Aqua Seafood & Caviar Restaurant, you’ll be greeted by a warm, welcoming atmosphere that’s perfect for relaxing and enjoying your meal. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a night out with friends, we’re here to provide an experience that’s both elegant and approachable.
Our knowledgeable staff can help you choose the perfect drink pairing for your seafood dish, and our comfortable, stylish surroundings are the perfect backdrop for a night out. Whether you’re in the mood for oysters and Champagne, lobster rolls and brown ale, or any of our other delicious pairings, we’ve got you covered.
At Aqua Seafood & Caviar Restaurant, we believe that great food and drink are about more than just taste — it’s about creating an experience that you’ll remember for years to come. So why not come see for yourself?
Come join us for dinner and discover the magic of honest, elegant cuisine and the perfect drink pairing. We can’t wait to see you!
Resources:
A Guide to Drinking with Spicy Foods: Beer (2016).
Here’s Why Oysters And Champagne Go So Well Together, According To Science (2020).
Octopus Wine Pairing: 8+ Great Wines that go with Octopus (2022).