It’s always fun and exciting to see a restaurant open up in town and become an instant success. That’s exactly what’s happened with Bill Shields and Joe Maggio’s venture on Baltimore Avenue. You’ve probably walked by it and wondered what all the crowds were about. Do yourself a favor, go in and treat yourself to some really good eats.

Here’s how Aqua Grill describes itself: "...a medley of casual environments (with) a sand box on the left; a waterfall on the right; a Key West bungalow straight ahead; all playfully created to serve up some of the latest casual fare in the Rehoboth area." Playful and casual it is, without neglecting the main attraction—the chow.

Lori Kline and I walked by the main patio which sports that sandbox and waterfall, into the bungalow, and were seated in a comfortable, relaxing room that is all open and topped by an open beamed white ceiling complete with that Key West touch, lots of ceiling fans. The wood floors are painted a light blue, and the white walls are hung with art work by local artist Cindy Johnson. Large planters filled with tropical-like flowers line one room divider, another clever construction of huge bamboo spears. It’s a combination that makes you want to kick back and relax and order a big, cool drink.

That’s just what Lori decided to do. Our helpful and courteous waiter, John, put before her what he called a "big girl" mojito. Weighing in at 16 ounces it was, indeed enough for a "big girl," and no doubt would be enough for a big boy too! Fresh mint and ice made it a drink that Lori will remember for a long time.

When Bill and Joe first bought Aqua their original intention was to make it into more of a bar, but lucky for us they modified those plans and opened a restaurant that’s a great accompaniment to some wonderful people watching. Bill told me that some people come in for their first meal at Aqua and then return every night of their vacation. High praise and well deserved.

You’re not going to be overwhelmed by a ten page menu here, but instead a carefully culled selection of appetizers and main courses that fit perfectly with the atmosphere. There are nine appetizers and eight main courses listed, and each one has it distinct appeal. You could easily nosh your way through the appetizers and feel well satisfied, with selections of a Peace Offering (light garlic hummus served with toasted pita and grilled eggplant), The Other White Meat (tender boneless pork carnitas cooked on the grill over white rice and black beans, garnished with a fried plantain), or settle in with a bowl of Wharf Chowder (new England clam chowder in a sour dough bread bowl).

Looking at those and other selections, Lori and I decided to split the Skinny Dip, a delicious crab dip, blended with spinach and artichokes in a toasted bread bowl. It’s a beautiful presentation, surrounded by an assortment of variegated corn chips. It’s a good thing we decided to share—the portion is huge and more than enough for two, especially if you decide to dig into the dense, flavorful bread bowl that it’s served in.

Ready for round two, Lori and I paid close attention to the choices of entrees. Beach Balls and String Bikinis (turkey meatballs on a bed of linguini topped by fresh made marinara, finished with a side of warm garlic bread) sounded like fun, as did the Poseidon Adventure (fresh catch of the day over a bed of mixed field greens, finished with balsamic vinaigrette). I was ready for something light and decided to try the Sunken Treasure. Our waiter John told me that it wasn’t a huge dish so if I was really hungry maybe I should order another dish. After that great crab dip I really couldn’t think of tackling a big dish (and save room for dessert!). The dish was seared sea scallops served on a bed of seaweed salad and drizzled with a sesame-rice vinaigrette. The richness of the scallops was a perfect counter-balance to the tangy, flavorful seaweed salad.

Lori had a bigger appetite than I did and decided to have the Blue Man Group, What arrived on her plate were two lightly seasoned jumbo lump crab cakes with fresh corn coulis, a heaping serving of fresh cut sweet potato fries and a generous serving of crispy coleslaw. She tucked in with such gusto that I thought I was going to have to beg her for a taste. The crab cakes were perfect and the sweet potato fries were just the right thing to go with them.

Dessert time! There are several varieties of cheesecakes to choose from, and I selected the homemade white chocolate cheesecake mainly because I’ve never tasted white chocolate cheesecake before. It won’t be the last time—this creamy cake is iced in chocolate and is a real crowd pleaser. Lori wanted to try the Tuxedo cake, another homemade dessert. What arrived was a huge chunk of double layer chocolate cake with whipped cream icing, drizzled with a chocolate ganache. If it hadn’t tasted so darned good, it might have been daunting to finish.

Aqua Grill is a welcomed addition to Rehoboth dining. Its successful first season insures that it will be around a long time, but don’t wait to treat yourself. Dive on in.