The brightly painted Caribbean-style restaurant opened on Baltimore Avenue in June and has been an instant hit with locals and tourists, said owner Matt Falcone. And, what’s not to like? The waiting area, which is situated underneath a gigantic oak tree, consists of 10 truck loads of sand complete with patio swings and wooden garden chairs. Tiki torches line the entire outside deck which measures 4,000 square feet. Dozens of planters filled with palms and tropical foliage surround the dining area. A three-tier fountain on the deck keeps the image, and sound, of water close at hand.

Like many Rehoboth small business owners, Falcone is a transplant. Having previously owned a New Jersey restaurant for 10 years, he spent a couple of years traveling along the East Coast for a suitable location for another eatery. “This space is ideal for what I wanted,” said Falcone, “and it dictated the Caribbean theme. It’s very open. I was actually surprised that for a beach destination, there was nothing tropical around here. This was an environment that was sorely needed.”

The menu reflects Falcone’s vision of a tropical island getaway. Under soups and starters, customers can order a chilled watermelon peach soup, or opt for teriyaki ginger glazed chicken wings dusted with sesame seeds.

A wild Asian salad with a lime/ginger dressing and a Jamaican grilled chicken breast Caesar are but two salad offerings.

Kabobs are one of Aqua’s specialty items. Customers can choose from a chicken and shrimp kabob glazed with salsa Soya served over a bed of jasmine rice, or the classic surf n’ turf kabob with salmon and filet mignon.

There is a distinct spicy influence in several main dishes, including Thai lobster crab cakes and Thai island red curry with shrimp. And, a Caribbean restaurant would not be complete without a selection of pork items. Aqua offers a pulled pork sandwich served with caramelized apples and seasoned fries as well as Havana grilled pork medallions.

“The menu will be changing all season,” said Falcone, “to reflect available fresh produce.”

Key lime pie and an assortment of tropical flavored sorbet add a light touch to the dessert menu.

The eatery has also created two signature drinks: the frozen Aqua Blue consists of a frozen wilderberry margarita, and the Aqua martini.

“We’ve been exceptionally well received,” said Falcone. “People really enjoy being outside.” While the restaurant caters to everyone, it has already developed as a destination for gays, especially on the weekends. “That’s fine with me,” said Falcone, who is openly gay. “It’s nice to be who you are, while offering that same choice to customers.

Regrettably, owning a business that borders a residential neighborhood can be challenging, as Falcone has learned. “We’ve even bought our own noise meters for the deck to make sure we are in compliance with the city,” he said. “But no matter what you do, some people just prefer there be absolutely nothing here.”

Aqua Grill is located at 57 Baltimore Ave. and is open six days a week from 2 p.m. to midnight. Sunday brunch is served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The regular menu begins following brunch. Reservations for parties of six or more are recommended. For more information call 302-226-9001.