From Cappadocia to New York Nights: How Baris Koroglu Built Aquarelle and DEJAVU

Baris Koroglu was born in Cappadocia.

Koroglu draws on a rich hospitality background that includes notable spots such as The Lullaby, Paradise Club, VirgoPresent, and 9 Jones. His vision focuses on a sensory dining experience marrying luxury with warmth, and a revival of New York’s tradition of late dinners.

Aquarelle opened on June 26, 2025, at 47 Avenue B in the East Village. Described by The New York Times as a “luxuriously appointed seafood destination,” it offers dishes such as fluke crudo with blood orange, scallops with piri piri, branzino with Meyer lemon, and salt-baked red snapper. The kitchen’s stoves burn late into the night, supporting a vibrant scene reminiscent of older New York late-night dinners.

The interior is punctuated with velvet-lined spaces, marine tones, and candlelight which together create a rich ambiance. Distinct areas include the Cove, the Deck, and an underground Grotto, each contributing to an immersive dining environment.

During New York Fashion Week in September 2025, Aquarelle hosted high-profile nights, drawing coverage from Daily Front Row and Page Six, underscoring its role as a stylish and sensory-driven venue for the city’s fashion crowd.

In October 2025, Koroglu unveiled DEJAVU at 394 West Street in the West Village. This venue offers a dual concept: a daytime caviar cafe and a nighttime supper club spanning three distinct rooms—the Emerald Room, Golden Room, and the hidden Red Room. The shift from bright day to alluring night reflects Koroglu’s dynamic approach to hospitality.

Menu highlights at DEJAVU include scallop crudo, tuna tartare, shrimp carpaccio with caviar, pastrami croquettes, lobster ravioli, truffle pappardelle, grilled lamb chops, sea bass, and steak frites. The cocktail program features the signature DejaVu with lychee, yuzu, pineapple, and matcha foam, balancing exotic flavors in a visually striking presentation.

This article synthesizes information from the press deck and media coverage by The New York Times, Modern Luxury, Daily Front Row, Village Voice, Haute Living, and CEO Weekly. Details remain subject to refinement as these venues continue to establish their presence in New York’s competitive dining landscape.