As Aqua Restaurant Group marks 25 years of redefining luxury dining, the story of its founder, David Yeo, stands as a testament to vision, creativity and the enduring art of hospitality. A Singaporean born British entrepreneur, David has built a global empire rooted in personal experience, cultural curiosity and a commitment to immersive design and gastronomy.
Originally trained as a lawyer at Cambridge University, Yeo spent nearly two decades advising at Freshfields and Credit Suisse in London before relocating to Hong Kong in the early 1990s. There, a reputation among friends as the consummate host known for meticulously curated dinner parties sparked a new chapter. Encouraged to share his passion more widely, he opened his first 60 seat restaurant on Hollywood Road in 2000.
What began as a single venture has grown into Aqua Restaurant Group, now home to over 23 restaurants and bars across London, Hong Kong, New York, Miami, Dubai and soon, Paris. Each concept is shaped by Yeo’s international experiences, with storytelling at the heart of every menu and design whether it’s the refined elegance of Aqua Kyoto, the bold flavours of Hutong or the Mediterranean soul of Azzurra.
Despite the Group’s international scale, Yeo remains deeply hands-on, overseeing everything from menu development to interior design.
Beyond hospitality, Yeo is also an avid scuba diver and dedicated philanthropist, supporting causes such as the Hong Kong Cancer Fund, Hong Kong Dog Rescue and Operation Smile. With the upcoming launch of Aqua Kyoto Paris on the Champs Élysées, Yeo continues to shape the future of dining through deeply personal, cultural and atmospheric experiences.
This 25 year milestone honours a legacy of bold ideas and global inspiration, one that will continue to evolve, surprise, and elevate the world of dining for years to come.
Career History
Aqua Restaurant Group – Founder & CEO
January 2000 – Present
Global
Credit Suisse (UK)– Legal Adviser
1990 – 1997
London, United Kingdom
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer– Corporate Lawyer
1985 – 1990
London, United Kingdom
Education
University of Cambridge– Law (MA)
United Kingdom
https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-yeo-414a393/?originalSubdomain=uk
www.aquarestaurantgroup.com| @aqua_restaurant_group
