Water Grill - Santa Monica

Review summary

1. A

   Aleesa

   VIP

   Los Angeles

   35 reviews

   5.0

   35 reviews

   Dined today

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Water Grill is one of our favorite restaurants in Santa Monica. I suggest it to everyone who comes to visit. For the quality, ambiance, and service, it can't be beat at this price point in the area. Not to mention the sunset view is gorgeous if you can catch it, as the restaurant sits along the PCH. This evening, we came in for a late dinner at 8:45pm on a Monday. The service was still exemplary, both the hostess and our two servers were kind and attentive. My partner worried that we were not dressed for dinner but we were still treated with the same hospitality we have grown to expect from this excellent establishment. And the food is ALWAYS top tier. We chose the oyster sampler which has selections from all over the continent and wonderfully exemplifies the varieties in flavor from different regions, highly recommended. The grilled octopus was cooked to perfection (which I've learned from other restaurants, isn't easy because it can get chewy, but not here). For mains we had the big eye tuna and 8oz filet along with the broccolini. Both were bursting with flavor. For dessert, a favorite, the key lime pie. Our server told us he didn't even like key lime pie until he tried it at Water Grill and now he loves theirs. If that isn't a glowing recommendation, I don't know what is. We finished with a double espresso that comes with a rock sugar stirrer, which was a delightful end to a fantastic meal.
   

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2. M

   Michael

   VIP

   Los Angeles

   3 reviews

   5.0

   3 reviews

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Our Server Rocked...and it was just a beautiful day and with lovely food. A Great first Sunday of the year, the view and food never fails here.
   

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3. J

   Judy

   Los Angeles

   1 review

   2.0

   1 review

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 3

   We came here last night to celebrate our wedding anniversary. The food is excellent but the service was terrible. We got seated at 715 and finished at 920. We saw our waiter 3 times. He came to get our drink orders, came back for our meal order, and gave us the check. Between those times, nobody checked in on us. My husband asked 3 people for to go containers. For the price you pay for the meal, the expectation is you’ll get great service. Unfortunately, we did not get any of that. Will not be returning.
   

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4. B

   Bernadette

   VIP

   Los Angeles

   17 reviews

   5.0

   17 reviews

   Dined 4 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   We had a lovely dining experience at Water Grill, Santa Monica. Our server, Melissa was lovely, genuinely personable, and it was evident that she loves her job because her expertise and positivity shines through. Our dinner selections were deliciously satisfying and capped off nicely by a scrumptious key lime pie. This spot is a gem and we definitely will be visiting again soon :)
   

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5. A

   Alejandro

   San Francisco

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined 6 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Always great service. Wish there were more options food wise but great food overall.
   

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6. H

   Hicham

   VIP

   Los Angeles

   60 reviews

   5.0

   60 reviews

   Dined 6 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   2nd visit this time to water grill. NYE 2025 🎉 Pleasant atmosphere, the service was excellent The food does not disappoint Will definitely do again Highly recommend
   

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7. M

   Marisela

   VIP

   Los Angeles

   8 reviews

   3.0

   8 reviews

   Dined 6 days ago

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   Our New Year's Eve experience at Water Grill in Santa Monica started with high expectations, especially after receiving their email about a special four-course dinner event. Excited, I made a reservation, secured it with a credit card, and looked forward to a memorable evening. Upon our prompt arrival, the hostess greeted us and left to check on our table. Shortly after, another hostess escorted us in the opposite direction—outside. It was a cold evening, and no one else was seated outdoors. We were told indoor seating was not guaranteed when we inquired about why we were being seated outside. Adding to our frustration, she mentioned we were "lucky" to have a table, as others had been waiting for two hours. I politely pointed out that this condition was never disclosed when I made the reservation. Had I known indoor seating wasn't guaranteed, I might have reconsidered. The hostess simplged her shoulders and walked away. Unwilling to settle for an outdoor table in the cold, my son returned to speak with staff. Fortunately, a high table with stools was large enough to accommodate our party of seven. We gladly took it and finally began our dining experience. Our waitress was exceptional, providing attentive service throughout the evening. The food and wine pairing were also delicious, meeting our anticipated high standards. However, another oversight dampened the evening. I noted we were also celebrating a special birthday when making our reservation. My son was the first baby born in Santa Monica on New Year's Day 24 years ago. A few days before the reservation, a staff member even called to confirm our booking and asked about the occasion, to which I reiterated the significance of the birthday celebration. Despite this, no birthday acknowledgment had been made when our bill arrived. After some time, we asked about it, and eventually, someone delivered a dessert with a candle. The gesture felt impersonal as no one said, "Happy Birthday."
   

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8. R

   Ronald

   Los Angeles

   24 reviews

   5.0

   24 reviews

   Dined 6 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   New Year’s Eve at Water Grill was memorable. The staff were all very friendly and attentive. They seated us in a private room, which made it special. The NYE four course menu had numerous options that my group of 7 were each able to find excellent choices. Everyone raved about their courses. The meats and seafood were cooked perfectly. The portion sizes were enough that several people had leftovers. The final desert course topped off the evening. The chef stopped in to also check on us, which was a nice touch. Thank you Water Grill! for an amazing evening!
   

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9. AD

   AntonioD

   Houston

   2 reviews

   3.0

   2 reviews

   Dined 6 days ago

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 1
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 3

   I have never experienced a restaurant that added seasoning to the dessert and not seasoning to the food. The ambience is nice and it’s in a nice area. If you want to go to a place for a look. This would be it. However, if you’re going for good food… the food in this establishment is tasteless and not worth it.
   

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10. C

    Crissy

    VIP

    Austin

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    We dined on New Years Eve…the food was great, and it was a fun & lively atmosphere. Our server was friendly and helpful. Would love to go back when full menu is available to try more.
    

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