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Hours
Sun
11:00 am - 10:00 pm
Mon
11:00 am - 10:00 pm
Tue
11:00 am - 10:00 pm
Wed
11:00 am - 10:00 pm
Thu
11:00 am - 10:00 pm
Fri
11:00 am - 11:00 pm
Sat
11:00 am - 11:00 pm
Reserve a table
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Food and ambience
Is this a Steakhouse?
Details
About
Located on Ocean Ave. overlooking the Pacific, Water Grill Santa Monica is an iconic seafood destination to enjoy the first catch of the season and a deep variety of fish, lobsters, crabs, oysters and shellfish on a robust menu that changes daily.
PRICE RANGE
$46.00 – $77.00
CUISINES
Steakhouse, Seafood
Special Diets
Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Drinks
FEATURES
Reservations, Seating, Parking Available, Valet Parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, American Express, Mastercard, Visa, Free Wifi, Discover, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Waterfront
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4.5
1,318 reviews
Excellent
709
Very good
400
Average
124
Poor
60
Terrible
25
Edward J
5 contributions
Aug 2020 • none
Dinner for 4. Table was ready at time of reservation, cocktails were well made.
The food was good. What annoyed me the most was the fact that food runners dropped off ALL the food without telling what we were getting. For example, the oysters I ordered were served with 3 different mignonettes. They all tasted great, but it would have been nice to know what they were made with. I know, it's a small thing for most, but I feel the service should always match the menu prices. Water Grill did not. I'll give it another try...
Written 9 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MattFoleyManager
Thank you so much for the kind words! We're SO sorry about the confusion and we're sharing your message with the entire team to hopefully prevent something like this from happening again in the future! Thanks again for the feedback!
Written 11 January 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
RobDavis12
Cardiff226 contributions
Jan 2020 • couples
On a brief visit to Santa Monica we popped in here for lunch. The staff were welcoming and helpful. We were shown to window table on arrival which was nice, with a view over Ocean Avenue and the Ocean Front walk toward the distant pier and ocean.
The food was great, with a pasta, salad, steak and predominantly fish menu, including sushi and a raw bar The staff had a good knowledge of gluten free options.
We opted for a swordfish dish and Atlantic cod & chips. Both well well prepared and spot on for a quick lunch.
With great service and good food this was perfect stop for a quick meal.
Written 8 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Becky RTS
Santa Monica84 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
Classy joint with great views, especially in the summer when the windows become open air! Great for a friend meet up or any type of business dinner.
We went last night for a quick lobster roll and a glass of wine. Full service at the bar, so we cozied up there. Service was great, our bartender was very friendly. The selection of beer, wine and cocktails is vast.
Our roll was lovely, came with fries and pickles too. Lobster was buttery and delicious, the traditional top split white bread is prepared perfectly, overall a 5/5 for one of the best lobster rolls around the area!
Only thing that always confuses me is that the restaurant shares a restroom area with a few other connected restaurants, in the lobby of portofino plaza. Don't worry though, it's a nice restroom with an attendant!!
Written 12 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jill H
22 contributions
July 2021 • none
We recently enjoyed an adult-only night at the Water Grill, that was arranged through our concierge at the Hotel Casa del Mar. The service was exceptional, and every dish we ordered was delicious. One of our diners was aware of an off-menu appetizer, and when he inquired about its availability, the waiter graciously submitted his request to the chef, and we were promptly told it was being prepared as we spoke. We all enjoyed our specialty cocktails, and, again, our waiter graciously and enthusiastically welcomed our requests for modification of their signature drinks.
Written 14 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tracey Stuart
Holt60 contributions
Sept 2022 • couples
I don’t understand why the reviews are so good. The restaurant is poorly run. We were seated and the table was dirty (sticky) and the bench seating had bread crumbs all over.
We ordered oysters which were very good and a wide selection. However, the rest of the food was incredibly oily and over priced. The cutlery was changed between courses, but then another waiter came by to take it and the food arrived and we had to get up from our table to ask for more cutlery.
The carafe used to refill out water was dirty on the lip and… well, you get the drift.
The location is ideal and but it is over rated. Definitely give this a skip. There are so many better restaurants in the area.
Written 12 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DoxieGal58
Miami218 contributions
Aug 2021 • none
Our party took a chance on stopping by without reservations on a weekend evening. The maître' d' was a bit arrogant as he explained the next reservations were several hours off. He finally offered that there were communal table in the bar which was fine with our group of 6. The menu is focused on seafood but has a good variety. The service was OK. On member of our party had the cioppino which was filled with seafood and deemed delicious. The octopus appetizer was well prepared and tender. The tuna tartare had an off flavor and it seemed was flavored with something; not a traditional tartar. My wild tuna was slightly overcooked as was the faro risotto that came with it. A deconstructed cobb salad with shrimp was average with lettuce that appeared to be prepared well in advance. Overall, some in our party were pleased with the meal, but all agreed we paid a premium for dining on Ocean Avenue.
Written 31 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
shaylap305
7 contributions
May 2021 • couples
Reserved Watergrill for a birthday dinner while visiting Cali and staying in Santa Monica. Literally a 3 minute walk from our hotel so got there a couple mins early but was still seated early and reservation acknowledged. When seated, got a smaller table. When asked for a larger more comfy table, the amazing Matthew Powers, our waiter made an immediate request and it was honored. Food and drinks came out fast and good! Chilean sea bass melted in my mouth along with the baked macaroni and my honey’s NY Strip was also good. Will def be back!
Written 5 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elix C
9 contributions
Nov 2021 • friends
Had dinner with friends during a recent visit to Los Angeles. This was by far one of our best dinner experiences in Santa Monica. The ambiance, service and most importantly the food far exceeded our expectations. We live in Cape Cod so as you can imagine we are seafood snubs. I ordered the “local spiny lobster” only in season for 2 weeks (we were told) and it did not disappoint…it was out of this world. Kimberly our server was also a super star. She knew the menu well and was able to guide us through a very unique culinary experience. I highly recommend this restaurant!!!
Written 14 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Frank
Castricum831 contributions
Apr 2022 • none
I had a reservation for 8:30 pm and ended up in a friendly full, and busy restaurant and got to sit at the oyster bar. Yes, fantastic place! My server was Drew, and I couldn't have found a better one. I tastefully enjoyed the Today's Oysters selection from both the eastern and pacific coasts. A nice touch was the card showing where the oysters came from. A bonus was that they had a half bottle of Duckhorn Chardonnay on the menu, which perfectly combined with the oysters. If you like Seafood, then this restaurant should not be missing from your list, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Written 6 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
queenofhearts7
Medicine Hat377 contributions
Sept 2023 • friends
Water grill was recommended to us so after touring the Santa Monica pier we went to our 7:00 pm reservation. This place was rather loud and noisy, then sad to say our table was by the back bathroom door. Two highball drinks, fish and chips plus wild halibut brought us a tab of $132.00. The food was just okay and expensive for what we had. Nothing special.
Written 4 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
791katherinet
11 contributions
July 2022 • none
We had a reservation but a work project ended early and we decided to see if we could eat 1 1/2 hours earlier. We were told to go to the bar. We ordered drinks but no food, because we thought we would be seated within half-an-hour. After an hour we decided to order some food It was prepared and delivered by the attentive and friendly bar tenders. Such a hard-working group! We were not seated at a table until after our original reservation time. We almost decided to leave since we were no longer hungry, but decided to order anyway. The food was delicious, but service was slow. I would advise you to make a reservation and stick to it!
Written 6 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
crawford g
Aberdeen1804 contributions
Oct 2023 • couples
Potentially this place looks good, but first impressions can be misleading. Although there was a row of tables for two outside, the server insisted we eat inside, claiming overload on the waiter. The bread at the table was very good, but they had no gluten free bread for my wife. The Alsace Reisling was expensive and at best average.
Ordering food was interesting....I wanted a whole fish, and every time I ordered a size, the waiter returned saying that size had gone, and we had to go bigger. This happened 3 times. We finally chose a 1.9lb seabass (and on later scrutiny of the bill were charged for more, which at the crazy price being charged was another kick in the teeth.
The fish, supposed to be barbecue with a lemon sauce appeared neither. It tasted baked and the only lemon was one to squeeze. The fish temperature was tepid, and as the vegetables were piping hot, I can only assume it was left aside while cooking the vegetables.
Overall, a costly lack lustre experience. Probably OK if on an expense account or an unwary tourist.
Won't be back.
Written 3 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheFunFoodie
United States2651 contributions
Sept 2020 • family
I have no idea why OpenTable still allows them on their app. For 35 minutes after our reservation time, we stood in the hot sun (on the hottest day in LA history) while the staff stood in the AC with arrogant smirks on their faces watching us all melt in the sun. Makes you pretty hungry for some SEAFOOD eh? Once finally seated, that service was just as bad. They seemed shocked bothered that we knew what we wanted when we sat down. Dude we’ve been standing here for 35 mins. We had to do something with our time! When the food arrived it was as wilted as I felt. I asked for sauces for my sushi. It never showed up. Thank goodness I asked for the check when our food arrived or we’d still be there. Funny the check came but not the sauces. See photos for our 96$ meal. Give me a break. But that does include tip because, unlike the Water Grill, I didn’t take my miserable hot day out on others. I tried to make their day better.
Written 9 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AmerikanacUHrvatskoj
Seattle91 contributions
Nov 2021 • none
My sister, a pescatarian, and I were visiting Santa Monica on November 1, and decided on the Water Grill for dinner. They were able to accommodate a party of two inside without a reservation. So glad we chose the place! We both had salads as a first course; mine was an iceberg wedge. The Water Grill serves it with goat cheese instead of the usual bleu cheese, but it was wonderful. I had the Chilean sea bass as an entree, awesome. My sister had the halibut, which she enjoyed very much. We shared a side of bacon garlic Brussels sprouts, a terrific accompaniment. The service was amazingly and exemplary. Highly recommended!
Written 2 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LuLu
Delray Beach42 contributions
Dec 2019 • none
Our last visit was the 5th to the Water Grill in Santa Monica. Again we had great service and dinner. If you like people watching get a table at the front open-air section and you'll have fun. Stand out is the oysters which are always fresh with a wide variety, and a great wine list!
Written 5 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Santa Monica is a coastal town that maintains a balance as a tourist destination and as an area with a thriving local culture. On the beach, bikers, roller-bladers, runners and walkers move along the famed bike path enjoying the beautiful Los Angeles weather. The solar-powered Ferris wheel at the Santa Monica pier spins high above the water, while park revelers scream with delight riding the roller coaster. Inland from the beach, Third Street Promenade bustles with shoppers and street performers, where every block seems to have a musical or acrobatic act drawing crowds giving Santa Monica both the feeling of a laid-back beach town and a major commercial hub.
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