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Water GrillA-Worth Trying

Name: Water Grill
Address: 1401 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401, Santa Monica, United States
Rating: 4.4

1401 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401 · Seafood restaurant · 4.4/5 Google (2770 reviews)

Reservations · Takeout · Outdoor seating

Destination raw bar and seafood spot with ocean views, polished vibe, and generally strong service; pricey, with occasional service lapses and inconsistency at the bar.

Why it gets an A- for overall quality

Water Grill delivers solid A-grade performance through exceptional seafood quality and outstanding ocean views, competitive with the area's better neighborhood restaurants. However, inconsistent execution—occasional overcooked steaks and bland preparations—and service gaps during peak hours prevent grade A territory. Strong manager recovery and attentive servers offset these concerns for a reliable, worth-the-splurge experience.

Restaurant Summary

Right on Ocean Avenue, the room feels warm and bustling with sunset light bouncing off polished wood and a humming raw bar. Guests praise servers who anticipate needs, with one sharing that a manager stepped in and "turned the night around" after a kitchen miss. Do aim for inside seating if breeze or sidewalk traffic might distract; the patio trades comfort for views. The cooking leans classic seafood with a contemporary sheen rather than theatrics—think pristine oysters, silky sea bass, and charcoal-kissed octopus, plus a serious raw bar and sushi that keeps things interesting. Steaks get love too, though a few diners wished for bolder seasoning or tighter doneness control. Prices reflect premium sourcing and the address, but when execution and hospitality align, it feels worth the splurge. Families can do well here with recognizable options like fish and chips, burger, simple sushi rolls, and chowder. The vibe is upscale and lively, not hushed, and there is outdoor seating; that said, strollers and tight corners can be a squeeze. For kids, aim for earlier reservations and choose indoor tables for a smoother experience.

At a Glance

Exemplary raw bar and fresh seafood with ocean views
Attentive service with strong manager recovery when issues arise
Bar and host stand can struggle at peak times
Premium pricing; occasional bland or overdone items
Patio comfort varies (wind, flies, sidewalk proximity)

What Sets It Apart

extensive_raw_bar
ocean_sunset_views
managerial_recovery_service

What People Love

Feeling genuinely looked after on special occasions
Briny, impeccably cold oysters and shellfish
Buttery, well-cooked fish that lets the product shine
Ocean sunsets through big windows
Thoughtful server recommendations

Points of Concern

Service can lag at the bar during rush, with occasional curt interactions
A few reports of off shellfish or temperature issues, typically corrected by management
Some diners find flavors restrained for the price point
Patio seating comfort varies; indoor reservations are safer bets

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost$85-125 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

Start with 6-12 oysters across coasts, share octopus, then a seafood main in the $42-54 range; add one cocktail and budget for the service charge.

Perfect For

Seafood-centric date night with oysters and champagne
Business lunch with view and reliable service
Celebration dinners that merit a polished room
Solo bar dining with sushi and a cocktail

Location Insights

Area: Upscale beachfront district drawing tourists, business lunches, and celebratory dinners; lively sidewalks and ocean views.

Safety: Generally safe and well-patrolled with steady foot traffic; occasional crowded sidewalks and busy intersections.

Nearby: Steps from Santa Monica Beach, near hotels, Third Street Promenade shopping, and offices; heavy visitor flow.

Santa MonicaThe dining scene in Santa Monica is diverse, featuring high-end seafood restaurants, casual beachside cafes, and trendy spots catering to health-conscious diners. The atmosphere is relaxed yet upscale, with many venues offering ocean views and a focus on fresh, sustainable ingredients.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday11:00–22:00 Tuesday11:00–22:00 Wednesday11:00–22:00 Thursday11:00–22:00 Friday11:00–23:00 Saturday11:00–23:00 Sunday11:00–22:00

Available: Reservations, Takeout, Outdoor seating

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