Seemor

Water Grill

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.

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

What Sets It Apart

What People Love

Points of Concern

Service & Dining Experience

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

What to Order

Perfect For

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.

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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