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Pan Seared Halibut Velouté - Water Grill - Santa Monica, Santa Monica, CA

Water Grill - Santa Monica

4.7 (6073)
$31 to $50
Seafood
1401 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 55 times today

About this restaurant

Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, 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. Located on Ocean Ave. across from the Pacific Ocean and steps away from the Santa Monica Pier, Water Grill Santa Monica is the perfect place to dine, celebrate and host an event for business or pleasure. New product arrives from boat-to-table in a matter of hours from our exclusive seafood distribution company and our chef’s preparations allow the high-quality product to shine. Consistently rated as one of Santa Monica’s top seafood restaurants, Water Grill Santa Monica also offers customizable private dining options for business meetings and special events.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Seafood, American, Fine cuts
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu, Sun 11:00 am–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–11:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Mark Pollard
  • Private party facilities
    Host your next event across the street from the Pacific Ocean! Consistently rated as one of Santa Monica's top seafood restaurants by locals, Water Grill Santa Monica offers an intimate private dining room or full buyout option to host your next meeting or event.
  • Private party contact
    Trina Walkama: (310) 394-5669
  • Neighborhood
    Santa Monica
  • Cross street
    Santa Monica Boulevard
  • Parking details
    Valet parking available in front of restaurant. Metered street and lot parking near by.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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Private dining

What 6,073 people are saying

Water Grill - Santa Monica reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Westside

    Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Water Grill in Santa Monica offers a "beautiful experience" with "great food, drinks, and vibes." Guests rave about the "exceptional service" and "stunning ocean views." The seafood, especially the "mussels" and "oysters," is highly praised. While some find it pricey, many believe the "quality and ambiance" make it worthwhile.
6,073 Reviews
  1. simone VIP

    Los Angeles34 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was amazing and our server ( forgot his name) but he was awesome and quite easy on the eyes too!🙂 A time was had....

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  2. Lauren VIP

    New York City51 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 9, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    The was very good. View view of the ocean was perfect. Our server was excellent.

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  3. erika

    Los Angeles2 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on June 8, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    Nice restaurant with average food and service. Expensive for what it is.

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  4. Jun

    Los Angeles8 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on June 6, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 5
    The server was not very attentive. Also, since we brought our own wine, the server did not want to do multiple pour, he poured the whole bottle at once. We were 4 people.

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  5. Helena

    Los Angeles2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 1, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    I had a wonderful dinner with my family. Nice food Nice Serve Nive vibe Special thanks for my mother’s birthday desert :)

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  6. Adrianna

    Detroit / Eastern Michigan3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 30, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I enjoyed my dining experience. I was seated at a table near a window and was able to enjoy the views and breeze of the ocean. Amanda, my server was exceptional and attentive. The food was fantastic.

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  7. M

    Los Angeles1 review

    3.0

    Dined on May 25, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 3
    The waitress we had was extremely condescending and was rude. She should not be someone working in the service industry. I’ve been to a handful of Water Grills (Orange County and DTLA) and she made our experience unpleasant.

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  8. ava

    Los Angeles14 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on May 25, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Good service and nice atmosphere , my steak was good but had to take it back; partially rare when I wanted well done. But overall I always enjoy my meals here.

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  9. JANA VIP

    Los Angeles9 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 18, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    I recently celebrated my birthday at Water Grill and I have to highlight the exceptional service provided by Kieran. He went above and beyond to make the evening truly memorable. His dedication to creating a great experience really stood out. It’s rare to come across someone who genuinely cares about the guest experience the way he did. Workers like him are a true asset to the team—they make customers feel valued, comfortable, and excited to return. Thanks to his efforts, this birthday was one I won’t forget. I’ll definitely be back, and I hope to see him again on my next visit! Thanks to Kieran and Water Grill crew to make my night so special 🥰

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  10. Karin VIP

    Orange County22 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 17, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Never fails to impress with the food, service and view. Couldn’t have asked for a better place to celebrate with family.

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FAQs

Water Grill - Santa Monica offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (310) 394-5669.

Water Grill - Santa Monica is rated 4.7 stars by 6073 OpenTable diners.

Water Grill - Santa Monica does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Los Angeles
  4. Westside
  5. Santa Monica

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 55 times today
Google Map for Water Grill - Santa Monica

1401 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Santa Monica Boulevard
  • Neighborhood
    Santa Monica
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu, Sun 11:00 am–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–11:00 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Seafood, American, Fine cuts
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Valet parking available in front of restaurant. Metered street and lot parking near by.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Mark Pollard
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
  • Private party facilities
    Host your next event across the street from the Pacific Ocean! Consistently rated as one of Santa Monica's top seafood restaurants by locals, Water Grill Santa Monica offers an intimate private dining room or full buyout option to host your next meeting or event.
  • Private party contact
    Trina Walkama: (310) 394-5669
Gift card

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card
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