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Water Grill - South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa, CA

Water Grill - South Coast Plaza

4.7
4.7
6690 Reviews
$31 to $50
Seafood
Located across from South Coast Plaza and steps from Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Water Grill is a true seafood destination. Family owned and operated, Water Grill focuses on first-of-the-season seafood and has delivered a superior dining experience for more than 30 years. Their devotion to quality seafood sourced in-house, is illustrated on their daily menus.

Sourcing from local fishermen, Water Grill’s seafood arrives from boat to table in a matter of hours. Water Grill Executive Chefs prepare the dishes with care, allowing the fresh seafood to shine, while using high-quality ingredients to elevate the recipe. From Spiny Lobsters in the fall to Wild Salmon in the spring, Water Grill’s focus is all about local, sustainable seafood and a one-of-a-kind experience.


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2 people

7:30 PM


Booked 174 times today
Private dining

Private dining

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Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Cuisines

    Seafood, Fine cuts, American

  • Hours of operation

    Mon–Thu, Sun 11:00 am–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–11:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (949) 208-7060

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Smart Casual

  • Executive chef

    Chef Peter Lai

  • Private party facilities

    Water Grill has been Southern California's seafood destination since 1989. Located in the heart of Orange County, and with the Segerstrom Center for the Arts and the renowned South Coast Plaza within walking distance, Water Grill is the perfect location for any event.

  • Private party contact

    Gina McDaniel: (949) 208-7061

  • Neighborhood

    Costa Mesa

  • Parking details

    Valet Only

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Full Bar, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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What 6,690 people are saying

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
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.2Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Orange County

    Seafood

  • Orange County

    Most Booked

  • North Orange County

    Seafood

  • North Orange County

    Most Booked

Sort by

  1. Wineguy

    Orange County

    139 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    139 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall3food2service5ambience4
    I think the kitchen had an off day. The crab cake was supposed to come with celery root remoulade but when it arrived, it was only accompanied by fennel and pickled cucumber slices. The lobster bisque is a bit too gooey (Capital Grill’s version across the street much much better). The Rockefeller oysters were sad looking….dried out at the bottom and flavorless. All 6 oysters looked like they were burnt and blazed. The only savior was the bartender who made great drinks not on the list for me.
  2. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    6 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Need some background music. and lot of noise people talking.
  3. JessicaR

    Orange County

    21 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This place was delicious! Shout out to Paul, our server, from last night! He explained the menu very well very attentive. We started with the calamari… the chili cilantro dip was so good! The fry on the calamari was nice and flavorful. Our drinks were the Margarita Verde… it’s not nearly as spicy as some other places we’ve been, so don’t let that scare you. The cucumber is pretty potent so if you’re not a fan of cucumber, don’t get this drink. We both stuck with this drink throughout dinner, so we definitely recommend it! Matt got the Spiny Lobster (kudos to Paul for the recommendation) and when he asked for Mac and cheese on the side, Paul suggested the “off the menu” lobster Mach and cheese… Matt accepted and it was quite yummy! The lobster itself was HUGE! There was a slight Smokey flavor to it that made the lobster better than any other I’ve tried at a restaurant. I got the Alaskan King Crab legs 🤤 I used to only get crab on my birthday since it’s so expensive… they removed the shell for me… and oh my… it made it THAT much better! This was so good! I’ll be dreaming about our next visit! We recommend… 100%! It’s pricey though, so maybe make it a special occasion 🤗
  4. MDSH

    Orange County

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Great service and great food. It is busy there so keep that in mind if you're looking for a fancy and quiet meal. Also it would be better if it wasn't forced valet with a charge at dinnertime. I know it's pretty normal in LA but not here in OC. Will come back again!
  5. Sherwin

    Los Angeles

    22 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    22 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall3food4service2ambience4
    Came to celebrate a birthday. Have dined here before which was an awesome dining experience. My recent visit did not meet all expectations that drew me into the Watergrill. The good -food was tasty -drinks were strong -overall ambiance was great The mediocre (not terrible but not great) -service was a bit slow. Our server forgot a few things we didn’t order. By the time we realized this he told us he didn’t put it in. It was Memorial Day weekend so I’m guessing it was crazy busy -drinks took a longgggg time. We ordered a second round of drink abour midway through our meal and it came pretty much by the time we got done Overall I did enjoy Watergrill at one point. I’m not sure I’d come again after this recent experience
  6. OpenTable Diner

    Orange County

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    First time here! Our waiter alex was amazing! Explained the menu in detail and pointed out his favorite entrees. Was always making sure we were good. 10/10
  7. StephanC

    Orange County

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    First time guest at the Water Grill. We usually go to Kings Fish house but today we tried the WG. OMG.......amazing. the ambiance, service, food and experience was fantastic! We have dined at Luhrs Fish House up in Ventura and thought that was a high end sea food restaurant, until we went here. Amazing period. We will be going back again and again.
  8. OpenTable Diner

    Orange County

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall3food5service2ambience4
    We arrived at 8:20 for our 8:15 reservation. 6 parties were seated before us. We sat in the middle of the patio around 9pm. Katie was our server. Adam dropped off our oysters. He did a phenomenal job explaining how to garnish them and what region each oyster was from. After ordering the main course we enjoyed our wine & waited over 1/2 hour for our food. The overall service was average, to poor, as I was charged for the higher portion of lobster when I ordered the smaller portion. I should have complained but I didn’t. Overall, expect to wait around a lot in a noisy restaurant for a very high priced meal. But the food was amazing.
  9. OpenTable Diner

    Orange County

    6 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall4food5service2ambience5
    Great food. Poor service and wait times as always.
  10. hadley

    Orange County

    17 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Food excellent, service superior, our server, Angelnela, was probably one of the best servers we have had in a long time.
  11. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    33 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    33 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Thank you Marlon for the great service today. Was so nice to have you take care of our party again tonight. Went above and beyond as usual. Had oysters, sea urchin, sea bream sashimi (cold!), cheeseburgers and halibut collar with Mac & cheese. Changed it up and was worth it!! Look forward to coming back soon!
  12. OpenTable Diner

    Orange County

    5 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall2food2service4ambience5
    Our soup was cold, the waitress changed mine, My friend had his the way it was. The main courses came out cold as well. We didn’t say anything anymore. I just didn’t eat and boxed our food to go.
  13. OpenTable Diner

    Orange County

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall3food5service5ambience5
    Waited about 30 minutes to get our table, other than that service was great
  14. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Top notch very extensive seafood menu. Only minor complaint was we had a reservation for 5:30 and after 20 minutes waiting in the lounge they still hadn't called us I went and spoke to the Head receptionist at which point she found me a seater within about 5 minutes it was very busy even for Wednesday night a lot of business customers look like so not lazy/ intentional just crowded.
  15. ScottH

    Central Coast

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great service. Great food. Frequent often when I’m in town.
  16. BillT

    Los Angeles

    45 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    45 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We have dined there often and our experience has always been wonderful. The server is knowledgeable. The food is excellent. Prepared exactly as should be. That’s why we enjoy dining at the Water Grill.
  17. Seaside6

    Orange County

    16 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on May 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Blaise, our waiter, was great. Very friendly, helpful, humorous person. Food great. A little steep on the price point, but the swordfish was excellent!
  18. LaurieAnnie

    Orange County

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Nice place and an easy walk from Segerstrom Hall for an excellent meal. My sea bass was buttery and seasoned perfectly sitting atop a pureed cauliflower sauce. My husband's halibut was just as delicious, with a delicate lemon sauce. Everything was wonderful; wine, warm sour dough rolls, wedge salad and the key lime pie and salted caramel bread pudding, that we brought home. I make my own key lime pie, but there's was very good! Thank you Josh for your great service! Your attentiveness and knowledge of the menu helped make it a perfect date night!
  19. WinniH

    Las Vegas

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Our 3rd time within a month during our vacation and as always very good food. Needed however to ask for a change of one of entries that was cool but it was done without discussion. A bit slow the servant. Normally we feel there is a top service but yesterday was obvious a bit too busy. Saturday evening with a lot of people means a lot of noise so be prepared for that and don’t expect you can have a quiet meal. But highly recommended place if you love all kind of fish… we will for sure be back.
  20. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall2food5service2ambience3
    We had reservations at 7:45. We were not seated until after 830.
  21. Angela

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience2
    Had a reservation and had to wait 30 minutes past our reservation time to be seated. When seated for a party of 6, they crammed us into a table that was only suited for a table of 4. For a reservation that was made 1.5 months in advance, it was terrible planning by the restaurant to shove 6 people into a 4 person table and have to wait an additional 30 minutes past our reservation time to be seated.
  22. LindaP

    Orange County

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Food was fantastic. Our server Mikayla was knowledgeable, patient and attentive. We enjoyed our evening very much.
  23. ramblingman

    Las Vegas

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Truly a great restaurant, great food, great service and wonderful setting!
  24. Jess

    Orange County

    33 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    33 reviews

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our food and service were both excellent tonight. Our server was Blaise and he was the first really good server we have had in awhile. He was on top of everything, good personality, we really enjoyed him. We got the new King Crab California Roll and it was delicious. I definitely recommend it. We also got the pan seared halibut and we enjoyed that as well along with many other regular dishes that all came out perfect.
  25. MamaBear77

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience5
    Water Grill is one of our favorite dining spots for birthday's, anniversaries or just a date night. This past visit was almost perfect, although our server wasn't very friendly. Don't get me wrong, she wasn't rude, but didn't go above and beyond like we're accustom to whenever we visit.
  26. KristianA

    Orange County

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent on all fronts, been awhile since I've been there but i will be back soon. Great time
  27. OpenTable Diner

    Orange County

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The Chilean sea bass was phenomenal. Excellent service and cuisine
  28. OpenTable Diner

    Orange County

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our server Troy was extremely helpful and friendly. Food was amazing!
  29. LizaM

    Orange County

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on May 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great restaurant whether you’re entertaining clients, enjoying time with friends or celebrating with your family! Service is excellent and the food is delicious!
  30. OpenTable Diner

    Orange County

    7 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on May 18, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience2
    Over recent months my husband and I have been going here more often. Last night I had stated it was one of our guests Birthday prior to arrival when the booking was made, they asked what we were celebrating when we sat down with our server, however they forgot about the birthday. :( The food was good, service was good, but the Birthday gent was forgotten about.
  31. SamitaBaby

    Orange County

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 18, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Great experience and great service! Came with a party of 6 to celebrate a birthday and everything went so smoothly. Couldn’t have asked for a better waiter. He made sure everything was in tip top shape. Definitely will be returning!
  32. KatyP

    Los Angeles

    8 reviews

    4.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on May 17, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience3
    The food was excellent; the service was superior. My only negative, and it’s a huge negative, is the noise from Bristol. I don’t understand why they open the windows completely and allow the car noise and air pollution into the room. We had to shout to hear each other.
  33. sarraA

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Food and service were excellent. Best dirty martini ever! One side dish was late so we canceled it. WG ended up serving it anyway comping it.
  34. ReyC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I am a regular at this establishment and they never disappoint.
  35. ejsara

    Orange County

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our server Peter was the best and the food quality was excellent.
  36. Ralph

    Orange County

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was outstanding. William the server did a great job. Randall Thais, manger, watched over us. I will definitely recommend the Water Grill to friends that want a special experiemce.
  37. Bookie

    Orange County

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 15, 2023

    overall3food2service3ambience3
    Had an early dinner reservation yesterday (Mother's day). We were immediately sat at a table, but it was in the busiest part of the restaurant. Ordered the seafood tower which was plenty of food for us, but had shell particles in almost all the oysters and clams. Love the variety of sauce options! Entrees were ok - Scallop was cooked perfectly; Fish & Chips tasted good, nice piece of cod, but the crust was very thin and not crispy at all; Soft Shell crab also was not crispy at all, the breading was soggy with oil; Chilean Sea Bass tasted good and was cooked perfectly, but it was supposed to come with lemon chutney and hazelnuts, and there was no sign of the lemon chutney and only one hazelnut on the plate. Key Lime Pie was delicious, nice and tart with a sweet meringue. Service was good. I've had many meals here, and unfortunately, I think the quality of the food has gone down.
  38. AJWilliams

    Orange County

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Having the reservation is key. The food is delicious.
  39. DianeF

    Orange County

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    First of all, I like to say the place is amazing it’s beautiful very clean nice inside and cozy. Our food was really good I have the surf and turf. My lobster was cooked perfectly my filet mignon also everything was really good. My husband had the Seabass and he said it was really delicious . He even wants to host his company party there.  our waitress was very nice and sweet. I wish I could remember her name. She took care of us very well. I can’t wait to go back with my sisters and show them how amazing the food is..
  40. DemirD

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    We keep going back because of the food and service, however this time around there were some differences My Halibut collar was not the same, the fish was however the condiments were not as good, the sweet potato's were hard and the warm bread pudding that is usually served warm with caramel flavored ice-cream was served cold and the ice cream was plain vanilla, I will blame it on Mothers day Chaos!

FAQs

Water Grill - South Coast Plaza offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (949) 208-7060.

Water Grill - South Coast Plaza is rated 4.7 stars by 6690 OpenTable diners.

Water Grill - South Coast Plaza 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.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:30 PM


Booked 174 times today
Google Map for Water Grill - South Coast Plaza

3300 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Additional information

  • Neighborhood

    Costa Mesa

  • Hours of operation

    Mon–Thu, Sun 11:00 am–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–11:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    Seafood, Fine cuts, American

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Dress code

    Smart Casual

  • Parking details

    Valet Only

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive chef

    Chef Peter Lai

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Full Bar, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Phone number

    (949) 208-7060

  • Private party facilities

    Water Grill has been Southern California's seafood destination since 1989. Located in the heart of Orange County, and with the Segerstrom Center for the Arts and the renowned South Coast Plaza within walking distance, Water Grill is the perfect location for any event.

  • Private party contact

    Gina McDaniel: (949) 208-7061

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