Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
Water Grill South Coast Plaza Main Dining Room - Water Grill - South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa, CA

Water Grill - South Coast Plaza

4.8 (8520)
$31 to $50
Seafood
3300 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 183 times today

About this restaurant

  • Good for special occasions
  • Lively
  • Good for business meals
Water Grill South Coast Plaza 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 across from South Coast Plaza - just steps from the Segerstrom Center of the Arts - Water Grill South Coast Plaza 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 Orange County’s top seafood restaurants, Water Grill South Coast Plaza also offers multiple, customizable private dining rooms for your business meetings and special events. Book your next meal, event or private room with us!

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Seafood, Shellfish, Fish
  • 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
    Smart Casual
  • Executive chef
    Ben Ringer
  • Private party facilities
    Water Grill South Coast Plaza is the place to meet in Orange County! Consistently rated as one of Orange County’s top seafood restaurants, Water Grill South Coast Plaza offers multiple, customizable private dining rooms for your meetings and events.
  • 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, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
Gift card

Gift card

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

Send a gift card

Private dining

What 8,520 people are saying

Water Grill - South Coast Plaza 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

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Orange County

    Seafood

  • Orange County

    Most Booked

  • North Orange County

    Seafood

  • North Orange County

    Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Water Grill - South Coast Plaza is cherished for its "fantastic service" and "amazing food." The restaurant shines with its "beautiful ambiance" and "exceptional seafood," including "the best seabass" and "awesome oysters." While the noise level can be high, the "attentive and professional staff" ensures a memorable dining experience perfect for any occasion.

8,520 Reviews
  1. Renell

    Orange County2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 16, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    Everything we had was outstanding! The roasted whole fish was amazing. Halibut cheeks were fantastic on

    Is this helpful?

  2. Gerardo

    Orange County22 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 16, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Very nice place for seafood. We started off with the Himachi Nachos and dozen oysters 🦪. Enjoyed a bowl of Clam Chowder too. Recommend the Chilean Sea Bass “ so tender”. Also enjoyed the Big Eye Tuna plate. Has a spicy kick to it . Service was exceptional. Occasion for our visit was daughters 17 Birthday. One of the managers was extremely nice to her and offered a “Mocktail “ … virgin Mojito was enjoyed. THANKS ALL, for a great evening at Water Grill. A little loud … bring a light sweater. Open roof dining.

    Is this helpful?

  3. jonathan

    Orange County3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 13, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    I had the filet mignon 12 oz today, and it was delicious. My girlfriend had the cod, and she loved the soup it was in. Really enjoyed my date night!!!

    Is this helpful?

  4. Melody

    Central Coast1 review

    5.0

    Dined on April 13, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Seevice was fantastic! Sadly the seafood on platter was underwhelming.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Nedra VIP

    San Diego70 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 12, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Will was an outstanding server and his recommendations were on point. The seabass was AMAZING! It was perfectly prepared with butternut squash. I also had a wonderful beet salad with warm delicious bread. Will’s wine recommendation was perfect! Can’t wait to return.

    Is this helpful?

  6. PAMELA VIP

    Orange County277 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 10, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I’ve been going to this Water Grill since they opened. I think it’s been 11 years ago now it is my favorite place for seafood and I have grown too love and admire all the staff and managers at Water Grill South Coast Plaza highly recommend to anyone the more frequently go, the better it becomes.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Medhat VIP

    Los Angeles91 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 10, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great experience at our favorite restaurant in OC Water Grill costa Mesa Food was really delicious Drink was excellent Service & ambiance was outstanding All staff work as team with efficient and Friendly. Managment met Dominic first time nice guy and my favorite Elke as always super star . Thank you Kings Medhat Bechay

    Is this helpful?

  8. Mary VIP

    Atlanta1 review

    5.0

    Dined on April 9, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Service was excellent!!! Noise level somewhat high due to sitting at a table next to the window that was open next to a very busy street!

    Is this helpful?

  9. Kevin

    Los Angeles2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 9, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    This was our second visit to the Water Grill and it didn't disappoint. Outstanding food and beter service.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Bob

    Los Angeles3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 9, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    First-rate food and service. Something for everyone on the menu. Remains a gem and go-to for a wonderful pre-show dinner.

    Is this helpful?

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 4.8 stars by 8520 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.

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Orange County
  4. North Orange County
  5. Costa Mesa

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 183 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
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Seafood, Shellfish, Fish
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    Valet Only
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Ben Ringer
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Full Bar, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
  • Private party facilities
    Water Grill South Coast Plaza is the place to meet in Orange County! Consistently rated as one of Orange County’s top seafood restaurants, Water Grill South Coast Plaza offers multiple, customizable private dining rooms for your meetings and events.
  • Private party contact
    Gina McDaniel: (949) 208-7061
Gift card

Gift card

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

Send a gift card
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Businesses
  • Restaurant reservation software
  • Industry insights
  • Hospitality resources
  • Marketing resources
  • Operation resources
  • How to open a restaurant
  • For restaurants
  • For restaurant groups
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2025 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo