Insider Pages Reviews for Water Grill

1 Stars: Very tiny portions (by orchidchic)

orchidchic — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 02:00:00 GMT

Four of us went to Water Grill before the theater. The appetizer of fish was small. But the portions of halibut and swordfish were even more disappointingly small. But the dessert was almost not even there...the tiny carrot cake was like a little igloo... a tiny mound with a white topping. "Where is the dessert????" I asked.
When I spoke to the maitre d', and with a smile he said,"I am sorry to hear that but enjoy the show!"
That was not the comment I wanted to hear! All four of us definately did not enjoy the meal!!!

1 Stars: Don't do it!! (by CSMobileUser)

CSMobileUser — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 01:00:00 GMT

Tasteless food, not enough on plate, service under par, reputation and quality is below average. Lobster tasted like cardboard, fish tasted too fishy

5 Stars: great setting (by Annelise C.)

Annelise C. — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 21:16:00 GMT

It's a beautiful restaurant - all old fashioned and clubby - the food is good, the service friendly - I love the downtown scene in general, and this a a great part of it

4 Stars: Best Seafood in LA (by Joy H.)

Joy H. — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 20:30:00 GMT

The Water grill has the best seafood in Los Angeles . A bit on the pricey side. They also have a wonderful selection of martinis. Great ambiance and friendly staff.

5 Stars: Hadn't been to WG for a year, and went for Dine LA on Wednesday. (by rstfan)

rstfan — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 01:00:00 GMT

I wish I could go to Water Grill all the time but it's too $ for me. I went for Dine LA on Wednesday and had an amazing time. Generous portions. Great fish. I had the Sturgeon, my friend the Organic Salmon. Our waiter (great service) let us know they will be serving $44 Dine LA menu all February! I'll be back.

4 Stars: GREAT PLACE!!! (by comedyman21)

comedyman21 — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 01:00:00 GMT

Cant wait to go again. :)

4 Stars: Seafood (by Bill R.)

Bill R. — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 13:52:00 GMT

This is my favorite seafood restaurant. I have attended many dinners and lunches here and the food never fails to impress. It is a great place to dine if you are attending a function downtown, as they offer early dinners for the theater crowd. It is located near the Biltmore hotel, which is one of the most beautiful hotels in the city.

5 Stars: AWESOME EXPERIENCE, GREAT WINE SELECTION! (by pvico)

pvico — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 02:00:00 GMT

What a fantastic place! I went to Water Grill with a friend for the first time about a week ago. Beatiful restaurant, great service, top-notch cuisine, and a great innovative wine list. The service was inpeccable, not only by our waiter, but also by the wine director Andrews. With great sophistication and knowledge he presented us with a fantastic winelist, including top producers from around the world. We decided to look at domestic wines and he suggested to start in the Pinot Noir section. He described it as the focal point of the wine list with the most tie to the cuisine. This was one of the best Pinot Noir selections I have seen in the country. Great small artisan wines and well known name producers single vineyard selections. We ended up with a bottle of Native 9, a small winery from Santa Barbara. A fantastic wine that paired perfectly with the tuna dish. The tuna was beautifully prepared with a red wine reduction, lentils and brusell sprouts. Awesome expreience, and if you are into wine this is where to dine!

5 Stars: so fantastic i'm writing my first review ever (by cocorules)

cocorules — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 02:00:00 GMT

I went to Water Grill with a group of five to celebrate a new job-- I had heard great things about it, and had high expectations.... Not only was it an amazing evening, but it was the best seafood food I've ever had! From the minute we walked in we were treated fabulously- excellent cocktails, attentive (but not annoying) waitstaff, black napkins for those of us with dark pants (you know- the little things), lovely wine suggestions, and so forth.---------------------

We started with the fruits of the sea platter-- all cooked perfectly with yummy sauces for the side. The appetizers/salads were killer- particularly loved the beets, also had the best crab cake EVER. But, seriously, the main dishes were so good it was RIDICULOUS- all of the fish was fantastic. The Barramundi with cous cous, and the Cobia with some sort of corn and epazote were my favorite; others liked the tuna the best. ----------------------

Portions were just right-- no "food coma" sensation. And, it's a good thing, because I am now able to say DO NOT skip dessert here! There was a Doughnut with two kinds of Creme Brulee that was spectacular! While we were winding down, the chef even came out and chatted with us for a bit- super friendly and fun-- seemed like a really cool guy. -----------------------

I am no restaurant critic, but our entire evening at Water Grill was so special that I literally felt the need to write about it......Elegant without being pretentious, TONS of attention to detail, and innovative seafood dishes- this is one classy place, and they know what they are doing! Definitely worth it for a special night out!!

4 Stars: Delicious Food (by Citysearch User)

Citysearch User — Fri, 02 May 2008 02:00:00 GMT

We had an early dinner at the Water Grill and it was great. The interior was nice, the service good and the food excellent. I have recommended the restaurant to my family and friends.

3 Stars: Just average. (by zee11)

zee11 — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 02:00:00 GMT

I've heard nothing but amazing things about the Water Grill; it's supposed to have the best seafood in L.A. I grew up on the east coast, so I tend to be very picky about my seafood, and this just doesn't measure up to 'the best' of anything. When you walk in the restaurant the walls are covered with awards and Zagat ratings, and I really thought that might mean something, but apparently no. It's not even that the food was bad, it just wasn't great. It wasn't even good, it was just average. Maybe if I hadn't come from an amazing meal at Blair's two days earlier I might have felt differently. The crab cake appetizer was just so-so. Maybe I'm biased having grown up in Maryland, the home of the blue crab, but it was a bit dry and just passable. The scallop entree was good, if small portioned, it made me rather glad I'd eaten a salad a few hours earlier. My desert though, completely fell down on the job. From the menu you would think that their deserts would be the best thing ever. I had a peanut butter and chocolate souffle, that was supposed to be garnished with banana and marshmellow. They failed to mention the banana gelato on top, the popcorn or the caramel sauce or the chocolate sauce. It is possible to just go entirely overboard and this most certainly happened here. As I said before, it's not that the meal was bad, it's just that based on the hype it certainly should've been better. At least the champagne was fantastic, but then again, that was pre-packaged.

4 Stars: Great Seafood (by Michael L.)

Michael L. — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 13:27:00 GMT

It's almost like being on the Titanic in the middle of downtown LA. They serve super fresh seafood here. The grilled swordfish is not only delicious but very healthy. The make great cocktails here. The staff are very nice. It's a comfortable place.

4 Stars: Delicious, High Quality Cuisine, Good Service, Ambiance needs improvement (by glorianaf)

glorianaf — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 01:00:00 GMT

Went there last night for the first time to have Valentine's Day dinner. I had the 5 course menu and everything was spectacularly delicious. Lots of interesting combinations and assertive flavors that worked together seamlessly. The service was good but not what I expected for one of the 18 (only) restaurants in all of Los Angeles to receive a Michelin star. The most surprising aspect of all is the ambiance...it feels like an upscale Cheesecake Factory. There is a storage cabinet in the middle of the dining room where the servers wrestle with silverware all night long. What??!!! So much for a nice intimate dinner. The food is truly special, no complaints there but IMHO, good atmosphere is a critical component of a fine dining experience and here is where Water Grill misses the mark. Go there for a delicious seafood meal if you're in the area for a show but don't go out of your way to come here for a special occasion.

3 Stars: Tasty, delicate food. Bad service :( (by stephll)

stephll — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 01:00:00 GMT

The food was wonderful, however the portions are very, very small. I am sure that they put a lot of time and money into each dish, however, the portions/price ratio was a little off. It's fairly overpriced for the amount of food that you get. I'm not asking for huge portions either, but I mean, one appetizer is about 2 bites. Nonetheless, the oysters are wonderful.
The biggest issue for me was that the service was inconsistent and fairly horrible. The host was wonderful and they were sweet enough to print my name and "Happy Birthday" on my menu. The server, on the other hand, was very bad. We weren't served for about 10-15 minutes. And then, there was some confusion so we had a couple of different servers at first, and then finally were given one who didn't seem like he wanted to serve us at all. He was not very attentive since we saw the runners and bussers more than we saw him. Also, after dining there for about an hour and half (on my birthday), he asked us to leave. We still had half a bottle of wine left and he basically made us drink all of it and rush through our dessert in 10 minutes. He said "I have to wake up early tomorrow morning." I feel that 1 1/2 hour-2 hours is a pretty reasonable time for dinner at a fine dining establishment and his attempts to get us out as soon as possible was very disconcerting. Service is so important at restaurants, and if it's not consistent with the food and overall ambience, it throws off the whole experience.

5 Stars: best crab cakes Ive had!! Waiter was wonderful and the dessert!!! (by bellamusa)

bellamusa — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 01:00:00 GMT

My boyfriend dragged me there (sorry but I'm very picky and untrusting to other's tastes) for my birthday and I have never been happier to have my arm twisted! We had reservations for 5:45 but were running late and he called and asked if we could arrive at 6:15. They were very accommodating, seated us immediately and in my opinion, sent the best waiter over. He recommended every dish I had since I was torn between two for each serving. The blue and dungenese crab cake was fresh, deliscious and not processed. The flavor of the fish is what bursts forth, they are not kidding when they say they have the freshest and best seafood. I then had the Maine Lobster, tender and moist and the broth sauce was subtle and complemented the overall dish. My bf had the grilled cobia which I will have in the very near future because I can't wait to go back!! BUT the dessert!! Oh I don't even enjor dessert all that much but this was scrumptious, delectable and heavenly. We ordered the red velvet pudding. I can't wait to go back. Oh by the way, I don't understand what these other negative reviews are about, the service was impeccable. Yes as in perfect. They timed our dinner perfectly so that we would be able to take the shuttle (right in front of the restaurant) to the Disney Concert Hall just in time for our 8 o'clock. I love this place!!

3 Stars: Verry diisapointed in the service and the food was not as good as expected for a restaurant which has just received a Michelin star. (by tstolarski2)

tstolarski2 — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 01:00:00 GMT

Service and food not as expected from a Michelin star restaurant. Many restaurants in LA, So. Cal. South Bay and in Europe that are much better that do not have a Michelin star. Saving grace were the oysters which were excellent.

5 Stars: A lovely experience (by lafoholic)

lafoholic — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 02:00:00 GMT

I love tasting menus...there's something about the excitment of not knowing what you're going to get next...and the food is always beautifully presented with a detailed explanation of what you're eating...so, when I found out Water Grill had a superb tasting menu, you was extremely interested.

Water Grill's tasting menu surpassed my expectations!

First, the service needs to be mentioned...it was impeccable (and I never use that word!). From the moment you walk in, everyone is friendly and welcoming. The servers place your napkin on your lap, your plate is never absent of a roll, water is always refilled, such attentive staff...and yet, you don't feel as though you're being hovered over! You still have the privacy of a romantic dinner.

The food was amazing! I can't even decide what my favorite was. We had an amuse of tuna, a thai style jumbo prawn soup, two different fish dishes, a meat dish, a delicous melon soup, and probably the best dessert I've ever had. Each server during the 6 course meal, explained the dish in full detail. Our semmolier (sp?) explained each wine pairings to us in full detail, and even gave us a list of our meal with the wine she choose for us, so we could remember what we had. What I thought was perfect was the order of the food and wine...it started off with light foods and wines and then progressively deepened. It was the perfect amount of food...I was comfortably full and satisfied.

It's quite pricy, but worth every penny. It was the most romantic, delicious, warming dining experience I've ever had.

5 Stars: Great dining experience! (by jluja1)

jluja1 — Fri, 25 May 2007 02:00:00 GMT

If you haven't been, you really must try the Water Grill. The menu changes daily but it seems there are a few things that remain the same. The crab cake appetizer, gorgonzola salad and red velvet putting were the most amazing food experiences I have ever had. Many flavors on each plate, only serving to compliment the others. The A-Z Pinot Noir was wonderful, as was the Water Grill's "The Nile", a vodka, pomegranate, sugar and lime juice martini. The fish dishes were very good too, however, the salmon was a little salty for my taste. All staff polite, friendly, helpful, while allowing you time to take your time.
The Water Grill is a place you will most likely recommend and visit again and again.

5 Stars: Best Tasting Menu and Best Service to date (by nkim7)

nkim7 — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 02:00:00 GMT

I took my boyfriend here for his birthday last weekend. We both had the tasting menu with the wine pairing and it is, hands down, the BEST tasting menu we've had to date. I thought Sona was great but this place was even better. Everything they brought out was excellent, fresh, so flavorful and delicious. The chef was so gracious when he'd come out to explain his dishes to us. The wine expert Cara was so knowledgeble and friendly, even downright hilarious at times. The manager Steve came by to make sure we were ok, and he was really funny as well. The service was impeccable, attentive and accomodating but not overbearing. Water Grill has met and exceeded our expectations and I am looking forward to the next time I go back.

5 Stars: BEST DESSERTS ON THE WEST COAST!!! (by chocolove777)

chocolove777 — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 02:00:00 GMT

What a great dining experience! I took my parents here for their 30th anniversary, and they were so pleased. To start, we had the oyster sampler plate and champagne. We then had Lobster tail, John Dory, and another fish dish. However, the best part was DESSERTS!!! Their Pastry Chef John Park is truly amazing! He is so talented at combining different flavors and making something so traditional so unique. You have to try his doughnuts and creme brulee. The red velvet cake is excellent as well. The service was great! (the busboys were especially good) I recommend this restaurant to anyone who wants good food, great desserts, and an overall fine dining experience!

2 Stars: Awful Service, Disappointing Food (by gogobag)

gogobag — Sun, 14 Jan 2007 01:00:00 GMT

Save your money. Whatever The Water Grill used to be, it no longer is. From start to finish, our experience was disappointing. Coat check was haphazard and we received no ticket. At the bar, an overworked, sweaty bartender took forever to get us drinks, then even longer to bring the oysters we'd ordered. At last, we gave up and asked them to bring our raw bar items to the table. The tuna tartare, which we'd heard so much about, was bland. Clam chowder was tasty but watery thin. We had to ask multiple times for bread. A steak entree was completely overcooked. The pastrami-spiced salmon was not thrilling and had sat for too long on the line, leaving it no longer hot. The overpriced lobster entree was only fair. We left feeling unhappy.

3 Stars: Most Overrated (by citizenreviewer)

citizenreviewer — Fri, 22 Dec 2006 01:00:00 GMT

Average food, not excellent as I had expected. very thin clam chowder, with only a small amount of potatoes and clams. the chicken entree was good. Incredibly overpriced. Most of the wines are about $15 or $16 a glass. I thought there was a disconnect on how the restaurant perceives itself (i.e. "fine dining") and the actual quality of the food, service, and atmosphere. The dining room was tired and worn looking. There was an incredible lack of attention to detail--no one came to ask if we wanted another drink, we had to ask. We also had to ask for bread and butter. And our waitress was overly attentive (yet some how missing the basic details?!) What irked me most was that they offered to take our coats as we were sitting down, which we accepted. After our meal, we had to go find our coats on our own. there was no coat check, server, host, busboy to lead us to our coat. We had to fish through a shoddy coat stand that was overflowing with black coats to find our own black coats. When I mentioned this to the host, he was couldn't care less. very rude in that smug, haughty way that's annoying.

5 Stars: Fabulous Food! Fabulous Service! Fabulous Dining Room! Wow!! (by dcdude)

dcdude — Mon, 18 Dec 2006 01:00:00 GMT

My wife and I had heard of the Water Grill for a long time...but we rarely eat Downtown. Tonight, however, we had tickets for Disney Concert Hall, so we wanted to eat dinner close by. I read CitySearch (of course! THE best place to find restaurant referrals...), and - to be honest - I picked the closest restaurant on the recommended "Top 10" list to the concert hall. As it turned out, the closest one was Water Grill.

We dropped in at 6pm without a reservation, and the very kind host and hostess greeted us and seated us. The dining room is beautiful! Very warm colors...and not loud (i.e. they have carpeting instead of hardwood flooring). We enjoyed the atmosphere.

Our server -- I think her name was Donna Jo? -- was "personality plus!" She was kind and funny. We told her that we were on a tight timeline, and she said that she would be sure to get us on our way in plenty of time to catch the 7:30 p.m. show.

We started with drinks: My wife had a pomegranate martini...and I had my ususal gin-and-soda. Both drinks were exceptionally good. In fact, I got up and told the bartender how much we had enjoyed them.

For salad, we shared the Gorgonzola salad. It was SUPERB. After tasting it, I regretted that we had chosen to share it. Next time, I'm getting my own!

For our entrees, my wife ordered the tuna and loved it. I ordered the John Dory fish, and I thought it was good -- not great...but good.

Our dessert was Devil's Pudding, and it was OUT OF THIS WORLD!

After we paid our bill, we were on the sidewalk walking towards the Disney Concert Hall by 7:05 p.m. Just as Donna Jo had said, "In plenty of time to get to the show..."

After the show, we returned to the Water Grill valet stand to get our car. Even the valet staffer was exceptionally polite - and quick.

What a delightful experience. It is rare that my wife and I leave a restaurant saying, "Without question, we will be returning." Water Grill? We will be returning!

5 Stars: THE BEST IN SEAFOOD (by ashuri)

ashuri — Sat, 04 Nov 2006 01:00:00 GMT

Not the cheapest of places but certainly the best in LA...it offers fresh seafood and a nice decor...I reccomend it highly...

4 Stars: Not as good as usual (by chudjr)

chudjr — Wed, 26 Jul 2006 02:00:00 GMT

We went there Sunday, January 14, 2007 for dinner. I have never been there on a weekend before, always during the week. The food was good, but not as great as it usually is. Maybe that is why there are mixed reviews on this restaurant. Before this Sunday, I previously had stated it was the best seafood in LA. Now I am not sure. I will give it another try on a weekday where the fish melts in your mouth, but probably not again on a weekend.

3 Stars: Good? Yes. Trancendant? Unfortunately not. (by piperfoodie)

piperfoodie — Fri, 30 Jun 2006 02:00:00 GMT

Enjoyed the service, as well as the dining room, but the food left a bit to be desired, especially at these prices. Nearly $300 (including tip) for two people with 4 cocktails, and no wine.

While they did some things really well (Crabcakes, service, oysters), the amount of things that fell below the bar (lobster, cclam chowder) don't inspire me to return any time soon.

3 Stars: overrated (by nikkimouse)

nikkimouse — Tue, 20 Jun 2006 02:00:00 GMT

nice decor, good service., but food? overated. its good but not outstanding. i would give 6 out of 10. price is expensive compare to how they taste.

1 Stars: Flavor-less fish, totally over-rated (by regsheu1)

regsheu1 — Thu, 08 Jun 2006 02:00:00 GMT

Went last night for my 3 yr wedding anniversary. Completely disappointed. Here's why:
1) WAY too noisy - if you're expecting quiet romance, fuhgeddaboudit here
2) WAY over-priced - $15.50 for a glass of wine? $18.00 tuna appetizer that is the size of a ping-pong ball? My husband said it tasted like play-dough and he "didn't understand the sauce" (organic soy or something like that). I thought it made the big-eye tuna taste like a floury potato. What a waste of a choice piece of sashimi. DON'T ORDER THAT.
3) NOTHING SPECIAL about the seafood. I had Alaskan Halibut prepared 2 ways. They were cooked fine, but no flavor to the fish. I was expecting the sweetness of a super fresh catch and for the sauce/dressing to bring it all out, but it was not there. My husband had the sturgeon, which had an interesting texture, but again, no knock-out flavor or preparation style.
4) Portions are miniscule. We were still hungry after 2 appetizers, lots of bread, and eating all of our main course, and we are NOT big eaters. We refused to pay for a skimpy, tiny dessert portion so don't know what that would have been like.

Pros: the Malpeque oysters on the half-shell were decent. The olive bread was interesting.

Overall, NOT RECOMMENDED if you know your way around seafood. I honestly DO NOT know how they can tout themselves as baving the best seafood in L.A. I wish I had gone to Roy's Hawaiian a couple block over instead or even the Reel Inn on PCH. =( Would have spent less for a better meal.

5 Stars: Expensive but delightfully wonderful (by chris323)

chris323 — Tue, 25 Apr 2006 02:00:00 GMT

When you look at the menu...shellshock probably be your first reaction...especially after seeing Clam Chowder is $14. Went with a couple of coworkers to splurge one night (6 of us - $700 tab) and it was incredilby fun. The wait staff was attentive and brought out all the courses with enough time in between so we didn't feel rushed. All of our entrees looked wonderful and from all of our reactions I'm pretty sure my colleagues would say it tasted great too. The shellfish platter for the appeitzer was great and the quantity of shrimp, oysters, crablegs and clams....it was a big time bargin and it could probabaly fill up a person by itself. The atomsphere was very professional (men...you'll feel out of place if you don't sport a jacket and tie especially on a weeknight). And finally, the clam chowder was well worth the $14

5 Stars: Great Seafood with Great Service (by yongkim125)

yongkim125 — Tue, 25 Oct 2005 02:00:00 GMT

This would be a perfect plact for business/recruiting lunch on your Company. Too pricy to pay on your own. However, the food and the service are both incredible.

5 Stars: hands down (by bluelulu)

bluelulu — Sat, 15 Oct 2005 02:00:00 GMT

i have never written a review before, but i felt the need to after reading the negative ones on here... first i'd like to say that i am from hawaii, so i definitely know and love my seafood. and water grill is the BEST seafood restaurant i have ever been to, hands down. i took my family there when they came to visit, and even my father was impressed--a rare accomplishment. yes, the service is slower than at some other restaurants, but i believe that is a good thing. i HATE when service is too quick, and your entree arrives when you are still eating your salad--so rude. everything at water grill was perfectly timed, and the server was very helpful in recommending the perfect reisling. ps: i had the halibut. AMAZING!!

1 Stars: Over-rated (by keila310)

keila310 — Sun, 15 May 2005 02:00:00 GMT

The Water Grill has been around forever. The food was acceptable, but overshadowed by poor service. It's pricey and overrated. I don't plan to return.

4 Stars: missing the "wow" factor (by karimellis)

karimellis — Tue, 01 Mar 2005 01:00:00 GMT

My husband and I went to the Water Grill to celebrate his 30th birthday. We had a great time and had great service, but we left feeling like there wasn't any one thing that was exceptional. At a restaurant like this, we were expecting something to make us go "wow." I am not a fish/seafood eater, but my husband is. I asked my server if she could recommend anything that wasn't too fishy/seafoody because I was willing to be adventurous. She recommended the John Dory, and I actually liked it! My husband had the scallops and said although they were good, they were a tad overcooked. The portions seemed a bit small for their price. The bread was hard and tasteless. We shared the chocolate brioche pudding and loved it. Would I go back? Maybe, but with all the fantastic places here in LA, I'd rather explore something else.

1 Stars: Never Again (by mgoodson)

mgoodson — Wed, 22 Dec 2004 01:00:00 GMT

More hype than deserved. The service was deplorable, waiting 15 minutes just to be acknowledged by the waitress and an hour before our lunch was served. Never an explanation or apology for the delay. The food while good wasn't worth the price, or the lack of service. Don't waste your time.

5 Stars: SO GOOD (by eaty)

eaty — Sat, 18 Dec 2004 01:00:00 GMT

This is probably one of the best resteraunts in Los Angeles. Althought it's not on the "hottest locations" but becaue the food is so great, people flock to them! Their food is just so good. Everything from the appetizers to the main course!!

5 Stars: LA Cuisine wins out (by eatthelions)

eatthelions — Sat, 04 Sep 2004 02:00:00 GMT

For all my friends who like to pan LA cuisine (and claim NY and SF are better), I always take them to Water Grill to shut them up. Probably one of the best fish restaurants in the US. Even the red meat is excellent. The oyster bar is better than any place in Northern Cali and even Seattle. The service is outstanding. Very friendly and very bright on the subject of wines for all price ranges. For fish lovers, you have to eat here once before you die or life wasn't worth living.

5 Stars: The ultimate seafood bliss (by fnsa)

fnsa — Wed, 28 Jul 2004 02:00:00 GMT

Even though Michael Cimarusti has departed, Water Grill maintains a standard which other restaurants could only dream of. Not a false note; appetizers are interesting, creative, beautiful and very complex. Main courses are interesting, mostly for their choices of rarities from the ocean. Desserts are flawless, service elegant. One of L.A.'s three top restaurants (the other ones being Bastide and Matsuhisa.)

5 Stars: The only seafood restaurant for me (by monicamaz)

monicamaz — Sun, 04 Jul 2004 02:00:00 GMT

I have neve been crazy about seafood...until I ate at the water grill. The food was delicious. It is absolutely the only seafood restaurant for me...so far at least. It is a beautiful restaurant, as well, with great service. It is expensive but worth the price for special occassions.

5 Stars: Getting better all the time (by chuckburns)

chuckburns — Tue, 25 May 2004 02:00:00 GMT

The Water Grill continues to amaze me. I called a couple of weeks ago to make reservations for dinner celebrating my wife's birthday and the women who answered the phone asked me if we were celebrating my wife's birthday again. I asked her how she knew and she told me that their computer system keeps track of those kind of things. She also asked me if we wanted the same booth we celebrated at last year..Anyway, food and service were again outstanding. The Tuna with lentils was out of this world and my wife's char with beets was even better..

5 Stars: Amazing Seafood (by russkar)

russkar — Wed, 28 Apr 2004 02:00:00 GMT

The Undisputed Champion of Seafood in LA. If this restaurant was in NYC it would give Le Bernidian a run for the money. The Chef is so talented he can amaze you with combs of food you never thought of. Enjoy!

5 Stars: best restaurant in LA (by hawkchul)

hawkchul — Sat, 24 Apr 2004 02:00:00 GMT

amazing seafood, the tuna tartare is a classic and the clam chowder is incredible
the fruits of the sea platter is a must

5 Stars: Craving Water Grill (by jkc)

jkc — Tue, 10 Feb 2004 01:00:00 GMT

It just doesn't get any better than seafood prepared by Chef Cimarusti. Water Grill's standards for fresh product and complete service are greatly appreciated by this dining critic. Go ahead, dive in, see if you aren't craving another taste of heaven from the deep blue.

4 Stars: Great Seafood! (by winermar)

winermar — Fri, 02 Jan 2004 01:00:00 GMT

The chilled seafood platter is amazing! The ambiance is not particularly special but the attentive and knowledgable waitstaff is a bonus. The main courses are interesting too.

5 Stars: No better fish in town... (by jckii)

jckii — Sun, 21 Dec 2003 01:00:00 GMT

Billed as the top seafood establishment in LA, indeed in southern California, Water Grill didn't disappoint in the slightest on our first visit. Sublime oysters, a tuna tartare appetizer sparkling with freshness and flavor, and an outstanding melt-in-your-mouth Icelandic char were highlights - not to forget the standard test of any great kitchen, a damn fine creme brulee for dessert. Service was friendly, low-key, and attentive, not to mention expert and highly knowledgable about all items on the menu. This restaurant lives up to all the hype - and the not-inconsiderable price-tag - it's really something special to which seafood-lovers should treat themselves without hesitation.

5 Stars: Worth Every Penny (by mxpbuy)

mxpbuy — Sun, 07 Dec 2003 01:00:00 GMT

Went on a Monday night with 5 others and we did the tasting menu. In one or two instances the fish was not quite as fresh as it could be, but I'm chalking that up to it being a Monday. Everything was prepared perfectly and several courses demonstrated great imagination. TIP: If you want wine, bring your own and pay the $20 corkage/bottle. The only bad value in the restaurant is the wine list with wine prices exceeding 300% of retail in many instances.

5 Stars: Good seafood, good desserts... (by alow_cs)

alow_cs — Wed, 19 Nov 2003 01:00:00 GMT

I went on a Friday night, before 6:45 and got the $48 special where you get to choose one of three appetizers, one of 4 entrees, and one of 3 desserts. Overall, the appetizers were good, and the entrees and desserts excellent. The rolls were just okay; I believe they were baked off premises, but that's not why you go here. If you were to order off the menu, the individual items would have added probably $15 to $20 more to your bill. The food and service is good, but it's not one of the best values in town.

4 Stars: Still the best seafood in town (by Calvinko)

Calvinko — Fri, 01 Aug 2003 02:00:00 GMT

One of the greatest seafood place I had been. Fresh items

5 Stars: Shark's dinners aren't fresher! (by artmaven)

artmaven — Mon, 30 Jun 2003 02:00:00 GMT

The mound of tuna tartare built on avocado on a bed of thinly sliced radishes was exquisite--to look at and to eat. The arctic char was set off perfectly by purees of red and golden beets, and the loup was darned close to the loup I had in Villefranche, a Med. sea town which served it to me the day it was caught. The waiter, Eric, had steered us perfectly with knowledge and caring. Great drinks. Attentive waiters, bus boys, and hosts made the evening perfect, as it was two weeks earlier, with all different appetizers and entrees. Simply put: rare, perfect seafood unrivaled in this town, maybe any other in the US.

5 Stars: Great Service, Great Food (by judy)

judy — Sat, 26 Apr 2003 02:00:00 GMT

This restaurant brings it all together, great service, food and ambiance...

5 Stars: "Good Food, Bad Service" (by Kristi789)

Kristi789 — Wed, 09 Apr 2003 02:00:00 GMT

At Water Grill, the food was excellent. The salmon is to die for and so is the restaurant atmosphere. However, our waiter was extremely rude and gave us the worst service that I have ever experienced. In conclusion, I would highly recommend this restaurant for its delectible cuisine, but I would be cautious as to who would be your waiter.

5 Stars: One of America's Best (by coferblack)

coferblack — Mon, 17 Mar 2003 01:00:00 GMT

I have dined at the Water Grill five times. The restaurant demonstrates it's greatness through it's consistency. The staff is professional and well informed on food and wine issues. The kitchen is outstanding. We've learned that the Chef's tasting menu is the best way to go. This is the restaurant you take friends or business associates when you really want to look good. My hat is off!

1 Stars: MY MY!!! Aren't we self important (by specsafety)

specsafety — Sat, 14 Dec 2002 01:00:00 GMT

If you like overpaying for bland food, snobby atmosphere and poor service----then you have found the right place. I ate here with a friend and found out the hard way what an utter waste of time this place is----ALL HYPE

5 Stars: Best seafood (by myeung62)

myeung62 — Wed, 20 Nov 2002 01:00:00 GMT

If you like to indulge yourself, you've gotta visit this restaurant. Not only do they have the absolute best clam chowder in town. The scallops are to die for. Very courteous staffs. Definitely worth the money.

5 Stars: Great Oysters (by tphenix)

tphenix — Sat, 21 Sep 2002 02:00:00 GMT

If you want good oysters in LA, you've got to visit this place. Granted - it's not Paris, but it will satisfy you cravings.

4 Stars: Nothing's Fishy About This Seafood Haven (by jennsara)

jennsara — Mon, 26 Aug 2002 02:00:00 GMT

Candy of the sea is one way to describe the delicacies at this downtown favorite. With impeccable service, fanciful art nouveau decor and the most memorable menu in memory, this delightful haven is consistently one of L.A.'s best. If you have the means, and enjoy aquatic delights, the Water Grill is a must eat.

5 Stars: Wonderful experience! (by kp)

kp — Thu, 15 Aug 2002 02:00:00 GMT

The Water Grill is absolutely the best seafood restaurant in LA. I was surprised that soup could cost $12/bowl until I tasted the most amazingly creamy and flavorful clam chowder ever (and I have tried versions all over New England). Chilled heirloom tomato soup with Maine lobster is also great. Soft shell crabs are perfectly prepared and beautifully served. Tuna tartare has amazing textural contrasts but the spice was overwhelming. Pan-seared halibut on a bed of mashed Yukon Gold potatoes with chanterelles, fava beans and foie-gras emulsion melted with flavor. Wild salmon prepared medium-rare was opaque but suprisingly flaky and tasted fantastic on a bed of pureed salsify with bacon and fresh sweet peas. The desert menu is unrelenting as well with at least ten incredible options. Chocolate brioche pudding with pistachio crusted vanilla ice cream was heavenly. The servers were friendly, attentive, unobtrusive and highly knowledgeable about each dish.

5 Stars: Cant Go Wrong (by guru35)

guru35 — Tue, 30 Jul 2002 02:00:00 GMT

Everything was great. I went with a large group and everyone was amazed by the quality of the food. It is probably my firms favorite restaurant and we make a trip there on a regular basis. The desserts are also a must. But watch out for the price. OUCH

5 Stars: Catch this (by jessicakitty16)

jessicakitty16 — Tue, 30 Jul 2002 02:00:00 GMT

Oh my god! This is the most wonderful meal I have ever eaten. I wish I could afford this every day.

5 Stars: Truly Exceptional (by mws)

mws — Wed, 24 Jul 2002 02:00:00 GMT

Pricey but the best bass I've ever had. Service attentive and helpful.

5 Stars: best seafood (by piyobird)

piyobird — Wed, 03 Jul 2002 02:00:00 GMT

truly an LA fine dining experience! u will have to try the 7 course tasters menu, and they have the best oyster i've ever had :)

5 Stars: Treat yourself! (by battlecat)

battlecat — Thu, 27 Jun 2002 02:00:00 GMT

I can't stand ritzy places where the service acts like they are a higher life form then their customers!!! Not at the Water Grill. This restaurant is a tight run ship to ensure you have a memorable dining experience. I don't like cooked fish and would never order it...but after having a bite of their Rhode Island Bass. Absolutely amazing! Perfect balance of ambience, service and cuisine. You'll understand why this place excels in everything when you receive the check. It's on the pricey side, but if you want to treat yourself & a loved one...this is the place to go!

5 Stars: Discover downtown dining (by youngblood58)

youngblood58 — Tue, 28 May 2002 02:00:00 GMT

A lot of people in L.A. think only of West LA, Hollywood or Beverly Hills for fine dining, but downtown LA is a hidden gem. There are a lot of great high-end restaurants in the downtown area, and the Water Grill is one of the best. The "scene" is more subdued than Hollywood -- people who go out are more concerned with a great dining experience than with being seen. I am not a big seafood fan and I found the food amazing (I have Creole shrimp in a hot gumbo sauce). The meals are exquisite and the service is excellent. You must experience this place if you love seafood of the highest order.