Restaurants, New American Restaurants, Seafood Restaurants
$$$$, Bar Scene, Business Dining, Date Spot, Dine At The Bar, Fine Dining, Group Dining, Local Favorite, Notable Chef, Notable Wine List, Online Reservations, Prix Fixe Menu, Quiet, Romantic Dining, Special Occasion Dining, Theater District Dining, Open 7 Days
At the Water Grill in Los Angeles offers delicious seafood perfect for lunch or dinner. This LA seafood restaurant is the ultimate example of fine dining in Los Angeles. Hailed as 'the best seafood in Southern California' by Zagat, Water Grill has consistently offered dazzling fish preparations of superior quality and freshness. Executive Chef David LeFevre changes the menu daily, and starters may include Organic Soy and Wasabi Marinated Big Eye Tuna with Yuzu, Hijiki and Ton Buri; Striped Bass Ceviche with Mint, Pineapple, Candied Black Beans, Butternut Squash and Achiote Oil. Water Grill's entrees may include a Slow Poached Columbia River Sturgeon with Roasted and Pureed Red Beets, Warmed Spinach and Horseradish-Celery Sauce; and a Sumac-Coated Australian Barramundi with Lingguica and Grilled Monterey Calamari. Please call the Water Grill today for reservations.
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.
Posted 04/08/03
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!
Pros: Service, Food, Pre Theater Dining
Cons: Getting to Downtown
Posted 03/16/03
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
Posted 12/13/02
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.
Posted 11/19/02
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.
Posted 09/20/02
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.
Pros: amazing
Cons: expensive
Posted 08/25/02
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.
Pros: Best Clam Chowder, Brilliant Menu, Perfect seafood
Posted 08/14/02
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
Posted 07/29/02
Oh my god! This is the most wonderful meal I have ever eaten. I wish I could afford this every day.
Pros: incredible seafood
Posted 07/29/02
Pricey but the best bass I've ever had. Service attentive and helpful.
Posted 07/23/02
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 :)
Posted 07/02/02
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!
Posted 06/26/02
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.
Pros: Great Food, Fine Ambience, Excellent Service
Cons: Downtown locale
Posted 05/27/02
"I was there with my company for lunch. Besides waiting forever for ..."
