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Located in Orange County at South Coast Plaza, Water Grill is a timeless, 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. Private dining capabilities also available.
Sophisticated seafood restaurant with extensive raw-bar options & a menu updated daily.
Hours
| Friday | 11 AM–11 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM–11 PM |
| Sunday | 11 AM–10 PM |
| Monday | 11 AM–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 11 AM–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 11 AM–10 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM–10 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 3300 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Phone: (949) 208-7060
Website: https://www.watergrill.com/southcoast
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Reservations: watergrill.comopentable.comtripleseat.com
Photo Gallery
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Reviews
Chrisy “Rinka” Chen
Last night, I brought my parents to Water Grill for dinner to celebrate the beginning of 2026. It felt like such a special and meaningful way to welcome the new year—good food, good company, and time together as a family.
We didn’t have a reservation, but everything flowed so smoothly. The host was kind and welcoming, the wait was less than five minutes, and parking was easy with validation—only around $9, which was very reasonable. From the moment we arrived, the experience felt calm and stress-free.
Our server, Gavin, was wonderful—very nice, sweet, attentive, and made my parents feel comfortable and well taken care of. He brought such a warm energy to the table, and his service truly added to the joy of the evening.
The restaurant itself has a beautiful atmosphere—elegant but not intimidating. We ordered lobster, chili sea bass, black cod, and the seafood tower, and everything was fresh and delicious. The French press coffee was especially memorable and the perfect way to end the meal. Desserts were fine, but the seafood was definitely the highlight.
Overall, it was a genuinely happy and heartwarming dinner. While the prices are a bit higher, they felt very reasonable for the quality, location near South Coast Plaza, and the overall experience. Most importantly, it was a night filled with laughter, great food, and family time—exactly how we wanted to start the new year. We truly enjoyed it and would love to come back again.
… moreWe didn’t have a reservation, but everything flowed so smoothly. The host was kind and welcoming, the wait was less than five minutes, and parking was easy with validation—only around $9, which was very reasonable. From the moment we arrived, the experience felt calm and stress-free.
Our server, Gavin, was wonderful—very nice, sweet, attentive, and made my parents feel comfortable and well taken care of. He brought such a warm energy to the table, and his service truly added to the joy of the evening.
The restaurant itself has a beautiful atmosphere—elegant but not intimidating. We ordered lobster, chili sea bass, black cod, and the seafood tower, and everything was fresh and delicious. The French press coffee was especially memorable and the perfect way to end the meal. Desserts were fine, but the seafood was definitely the highlight.
Overall, it was a genuinely happy and heartwarming dinner. While the prices are a bit higher, they felt very reasonable for the quality, location near South Coast Plaza, and the overall experience. Most importantly, it was a night filled with laughter, great food, and family time—exactly how we wanted to start the new year. We truly enjoyed it and would love to come back again.
Jeremy B
We pulled up to the valet about 15 minutes before our reservation and were checked in smoothly. The restaurant was lively, but we were seated in less than 10 minutes. The atmosphere was vibrant and full of energy, making for a great start to the evening.
We began with drinks and appetizers. I ordered the Margarita Verde, which was refreshing and smooth, definitely a standout cocktail. My friends started with Old Fashioneds made with the house bourbon but weren’t impressed. They switched to a Japanese whiskey instead and immediately noticed the improvement.
As for the food, the clam chowder was exceptional, rich, flavorful, and perfectly balanced. The Fat Bastard raw oysters were also outstanding, incredibly fresh and briny. The chilled shellfish platter was good but didn’t quite reach the same level as the other starters. The mussels and chorizo appetizer, however, was fantastic and packed with flavor.
For entrées, one of my friends had the dry-aged ribeye and was disappointed—it came out rather subpar for the price and quality expected here. On the other hand, the shrimp scampi was a hit and got rave reviews at our table.
Overall, we had a great time. The service, drinks, and seafood made for a solid dining experience. We’ll definitely be back, though next time we’ll be sticking to the seafood and skipping the steak.
… moreWe began with drinks and appetizers. I ordered the Margarita Verde, which was refreshing and smooth, definitely a standout cocktail. My friends started with Old Fashioneds made with the house bourbon but weren’t impressed. They switched to a Japanese whiskey instead and immediately noticed the improvement.
As for the food, the clam chowder was exceptional, rich, flavorful, and perfectly balanced. The Fat Bastard raw oysters were also outstanding, incredibly fresh and briny. The chilled shellfish platter was good but didn’t quite reach the same level as the other starters. The mussels and chorizo appetizer, however, was fantastic and packed with flavor.
For entrées, one of my friends had the dry-aged ribeye and was disappointed—it came out rather subpar for the price and quality expected here. On the other hand, the shrimp scampi was a hit and got rave reviews at our table.
Overall, we had a great time. The service, drinks, and seafood made for a solid dining experience. We’ll definitely be back, though next time we’ll be sticking to the seafood and skipping the steak.
M.S Cho
I came here to celebrate my birthday, and the entire evening felt absolutely magical.
From the moment we sat down, our server took such warm and attentive care of us— I’m so sad I can’t remember her name because they truly made the night unforgettable.
We started with the sourdough bread and butter along with a beer and a cocktail, and the bread was so good.
For dinner, we ordered the Spanish Octopus, the Crab Cake, Cioppino, and the Sea Bass. Everything was delicious, but the Sea Bass was absolutely perfect.
our amazing server surprised me with a delicious birthday dessert to celebrate my birthday.
It was the perfect birthday dinner.
… moreFrom the moment we sat down, our server took such warm and attentive care of us— I’m so sad I can’t remember her name because they truly made the night unforgettable.
We started with the sourdough bread and butter along with a beer and a cocktail, and the bread was so good.
For dinner, we ordered the Spanish Octopus, the Crab Cake, Cioppino, and the Sea Bass. Everything was delicious, but the Sea Bass was absolutely perfect.
our amazing server surprised me with a delicious birthday dessert to celebrate my birthday.
It was the perfect birthday dinner.
Bonita Carawan
We have dined here on numerous occasions. This time, as was last year, for Thanksgiving.
Niles was our server, kudos to him. The staff there is primo.
Valet parking only. Make reservations.
Enjoy!
Great seafood. Although I didn’t take a photo of the salad we had with our dinner, it was wonderful! Simple, but generous portion and tasty dressing.
Cranberry sauce was yummy. Turkey, ok.
Good pumpkin cheesecake
… moreNiles was our server, kudos to him. The staff there is primo.
Valet parking only. Make reservations.
Enjoy!
Great seafood. Although I didn’t take a photo of the salad we had with our dinner, it was wonderful! Simple, but generous portion and tasty dressing.
Cranberry sauce was yummy. Turkey, ok.
Good pumpkin cheesecake
Mixam Alexander
First time at water grill. I got Mary’s chicken and I was not disappointed. Others got various seafood items and none of us were disappointed! The restaurant is huge but does not feel busy crowded. There are small tables, large tables, booths and bars and couch lounge areas, perfect for any type of group! This is a must try, and valet is free before 4pm everyday!
… moreBruce Chang
We had lunch at Water Grill on a beautiful Saturday afternoon, and overall, it was a really strong experience with one hiccup at the start.
When we arrived, the host sat us at the raw bar. That’s totally fine in theory, but after being seated, no one acknowledged us for about 15 minutes. No water, no greeting, nothing. It was awkward and honestly a little frustrating. I eventually had to go back to the host and ask to be moved to a table. Once that was handled and we were properly seated, everything changed.
From that point on, the service was excellent. Attentive, knowledgeable, and polished without being overbearing.
We ordered:
• Kumamoto oysters
• Shigoku oysters
• Littleneck clams
• Peruvian bay scallops
• Caesar salad
The seafood was outstanding. The Kumamotos were buttery and sweet with that clean, cucumber-like finish you want. The Shigokus had a deeper brininess and great structure. The littleneck clams were fresh and crisp, and the Peruvian bay scallops were delicate and bright. Everything tasted pristine, like it had been out of the water that morning.
The Caesar was classic and well-executed. No gimmicks. Just balanced, sharp, and satisfying.
Once we were settled, the meal felt elevated and seamless. If the initial seating mix-up hadn’t happened, this would’ve been close to flawless.
Bottom line: phenomenal seafood, strong service once it got going, but the front-of-house coordination could use tightening up. We’d absolutely go back.
… moreWhen we arrived, the host sat us at the raw bar. That’s totally fine in theory, but after being seated, no one acknowledged us for about 15 minutes. No water, no greeting, nothing. It was awkward and honestly a little frustrating. I eventually had to go back to the host and ask to be moved to a table. Once that was handled and we were properly seated, everything changed.
From that point on, the service was excellent. Attentive, knowledgeable, and polished without being overbearing.
We ordered:
• Kumamoto oysters
• Shigoku oysters
• Littleneck clams
• Peruvian bay scallops
• Caesar salad
The seafood was outstanding. The Kumamotos were buttery and sweet with that clean, cucumber-like finish you want. The Shigokus had a deeper brininess and great structure. The littleneck clams were fresh and crisp, and the Peruvian bay scallops were delicate and bright. Everything tasted pristine, like it had been out of the water that morning.
The Caesar was classic and well-executed. No gimmicks. Just balanced, sharp, and satisfying.
Once we were settled, the meal felt elevated and seamless. If the initial seating mix-up hadn’t happened, this would’ve been close to flawless.
Bottom line: phenomenal seafood, strong service once it got going, but the front-of-house coordination could use tightening up. We’d absolutely go back.
Aaron Snyder
This was such a cool dining experience. Amazing food, drinks, and service. Everything fresh, as in sel moving before it hits your plate. Amazing incredible place.
… moreqrmomelka
Our experience at Water Grill was amazing!
The service was truly top-notch — attentive, friendly, and professional. The food was just as impressive; every dish was beautifully prepared and bursting with flavor.
Their cocktails were perfectly crafted (highly recommend trying one or two ), and the Key Lime Pie dessert was absolutely to die for.
A wonderful dining experience from start to finish — we’ll definitely be back!
… moreThe service was truly top-notch — attentive, friendly, and professional. The food was just as impressive; every dish was beautifully prepared and bursting with flavor.
Their cocktails were perfectly crafted (highly recommend trying one or two ), and the Key Lime Pie dessert was absolutely to die for.
A wonderful dining experience from start to finish — we’ll definitely be back!
Marco Rodriguez
Such a great spot. The vibe and service were amazing. Emily could not have have provided better service. Food was served on time and at the right temp. We always had our beverages refilled before they got too low, and the overall ambiance rivals the feel of some of the fanciest waterfront restaurants (being from San Francisco, this place blew my mind).
The food was solid, but not mind-blowing. Could have just been an off-night.
Overall, nearly flawless experience. Cannot wait to return on my next trip (work or pleasure) to SoCal.
Emily, you are AMAZING. The birthday dessert was also an amazing touch. I’ll make sure to ask for ya anytime we come back.
Side note: to the “Kylie Jenner wannabe” of a hostess that also worked there, tone down the arrogance. Smile at your guests. It’s called “great service” which should be part of “the experience”. Don’t roll your eyes at friendly smiles. Not all of them are trying to hit on you.
… moreThe food was solid, but not mind-blowing. Could have just been an off-night.
Overall, nearly flawless experience. Cannot wait to return on my next trip (work or pleasure) to SoCal.
Emily, you are AMAZING. The birthday dessert was also an amazing touch. I’ll make sure to ask for ya anytime we come back.
Side note: to the “Kylie Jenner wannabe” of a hostess that also worked there, tone down the arrogance. Smile at your guests. It’s called “great service” which should be part of “the experience”. Don’t roll your eyes at friendly smiles. Not all of them are trying to hit on you.
Dalia Angelica Rea Naranjo
Our reservation wasn’t until later, so while we waited for our group, my husband and I decided to sit at the bar. We grabbed two drinks there while we waited. Once our entire group was seated, we took our drinks.
The bartender, Water, was very friendly and informative. It was our first time there, and we arrived before sunset. The ambiance inside was great when the lights turned on, and it was even nicer when the sunsets. The food was amazing–everything was cooked to perfection. My taste buds were satisfied. They also make well-crafted drinks with a tasteful mix. I enjoyed all the different drinks they have.
Needless to say was our first time coming here to celebrate a birthday of our family. Won’t be our last.
… moreThe bartender, Water, was very friendly and informative. It was our first time there, and we arrived before sunset. The ambiance inside was great when the lights turned on, and it was even nicer when the sunsets. The food was amazing–everything was cooked to perfection. My taste buds were satisfied. They also make well-crafted drinks with a tasteful mix. I enjoyed all the different drinks they have.
Needless to say was our first time coming here to celebrate a birthday of our family. Won’t be our last.