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Located in the heart of the Gaslamp District, Water Grill San Diego 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. Private dining capabilities also available.
Sophisticated seafood restaurant with extensive raw-bar options & a menu updated daily.
Hours
| Thursday | 11:30 AM–10 PM |
| Friday | 11:30 AM–11 PM |
| Saturday | 11:30 AM–11 PM |
| Sunday | 11:30 AM–10 PM |
| Monday | 11:30 AM–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 11:30 AM–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 11:30 AM–10 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 615 J St, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: (619) 717-6992
Website: https://www.watergrill.com/sandiego
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Reservations: watergrill.comopentable.comtripleseat.com
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Reviews
Esteban Tiza
Dinner started with the bread service, which was fantastic. I could have eaten a tub of their homemade butter if they would have let me. So good. We were having an early dinner before a show so we ate a little lighter. My wife had the crab cake appetizer as a meal, which she liked. Not the best crab cake we’ve ever had but definitely not the worst. I had the sea bass and it was quite good. Very tender and flaky. I gave the “atmosphere” 5-stars because the restaurant is beautiful but my only complaint is that with the open window seating, there was a man dancing around on the sidewalk talking to people trying to eat. He didn’t talk to us, but it was a little jarring. Overall a really nice meal.
… moreQuality Queen
Water Grill has a sweet place in my heart since it was one of the first places I went to with my husband when we started dating. We decided to come here for New Year’s eve and picked the prefixed menu which was a 4-course meal for $150/person. The atmosphere is always nice here, it was decorated for the Holidays and 2026 balloons. Our waitress was exceptional, she checked on us often and I appreciated that. The forst course I picked the shrimp cocktail and my husband chose the crab cakes. The crab cakes were okay, we enjoyed the pickled vegetables more than the cakes. The shrimp cocktail was an interesting consistency almost as if they had been overcooked. Wouldn’t recommend either of these dishes. Second course was clam chowder and caesar salad. The chowder had carrots in it which was interesting. The bacon in the soup was extremely fatty and not crisp enough, I ended up picking these out. The salad contained old romaine lettuce that was brown so my husband didnt eat it. This was unfortunate because he was excited about the anchovies on the salad. For entrees we picked the surf and turf which was filet mignon and South African lobster This was a good dish, the lobster was sweeter than others and was delicious. The filet was good, not great but a good steak. I chose the grilled spiny lobster which I enjoyed. It only came with a small side of coleslaw but the slaw was yummy For the 4th and final course we chose the cheesecake and the bread pudding. The cheesecake was okay and the bread pudding was good. I was so full we had to bring dessert home. They gave us each a thoughtful New Years card to write to open on 12/31/2026 for our dreams and wishes, I loved this! Overall for the meal costing $515 after tip, we didn’t feel as though the cost met the value. I left wishing I had spent my money elsewhere for the cost.
… moreVenkata K
Giving 3 stars for food since food wise felt they could have done bit more..
Octopus or the calamari were tiny bit over done.. they were 25% rubbery.. steamed red king crabs were well done. We enjoyed them. Totally recommend this for anyone looking to have hot steamed crabs option. Fyi, they also have chilled crabs option on menu as wel.
Totally recommend this place. It could be timing issue to what we experienced with appetizers. May be it’s better for some others.
… moreOctopus or the calamari were tiny bit over done.. they were 25% rubbery.. steamed red king crabs were well done. We enjoyed them. Totally recommend this for anyone looking to have hot steamed crabs option. Fyi, they also have chilled crabs option on menu as wel.
Totally recommend this place. It could be timing issue to what we experienced with appetizers. May be it’s better for some others.
Harry Higgins
Every visit here is a wonderful experience thanks to the consistently great food and attentive service. The restaurant has a beautiful and inviting atmosphere, and the second floor adds a nice touch to the overall vibe. Their oysters are absolutely delicious and always feel fresh. Being located downtown, parking can be a bit challenging, but the quality of the experience more than makes up for it. Highly recommended.
… moreJeremy Johnson
Great restaurant and cool place to have drinks for sure!
We started with margaritas on the rocks and ahi poke,( drinks 9 poke 10).. delicious with the chips can’t go wrong…. The bread and butter…. (10)…. for the main course we shared a Filet and lobster…. The filet cooked medium to the wife’s liking came out medium rare and that was disappointing. (Steak 6). As for the lobster it was good but not $100 good..( lobster 6). Did I go wrong ordering a steak at a restaurant that specializes in seafood…. idk…. the sides were mashed potatoes (7) and mac n cheese however the mac never made it to the table? I can tell you that I wouldn’t go back if I wanted a good steak especially with a bill over $300 and we shared the main course. The search continues for the best in San Diego!
… moreWe started with margaritas on the rocks and ahi poke,( drinks 9 poke 10).. delicious with the chips can’t go wrong…. The bread and butter…. (10)…. for the main course we shared a Filet and lobster…. The filet cooked medium to the wife’s liking came out medium rare and that was disappointing. (Steak 6). As for the lobster it was good but not $100 good..( lobster 6). Did I go wrong ordering a steak at a restaurant that specializes in seafood…. idk…. the sides were mashed potatoes (7) and mac n cheese however the mac never made it to the table? I can tell you that I wouldn’t go back if I wanted a good steak especially with a bill over $300 and we shared the main course. The search continues for the best in San Diego!
Car Carol
We had a good experience here: our server was attentive and knowledgeable about the entire menu. All of our dishes were delicious. The Chilean sea bass came in a rich sauce, but it was cooked perfectly—tender, flavorful, and beautifully presented.
… moreJim Watson
First time at this downtown San Diego landmark. I booked a reservation & the service from the entire staff was excellent.
The Water Grill, I would call this a classic seafood restaurant. The selection of seafood, steaks, wine & cocktails was amazing.
After dinner, a staff member brought out this huge, 12 + lbs – live – Alaskan King Crab. He said “I thought you might enjoy this, we just got it in from Alaska a few minutes ago.”
… moreThe Water Grill, I would call this a classic seafood restaurant. The selection of seafood, steaks, wine & cocktails was amazing.
After dinner, a staff member brought out this huge, 12 + lbs – live – Alaskan King Crab. He said “I thought you might enjoy this, we just got it in from Alaska a few minutes ago.”
Costanza Stornello
Location: 10/10 !!
Great atmosphere, cozy, and most of all, in the heart of the Gaslamp district (very central).
I personally love the details on the forniture.
Menu: 7
Fish restaurant. The options on the menu are just right, from raw fish to the classic fish&chips. I was expecting more traditional dishes.
The portions are okey, and the food tasty.
I recommend the calamari, delicious!
Service: 4
We did not have a great experience.
We did order both starters and mains (asking to bring the mains on a second wave).
Not only they delivered the main while we were still eating, but, to create some space, they also removed all the plates while we were still eating, without asking.
Also, we had to wait quite a while to order, even tho the restaurant was almost empty and there were many waitress available (the two girl at the door were chatting about private matters).
I believe, our waiter, understood the situation after a while, as he did try to recover (which I really do appreciate!!). He’s been very kind and offered us a dessert to share, I guess to apologise about what happened during the lunch.
Bill: 6/10
A bit expensive considering California standards (and also the service received).
… moreGreat atmosphere, cozy, and most of all, in the heart of the Gaslamp district (very central).
I personally love the details on the forniture.
Menu: 7
Fish restaurant. The options on the menu are just right, from raw fish to the classic fish&chips. I was expecting more traditional dishes.
The portions are okey, and the food tasty.
I recommend the calamari, delicious!
Service: 4
We did not have a great experience.
We did order both starters and mains (asking to bring the mains on a second wave).
Not only they delivered the main while we were still eating, but, to create some space, they also removed all the plates while we were still eating, without asking.
Also, we had to wait quite a while to order, even tho the restaurant was almost empty and there were many waitress available (the two girl at the door were chatting about private matters).
I believe, our waiter, understood the situation after a while, as he did try to recover (which I really do appreciate!!). He’s been very kind and offered us a dessert to share, I guess to apologise about what happened during the lunch.
Bill: 6/10
A bit expensive considering California standards (and also the service received).
Ameya Bhakay
Walked in just around closing time and the place was quiet by 10 pm on a Sat night. I think most of the people were partying outside after Padres had just pulled off a win!
We were seated in a very comfortable booth seating – and the hostess was thoughtful enough to do so after she saw that our little one was sleeping when we entered the restaurant.
Jen – was our waitress and was quick to get our order which included Jumbo Lump Crab Cake ($25), and Wild Local Bluefin Tune ($46) entree. Prices were slightly on the expensive end, but the experience and ambiance felt pretty upscale.
We had a pleasant evening – very chill vibes, dim-lit, jazzy music in the background, and pleasant SD weather! Great experience overall.
… moreWe were seated in a very comfortable booth seating – and the hostess was thoughtful enough to do so after she saw that our little one was sleeping when we entered the restaurant.
Jen – was our waitress and was quick to get our order which included Jumbo Lump Crab Cake ($25), and Wild Local Bluefin Tune ($46) entree. Prices were slightly on the expensive end, but the experience and ambiance felt pretty upscale.
We had a pleasant evening – very chill vibes, dim-lit, jazzy music in the background, and pleasant SD weather! Great experience overall.
Isis D
First time at this location, and loved it! Our waiter was so, so sweet and attentive – my waitress sister was very impressed. We enjoyed delish WA oysters and various seafood plates. Everything was beautifully presented and served.
Expensive & yummy options on the menu, but more cost-effective options as well. Great place to take loved ones or a date if you like a selection of oysters, fish, prime/wagyu steak, good drinks.
Limited parking outside, expect to pay a hefty parking lot fee. Beautiful location, and definitely worth the trip.
… moreExpensive & yummy options on the menu, but more cost-effective options as well. Great place to take loved ones or a date if you like a selection of oysters, fish, prime/wagyu steak, good drinks.
Limited parking outside, expect to pay a hefty parking lot fee. Beautiful location, and definitely worth the trip.