30 Photos
ZipPicks Awards
Best Date Night Steakhouse in Santa Monica
Best Seafood in Santa Monica
Master Critic Review
Water Grill
7.8
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Business Lunch Power Players
Birthday & Celebration Central
While primarily a seafood destination, this iconic restaurant serves exceptional prime steaks with Pacific Ocean views. The luxurious copper bar, live saltwater tanks, and robust daily-changing menu offer surf-and-turf options perfect for special date nights.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bone-In Ribeye, Lobster Tail Combo, Oyster Selection
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: Best surf-and-turf combination with ocean views.
Who should go: Couples who love seafood and steak
When to visit: Sunset for spectacular ocean views
What to order: Ribeye with lobster tail, raw bar selection
Insider tip: Happy hour at the bar has excellent deals
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet parking $15, self-park in adjacent structure $8-12, street parking scarce especially evenings
Dress code: Business casual to dressy - no shorts or flip-flops, collared shirts preferred for men
Noise level: Moderate to lively - conversation-friendly but energetic during peak hours
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, bar seating sometimes available in 20-30 min
Weekday lunch: 15-20 min typical, immediate seating before noon
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - 4-5 options including seasonal risotto and pasta dishes
Vegan options: Very limited - 1-2 modified dishes, call ahead recommended
Gluten-free options: Yes - most grilled fish can be prepared GF, dedicated fryer available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - sophisticated but not stuffy, ocean views create romance, noise level allows conversation, and sharing raw bar items breaks the ice
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch usually yes, dinner unlikely - try the bar for full menu or arrive at 5pm opening. Weekend reservations essential, book 2+ weeks ahead
Is it kid-friendly? Better for teens than young children - no kids menu but will do simple grilled fish. High chairs available but atmosphere leans adult, especially dinner service
Best For
Better for: Superior raw bar selection vs competitors, fresher daily catches than chain seafood spots, better business lunch scene than casual beach restaurants
Skip if: You want casual beach dining vibes, need budget-friendly options, or prefer cooked-only seafood over raw preparations
Hours
Monday11am - 10pm
Tuesday11am - 10pm
Wednesday11am - 10pm
Thursday11am - 10pm
Friday11am - 11pm
Saturday11am - 11pm
Sunday11am - 10pm