Experience exceptional seafood dining in Downtown LA. This acclaimed restaurant boasts a 4.5-star rating, offering a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere. Discover fresh catches and expertly prepared dishes.
Sophisticated seafood restaurant with extensive raw-bar options & a menu updated daily.
This Downtown Los Angeles establishment is a destination for those seeking an outstanding seafood experience. With a strong 4.5-star rating from over 2,000 reviews, it's clear this spot has earned its reputation. The atmosphere masterfully blends upscale elegance with a welcoming feel, making it suitable for both celebratory dinners and more relaxed evenings. Diners consistently praise the impeccable freshness of the seafood, noting the distinct quality in every dish. From expertly shucked oysters to perfectly cooked, flavorful fish, the culinary team clearly prioritizes premium ingredients. The price range indicates a more refined dining experience, complemented by attentive service and a lively ambiance.
Restaurant Analysis
This restaurant has been analyzed using our formula-based system to help you understand its key features and match it with your dining preferences.
Price Range (Upscale)
Upscale dining ($$$) - Fine dining with premium prices
Meal Time (dinner)
This restaurant primarily serves dinner. Based on opening hours.
Group Size (Groups Welcome)
Welcomes large groups and families. Great for group dining.
Atmosphere (Casual)
Relaxed and laid-back atmosphere
Dining Style (Flexible)
Flexible options. Reservations available but not required.
Features & Amenities
This restaurant offers: Cocktails, Beer, Wine, Coffee, Groups Welcome, Reservations
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Sourced from recent guest feedback and verified reviews.
Dining at Water Grill was an outstanding experience. The atmosphere struck the perfect balance between upscale and relaxed, making it ideal for both special occasions and casual nights out. The seafood was impeccably fresh — you could truly taste the quality in every bite. I started with the raw oyster selection, which was briny, sweet, and expertly shucked, followed by a perfectly cooked piece of wild-caught fish that was tender, flavorful, and beautifully presented. The service was attentive without being intrusive, with staff knowledgeable about both the menu and wine pairings. From start to finish, every detail felt thoughtful and polished. Water Grill is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates top-tier seafood and exceptional hospitality. Lovely restaurant in downtown Los Angeles. We were looking for a seafood restaurant and this was within walking distance from our hotel. Loved the atmosphere and service. The seafood was delicious from the oysters to the sushi. Everything was super fresh and very well prepared. The server did an amazing job of walking us through the menu. Would definitely come back. We had an outstanding experience at Water Grill, and a big part of that was thanks to our amazing server, Carlos. He was incredibly helpful, friendly, and knowledgeable, his recommendations made a great meal truly exceptional. We started with the Jumbo Lump Crab Cake, and I can honestly say it was the best crab cake I’ve ever had. The flavor was spot-on, and the texture was perfectly delicate yet rich. It set the tone for an unforgettable meal. Carlos then recommended the Lobster Roll, and it was absolutely phenomenal, something out of this world. The balance of flavors and the creamy, well-seasoned sauce made it a must-try. I’d highly recommend getting this as an appetizer. For our mains, we had the Wild Ross Sea Chilean Sea Bass, another of Carlos’ suggestions. The spices were perfectly balanced, and the fish was cooked to perfection; moist, flavorful, and beautifully presented. We also tried the Prime Split-Bone “Cowboy” Ribeye, which was charcoal grilled and packed with flavor. The smoky aroma from the charcoal gave it an extra edge, and the fat was just right, adding richness without being overwhelming. Every bite was juicy, tender, and delicious. Overall, Water Grill exceeded our expectations in every way. The food was phenomenal, the atmosphere elegant yet comfortable, and Carlos’ exceptional service truly made the night. Can’t wait to come back!
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August 15, 2025
Dining at Water Grill was an outstanding experience. The atmosphere struck the perfect balance between upscale and relaxed, making it ideal for both special occasions and casual nights out. The seafood was impeccably fresh — you could truly taste the quality in every bite. I started with the raw oyster selection, which was briny, sweet, and expertly shucked, followed by a perfectly cooked piece of wild-caught fish that was tender, flavorful, and beautifully presented. The service was attentive without being intrusive, with staff knowledgeable about both the menu and wine pairings. From start to finish, every detail felt thoughtful and polished. Water Grill is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates top-tier seafood and exceptional hospitality.
September 25, 2025
Lovely restaurant in downtown Los Angeles. We were looking for a seafood restaurant and this was within walking distance from our hotel. Loved the atmosphere and service. The seafood was delicious from the oysters to the sushi. Everything was super fresh and very well prepared. The server did an amazing job of walking us through the menu. Would definitely come back.
August 4, 2025
We had an outstanding experience at Water Grill, and a big part of that was thanks to our amazing server, Carlos. He was incredibly helpful, friendly, and knowledgeable, his recommendations made a great meal truly exceptional. We started with the Jumbo Lump Crab Cake, and I can honestly say it was the best crab cake I’ve ever had. The flavor was spot-on, and the texture was perfectly delicate yet rich. It set the tone for an unforgettable meal. Carlos then recommended the Lobster Roll, and it was absolutely phenomenal, something out of this world. The balance of flavors and the creamy, well-seasoned sauce made it a must-try. I’d highly recommend getting this as an appetizer. For our mains, we had the Wild Ross Sea Chilean Sea Bass, another of Carlos’ suggestions. The spices were perfectly balanced, and the fish was cooked to perfection; moist, flavorful, and beautifully presented. We also tried the Prime Split-Bone “Cowboy” Ribeye, which was charcoal grilled and packed with flavor. The smoky aroma from the charcoal gave it an extra edge, and the fat was just right, adding richness without being overwhelming. Every bite was juicy, tender, and delicious. Overall, Water Grill exceeded our expectations in every way. The food was phenomenal, the atmosphere elegant yet comfortable, and Carlos’ exceptional service truly made the night. Can’t wait to come back!
May 30, 2025
Visited this location on May 30th for lunch and it did not disappoint! The calamari was delicious! My husband ordered the Shrimp Scampi, my daughter ordered the Wild Ross Sea Chilean Sea Bass and I ordered the Cesar Salad with Charbroiled Shrimp added. EVERYTHING was amazing!!! The atmosphere was calm and relaxing and to top it off our server was amazing as well!!! I’ll definitely be back!!
September 6, 2025
Seafood fine dining spot with multiple locations. Came here for dinner with my family on a weeknight before a concert and we had made a reservation online in advance. I got lucky finding a spot on the street but you might need to search for a bit or go with a paid lot. We had the calamari to share as an app; this was nicely crispy and paired well with the sauces they provided. We had an organic mixed greens salad (gotta be healthy) and they provided warm rolls with flaky salt and butter (loved that). I had the Trojan roll and the bluefin toro tartare but I may had been too ambitious after the apps ordered. Both were delicious but one would have sufficed for a meal. My dad had the soft shell crab and my sister had the lobster roll; I particularly liked the buttery roll used. For dessert, we had the chocolate cake which came with a side of ice cream. It was small but thick and rich, so the three of us easily shared it. Our waiter was super friendly and on top of things. There was an altercation with an unhoused individual who came in but security was on the premises and de-escalated the situation. Overall, a great meal for special occasions or business.
Features and amenities that make Water Grill special
Cocktails
Beer
Wine
Coffee
Groups Welcome
Reservations
Everything you need to know before you visit
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View RestaurantFrom transportation to stays, we help you build a complete itinerary around this must-visit restaurant in Los Angeles.
Public transportation includes Metro rail and buses. Renting a car is recommended for flexibility, and ride-sharing services are widely available.
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