Water Grill - South Coast Plaza

Review summary

1. E

   Edward

   VIP

   Palm Springs

   12 reviews

   4.0

   12 reviews

   Dined today

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   Great oysters . Unfortunately place was very crowded and noise level made it difficult to converse.
   

   Is this helpful?

   Report
2. M

   Mark

   Los Angeles

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   We had an excellent evening, between the food, the service, the selection. Will return!
   

   Is this helpful?

   Report
3. T

   Tommy

   VIP

   New York City

   748 reviews

   4.0

   748 reviews

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Good food. Seafood is always good. The service was great. We have been to the other one downtown as well. Very consistent.
   

   Is this helpful?

   Report
4. J

   Julie

   Orange County

   2 reviews

   4.0

   2 reviews

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 5

   Nothing against our waiteress but we went there for my friends birthday. I have added that to my reservations notes. They did not acknowledge her birthday at all. Usually they will bring out a candle. And not even a happy birthday. They totally dropped the ball on this one. The crazy thing is when they brought out our dessert. They brought out a candle but it was for another table. I felt so bad for my friend.
   

   Is this helpful?

   Report
5. P

   Phil

   VIP

   San Francisco

   14 reviews

   5.0

   14 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   There’s no place better than the Water Grill in Costa Mesa for delicious fresh seafood, excellent service and a beautifully designed space!
   

   Is this helpful?

   Report
6. J

   Juan

   San Francisco

   2 reviews

   4.0

   2 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 5

   Usually a great experience but this time was a 7 due to the service and food. Ordered the MP sea bass, had a fisht smell. Service was sub standard. Bread only came out once asked for and waiter missed we were celebrating my wife's birthday. We ordered dessert and they forgot the birthday dessert. Probably last time going. Capital Grille next time
   

   Is this helpful?

   Report
7. D

   Danny

   VIP

   Los Angeles

   45 reviews

   5.0

   45 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Thank you Angelin for the always making each dinner experience the best. All the food and drinks were delicious, but it was “that special touch” to celebrate my bday. Thanks to the rest of the WG team as well!!
   

   Is this helpful?

   Report
8. S

   Shane

   Orange County

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   We were running late due to traffic but we were still accommodated. The wait was maybe 5 mins, if that. We were greeted by our server, Deja who was amazing! Food is always solid as well.
   

   Is this helpful?

   Report
9. M

   Mark

   VIP

   Orange County

   17 reviews

   4.0

   17 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Excellent service, outstanding Spiny Lobster and Wild Chilean Sea Bass. We drank water & wine (Sancerre & Sauv Blanc). They’d save the wait staff a lot of work if they’d use larger water glasses. Valet parking is handled well, but on a Friday or Saturday night or any SCR play night, be prepared to wait 10-15 minutes for your car when you are ready to leave. Good kids menu also. Daughter’s 7 year son enjoyed the Salmon.
   

   Is this helpful?

   Report
10. M

    Marisa

    Orange County

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    We celebrated our 5-year wedding anniversary at Water Grill, and it was an exceptional experience. The service was top-notch from start to finish, with prompt water refills and a friendly, attentive server. The noise level was moderate, but at times, we could hear conversations from the adjacent table. The décor perfectly complemented the upscale seafood restaurant theme, with some beautiful pieces that caught my eye. We began with a dozen oysters from the sampler, and the standout varieties were the Stingray oyster and Kumokato oyster – both were meatier and had a saltier flavor profile that we adored. For our main courses, my husband ordered the Shrimp Scampi, and I opted for the Cioppino. We shared both dishes, as we had been debating between them when ordering. The Cioppino was the clear winner – the medley of shrimp, mussels, clams, calamari, and a claw of Dungeness crab was perfectly balanced with a rich, comforting tomato broth that hit the spot on a chilly evening. The Shrimp Scampi was also delicious and savory, but it didn't feel as satisfying as the Cioppino for a dinner meal. My husband definitely experienced food envy!🤭
    

    Is this helpful?

    Report