Best Casual Restaurants in Santa Monica

Water Grill is one of our favorite restaurants in Santa Monica. I suggest it to everyone who comes to visit. For the quality, ambiance, and service, it can't be beat at this price point in the area. Not to mention the sunset view is gorgeous if you can catch it, as the restaurant sits along the PCH. This evening, we came in for a late dinner at 8:45pm on a Monday. The service was still exemplary, both the hostess and our two servers were kind and attentive. My partner worried that we were not dressed for dinner but we were still treated with the same hospitality we have grown to expect from this excellent establishment. And the food is ALWAYS top tier. We chose the oyster sampler which has selections from all over the continent and wonderfully exemplifies the varieties in flavor from different regions, highly recommended. The grilled octopus was cooked to perfection (which I've learned from other restaurants, isn't easy because it can get chewy, but not here). For mains we had the big eye tuna and 8oz filet along with the broccolini. Both were bursting with flavor. For dessert, a favorite, the key lime pie. Our server told us he didn't even like key lime pie until he tried it at Water Grill and now he loves theirs. If that isn't a glowing recommendation, I don't know what is. We finished with a double espresso that comes with a rock sugar stirrer, which was a delightful end to a fantastic meal.

Good food and excellent service—both parties enjoyed the meal, and our waiter was fun and helpful.

Food was excellent. Bartender was fantastic (normally works Tuesdays).

Very good food, everything tastes great. Food is freshly made and came out quick as we went during downtime. This little gem never disappoints! Must try!

Food was fine. Nothing wrong, just a bit bland. Makes sense for this location - touristy. Service was outstanding. Busboy made extra efforts to keep us warm by repositioning the heat lamps and refilling them with propane. Nice touch.