Restaurants near Hotel Shangri-La

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.

This place is very nice. I loved the atmosphere and the view of Santa Monica Pier. I taken my wife for her birthday she really enjoyed it and love her food. My cousin and our friend as well enjoyed the food. I would go back and bring more friends and Family. Our Server was amazing and very helpful as well. We'll be back. 

It was my first time at this restaurant. We ordered whipped eggplant with that famous “balloon”bread that is sooooo delicious! We also got Broccolini, Wild Mushrooms, Scallops and squid-ink Pasta. everything was delicious but Broccolini and wild mushrooms really stood out for me and my boyfriend. The Tiramisu was a bit heavy, I am used to a smoother texture but the delicious taste was there - not too sweet and right amount of espresso.

Sat on patio next the busy road. The some of the seafood tower was not very fresh. The oysters were fresh but very small. Scallops and jumbo shrimp were good. Grilled oysters were very flavorful but shrunk down to a small morsel. Grilled artichoke, Spanish octopus and carrot ginger salad were very good. The lobster roll (we chose hot) was very dry. Very pricey for the quality and quantity. Our server (I think Jason?) was great!

We were there around 3 pm on Christmas day and the young lady at the front desk was warm, welcoming, and efficient. After checking in early, we only waited a short time for our table. Our server was Joseph and he was also very welcoming and efficient. He made us feel like our business was valuable. He asked numerous times if we needed anything and was prompt to bring whatever was requested. Our chef was Nmemon (spelling??) and he did an excellent job in preparing our food. We come to Benihana's frequently and will continue to do so with employees like Joseph and the front desk hostess. Thanks for an outstanding Christmas dinner.