Waterbar Restaurant

C Lu 2 weeks ago

Best views, beautiful ambiance, and exceptional service from Brian and his colleagues. The food was delicious, and I couldn’t have asked for a better birthday lunch experience. I love that they offer a reservation system, and everyone here is genuinely warm and welcoming. The restaurant itself is a vibe…elegant, inviting, and beautifully designed. The two large fish tanks really elevate the entire dining room and create a unique atmosphere. The martini was also excellent. This is exactly why I keep coming back time and time again.

Megan Bowdon 3 months ago

We had a fantastic experience here! The food and service were fantastic. Our server was very knowledgeable and prompt. This restaurant has patio seating and indoor seating with amazing views of the Bay Bridge. The inside if the restaurant was very loud even in a Tuesday night. We had the octopus appetizer which was well cooked and tender. We loved the crispy chickpeas served with it. The chilled seafood player from the "for the table" section of the menu was a showstopper! It came with half a lobster, half a crab, prawns, and ceviche. It also comes with 6 oysters and 6 clams but we opted to do 12 oysters instead. Great presentation and enough food for 3 people with an app and dessert. We got the coconut cream pie and pecan pie creme brulee. Both very a really special take on the original dessert. Great portions and presentation! Certainly a memorable meal but I would request a seat outside next time if planning to talk a lot becuse of the volume inside.

Alessandra Silva 5 months ago

I’ve been coming to Waterbar for over seven years, and moments like today remind me why this place is truly special. Every Friday, Waterbar offers their iconic lobster roll, and today I experienced something that went far beyond the menu. I don’t eat bread or pasta, and Fred — one of the bartenders — immediately suggested creating a healthier version for me. Fred is someone I genuinely recommend looking for when you sit at the bar. His attentiveness, warmth, and ability to listen to the guest make all the difference. He remembered my preferences, took the time to speak with the kitchen, and made sure the experience felt personal and thoughtful. Following Fred’s suggestion, a sous-chef named Carlos Benitez prepared a stunning lobster roll served on fresh butter lettuce — light, beautifully balanced, and absolutely delicious. It wasn’t just a dish; it was a gesture of care and creativity. This is hospitality at its finest: listening, adapting, and creating something special. Waterbar has always been a place of consistency and excellence for me, but today was a reminder that what truly makes it shine is the people behind the bar and in the kitchen. If you visit Waterbar, I highly recommend sitting at the bar and asking for Fred. Thank you, Fredi, and thank you to Carlos Benitez for such a memorable experience. This is why I keep coming back — and why I always will.

Ann Pham 3 months ago

If you’re looking for the best happy hour oysters in SF, just come to Waterbar between 2:30 pm-5:00 pm, it was so worth it. We ordered 24 oysters (limit per table at one time) at $1.55 each, and they were super fresh and briny. We also got the Halibut Ceviche ($19) from happy hour menu and wow, the fish felt really high quality and not fishy at all, probably from the sauce, pineapple and jalapeno. Ceviche was served with taro chips , which was thinly sliced, very crunchy and nutty. It was my favorite part of the meal. For drinks, we tried 2 whites. Henriot Brut ($28) was a sparkling wine, I felt a bit too acidic and strong but it paired perfectly with the seafood. I personally prefered Brundlmayer Gruner Veltliner ($15) because it was more on the sweeter side and I like it that way, but I have to be honest, it didn't pair well with the seafood. That wine just made the fish taste way too fishy, so maybe skip that combo. Another thing I like about this restaurant is the view. I mean, I was sitting right by the Bay Bridge eating delicious seafood. What else could I ask for? Highly recommend if you need a place to date without breaking a bank! Thanks me later

Ms. Mercy 3 months ago

Easily a $250 meal here for two! The service was great and our drinks were also good! Overall I would give the food 6/10 for taste and portion. Our lobster and shrimp were definitely undercooked (no I don’t like my seafood well done, however, parts of the lobster and shrimp were raw). Additionally, the flavor wasn’t there at all! For the view and atmosphere, would be back and hope to have a better experience next time.