A new look and logo, updated menu, and $1.5 million renovation is aimed at keeping Water Grill relevant as Downtown LA continues to rapidly evolve
Yesterday, I got a chance to take a sneak peek inside the work-in-progress and construction that’s actively transforming one of Downtown LA’s most venerated restaurants, Water Grill, from a dated 90′s decor to an updated retro vintage look that successfully manages to pull from the restaurant’s original art deco elements.
The new updated interior opens up the restaurant a bit more and focuses on a new larger bar oriented toward the center of the space that is aimed at attracting not only the power brokers and office workers during the day, but happy hours and night time dinner crowds as well. Downtown LA nightlife has gained tremendous momentum over the last several years, and being a part of that revitalization only makes sense.
Jeff Goodman, the COO of King’s Seafood Company that owns and operates Water Grill, explained during the tour that Downtown LA’s renaissance contributed to the need for Water Grill to reinvent itself as well. Downtown LA is a rapidly evolving urban community and I am uplifted to see an established restaurant like Water Grill invest in their brand, menu, and space to stay relevant as more restaurants are added to the scene, increasing healthy competition.
Water Grill will remain committed to the high-quality seafood it has always been known for since it first opened in 1991. The menu will be more accessible as there will be a broader range of menu items for diners to order from (with a sampling you can see down below).
Take a peek at what’s in store for the newly updated Water Grill, slated to open at the end of January 2012. Yes that’s about 2 weeks away.
A look at what’s in store for Water Grill
This is what Water Grill has looked like since it first opened in 1991 before remodeling took place
The outdated 90's look that defined Water Grill is being shed for a more classic vintage inspired look
These new modern yet vintage inspired chandeliers and embossed ceilings panels are two new design elements in the new Water Grill
New white marble counters and subway tiles for the bar area
Subway tiles and use of mirrors are prevalent in the new interior design
The original mural of Los Angeles (you can see City Hall on the left) in the main dining room was saved and relocated to the wall by the main entrance
A sample of food from Water Grill’s updated menu
The first taste we got was this beautiful Mediterranean Loup de Mer prepared ceviche style
White cod fish and chips served on a wooden board
A closer look at the beautiful white cod
Swordfish and kale
This is a locally caught Swordfish off the Channel Islands
A freshly prepared sampling of kale
Brian Okada, the culinary director, holds up this very large Maine lobster
Can’t wait to finally dine here! Thanks for the sneak peak!
Good post. Based on the swordfish at our sneak peak, and what we saw of the space, Water Grill version 2.0 should be able to compete with new-gen competitors like Drago Centro, Chaya Downtown, and all the spots at LA Live.