The Water Grill in Bellevue offers a dining experience that masterfully blends fresh seafood with a sophisticated atmosphere, making it a must-visit destination for both locals and visitors. Known for its commitment to sourcing the highest quality ingredients, the menu showcases an array of dishes that highlight the natural flavors of the ocean.
Whether you are craving succulent oysters, expertly grilled fish, or decadent shellfish, Water Grill’s offerings promise a journey of culinary delight. The menu’s diversity caters to a variety of palates, with options ranging from light, refreshing starters to hearty, flavorful entrees.
Beyond the impeccable food, the ambiance at Water Grill Bellevue enhances the overall dining experience. The elegant décor, attentive service, and thoughtfully curated wine list combine to create a perfect setting for celebrations, business dinners, or intimate evenings.
The menu is thoughtfully designed to provide a balance of classic seafood preparations and innovative creations, making each visit a unique experience. For seafood enthusiasts and novices alike, exploring the Water Grill Bellevue menu is an invitation to indulge in some of the finest flavors the sea has to offer.
Starters and Small Plates
The starters at Water Grill Bellevue set the tone for the meal with fresh, vibrant flavors and artful presentation. These small plates are designed to whet the appetite and showcase the kitchen’s finesse in preparing seafood with a balance of texture and taste.
From chilled oysters to creative ceviches, the starters offer a variety of options that appeal to different tastes.
One standout feature of the starters is the emphasis on fresh, raw seafood. The oysters, sourced from renowned Pacific Northwest and West Coast oyster farms, are served chilled with classic accompaniments like mignonette and cocktail sauce.
These are perfect for those who appreciate the pure, briny taste of the ocean. Additionally, the ceviches and tartares bring a zesty twist with citrus and herbs, adding layers of complexity.
For those who prefer cooked starters, options such as calamari or crab cakes provide a crispy, flavorful bite. The seasoning and preparation highlight the quality of the seafood without overpowering it.
Each dish is crafted to complement the next course, ensuring a harmonious dining progression.
Popular Starters
- Pacific Oysters: Freshly shucked, served with lemon wedges and traditional sauces
- Crab Cakes: Lightly breaded with a hint of spice, served with remoulade
- Calamari Fritti: Crispy fried squid rings with a side of aioli
- Ceviche: A blend of fresh fish marinated in citrus with cilantro and jalapeño
“The starters at Water Grill are a perfect introduction, marrying freshness with creativity to awaken the palate.” – Food Critic Review
Signature Entrées
The signature entrées at Water Grill Bellevue highlight the restaurant’s dedication to high-quality seafood and expert preparation techniques. These dishes often feature premium fish and shellfish, grilled or pan-seared to perfection, with complementary sides that enhance each bite.
The menu is thoughtfully curated to ensure that each entrée delivers on both flavor and presentation.
One of the hallmarks of the entrée selection is the variety of fish available, ranging from local favorites like wild salmon to exotic choices such as Chilean sea bass. The cooking methods emphasize the natural textures of the seafood, often incorporating subtle sauces or glazes that add depth without overwhelming the main ingredient.
Seasonal vegetables and starches accompany the entrées, providing a balanced and satisfying meal.
Vegetarian and gluten-free options are also considered in this section, reflecting the restaurant’s inclusive approach to dining. The kitchen staff are well-versed in accommodating dietary preferences without compromising on taste or creativity.
Entrée Highlights
Dish | Main Ingredient | Cooking Method | Accompaniments |
Grilled Wild Salmon | Wild Alaskan Salmon | Grilled | Roasted fingerling potatoes, seasonal greens |
Chilean Sea Bass | Chilean Sea Bass | Pan-seared | Butternut squash purée, sautéed spinach |
Diver Scallops | Jumbo Sea Scallops | Seared | Cauliflower risotto, herb beurre blanc |
Blackened Swordfish | Swordfish Steak | Blackened Grilled | Creole sauce, dirty rice |
Each entrée is crafted to satisfy the palate while showcasing the freshest seafood available, offering a memorable dining experience.
Raw Bar and Oysters
The raw bar at Water Grill Bellevue is a centerpiece of the menu, celebrating the purity and freshness of ocean delicacies. The selection of oysters, clams, and other shellfish is curated daily, ensuring top quality and variety.
This section appeals to those who appreciate the subtle nuances of raw seafood prepared with precision.
Oysters are the star here, presented with simple yet classic accompaniments that enhance their natural brininess. The menu often features oysters from multiple regions, allowing guests to taste distinctions between varieties and origins.
Alongside oysters, the raw bar offers items like littleneck clams and chilled prawns, providing a range of textures and flavors.
For guests new to raw seafood, the staff are knowledgeable and ready to recommend pairings and preparation styles. The raw bar also includes signature items such as seafood towers, which combine an assortment of raw and chilled shellfish, perfect for sharing or celebrating special occasions.
Raw Bar Favorites
- East Coast Oysters: Creamy and mildly sweet, sourced from Maine and Massachusetts
- West Coast Oysters: Briny and robust, harvested from Washington and California
- Chilled Jumbo Shrimp: Served with tangy cocktail sauce
- Seafood Tower: A layered presentation of oysters, clams, shrimp, and crab legs
“The raw bar is a testament to Water Grill’s commitment to freshness, offering an oceanic experience in every bite.” – Guest Review
Soups and Salads
Soups and salads at Water Grill Bellevue provide lighter options that are perfect as starters or for those seeking a refreshing meal. These dishes balance fresh ingredients with carefully crafted dressings and broths, ensuring that each bite is flavorful yet not heavy.
The menu reflects seasonal availability, allowing the kitchen to highlight the best produce and seafood throughout the year.
Soups range from classic seafood bisques to light consommés, each designed to complement the overall menu without overshadowing the main courses. Salads feature crisp greens, vibrant vegetables, and occasionally, seafood additions such as crab or shrimp.
The dressings are house-made, with a focus on fresh herbs and citrus to brighten the flavors.
These offerings are ideal for guests looking to enjoy a health-conscious meal or to start their dining experience with something fresh and invigorating. The portions are generous enough to satisfy without being filling, maintaining the flow toward the main entrées.
Popular Choices
- New England Clam Chowder: Creamy and hearty, loaded with clams and potatoes
- Heirloom Tomato Salad: Seasonal tomatoes with basil, burrata, and balsamic glaze
- Seafood Gumbo: A spicy, flavorful stew with shrimp, crab, and andouille sausage
- Mixed Greens Salad: Fresh greens with citrus vinaigrette and toasted almonds
These dishes are thoughtfully prepared to offer freshness and depth, adding balance to the overall dining experience.
Sides and Accompaniments
Sides at Water Grill Bellevue are crafted to perfectly complement the main dishes without overpowering them. These accompaniments range from classic preparations to more inventive vegetable dishes, all designed with the same attention to quality that defines the restaurant.
The sides add texture and flavor contrasts, rounding out each plate beautifully.
Potatoes, vegetables, and grains are featured prominently, often prepared in ways that highlight their natural flavors. Roasting, sautéing, and grilling are common techniques used to bring out the best in each ingredient.
The kitchen also incorporates seasonal items to keep the sides fresh and aligned with the overall menu’s focus on quality and taste.
Many of the sides are shared plates, encouraging guests to try a variety of flavors alongside their entrées. This approach enhances the communal dining experience and allows for a more personalized meal.
Side Dish Options
- Roasted Fingerling Potatoes: Tossed in herbs and olive oil
- Grilled Asparagus: Drizzled with lemon butter
- Cauliflower Purée: Smooth and velvety with subtle garlic notes
- Seasonal Vegetables: Fresh, locally sourced and simply prepared
“The sides at Water Grill are more than just an afterthought—they are integral to the harmony of each dish.” – Culinary Expert
Desserts and Sweet Endings
To conclude the meal, Water Grill Bellevue offers a selection of desserts that combine classic favorites with creative touches. These sweet endings provide the perfect balance of indulgence and refinement, crafted to satisfy a variety of tastes.
From rich chocolate creations to light fruit-based dishes, the dessert menu offers something for every preference.
The desserts emphasize quality ingredients such as fresh berries, premium chocolate, and house-made creams. Presentation is elegant, reflecting the overall sophistication of the dining experience.
Many of the desserts are designed to pair well with the wine and cocktail selections, enhancing the final impression of the meal.
Whether you prefer a comforting slice of cake or a refreshing sorbet, the dessert options provide a memorable conclusion to your visit. The kitchen’s attention to detail ensures that each sweet treat is as thoughtfully prepared as the savory courses.
Dessert Highlights
- Chocolate Lava Cake: Warm, gooey center with vanilla bean ice cream
- Lemon Tart: Tangy and sweet with a buttery crust
- Seasonal Berry Sorbet: Light and refreshing, made with fresh fruit
- Classic Crème Brûlée: Silky custard with a caramelized sugar crust
Each dessert is a fitting finale, designed to delight the senses and leave a lasting impression.
Beverages and Wine Selection
The beverage program at Water Grill Bellevue is as thoughtfully curated as the food menu, offering an extensive wine list alongside craft cocktails and non-alcoholic options. This selection aims to complement the seafood-focused cuisine, enhancing flavors and elevating the dining experience.
The wine list features both domestic and international bottles, with a strong emphasis on varietals that pair well with fish and shellfish.
Cocktail offerings are creative yet balanced, often incorporating fresh ingredients and house-made infusions. These drinks provide a refreshing counterpoint to the meal, whether enjoyed before dinner or alongside an entrée.
For guests who prefer non-alcoholic beverages, there are inventive mocktails and artisanal sodas available.
The staff at Water Grill are knowledgeable and attentive, happy to recommend pairings based on personal preferences and menu choices. This personalized approach ensures that every guest finds the perfect drink to enhance their meal.
Featured Beverages
Beverage | Type | Tasting Notes | Recommended Pairing |
Sauvignon Blanc | White Wine | Crisp, citrusy, with green apple notes | Oysters and light fish dishes |
Pinot Noir | Red Wine | Light-bodied, red berries, earthy undertones | Grilled salmon and scallops |
Water Grill Signature Cocktail | Cocktail | Fresh herbs, citrus, and a hint of spice | Versatile, pairs well with most seafood |
Ginger-Lime Mocktail | Non-Alcoholic | Refreshing, zesty, with a spicy finish | Appetizers and salads |
“The wine and beverage list at Water Grill Bellevue is expertly matched to its menu, making each sip a perfect complement to the dish.” – Sommelier Commentary
Conclusion
The Water Grill Bellevue menu is a celebration of fresh, high-quality seafood prepared with skill and creativity. From the inviting starters to the thoughtfully crafted entrées, each dish reflects a commitment to excellence and a deep respect for ingredients.
The raw bar offers a true taste of the ocean, while the soups, salads, and sides provide balance and variety to accommodate diverse preferences.
The dessert and beverage selections round out the experience, ensuring that every course delights the senses and leaves a lasting impression. Whether you are a seafood connoisseur or an adventurous diner seeking new flavors, Water Grill Bellevue delivers an exceptional dining journey.
The ambiance and attentive service further enhance the meal, making it an ideal choice for everything from casual lunches to special celebrations.
By choosing Water Grill Bellevue, guests embark on an immersive culinary adventure where every bite is a testament to freshness, quality, and thoughtful preparation.