We came here on a rare date night out escaping our toddler (threenager) indoor seating was perfectly lit with upscale fisherman decor. I was fairly obsessed with one light in particular that looked like a large metal atom. Super cool and rustic. The bar was right next to our table so unfortunately there was a lot of gathering and grouping of the servers by the area. A little difficult to walk around if you are going / coming from the bathroom. We ordered the following: Drinks- Coke Zero Cucumber basil drink (so good) Appetizers- Raw oysters (extremely fresh) Seared ahi tuna (probably our favorite dish of the night. Exquisitely seared and seasoned with a ginger dressing and the noodles were actually from heaven) Entrees- His was 14 oz ribeye with French fries, garlic butter and a grit cake Mine was a 6 oz sirloin with wild mushrooms, garlic butter and a Caesar salad (which we split) I will say this was one of the most shockingly perfect meals I have ever tasted. Not one dish was unbalanced or cooked anything short of excellence. I overtipped on purpose to show my gratitude because the waitress and refills were also timely. Hostesses were personable. Great experience!
Overview
Discover Water Oak Grill, a polished yet relaxed seafood and steak restaurant at 201 Main St Suite 100, Safety Harbor, FL 34695, United States. Set in the heart of downtown near Baranoff Park, this neighborhood favorite blends Florida coastal cooking with steakhouse comfort and a lively cocktail-bar atmosphere. From a food blogger’s perspective, Water Oak Grill stands out for its emphasis on locally sourced seafood, premium meats, fresh produce, and dishes that feel sophisticated without becoming overly formal.
The current menu moves comfortably between raw-bar flavors, seafood starters, steaks, sandwiches, salads, and hearty entrées. Prices reflect its upscale-casual positioning: starters generally fall around $12–$20, sandwiches around $17–$21, while seafood and steak entrées typically range from the low $20s to about $54. Guests can choose indoor or outdoor seating, order cocktails, craft beer, or wine from the full bar, make reservations, and use the restaurant for private gatherings ranging from intimate dinners to larger celebrations.
One of the most distinctive starters at Water Oak Grill in Safety Harbor is the Togarashi Braised Octopus. Priced at about $18, the octopus is braised until tender in a peppery broth and then broiled with shishito peppers. The technique gives it a soft interior with lightly charred edges, while the peppers add gentle heat and a smoky vegetal note. It is an excellent introduction for diners who want something beyond conventional calamari.
For a full entrée, the Hogfish deserves serious attention. Currently listed around $29, it can be grilled, blackened, or fried and comes finished with lemon butter plus two sides. A recent customer praised the fish as “absolutely fresh and perfectly prepared,” specifically recommending the sautéed hogfish with lemon butter. The mild, delicate fish works particularly well with the bright richness of the sauce.
The Short Rib Fries are another signature-worthy choice. Available as a half or full portion, fries are covered with wild mushroom and short-rib gravy, creating a rich combination of crisp potatoes, tender beef, earthy mushrooms, and savory sauce. They work especially well as a shareable plate with drinks or as part of happy hour, which recent diners have praised for its variety and value.
The atmosphere at Water Oak Grill feels stylish but approachable, with a coastal neighborhood character rather than a stiff steakhouse mood. Outdoor seating is especially attractive around sunset, while cocktails add energy to the evening experience. Current customer ratings remain strong, with Restaurantji listing about 4.3 stars from 439 ratings and OpenTable around 4.7 from more than 200 reviews. Service is generally praised, although occasional reviews mention rushed service during busy periods.
For anyone exploring the best restaurants in Safety Harbor for memorable local dining experiences, Water Oak Grill is a compelling choice for fresh Florida seafood, creative starters, steaks, cocktails, and relaxed downtown ambiance. Call +1 727-286-6919 and visit for a meal that captures the easygoing sophistication of Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Fast service ✓ Great beer selection ✓ Great cocktails ✓ Great dessert ✓ Great wine list ✓ Serves local specialtyPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee ✓ Comfort food ✓ Happy-hour drinks ✓ Happy-hour food ✓ Healthy options ✓ Organic dishes ✓ Small plates ✓ Spirits ✓ Vegetarian options ✓ WineDining options
✓ Breakfast ✓ Brunch ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Catering ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Bar on site ✓ Toilet ✓ Wi-Fi ✓ Wi-FiAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ TrendyCrowd
✓ Groups ✓ TouristsPlanning
✓ Dinner reservations recommended ✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ High chairs ✓ Kids' menuParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Free parking lotPhotos
Location
Reviews
Came for the first time tonight to celebrate a friend's birthday. We came during happy hour! The prices were not bad at all and everything was great. I had the old fashion and it was really tasty and had the rib covered fried to start then ate the appetizer steak bites with the blue cheese fondue for my main course. Everything was awesome and we had a great time! Will definitely try to come back again!
Update: always our favorite place on a random Sunday for great food (best crab cakes ever!) drink, and wonderful service. I forgot my purse today which they kept safe until we were able to drive back to get it. Thank you so much! We come about once a month, because the food and service are consistantly high quality. The Sprouts and Swine off the Specials menu were delicious today! Thin crispy brussels and tender pork belly perfectly paired with balsamic and feta.
Great atmosphere, elegance and Chris was an awesome server. Looking forward to.coming back and trying more food. Lobster bisque, Hogfish and Octopus were amazing!
The food was cooked perfectly and flavorful. The service was good and the managers came around often to check in. The prices are higher than expected for the atmosphere (sport bar style). Seating is limited inside so make reservations early on the weekends.
Stopped in Wednesday for 1/2 price Wine Wednesday on bottles with live jazz. Relaxed atmosphere, friendly service. Shout out to Julie for her genuine smile and subtle sense of humor. Request to move outside handled congenially. Returned Thursday for "the Best Happy Hour in Safety Harbour" It IS Savanna commands the bar with diligence, competence, and a quiet humor. Engaging without being intrusive. Drink and fare suggestions were honest and accurate. Received our order in a timely manner - everything fresh and tasty with good presentation. House wine was fine, extensive options available. Draft beers feature some local options and some staples. Bourbon guys ( or gals ) - this place is for you. Especially if you're a Buffalo Trace fan. Several hard to find pours available at reasonable prices. Flights of 3 are also available in 1 oz pours. Overall excellent. Will return often. One of those reviews I am hesitant to write for fear of ruining a great find by divulging the details - but the establishment definitely earned a 5 star review
My wife and I went here yesterday sat at the bar and enjoyed happy hour drinks and food. I had a water oak mule and my wife just got the house red wine. They had hogfish sliders and wagyu sliders for $4 each which is a great deal. They also had shortrib fries for $5 for the happy hour special which goes until 6:00 everyday. We also tried an espresso martini which was great, and yes, included the coffee beans on top. Will definitely be back.