Watermark

Added Jul 6, 2009 by Bonka of Vancouver (290 Reviews)

Wow the view, food not so much
A close knit group of us celebrated my gf's quarter century mark, alongside the great weather we've been having. Though we dined a little earlier than what we would've preferred, by the time we arrived, there were plenty of empty tables about.

The first thing you notice after climbing the stairs is the amazing view - you are literally a stone's throw away from the sand. Everything else is tidy and not overdone. While the sights were excellent, the food drew mixed reviews. The ravioli was the best entree, void of meat, instead a mushroom mix that was both tasty and filling. The fish entrees were next in line, cooked well, slightly underdone, with the swordfish having a great cream sauce, but the few sprigs of vegetables and the plain rice was terribly underwhelming. One of our carnivore friends ordered the striploin, which came grossly overdone; ironically it was the biggest portioned entree to boot, though he didn't bother to make a fuss. Appetizers were mostly misses, the mussels were not fresh, and mostly wasted on the rather good white wine cream sauce, and the side bread wasn't all that great. The shrimp in the spring rolls were overly fishy as per a previous reviewer, and the grilled eggplant lacked any sort of flavour at all.

We had one server for the night, and she made our meal more than pleasant with checkups and prompt dish clearing, though I did not like how our entrees came before we were finished our appetizers.

Without surprise, the views are the main act while the food isn't consistently executed all the way through and best reflects assembly line preparation on a plate (protein, neatly portioned vegetables, small starch, drizzle of sauce, garnish). It's another 4 star view, 3 star service, 2 star food restaurant that hangs on the coat tails of it's backdrop. Don't expect to be wowed, but the view is great.

Added Jun 27, 2009 by Vanosher of Mount Pleasant, Vancouver (3 Reviews)

Food opposite of ambiance
I arrived at Watermark excited, and left very disappointed. I met a group for a birthday, and the evening was gorgeous. The service was good, and the view and decor great.

My appetiser of prawn spring rolls had a strong ammonia/fishy taste, which indicated spoiled prawns or bad freezerburn or both. Most of us took a bite and then left the rest. The wasabi yogurt sauce was bland. The wine we were drinking was bitter, corked maybe. My friend whose birthday it was and her co-worker who arranged it had already drunk a bottle and probably couldn't taste the prawns, so I didn't mention it to her as I didn't want to make a scene.

My chicken breast was as tough as leather, difficult to cut, and my asparagus was basically raw. The mashed potatoes were tasty (lots of butter does that) but very salty and heavy. My friend's filet mignon was the worst he'd ever had, tough and greasy. The artichoke and crab dip was good, but the fried dipping breads greasy which was odd with such a rich dip. The chocolate orange mousse/cake was flavoured like shortening or margarine.

I think White Spot and Earls have better food, but this cost almost twice as much, and the prawns were spoiled... My mojito with blueberries had 3 berries in it, but I was charged $2.50 extra for those berries! The server didn't mention the premium when I asked her about fruit drinks. We paid a large mandatory service fee.

I think this restaurant has terrible quality food at an outrageous price. The menu sounds good but what arrives is executed so poorly that it is very disappointing, more like bad cafeteria food at dinner. The view is nice, but the music is terrible and very loud so that we were all hoarse at the end of the evening from shouting over it, which is why the ambiance isn't a 5.

I definitely won't be back for dinner.. Maybe for a burger at lunch if I'm with someone who really wants to eat with a view, which would be cheaper and harder to ruin when cooked by someone unskilled. On the other hand, I could get takeout from a park kiosk of similar quality and save my money for a really good restaurant elsewhere.

Added May 4, 2009 by feel100 of richmond (30 Reviews)

Good View, Nice to try
There is a lot of negative comment. So i am thinking i should go or not. Finally, I go there for Sunday Brunch... the result is ???

Food: is average. Not very wow and surprise me. But the Mussels is yummy. I can taste the white wine in each mussel. <-- should try

Service: is very good. Waitress is very friendly and simile all the time. Keep asking me for each food.

Value is little bit expensive. But it's worth. It's hard to find a same place has a good view.

Ambiance: It's nice. However, inside is too tight. Table is very tight to each other. Not really comfortable. Luckily, i came there at 2:30, not much people.

I will go back for sure. Especially this is good place for dating.

Added Apr 27, 2009 by mickeyme of South Burnaby (1 Reviews)

Casual atmosphere with fine dining service
My sister and I recently visited this restaurant spontaneously while walking along the beach on a sunny Friday afternoon and were extremely pleased with this gem on Kits Beach.

While we did not have reservations we were not made to feel like we were intruding. The Seating Hostess was gracious without being too chatty and found us a perfect spot to sit - the view is incredible from anywhere in the restaurant but we were seated in a particularly lovely location just inside the patio doors.

Our server, Jeff, was outstanding and made some very helpful suggestions when it came time to ordering our lunch. As it was only lunch my sister and I opted to share the Crab, Artichoke and Spinach Dip as our appetizer. I often order this dish when in restaurants so in comparison to other venues I can honestly say this was truly the best I've ever had. The texture was warm and creamy and no one flavour dominated the other - a perfect blend. We then opted to share the Warm Seafood Spinach Salad (nuts on the side due to my dietary restrictions) and we were both suprised by the amount of jumbo prawns in it ... although a wee bit disappointed with the amount of scallops. Again though, it was a perfect blend of flavours and was very good. For dessert we had hoped to each order an item and then share unfortunately, they do not have a large dessert menu and on top of that, all but the Creme Brulee contained nuts so dessert was out for me. My sister however did have the Hazelnut something and thoroughly enjoyed it, especially the ice-cream.

Our overall experience was top notch and we enjoyed our afternoon very much. Of course, it helps when the service is impeccable and the ambience is relaxing and inviting. Great place to check out the next time you are in Kits.

Added Feb 10, 2009 by LovesCupcakes of Downtown, Vancouver (10 Reviews)

Good Dineout
I recently ate at Watermark for Dineout and am usually very dissapointed with restaurants during Dineout. However, I was plesantly surprised with my meal and in true Watermark form, it was fantastic. I had the lamb with caponata which was a large portion and perfectly cooked. The butternut squash soup was very good and the desserts were to die for.

Kudos to Watermark for pulling off a great dineout experience for their guests! We also didn't feel rushed out of the place which was really nice.

Added Dec 30, 2008 by spike of vancouver (7 Reviews)

Would definitely go back!
Have been to Watermark on a number of occasions and have always been satisfied with our experience. The food has always been great and of good value. Most recently we arrived early evening and amongst the snow and asked if we could order off the lunch menu instead of the dinner menu. The chef was very accomodating and stated that we could order whatever we would like and they would accomodate us. The food was fabulous - we order the burgers - beef and salmon and were amazed at the flavor...would definitely be back for more. The view and atmosphere is always fabulous with the window seat facing the water...what more could one ask for!

Added Oct 15, 2008 by KitsKid of Kitsilano (72 Reviews)

Boo-urns to everything minus the patio
Watermark has been a last minute spot for us to go for a glass of wine and a nice view since it opened..
I've tried it over and over again and came to realize that it sucks.
For the people that don't live in the area I could definatly see the attraction, but after going there, giving it several tries, I have never left satisfied.
Ther service was okay, the basic "order-taker" which is fine - I get it - coming from restaurant background myself I could see how a ton of tourists could be annoying after awhile, but what killed me the most was the over priced everything and the just okay food.
I've been there with with a group of girlfriends, one friend, my parents, basically quite a few time and have always been disappointed.
The last time I went a friend had ordered a diet coke and was charged full price for the refill - which the server offered but didn't mention there would be an extra charge, after mentioning to the server that it's not a huge deal to us but to others it may be a surpirse to pay 6 bucks for 2 pops she told me that they were fine dining and that's what fine dining places do...after telling her that the straw she puts in my pop is more than the syrup they use in the drink she left and was obvioulsy embarrased as she realized we weren't tourists but people living in the neighborhood.

In any even, the place is nice, great view and an awesome patio to watch the sunset, but that's it. They food is a miss. Perhaps others have had a better time. For a drink in the lounge I'd come back, for food I'd rather go to malone's.

Added Sep 7, 2008 by ooomph of Vancouver (14 Reviews)

Food doesn't do location justice
I agree that Watermark has one of the best locations in Vancouver. We went there at sunset, and the view was breathtaking - patio seating is definitely the way to go.

With such a prime location, it's a bit bizarre to me why they would have a bar section with a TV. Most people came for a fine dining experience. The tables were packed, while the bar seats were almost empty.

Service was solid but not spectacular. Tables were close to each other, so privacy or intimacy was on short supply. I would be willing to ignore everything else just for the view, but the food unfortunately didn't justify their dollar value.

It was bad food by any means. It was solid, but generic and devoid of character or love. The salt crusted shrimp in shell appy was excellent, but I didn't find anything outstanding in my seared salmon. With a glass of wine each, the bill for two came to $80 before tip.

If you must go, go for the view. Your eyes will probably appreciate Watermark more than your stomach.

Added Jul 29, 2008 by winwong of Unknown (1 Reviews)

Watermark
I heard great things about Watermark and had so look forward to dine there with my wife and another couple. Must say the energy was fabulous and the setting was phenominal. The service was ok, not top notch where someone would go above and beyond to make your experience memorable, but we were not rushed by any means. We all ordered something different off the menu I was not impressed with the meal I had recieved. The couple who joined us enjoyed there's. Would consider having drinks on the patio but not the food.

Added May 8, 2008 by lucygoose of Kitsilano, Vancouver (1 Reviews)

Disappointed again and again!
We have gone to the Watermark 5 times over 3 years and have yet to be satisfied with the food or service. On two occasions my friends have ordered the salmon which was overcooked. I had the curry chicken which was dry and my boyfriend ordered the steak which was a poor, fatty cut of meat considering it was $35. In short, out of the four of us no one enjoyed their dinner. While the hostesses did a great job our waiter was slow, flat and, for the most part, missing in action. The setting is so beautiful and shows off Vancouver at its best which is why I bring my out of town friends there. We wrote the manager an email describing what we experienced and have received no response, which just reinforces our opinion of the Watermark. It is lucky the restaurant enjoys the location it does otherwise no one would have reason to go there.

Added Mar 2, 2008 by marymac of Delta, BC (129 Reviews)

What Did You Say...?
Of course, the location is incredible. Kits Beach on a clear night...wow. Unfortunately, in the winter, the inside windows and the outside porch panels reflect all the inside light. Couldn't see much of the view at all once inside the restaurant.

We were looking forward to our dinner. BUT... we stepped into the main restaurant and into a blasting wall of sound. There MAY have been music, but the roaring babble of all the voices in a half-full room (this was early) was completely overwhelming.

We dealt with attentively. Our wait person was VERY good, not obtrusive, but there when needed. We ordered calamari, prawn spring rolls, smoked salmon and a cup of seafood chowder as appies Calamari was good, but had a strange mustard-y sauce to dip into. Prawn spring rolls had pureed prawns (and starch?) inside, and while not greasy, were quite heavy. Smoked salmon was lovely, but the few small slices were hidden under a dressed salad. The chowder was pronounced to be VERY good.

Rack of lamb was the special, and two of our party ordered it. It arrived perfectly cooked with duchess potatoes and veggies. I ordered the sablefish, hubby the salmon. Sablefish was fine, served with lots of capers and a drizzle of sauce. Hubby's salmon was VERY overdone, although he loved the lobster risotto.

So, food was pretty good, service was attentive, the view should have been superb. What spoiled the evening for us (especially the elders) was the TERRIBLE RACKET. We were literally shouting across the table most of the evening. When the manager stopped by to check how things were going, we mentioned the excessive noise level He admitted that the premises had a problem with that issue and that "the owner" was looking at options. He also mentioned that, in the summer, with the windows rolled open, the noise travels outside and it isn't "nearly as bad"...!!!

Such a waste of a view and location.

Added Feb 3, 2008 by chippy of Mt Pleasant (4 Reviews)

good service
went for dine out, and wasn't sure what to expect. The appetizers were good. We had the pate, shrimps and watermark salad. The mains were ok, but my risotto and squash were undercooked. Our server was great though, very attentive refilling our wine and bringing bread without asking. The service outshined the food.

Added Jan 29, 2008 by diningd of vancouver (27 Reviews)

always a good dine out
We always try to hit watermark and its always been good. The $35 dineout menu has a lot of selection and the the portions are generous (even a big eater would be full). Too bad the sunset is so early but the location of the restaurant is still beautiful in the winter. Service was very prompt and friendly and the Ceasar drink is outstanding. This restaurant is definitely a good standby and out of town visitors would be impressed.

Note: The reviewer has submitted a more recent review for this restaurant. This review does not affect the overall rating and is displayed for information purposes only.

Added Jan 19, 2008 by bozlee of Tsawwassen (101 Reviews)

Super lunch!
Looking out at Kits Beach even on a windy, rainy day can be a delight at the Watermark. Been there many times but just love some of the appetizers...they don't mind you sharing and the innovative menu always has something different. The best is the signature rock salt chili prawns ($9.95), crisp and spicy with a sweet and sour dip. Not far behind are the prawn spring rolls ($9.95) made with mushrooms and water chestnuts with a wasabi yogurt dipping sauce. We also tried the black n' blue albacore tuna salad ($14.95) that was fresh and tasty. The open kitchen lets you feel [part of the action. This place gets better and better.

Added Sep 12, 2007 by vanbc52 of Surrey, B C (10 Reviews)

Enjoyable
I've eaten at the Watermark for lunch and dinner many times. I have never had a meal I didn't enjoy although I was terribly disappointed that they changed the dessert and drinks menu. The chocolate carmel brownie was the best dessert ever! Now for me the desserts are just average. I've tried a number of the martinis but preferred the previous ones. But there is an good selection of wine. My favorite is the curry chicken....excellent portion tasty and cooked perfectly accompaniedby rice with nice portion of veggies. My companion had the chowder, which he raved about. We had a wonderful attentive waitress and all in all another great experience with a fantastic view.

Added Jul 3, 2007 by jando of Port Moody (1 Reviews)

great spot
Visited Watermark for the first time yesterday, sat on the patio for lunch. Great food, service was fine, view fantastic. Enjoyed the shrimp and avocado croissant with greens and a glass of Babich Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand - Marlborough). Very refreshing break on a beatiful day.

Added Mar 9, 2007 by DCR of Kitsilano (2 Reviews)

A great dinner out with a large group
I made a reservation for 20 this past weekend for a birthday celebration. I was informed when I made the reservation that there would be a 17% tip added to the bill. I am not a fan of this but did not have a choice. However, I was very impressed. The server did a fantastic job and everyone tipped her above the already added service charge. The food was excellent, the ambience was great and everyone agreed.

Added Nov 23, 2006 by yummydelight of vancouver (3 Reviews)

Great Location
After hearing lots about Watermark i went to try it out with my family. The Location is beautiful and great for relaxing and enjoying the atmosphere. The food was okee and nothing special for me. The menu seemed very limited and cheap, so i wasn't impressed. Cheap as in the way it looks and how it was made, not the prices.

The thing that put me off from this restaurant is the service. The waiters seemed like 16 year olds and dressed really unproffessionaly. They were almost to the point of being rude and awekward. Maybe they just hired a whole bunch of people when i went, i don't know.

Theres many other restaurants with better food n service, but if u just want a drink and enjoy the view in that specific area then i guess this place is built just for that.

Added Nov 6, 2006 by getout of Kitsilano (1 Reviews)

My Fave Restaurant
After reading the other reviews of Watermark, I felt compelled to post a review. I think this is by far the best view in Vancouver, esp. in the summer at sunset. Even in Nov, it was comfortable enought to sit on the enclosed patio and enjoy a lovely ambiance. The server was very knowledgeable in regards to both the wine list and the food. We had the snapper and the lamb.. both were delicious. Although it may be a tad expensive, you get what youre paying for.... great restaurant overall.

Added Sep 14, 2006 by hbelle of vancouver (18 Reviews)

Great view, good food!
I've been here a couple times, and I'm so sad they don't have the Salmon with loster risotto anymore! But the last time I was there I had Prawns with corn risotto which was delicious!! My friend and i were sitting outside on the patio when it suddenly got super windy, and everybody wanted a table back inside. So we moved inside for dessert, but our new server never arrived, so we just paid for the bill (which I had to walk to the server and give it to her myself) and then left. Service isn't as great as the view and food, but I'd recommend the place!

Added Jun 30, 2006 by vwou of vancouver (24 Reviews)

Expensive fast food
Awesome setting but the food is below average. Don't order the $10 calamari. Bite into it and it is 90% powdery batter. I could have bought a frozen bag and fried it up myself and it will taste better. For entrees I had the snapper and lobster ravioli. It was ok but both soaked in heavy oily sauces, couldn't taste the main ingredients. Go for the beach and sunset views but be ready to pay for expensive fast food.

Note: The reviewer has submitted a more recent review for this restaurant. This review does not affect the overall rating and is displayed for information purposes only.

Added May 30, 2006 by swjunkie of Vancouver (4 Reviews)

Pleasantly surprised
After reading the previous reviews I was a little skeptical of coming here with my family after graduation. Luckily I had a good experience. Our server was friendly and prompt & the ambiance was beautiful; hip decor & a fantastic view of Kits Beach.

The appetizers - rock salt shrimp & mussles were plenty to share among 4 people and very tasty. The shrimp were crisp and a little spicy and the mussles were nice and tender. At this point I was actually full but there was more to come; the entrees (snapper, steak, cheese tart) were good by default, but nothing too memorable or exciting. The desserts on the other hand were lovely. The sorbet was a sampler of 4 fruity & refreshing flavours and the chocolate-raspberry mouse cake was perfectly smooth.

I'll definitely go back when I'm at Kits Beach later this summer.

Added Apr 3, 2006 by Tinika of Downtown Vancouver (7 Reviews)

better than I expected
I've read so many negative reviews about this restaurant that I was hesitate to try it out. The main dinner dishes we ordered were: the Duck dish (forgot the name of the dish), Lobster with ravolioli, and Sablefish. The food was excellent (esp. the sablefish and lobster), way behond my expectation! The waitress was attentive but not annoying like those ones that just won't leave you alone. The moon was shinning beautifully as we dine & wine our night away. The food is not cheap tho, between the 3 of us, our bill came to over $200 with some drinks! (Thank God I didn't have to pay because it was my b-day...hee hee).

Added Jan 11, 2006 by lovesfood of Vancouver (6 Reviews)

What a let down...
I have been meaning to make it over to Watermark for some time now so I could see for myself just what 6 million dollars buys you these days. Well, I found my answer: not a whole hell of a lot.

My fault for going at night in the winter. Not a lot to see of the view, but at least the interior was decent. Although it smacked of a poor man's version of a Cactus Club.

The wine room looked great, I could definately spend some time in there and the ambiance created by the fireplace was very nice. I guess I just felt confused. Expecting a lot, seeing some great touches, but at the same time, seeing some really poor ones.

As usual, what makes or breaks a dining or drinking experience is the service. We did not have a good one.

The waiter came over to us, coughed, then asked us what we would like to drink. We asked for a run down of what beers they had and was answered with...believe it or not...a scratch of the crotch, followed by a "the usual suspects; you know, 'uummmm." Thankfully, someone else poured the beer which was ice cold and perfect.

When it came to the food aspect, the waiter didn't really know his dishes and stumbled his way through it. The food itself was pretty good, but it won't win any awards.

Overall, I thought the place is probably a great daytime, high-end burger joint and nothing more. What a shame. So much potential.