Waters Fort Worth Review: A Premier Seafood Experience in Sundance Square

Welcome to an extended review as part of our “Dinner and a Show” column, a collaboration with Metropolitan Arts Media, Inc., the nonprofit behind the acclaimed arts journalism platforms TheaterJones.com (performing arts) and the upcoming ContextDFW.com (visual art) in Dallas/Fort Worth. Our focus today is on Waters Fort Worth, a culinary landmark that consistently delivers an exceptional dining experience.

Waters Fort Worth: A Culinary Gem in Sundance Square

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Fort Worth’s Sundance Square, Waters is more than just a restaurant; it’s a testament to the culinary vision of its beloved owner, Chef Jon Bonnell. Renowned for his successful Bonnell’s Fine Texas Cuisine and his generous contributions to local charities, Chef Bonnell has crafted Waters into an upscale dining destination that seamlessly blends sophistication with Southern charm. Originally established in 2013 in the bustling West 7th area, Waters gracefully relocated to its current prime spot on the corner of Main and 2nd Street in 2017, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of Fort Worth’s fine dining scene.

The Vision of Chef Jon Bonnell

Chef Jon Bonnell’s influence permeates every aspect of Waters Fort Worth. His commitment to quality, fresh ingredients, and a refined yet approachable dining experience is evident from the moment you step inside. Bonnell is not just a chef; he is a culinary educator and a community pillar, dedicating his time and talent beyond the kitchen. This ethos is beautifully reflected at Waters, where patrons can expect a menu that celebrates the best of fresh seafood, expertly prepared and presented.

Ambiance and Interior Design

The interior of Waters in Sundance Square exudes a refined simplicity that is both elegant and inviting. The design choices are subtle yet impactful, creating an atmosphere that feels luxurious without being ostentatious. Touches of serene blues and greens echo the restaurant’s aquatic theme, while unique decor elements, such as oyster shells displayed in sleek metal containers, add an authentic coastal touch. The lighting is thoughtfully designed to create a warm and intimate setting, perfect for both special occasions and a sophisticated weeknight dinner. Spacious seating arrangements ensure comfort, allowing diners to fully immerse themselves in the culinary journey.

A World-Class Wine Program

For wine connoisseurs, Waters presents a truly exceptional experience. Chef Bonnell, a long-standing wine educator, has meticulously curated a wine list that has garnered over 15 Wine Spectator Awards of Excellence. This impressive collection features a wide and thoughtful selection of wines sourced from premier vineyards across the globe, each chosen to perfectly complement Waters’ seafood-focused cuisine. From crisp whites that enhance the delicate flavors of fresh fish to robust reds suitable for the turf offerings, the wine program is designed to elevate every meal. The knowledgeable staff are adept at recommending the perfect pairing, ensuring a harmonious dining experience for every guest.

The Culinary Journey: A Delectable Menu Review

At Waters, the world truly is your oyster, especially for shellfish enthusiasts. The dinner menu offers an enticing array of options that highlight the freshest catches. Starters include classic oysters on the half shell, a sophisticated flight of premium oysters for those who appreciate variety, and the uniquely delicious fried oysters “Texasfeller.” Beyond oysters, the appetizer selection expands to include succulent shrimp, delicate tuna tartare, perfectly crisp calamari, an exquisite crab cake, rich gumbo, and an impressive shellfish tower designed to generously serve two to three people.

Starters: Shellfish and Beyond

During a recent visit, I ventured beyond my usual preference for shrimp or calamari and opted for the Ahi Tuna Tartare—a decision I would enthusiastically make again. This dish proved to be a magnificent blend of flavors and textures, meticulously crafted to impress both the palate and the eye. It featured a generous layer of creamy avocado, topped with vibrant, sushi-grade ahi tuna, and crowned with a refreshing green tomato cucumber relish and delicate microgreens. The presentation itself was a work of art, but the taste was even more captivating. The dish delivered a symphony of fresh, bright, and savory notes that were perfectly balanced.

The Unforgettable Ahi Tuna Tartare

The culinary journey with the Ahi Tuna Tartare didn’t end there. Accompanying the tartare were perfectly crisp tortilla crisps, seasoned with just the right touch of salt to enhance each bite. A small but potent dollop of red pepper aioli was served alongside, adding a creamy, subtly spicy kick that elevated the entire dish. This aioli was so incredibly delicious that I found myself wishing it were bottled for sale! For those with dietary considerations, a thoughtful note from the server confirmed that gluten-free diners can request their crisps be made with corn tortillas instead of flour, a testament to Waters’ attention to guest needs. This starter alone is reason enough to visit.

To ensure ample room for a full entrée, I skipped the salad course, though Waters offers a tempting selection. Salad options include a refreshing crab and avocado salad, a vibrant heirloom tomato and fried goat cheese salad, a classic Caesar, and a fresh house salad, all promising to be excellent precursors to the main event.

Entrees: From Sea to Steak

The main dinner menu at Waters showcases a spectacular range of entrees designed to satisfy diverse palates, with a clear emphasis on exquisite seafood. Diners can choose from perfectly prepared crab cakes, succulent Cajun scallops, flavorful salmon, various other shellfish preparations, generous crab legs, and the intriguing Creole Arctic Char. For those who prefer land-based fare, Waters also offers a perfectly cooked filet mignon and a delicious chicken option, ensuring everyone finds something to savor. The selection highlights both classic preparations and innovative culinary creations, all utilizing the freshest ingredients.

My Creole Arctic Char Experience

My choice for the main course was the Creole Arctic Char, a fish that visually resembles salmon but offers a taste profile uniquely situated between salmon and trout—leaning slightly closer to the delicate flavor of trout. This entrée was nothing short of a culinary triumph. The fresh char was expertly prepared and topped with a generous portion of fresh crawfish ravigote, a rich and flavorful sauce that, to my delight, is aioli-based rather than cream or dairy-based, making it a perfect choice for someone with a dairy allergy. The fish was served atop a vibrant bed of arugula, complemented by a zesty citrus vinaigrette.

Each bite of the char was perfectly seasoned and boasted a delicate crispiness on the outside, yielding to a tender, flaky interior. The crawfish ravigote added a decadent, savory depth that perfectly harmonized with the fish. I found myself in a delightful internal debate with every mouthful: was the perfectly cooked char my favorite part, or was it the succulent crawfish? In the end, they tied for first place—a testament to the dish’s exceptional balance. I would absolutely, without hesitation, order this entrée again. My only gentle caution to future diners is purely a matter of personal taste: the citrus vinaigrette, while bright and refreshing, was a little heavy on the vinegar for my particular preference. However, I know many friends and family who would adore that vibrant tang. Regardless, it’s easy to control the amount of vinaigrette with each forkful, allowing for a personalized flavor experience.

Scrumptious Sides and Tempting Desserts

To accompany my main course, I indulged in the bacon-wrapped asparagus from the selection of shareable sides. These tender asparagus spears, embraced by crispy bacon, were cooked to perfection and provided a delightful textural and savory counterpoint to the char. Other tempting side options include a luxurious Maine lobster macaroni and cheese, flavorful dirty rice, and perfectly roasted red potatoes, each designed to complement the main dishes beautifully and add another layer of indulgence to your meal.

Though utterly satisfied by the preceding courses, I concluded my meal with a rich espresso, savoring its robust flavor while dreaming of the desserts I simply didn’t have room to enjoy. The dessert menu, on my visit, featured an enticing selection: a classic crème brulee with its perfectly caramelized sugar crust, a zesty lemon icebox cheesecake offering a refreshing tang, a comforting spiced carrot cake, a decadent bourbon street brownie, and classic vanilla ice cream. Each option promised a delightful sweet ending to an unforgettable meal, making the decision to pass on them a difficult but necessary one!

Impeccable Service and Overall Impression

Beyond the exquisite food and elegant ambiance, the service at Waters Fort Worth stands out as truly exceptional. From the moment of arrival, the staff demonstrate a remarkable level of professionalism, attentiveness, and warmth. Servers are not only knowledgeable about every item on the menu, offering insightful recommendations and addressing dietary concerns with care, but they also anticipate needs without being intrusive. This seamless and personalized service significantly elevates the entire dining experience, making guests feel valued and pampered. The combination of Chef Bonnell’s culinary mastery, the sophisticated setting, and the impeccable service creates an atmosphere of refined luxury that is truly memorable. Waters is more than just a meal; it’s a meticulously crafted experience.

Plan Your Visit to Waters Fort Worth

Essential Information

Address: 301 Main St in Fort Worth’s Sundance Square

Website: www.waterstexas.com

Ring in the New Year at Waters and Sundance Square

For those looking to celebrate the arrival of 2019 in style, Waters Fort Worth in Sundance Square offers an extraordinary New Year’s Eve experience. The restaurant will be serving all its regular, highly acclaimed dinner options, alongside a special “Cowtown-inspired” menu exclusively for the occasion. This unique menu promises to blend Waters’ signature seafood expertise with a nod to Fort Worth’s rich heritage. Given the popularity of New Year’s Eve, Waters’ last dinner reservations will be for seating at 10:00 p.m., so it is highly recommended to call 817.984.1110 as soon as possible to secure your booking for an unforgettable evening.

To further enhance your celebration, after your exquisite dinner at Waters, you can join the vibrant festivities at Sundance Square Plaza. Just a very short walk from the restaurant, the Plaza will host live music starting at 10:30 p.m., culminating in an exciting countdown to welcome 2019. This creates a perfect “Dinner and a Show” package, combining a world-class meal with a lively communal celebration, making for a truly memorable start to the New Year in Fort Worth.