Waters Fort Worth Restaurant Review: An Unforgettable Seafood Experience in Sundance Square
Welcome to an in-depth installment of our “Dinner and a Show” column, a special collaboration with Metropolitan Arts Media, Inc. This esteemed nonprofit organization is responsible for award-winning arts journalism platforms, including TheaterJones.com, which covers the performing arts, and the forthcoming ContextDFW.com, dedicated to visual arts across Dallas/Fort Worth. In this extended review, we turn our spotlight onto Waters Fort Worth, an establishment that perfectly marries sophisticated culinary artistry with the vibrant cultural heartbeat of Sundance Square. Join us as we explore what makes this restaurant a must-visit destination for an exceptional dining experience.
Waters Fort Worth: A Culinary Gem by Chef Jon Bonnell
Prominently situated in the dynamic heart of Fort Worth’s Sundance Square, Waters Fort Worth stands as a testament to upscale dining, masterfully overseen by the beloved Chef Jon Bonnell. Renowned not only for his successful Bonnell’s Fine Texas Cuisine but also for his unwavering commitment to the community, Chef Bonnell frequently dedicates his time and culinary talent to numerous local charities. Waters, while now a cornerstone of Sundance Square’s upscale scene, has a notable history. It originally debuted in 2013 within the energetic West 7th area, quickly garnering acclaim for its exquisite seafood offerings. In 2017, the restaurant underwent a strategic relocation, moving to its current, more prominent address at the corner of Main and 2nd Street. This move solidified its position as a leading fine dining establishment, seamlessly integrating into the sophisticated ambiance of downtown Fort Worth.
Ambiance and Aesthetic: Understated Elegance
The interior design at Waters Fort Worth in Sundance Square is characterized by its simple yet profound elegance. The space is thoughtfully adorned with subtle decor choices that collectively create a refined and welcoming atmosphere. Throughout the dining areas, touches of serene blues and verdant greens evoke the calming depths of the ocean, providing a sophisticated backdrop to the culinary journey. Delicately arranged oyster shells, encased in sleek metal containers, serve as tasteful accents, reinforcing the restaurant’s commitment to its aquatic theme without overwhelming the senses. Every element, from the comfortable, plush seating to the carefully curated ambient lighting, is designed to enhance the dining experience, making it an ideal setting for both intimate romantic dinners and larger, celebratory gatherings. The overall effect is one of quiet luxury, allowing the exceptional food and company to take center stage.
A World-Class Wine Program Guided by Expertise
For connoisseurs and casual enthusiasts alike, Waters Fort Worth offers an extraordinary wine program that stands as a testament to profound knowledge and passion. Chef/Owner Jon Bonnell is not merely a celebrated chef but also a highly respected, long-time wine educator, a distinction proudly reflected in the restaurant’s impressive collection of over 15 Wine Spectator Awards of Excellence. The Waters wine list is a meticulously curated selection, featuring a diverse array of vintages from renowned vineyards across the globe. Each bottle is chosen not only for its individual excellence but, crucially, for its perfect synergy with the restaurant’s exquisite seafood-centric cuisine. This careful pairing ensures that every sip elevates the flavors of the dish, enriching the overall dining experience. The knowledgeable staff are always on hand to guide guests through the extensive list, recommending the ideal wine to complement their meal and personal preferences.
The Menu: A Paradise for Seafood Lovers
At Waters Fort Worth, the culinary philosophy centers around sourcing the freshest seafood available and transforming it into innovative dishes with a distinctive touch of Texas flair. The dinner menu is a veritable treasure trove for seafood aficionados, promising a gastronomic adventure with every selection. For those with a particular fondness for shellfish, Waters truly makes the world your oyster. The appetizer section proudly showcases classic oysters on the half shell, allowing the natural, briny essence to shine through. For a more expansive tasting, a flight of premium oysters offers an exciting exploration of various select varieties. And for a delightful Southern-inspired twist, the fried oysters “Texasfeller” present a unique and flavorful take on a beloved starter. Beyond oysters, the array of appetizers continues to impress with succulent shrimp preparations, delicate tuna tartare, perfectly crispy calamari, exquisitely seared crab cakes, a rich and hearty gumbo, and a visually stunning shellfish tower—generously portioned to serve two to three people—overflowing with an opulent selection of oceanic delights.
A Personal Culinary Journey: Highlights from My Waters Fort Worth Experience
During a recent visit, I eagerly embarked on a comprehensive culinary exploration of the Waters dinner menu, keen to personally experience its celebrated offerings. While my typical appetizer choices often gravitate towards shrimp or calamari, I made a conscious decision to step outside my comfort zone and opted for the Ahi Tuna Tartare. This decision, I can affirm without hesitation, was an exceptionally rewarding one.
The Artistry of the Ahi Tuna Tartare
The Ahi Tuna Tartare at Waters Fort Worth transcends a mere appetizer; it is a meticulously crafted masterpiece of balanced flavors and textures. Presented as a vibrant, artfully composed tower, the dish features a creamy, rich layer of avocado forming its base, meticulously topped with impeccably fresh, ruby-red ahi tuna. Crowning this exquisite combination is a bright and refreshing green tomato cucumber relish, which imparts a delightful acidity and a subtle crunch. The entire creation is delicately garnished with vibrant micro greens, adding both visual appeal and a fresh herbaceous note. The harmonious interplay between the rich avocado, the pristine quality of the tuna, and the zesty relish creates a truly captivating experience for the palate. While this combination alone would have been enough to earn my fervent praise, the dish is further elevated by the inclusion of perfectly crisp tortilla crisps, seasoned with just the right hint of salt, served alongside a small yet potent dollop of their extraordinary red pepper aioli. This aioli, with its subtle warmth and creamy consistency, was so remarkably delicious that I found myself wishing it was available for purchase by the jar. A special thank you is also due to the attentive server who, upon my inquiry, thoughtfully informed me that gluten-free diners can request the crisps to be prepared with corn tortillas instead of flour, an accommodating gesture that significantly enhances the dining experience.
In order to preserve ample appetite for the main course, I strategically bypassed the appealing salad selections, which include a refreshing crab and avocado salad, a unique heirloom tomato and fried goat cheese option, a timeless Caesar, and a crisp house salad.
Entrées: From the Bounty of the Sea and Land
The main dinner menu at Waters Fort Worth presents an impressive and diverse selection of entrées, carefully designed to cater to a wide array of palates. Seafood aficionados will discover an abundance of choices, ranging from elegantly prepared crab cakes and perfectly seared Cajun scallops to succulent salmon, various exquisite shellfish preparations, indulgent crab legs, and the intriguing Creole Arctic Char. Recognizing that not all diners exclusively seek seafood, Waters thoughtfully includes options for “turf” lovers, featuring a tender filet mignon and a flavorful chicken dish, ensuring every guest finds a main course to savor. Complementing these stellar entrées is an inviting array of shareable side dishes, crafted to enhance and complete the meal. Highlights include a luxurious Maine lobster macaroni and cheese, perfectly crisp bacon-wrapped asparagus, a savory dirty rice, and expertly roasted red potatoes, among other delectable choices that promise to elevate the dining experience.
The Creole Arctic Char: A Culinary Revelation
For my main course, I chose the Creole Arctic Char, a decision that proved to be an absolute culinary revelation. For those unfamiliar with this exquisite fish, Arctic Char presents a beautiful appearance akin to salmon, yet its flavor profile offers a unique and delicate blend, resting somewhere between the richness of salmon and the subtle sweetness of trout, often leaning closer to the latter. The dish itself was a masterful composition: perfectly cooked, flaky fresh char generously topped with a vibrant crawfish ravigote, elegantly presented on a bed of fresh arugula and lightly drizzled with a bright citrus vinaigrette. A significant and welcome detail for someone with a dairy allergy, like myself, was learning that the ravigote, despite its creamy texture and appearance, is meticulously prepared with an aioli base rather than cream or dairy. This thoughtful culinary choice was truly music to my ears, allowing me to fully savor every element without any dietary concerns.
The char itself was seasoned with impeccable precision, achieving a delicate crispness on the outside that yielded to a tender, moist, and flavorful interior. With each initial bite of the perfectly cooked fish, I was convinced it was my favorite component of the dish. However, with every subsequent taste of the rich and flavorful crawfish ravigote, my preference wavered, leading me to declare the crawfish as the true star. Ultimately, it was an exhilarating tie—a testament to the dish’s exceptional balance and masterful execution. I would, without a shadow of a doubt, order this exquisite entrée again. My only gentle note to fellow diners concerns the citrus vinaigrette; for my personal palate, it was a touch heavy on the vinegar. Yet, I am well aware that many friends and family members would absolutely adore its bright, tangy intensity. Regardless, the artful presentation of the dish allows for easy personalization, enabling diners to either minimize or maximize the amount of vinaigrette with each forkful, perfectly tailoring the flavor profile to their exact liking.
As a perfectly complementary accompaniment, I thoroughly enjoyed the bacon-wrapped asparagus. Each tender spear of asparagus, cooked to perfection and encased in crispy, savory bacon, provided a delightful textural contrast and a rich flavor that beautifully enhanced the main course, making for a truly satisfying side dish.
A Sweet Conclusion: Espresso and Dessert Dreams
To conclude my truly memorable culinary experience, I indulged in a rich, aromatic espresso, savoring its depth as the exquisite flavors of dinner gently lingered. While I regrettably found myself with no room left to partake, the dessert menu presented a tempting array of options that promised a perfectly sweet ending to any meal. During my visit, these included a classic crème brulee with its perfectly caramelized sugar crust, a bright and zesty lemon icebox cheesecake offering a refreshing tang, a comforting spiced carrot cake, a decadent bourbon street brownie, and the timeless simplicity of vanilla ice cream. Each selection sounded like an ideal culmination to the gastronomic journey, leaving me with pleasant anticipation for a future visit.
Plan Your Unforgettable Visit to Waters Fort Worth
Waters Fort Worth offers an unparalleled dining experience that seamlessly combines exquisite, fresh seafood, a meticulously curated world-class wine program, and an elegant, welcoming ambiance. Situated in the vibrant and charming setting of Sundance Square, it is truly a premier destination for fine dining. Whether you are celebrating a special milestone, seeking an exceptional culinary adventure, or simply desiring a sophisticated evening out, Waters Fort Worth promises an unforgettable meal.
- Address: 301 Main St, Fort Worth, TX 76102 (located within Sundance Square)
- Website: www.waterstexas.com
- Phone for Reservations: (817) 984-1110
- Current Hours of Operation: Please visit their official website or call directly for the most up-to-date dining hours, as they may vary seasonally or for special events.
Ring in the New Year with Style at Waters Fort Worth in Sundance Square
For those looking to usher in the New Year with unparalleled elegance and exceptional cuisine, Waters Fort Worth offers a truly spectacular New Year’s Eve experience in the heart of Sundance Square. On this festive evening, the restaurant typically features its entire acclaimed regular dinner menu, complemented by a thoughtfully crafted, special Cowtown-inspired menu. This unique offering often highlights local flavors and seasonal ingredients, adding an exciting and festive dimension to the celebration. Given the popularity of New Year’s Eve, reservations are highly recommended, especially for prime dining times. The last dinner seating is often available around 10:00 p.m., allowing guests to enjoy a leisurely meal before the countdown begins. To ensure your place for what promises to be a memorable evening, it is strongly advisable to call (817) 984-1110 as soon as possible to secure your reservation.
After your delightful and sophisticated dinner at Waters, the New Year’s Eve festivities can continue just a short, enjoyable stroll away at Sundance Square Plaza. Starting at approximately 10:30 p.m., the plaza transforms into a lively celebration hub, featuring vibrant live music that sets the perfect celebratory mood. The evening culminates in an exhilarating countdown to the New Year, creating an electric atmosphere for welcoming 2019 (or any new year) with energy, excitement, and community spirit in the very heart of Fort Worth. Waters Fort Worth provides the perfect culinary prelude to an unforgettable night of celebration.
