Waterzooi Belgian Bistro & Oyster Bar

850 Franklin Ave, Garden City, NY 11530, United States
+1 516-877-2177
$$$ Belgian restaurant
(1913 Reviews)
Price Range $50–100

Welcome to Waterzooi Belgian Bistro & Oyster Bar, a culinary gem nestled in the heart of Garden City, NY. This charming Belgian restaurant invites you to embark on a gastronomic adventure where the elegance of European dining meets the comfort of an inviting bistro atmosphere. Whether you're a local or visiting the area, Waterzooi is a must-visit destination, especially for seafood lovers.

The menu is a delightful exploration of flavors, filled with unforgettable dishes that will tantalize your taste buds. Start your experience with the Moules Pots, featuring succulent mussels in an indulgent Homard creamy lobster sauce, or opt for the Fried Calamari, which has received rave reviews for its crispy perfection. Add a touch of spice with the Lucifer, where the heat of buffalo sauce is balanced beautifully with crumbled bleu cheese.

For something truly special, the Bouillabaisse is a standout, marrying shrimp and lobster in a saffron tomato crab broth that warms the soul. The inviting fragrance of this dish alone is enough to make your mouth water. Pair your meal with their exquisite selection of sides like the Bourbon Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts or the indulgent Truffle Parmesan Frites that elevate your dining experience to new heights.

As you savor each bite, you’ll appreciate the relaxed yet elegant atmosphere of Waterzooi. With attentive service that feels genuine and personal, you can easily lose track of time as you indulge in conversation and delightful flavors. Customers have praised the restaurant's inviting décor, cleanliness, and high-quality service. You might even find yourself feeling like a familiar face here, as the staff is dedicated to ensuring that your experience is nothing short of exceptional.

The outdoor seating option adds to the charm, creating a lovely environment for enjoying fresh oysters or a vibrant salad while soaking up the ambiance. As one customer mentioned, "the seafood is incredibly fresh," and another described it as a "perfect spot for seafood pot!" Waterzooi is not just a meal; it’s an experience that you’ll likely want to relive time and time again.

So gather your friends, pour a glass of wine, and revel in what Waterzooi has to offer. From the exquisite dishes to the welcoming service, every visit promises a new discovery for your palate that will leave you coming back for more. Don’t forget to stop by during happy hour for their famous $1 oysters, a local favorite that shouldn’t be missed!

Waterzooi Belgian Bistro & Oyster Bar is not just about dining; it’s about making memories that linger long after the last bite.

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Has great beer selection
Serves great cocktails
Serves great coffee
Serves great dessert
Has great wine list
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves happy-hour drinks
Serves happy-hour food
Serves healthy options
Serves late-night food
Serves organic dishes
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Has Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Romantic
Trendy
Upmarket
Crowd
Family friendly
Good for groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Popular with tourists
Planning
Brunch reservations recommended
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Pets
Dogs allowed outside
Openings Hours

Monday

12:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Tuesday

12:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Wednesday

12:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Thursday

12:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Friday

12:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Saturday

12:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Sunday

11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

1913 Reviews
Melissa Villarreal

07 Sep 2025

Every time we come, we are always so pleased and the service food and environment is a 10/10. Special shout out to Shannon and Jordan who do it all. They handle the drinks on the bar and the floor and while multitasking also prioritizing their customer satisfaction. Their personalities and creative thinking make the drinks and atmosphere so lovely and I’m always looking forward to coming here for my next date night. The happy hour weekdays from 3-6 is great. Can’t say no to $1 oysters!!!! The oysters are fresh and I just finished the Fruits De Mer and all of the seafood was fresh and delicious. The Bloody Mary oyster shooters made me think there is no other way to have oysters…. If I could get 30 of them I would. All of the drinks are made with home made mixes and syrups which is very diabetic friendly but also very fresh and enjoyable. Oh and if you get the hot and spicy martini! The blue cheese stuffed olives are insane and the drink itself has chilli oil which gives it a kick and it’s absolutely addicting. Enjoy!!!

Peter Sales

30 Aug 2025

We ate outdoors which was nice. Had some oysters to start but when I looked over at the guy how was eating French onion soup that looked amazing I had to try it and I was not disappointed . For dinner I had the special . Don’t remember what it was called but it had chunks of lobster with pasta which was very good as well

Marlene is Key

09 Aug 2025

Waterzooi does not disappoint! This bistro is inviting, clean and has a very high end yet relaxed atmosphere! I dined on Sunday August 10th with my best friend, who I wanted to also catch up with. Our waitress and waiter were attentive so there was no shortage of water or food and drinks. We ordered some mixed oysters, my bestie got the mussels and I ordered risotto with scallops, which were cooked to perfection! Our drinks were delicious as well and the restroom was clean and spacious. Overall it was a wonderful meal and such a great option for anyone who wants a comfortable atmosphere that is high end but not stuck up!

Issei Kohama

09 Jul 2025

Percent spot for seafood pot! Great atmosphere and great service. Highly recommend also coming during happy hours as its’s $1 oysters!

Mario Alex Gonzalez

07 Jul 2025

Outstanding sea food, the oysters were incredible, and every dish everyone got was delicious. Escargot is a must, definitely the best appetizer with fresh made pesto. If you have money to spend come here, the dishes are big and worth the money.

edgar arita

01 Jul 2025

A Return to Waterzooi Yesterday, I had the chance to return to Waterzooi in Garden City—a place I’d enjoyed in the past but hadn’t visited in over two years. It’s not a white-tablecloth kind of restaurant, which might be exactly why we chose it for a casual afternoon out. There’s something comforting about its relaxed atmosphere, where good food and good company take center stage. We started with drinks: I ordered a Duvel 666, full-bodied with fruity and creamy notes that complemented my pale ale preferences perfectly. My wife chose a Shock Top, served in a frozen glass that added a refreshing chill to its citrusy profile. For my appetizer, I picked the Lobster croquette from their “Musselmania” menu. It was a delightful balance—crispy on the outside, soft and tender within. For the main course, I chose the Thai mussels, served in a generous pot infused with lemongrass, coconut milk, fine herbs, and just the right touch of spice. Each bite was a burst of flavor—comforting, aromatic, and deeply satisfying. My wife opted for the French onion soup, which leaned a bit too beefy and sweet for my taste, but she enjoyed it. Her main course, the bistro burger with cognac Dijon, was simply outstanding. Rich, savory, and perfectly cooked—it was the kind of dish that makes you pause and savor every bite. We ended our meal with a velvety chocolate mousse and piping hot coffee, toasted and nutty in flavor—an ideal finish to a memorable afternoon. Our server, Carlos, was fantastic. Attentive without being intrusive, he made sure everything flowed smoothly and added a personal touch that elevated the entire experience.

Adriana Albritton FitnAll

14 Jun 2025

Waterzooi has an elegant European charm. The seafood is incredibly fresh, and if you're an oyster lover, this is the spot. Their raw bar selection is phenomenal. The service is consistently attentive and professional. Whether you’re dining inside or enjoying the outdoor seating, the ambience is lively yet relaxed.

Sneha Francis

04 Jun 2025

Went here for a dinner one Sunday evening and we were pleasantly surprised. The food was great. We had the fried calamari, spicy ahi tuna tartar and the Steak Frites - all of which turned out good. We sat outside and the ambience was good too.

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