William and Water restaurant and bar — Restaurant in Town of Saint Andrews

I've been to a great many restaurants around the world. I've traveled all over. This is my new favorite restaurant. Once I drove 14 hrs to just eat dinner at a place. This i would fly in just to do so.

The staff is helpful, not pushy. They appreciate and love the food they serve, and the atmosphere is not pretentious. The food though...the food. It's provided in courses, and will come to you in such a manner as to give you a little rest between them. We had the smashed potatoes, scallops and Khao Soi Dreams. The potatoes had a little zip to them but were very savory. It was both a comfort food and fine dining appetizer if I were to describe it...they went quickly. The the scallops were perfectly done and in a bowl of this perfectly balanced sauce. It was both hearty and delicate in both flavor and texture. The Khao Soi Dreams was a perfectly done pot roast in a broth that I can't describe. It was also done very well.

Now desserts...I have a sweet tooth and usually get dessert regardless if I should or not. However I've found they usually aren't something I remember a place for. The exception is the Aloe Vera Sorbet at the Imperial Cafe in Prague. William and Water's canolis were the best I've ever had. They had enough balance of sweet that they weren't just gobble down food, while remaining subtle in flavor and balance enough to make me want to savor...

Cool Passamaquoddy Bay breezes followed us up Water Street in St. Andrews-by-the-Sea, New Brunswick, as we strolled to dinner at William and Water. The restaurant is not named for Head Chef/owner William (previously at the Chandler Room) but for the location — the corner of William and Water streets. A big smile from General Manager Ashley greeted us as we entered. William and Ashley are old friends; in fact, most of the employees seem to be good friends who have joined together to create a special dining experience. Bartender Sidney told us that everyone puts passion and care into everything they serve, from cocktails to carpaccio to condiments. The menu is predominately seafood and fresh local vegetables served in creative and varied presentations that are to be shared around the table. Oysters are always sourced from New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, or PEI. The mignonette sauce was tangy, the Tuna Poke bowl melted in my mouth, and the mandolin sliced summer squash was mildly sweet and nutty. Don’t miss the tomatoes and Burrata, the shrimp fried rice, or the smashed potatoes! All delicious. The restaurant is comfortable and gregarious with lots of laughter and conversation and good music. This is not a fine dining, quiet restaurant but rather a chef-driven, high quality, friendly atmosphere to savor and enjoy the food and the company. A great...

Was told by multiple people along our journey that this was a place we must eat so of course we did. The food was absolutely unique and next level. You want flavor, this is your place. Innovative and creative chef and kitchen staff? Absolutely! The menu is set up for sharing which we do anyway so that was convenient. First dish out was the tuna tartar pinxto...and I wish it wasn't. It was the star of the night by far. Would go back just for that. Next was the pounded cabbage salad. Fabulous, fresh, different. Loved the herbs and crunchy cabbage. Finale was the beef tenderloin tataki. Flavors were absolutely out of this world and I loved it. But the steak was a little undercooked for my liking. Rare is okay. This was chewy in spots...not my thing. Did not send it back because I felt like this was completely intentional as we were not even asked how we wanted it cooked. Tables are a little cramped inside and it's not on the water but otherwise a lovely setting. Would absolutely go back and 100% recommend to anyone who...