Cozy and Refined

By Jun Wang

Water Moon

Location: 129 E 13800 South Suite A5, Draper, UT 84020
Phone: 801-619-3889
Offers: Dine-in, Take-out, VIP room, Sushi bar
Cuisine: Asian Fusion Cuisine
Signature Dishes: Crispy Beef, Walnut Shrimp, Pon Pon Chicken, Teriyaki Chicken
Year of Establishment: 2009

Many customers dine at Water Moon for its image-provoking name. Once they walk through the doors, a culinary haven with cozy, romantic appeal awaits. Nestled in an unpretentious shopping center in Draper, Utah, Water Moon offers great food, exceptional service, and a refined setting.

Tastefully designed with soft blues and vibrant reds, Water Moon captures the attention of customers immediately, making them feel stimulated yet right at home. The bright red of the wall fuses beautifully with light blue accents, providing a sweet and sophisticated look. Another eye catcher is the waterfall screen lit by sparkling lights and adding a touch of romantic charm. In fact, aesthetic touches are felt everywhere in the restaurant, from the decorative framed Chinese artwork to the hanging banners. Water Moon also makes for a great date destination, as the surroundings are sated with soft, subdued lights and soothing music. 

Featuring a large selection of Chinese, Japanese, and even Thai dishes, Water Moon is an ideal choice for family gatherings. Boasting a large menu, it has something for everyone and offers two menus when you step inside. One is a Chinese menu with a large selection of traditional Chinese dishes, while the other is focused on sumptuous sushi. 

If you are hankering for some traditional Chinese food, the expansive Chinese menu has everything you’ll want. With a multitude of delicious selections to choose one it can be difficult to decide, but simply ask the knowledgeable staff for suggestions and they will help recommend dishes based on your preferences. Despite the usual entrees including Lo Mein, Fried Rice, Chicken, Pork, Beef and vegetable dishes, you will also find items sure to exceed your expectations.

Some dishes that are great for any occasion are the Sesame Chicken, Crispy Beef, and Walnut Shrimp. Drawn from Szechuan cuisine, Crispy Beef is a delectable concoction of sautéed shredded beef and sauces. The triumphant result is a beef entrée that effectively channels Szechuan cuisine while incorporating what the locals love about the dish. Gloriously juicy, crispy, and tender, the slices of beef are topped with sesame seeds, helping to add another level of flavor.

Walnut Shrimp—although it may not sound too fancy, is prepared in a special way, giving it an extra array of flavors. These flavors aren’t a result of adding MSG or oil, but rather an infusion of culinary dedication and skill. Water Moon’s chef has enhanced the dish by frying the shrimp to a golden color, drizzling it with sweet mayonnaise, and then adding several finishing touches. The owners, Scott Zheng and Sianny Tan strongly recommend this appetizing dish because of its superb interplay of flavors.

Don’t skip the sushi though; the smooth texture of the sushi will have you wanting more. For health conscious customers, sushi is a healthy and nutritious choice that is low in fat and high in protein. Before dining on sushi you can start with the Shrimp Tempura, with the miso soup to follow. These dishes make great appetizers and act as a wonderful introduction to the sushi.

Water Moon’s sushi offerings span the entire sushi realm. One of its strengths is its mouthwatering selection of rolls. One is the Hawaiian Roll ($13.99). This roll is seasoned with mango sauce, treating customers to a celebration of tropical flavor and sweet fruity goodness. Another recommended roll is the Xmas Roll ($13.99). True to its name, it astounds and entertains palates with its bright rich colors and succulent textures. Don’t forget the vegetarian rolls such as the Fresh Roll ($5.99), which is a perfect option for vegetarians and has yamagobo, lettuce, cucumber, kampyo, and a special sauce so full of flavor you’ll be clamoring for more. 

Tired of Chinese cuisine and sushi? You might want to try one of the delicious Thai dishes on the menu. The basil and lemongrass sauce will satisfy your taste buds and bring you into a culinary kingdom governed by flavor and spices. Try the Pad Thai and a hearty bowl of Tom Yum Soup. And if you want to try some dishes that aren’t on the menu, just ask the chef and he will be happy to prepare your custom order if he has the ingredients.  

Having been featured in some local magazines, the newly opened restaurant has rapidly accumulated a large customer base. While great for business, the magazines aren’t the only thing helping to attract people to Water Moon. Many patrons point out that without the great service, good food can only go so far.

Upholding the tenet of “Customer is King,” the management and their staff try their best to make each customer’s experience a positive one. While understanding the challenges of making customers happy, Water Moon strives to cater to every customer to the fullest. “Know your customers and then do your best to satisfy their needs. By doing so you’ll be able to offer a higher standard of service,” says owner Sianny Tan.