Textured diamond-like carbon (DLC) films with the pattern of parallel grooves were developed by depositing DLC on textured stainless substrates in a PVD system. The texturing effects on tribological performance of DLC in water-lubricated condition were investigated. Results show that introducing specific patterns into DLC film not only retains the low friction coefficients, but also dramatically extends coating lifetime through affecting the coating delamination behavior and graphitization process during friction. Besides the adherence difference induced by surface texturing which could influence the delamination, another possible mechanism, ''buffer stripes'', which is characteristic of the lateral soft/hard periodical structure, was proposed by us based on the Micro-Raman spectroscopy and nanoindentation analysis. Additionally, a much lower graphitization for textured DLC during friction may also be responsible for the improved wear resistance.