21 Oceanfront
Newport Beach, CA 92663
Phone: (949) 673-2100
- Cross Street:
- Balboa Boulevard
- Best of Citysearch:
- View 2005
- Hours:
- Sun-Thu 5:30pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 5:30pm-11pm
Editorial Review for 21 Oceanfront – by Sarah Schmelling
The Scene
A luxurious spot beside the Newport Pier, this eatery of another era boasts deep leather booths, Victorian chandeliers and a fresh rose for every table. Waitstaff in tuxes caters to every whim while a pianist plays old standbys, and regulars seated at the dark-wood bar take in the ocean sunset through gloriously large windows.
The Food
Seafood is the specialty, with rarely seen items like Baja abalone and Australian lobster tail topping the list. Appetizers like crab cakes in mustard sauce or steamed mussels could serve as entrees themselves, and salads include the "21 Original," a beefsteak tomato with Maui onions. In the mood for steak? Try the filet mignon or the occasional specialty of Kobe beef. Save room for classic desserts such as creme brulee and chocolate or Grand Marnier souffles.
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Insider Tips
The ExtrasThe restaurant has an impressive wine cellar that boasts many boutique French and Californian wines. It can also be reserved for parties of up to 60 guests.
Know Before You GoThe lounge opens at 4:30pm, but dinner is served starting at 5:30pm.
User Reviews for 21 Oceanfront
09/06/2008 Posted by HapiOC
I've been wanting to try this place for sometime now.. and waited for a special occasion.. my birthday. (Yep, I'm a ROARING LEO!) I like fine things... and 21 Oceanfront provided the finest dining experience of all. I expected stuffiness, but instead got a warm welcome & friendly/professional service throughout the night. They really made my birthday special. The musician was awesome. Sang Happy Birthday to me. The view of the ocean is unbeatable from inside. The food.. OH MY GOODNESS! I don't know where to begin.. I had heard about the crabcakes and abalone.. but once I took a bite.. I couldn't believe I waited for a special occasion. I will definitely go back for fun with some friends. It's outrageously delicious. prices are good. great portions. insanely delicious flavors. FUN PLACE. Nicholas Cage was there with his wife!! and he knows good food! I highly recommend my favorite restaurant. Thank you 21 Oceanfront!! p.s. take a sweater.. it's chilly by the beach at night.
Pros: abalone, chilean sea bass, friendly/pro service, live music
Cons: only open for dinner & holiday brunches. Easter Brunch was nice!!
03/23/2008 Posted by bud2007
I took my family to 21 for Easter Sunday Brunch. What a disaster. The booked us at 11 but the food was not ready until 1125, it was cold, and looked like the potatoes were cooked the night before. The menu was extremely limited with 2 carved meets and Salmon. They had cold pasta which was average. A warm pasta in a cream sauce that was appalling. The served sausage and bacon, but you had to order omelets from the table; with limited ingredients and when the omelets came they were cold on a plate with nothing other than the omelet drenched in old oil. This was the extent of the warm breakfast. They served the buffet on the small bar covered in table cloths with little room to move to get food. The final insult was a 60.00 per plate charge, added charges for coffee, mimosas and tea bringing the bill to over 400.00 for 5 persons. They also added a 20% tip for the buffet service, and the waiter bringing the omelets and drinks. Don’t go there you would be better off not eating.
Pros: View is great during the day!
Cons: Expensive price for little value Food, Service, and Overall is in the dumps
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