21 Oceanfront Reviews

Absolutely excellent. Tony the bartender was awesome and took care of everything as the piano player played on while the sun set over the Pacific. His vodka Gibsons were spot on. Their menu is tasteful and offers many good selections, but definitely above standard bar food. The scallops app and lobster bisque was delicious. Definitely do not miss out if you have the chance.

Simply amazing. Expensive, but worth it. I got the biggest lobster tail I have ever seen.

Food was great. Right on the beach so nice area to walk around before and after dinner. Service was great. Pricy but would go back.

Clam chowder was amazing. Lobster ravioli? It was all right. It seemed like it was ground meat, not chunks of lobster like I expected, and there wasn't a distinct taste of lobster. The tomato sauce was also a bit overpowering.

The atmosphere was nice. Staff was very attentive and accommodating. But that's what I would expect for the really high prices. All in all, it was pretty good, though the price-to-benefit ratio will probably keep me away in the future.

Edit: someone else mentioned this too from an earlier review, so I wonder if it's a theme with them. They were out of lobster tail when we were there. Seems like such a major item for an upscale restaurant to run out of on a regular basis.

Service was outstanding. Food was good, presentation was great.

Great vibe, for a fully So Cal experience. Go from sandy toes to elegant dining just like that!! Great sunsets!

Ok food, but nothing special really. Price is much higher than quality. Tries to be so much more than it is. Dishes felt like a mix of European and American style food.

The service was impeccable. We had the ribeye steak, lobster bisque, clam chowder, calimari, Cesar salad, and a warm vanilla soufle with a decadent white sauce. This place has a luxury vintage decor from the 1920s or so... The restaurant is facing the ocean and the bar has live music. You'll meet super cool people at the bar.

OMG! Loved it! The building inside and out is beautiful. The bartender and drinks before dinner terrific. Fernando, our waiter, was fabulous and the wait staff so attentive. The meal was so delicious, I had the filet mignon ( tender and perfectly cooked) and my husband had the swordfish, wonderful. Truffle Mac and Cheese was out of this world. We finished our anniversary dinner with the soufle...mouth watering. Ambiance, Oceanview, customer service, perfect! We usually don't do $$$$ but this was worth every penny. Thank you for an epic anniversary!

Very nice atmosphere, very trained staff, a bit pricey but worth for the quality of the food.

One of my very favs!!! Richie is amazing and Love Kerri!!!

Couldn't get basic foods down , steak is one of the main dishes served an its was honestly no where near to standards an trust me chilis steak is by far better an I never received the scallops my women ordered an the wine ordered was wrong . Forgot to mention service is super slow for a slow day not worth a dime if you ask me

21 Oceanfront is incredible. The food and drinks are devine. The staff is top notch and always makes sure you have the best experience. From their pleasant welcome at the front entrance to their grateful goodbye, 21 Oceanfront never disappoints.

Good (not great) food. The best part of this place is location.

Ordered 3 entrees while eating tons of apps. Tried to cancel the entrees, but the manager said we couldn't bcuz they were plating our dinners already. 20 minutes later, the bartender (not the manager) told us that they ran out of the 3 swordfish entrees except for one, so we had to take the one. Don't know what hospitality training the manager has, but for a restaurant of this kind, I would've expected better.

My husband and I went to 21 Oceanfront Restaurant last night. We have lived in the OC for a decade or more but had never tried this place. It was busy but we waited patiently. We sat at the window and enjoyed the ambiance. We ordered our favorite chardonnay, Cakebread. So glad they had it. Our filet mignon was better than Morton's and Maestro's. It was like butter. Finished off the night with chocolate souffle and a cappuccino with Franjelico! Can't wait to go back for a sunset dinner!

I love the overall ambiance. Waitstaff was attentive once we placed our orders but it took them way too long to get our waters and bread. I had the lobster tail, amazing. Mashed potatoes were a bit dry. Would come back for sure.

Food was disappointing.. the only reason I have it 3 stars was that the wine and my company was excellent

Killer view. Great 'tails. Friendly crowd. Can be tough to get a spot at the bar 'cause the sunset view is very popular, but worth the trouble.

Outstanding food, great service, and a stellar wine list.

Excellent. Lovely ambiance, filet was perfect, Manhattan was perfect, it's just too bad that there is not a dress code, the young group next to us were in t-shirts, obviously they could afford this restaurant, whereas my generation, who could also afford, dressed nicely, it's really a shame.

We absolutely love 21 Oceanfront it's our go-to and Wednesday night we were shocked to find that they were open again at the bar so down we sat and ate well as you always will at 21 Oceanfront (formerly known as Allie West to us old-time Newporters from '68 to '77) and enjoy the wonderful conversation and good humor of bartenders Tony and Tony.

The Salmon Skuna...yum! Great selection of wines to compliment any palette!

Great food, great service, good view of the ocean, great seating for viewing the ocean. I will return again for a great night out.

21 Oceanfront is such a classic steakhouse and lounge with a great ocean view. Started with excellent ice cold martinis with blue cheese stuffed olives in the bar where live music was offered. After moving into the dining area, we were served warm sour dough rolls (YUM!) with butter. Our server was well versed with their exceptional wine list and gave us some great suggestions that would compliment out dinner selections. The escargot appetizer was tender and savory (Remember the warm sour dough rolls? Used them to soak up the remaining sauce). The filet mignon was cooked perfectly and practically cut itself. The Chilean sea bass was the best I ever tasted anywhere. It was flaky, however so moist with an amazing sauce. We chose the asparagus rissoto as our side. Very creamy and tasty. The chocolate soufle was the perfect ending to our meal. Service and food was outstanding. What a Newport Beach gem. And, parking is easy. Looking forward to our next visit.

This is the only steakhouse by the pier and yes, everything is delicious and superb. They host wine dinners all year so if you have the chance to experience that - highly recommended! I will advise that this place draws an older crowd.

Unfortunately this was a horrible experience. Had a reservation for 2. Walked in and asked if we could be seated at a bigger table with a nicer view, was told that isn t possible because all bigger tables are for parties >2 and are reserved already. 20 mins later, 2 women parked their bikes, walked in without a prior reservation and sat at the bigger table we wanted to sit at and started ordering. I asked them if they had a prior reservation, they said no. When I confronted Abalon, the hostess, she said they had made a reservation for >2 people but they didn t show up, which was an obvious lie. Spoke to manager Roberto, he replied defensively I m trying to help you, she messed up, what am I going to do? Fire her? I can get you a free desert . I finished my soup and my GF finished her salad and we left. My feeling is that there was more to this treatment than party size... Never going back.

Second time to this restaurant and it was equally enjoyable. Great service and food. The sea bass and lobster bisque were amazing. A bit pricey but you re in Cali.

Nice location. Nice decor. Had high hopes for a great dining experience.
Fire the chef. Tasteless, bland, overpriced meals served to all in our party.

Food was awesome. Rating 3 stars only because the guy running the bar was no very helpful.

Very good food. Great staff. Doing there best dealing with Covid19. Make sure you see the umbrella for Valet

The clam chowder was delicious the food that followed was just as good. The restaurant was very romantic it was the perfect place to celebrate our wedding anniversary.

Great Happy Hour menu. Food and drinks are great. Staff is friendly. Wish HH did not end so early.

Had a great experience eating here, amazing food, great atmosphere and top notch service.
highly recommend !!

Second story oceanfront dining with beautiful views of the sunset and pier. Food was fantastic. The staff were friendly and efficient. Live music too. This was our first visit to California and Newport Beach and we loved it.

The service was fantastic but I standing lamb chops were almost raw in the thick part with butt with beautiful color. The asparagus with poorly cooked and tasteless. Nice view but for four of us the bill with over $300 plus tip. Very expensive

It's a wanna be fancy restaurant. They need to learn basics... Calamari was very small and dip was overwhelmed with lemon... The pasta tasted boxed.. Not worth the money for sure...

Kind and gracious staff. Excellent food / ambiance. Dynamite.

I was here for my company Christmas party. The food was excellent. I especially enjoyed the bread and the beef skewer appetizer. The wedge salad was amazing, but I did have to pick off a bunch of onions. For lunch they served a petite filet mignon, salmon (which I didn't eat), green beans and makes potatoes. Everything I ate was amazing. And despite the rain the view was really good (the beach is literally right across the parking lot.). It was dreary, but I happen to love this kind of weather.

We were a group of 14 total and had reservations. What we loved was that the entire party did not have to be there prior to being seated. Upon seating we were asked if a drink was desired or not while waiting for the rest of our party, awesome. We all arrived on schedule and once drinks were served our order was taken. This is a liquor bar not a beer bar as they only have five bottle beers to choose from. The drinks were fantastic and full of liquor. In our group we ate everything from the calamari to oysters for appetizers and all were excellent. In our dinner choices again not a complaint, only compliments on all of our choices. I personally had the swordfish and highly recommend. The service at this restaurant is by far excellent on top of excellent. I was honestly impressed by the staff. The food is fantastic and for those who write this place is expensive, it is but they treat you like royalty and the food is so damm good.

Celebrated a special birthday dinner & enjoyed it immensely. Excellent food & service. Highly recommend.

Food was delicious and service was amazing but the view topped it all

Friendly staff and excellent food. Great place for a special occasion!

Best place for seafood lovers. Lovable ambiance, yeah I know price is obviously high.
It s all about experiencing the hospitality and flavor of life.

Had dinner during Newport Beach Restaurant Week. We all had a fine meal.

Had to prompt the waiter for Restaurant week menu and for drinks.

Hostesses were pleasant.

Great service with politeness and a positive attitude. Great location, food and ambience. Thanks

Wonderful Chef and meal. Service staff were

were extremely inattentive!

Old school Newport Beach!! Love it and their wine dinners are fabulous. Food is always good and the service excellent. I highly recommend. Of course the view and walk on the beach after dinner are excellent as well.

Excellent service and a fantastic menu and steak was on point. They accommodated our party of 12 in under an hour!

Pro bartender Tony served up cocktails and fabulous Happy Hour onion soup and lamb chops. Easy songs from live musician. Newport Pier, beach, ocean, surfer, sunset views. Good friends, fun conversations.

Food is top marks. Tables too close to eachother tho. Got to go there knowing that or it could lead to a disappointing experience. But the food, it's fantastic

Very eleagent . I had the sword fish and it was to die for. The ocean view at sunset omg . The staff is first class.

EVERYTHING about this restaurant is excellent - the food, service and view!

Monika was amazing and so was the food. Highly recommend the entire experience

Everything is good but the calamari is the best I've ever had!!

Good ambience, old world style with plush lether seating and lots of brass works. A little dated for my personal taste, but certainly good enough for special occasions or guests. All the food for our table were very good. Arugula and beet salad was excellent, exceptionally fresh with very light dressing. Petit lamb chop appetizer was surprisingly large but perfectly cooked and seasoned. Main course, seafood linguine and mixed grill were good but a little over cooked. Filet mignon and the salmon were both well prepared. Service was the best part. The staff were very professional staff, all dressed in black tux, and were very attentive and felt like they genuinely cared.

My reason for 4 star rather than 5 is that for the decor and the food, both of which were very good but not outstanding, i felt it was over priced. Approx $70 per person for appetizers, main course, and shared dessert and no alchohol. I definitely expect better food for that price range.

Came for my birthday and the experience was nothing short of perfect! Very romantic restaurant, with the most to die for prime rib eye! They even gave me a beautiful birthday dessert. It is very pricey, but in my opinion it was worth every cent.

My fiancee took me here for my birthday. It was wonderful.

We went here for Happy Hour and dinner. The bar is small, but cozy with black leather stools and a thick old wooden bar. The seat are facing a giant picture window where you get the best view (from inside) of the sunset. Absolutely, magical. The drinks are very well made and reasonable during Happy Hour and select food items are marked down as well. I would highly suggest their clam chowder and tuna tartare. The dinning room is elegant with large white table cloths and again substantial seating. The dinner and ambiance was warm, inviting and romantic. We will definitely go here again.

First time I was there and look forward to coming again

Absolutely stellar food, service and ambiance. Just steps away from the beach with a full uninterrupted view of the ocean. The icing on the cake? Profession entertainment. What a great place.

Ask for Tony hes the best the manager the bartenders everybody's named Tony

Drinks only. Tony is friendly. We have had dinner in the past. Food and ambiance very nice. We look forward to having dinner in the future.

We had an amazing meal with outstanding service. Every course was terrific. And best of all, our server Zack, was fantastic. You CA not go wrong here.!

Went later at night, food is amazing and service was good. Food delivery was slow and had to have sleeves for dress code, boo......too hot.

Absolutely the very best restaurant in Newport Beach and possibly the USA. Food, drinks,service and view is 10+ out of 10

Nice place, nice spot, but what is more important is high quality food, at least what we were ordering.
Swordfish was prepared really good. Usually it is a bit dry, which I do not mind, but in this place it was done exceptionally well.

Excellent
Excellent

Do not eat at this establishment. We arrived at the restaurant for a party of 6 and one person was pulled from the group by a doorman/security person whom implied that that person was intoxicated and could not enter the establishment. This was a complete fabrication and ended up being a clear case of racial discrimination due to the fact that my son is a Korean American. The doorman whom is contracted as a third party from the restaurant without any factual evidence or proof of intoxication clearly violated our rights and we are possibly seeking legal counsel to sue this establishment for racial discrimination. Restaurants do have the right to refuse service to anyone and since they felt that our $1000 was no good at that establishment, we took our business elsewhere and enjoyed a fantastic dinner at La Cave just down the street where we were treated with dignity and respect. If you are not White, then you are not right to eat at 21 Oceanfront in Newport Beach California.

We went on a holiday weekend. There was a lot of riff raff in there. I ordered a dish that was supposed to have lobster in it and they forgot!