21 Oceanfront, Newport Beach

Great Food, Great Service... I went with my boyfriend and loved it, it's a unique place seems almost historic, ROMANTIC

The lemon drop martinis aren't too shabby either!

I've been going to 21 Oceanfront for over 13 years. My husband introduced it to me when he asked me to marry him. Over the years I have brought family and friends, always asking to be seated in the bar on the second level. There used to be a piano, so it was the table next to the piano. The service was white glove. The food was (and is) delicious. Yes, it's pricey, but welcome to Newport Beach and all the other venues of the same ilk. Time before last visit, several of us visited with new friends and I ordered the Lemon Drop Martini. Good God Almighty! So good that one friend tried to duplicate it at a party because I had raved on and on. It wasn't the same. So three of use travelled there this past week to sit in the bar, have lemon martinis and appetizers. First time I ever sat on the first level. The sun as it is setting can be pretty brutal, so we asked the hostess if we could be seated at my favorite table, even though we were not staying for dinner. She was wonderful, however, the server in charge of the upper level decided to stop us mid-stride, and issued a mandate that we were not to proceed, as his tables were not yet ready. He was really out of line. This was the first time EVER I've had a bad experience. It would be none too soon to get his little hide out the door, PERMANENTLY. And so, I will be certain to return, find him and put him on report. This was the only time in all these years I've ever had a problem. So, perhaps some of the problem and the reason for such a low rating is the price? I don't know. Or perhaps, this one server is creating havoc for what is in my mind, one of my most favorite destinations.

Now I grew up in Newport and have been to many nice and fine dining restaurants. This one is not. Management is pathetic to the point that it shows through the servers. Went there for a special occassion with a friend of mine that works there. Now my friend has worked there for a while and the manager didn't comp nothing. That pissed off my friend. Plus the steaks were not cooked right and when we sent it back, the manager bitched at my friend, when he should have been apologizing for the poor-ass service we were getting. I ordered chilean seabass. I cook a way better chilean seabass than 21 Oceanfront. I should teach the chef a thing or two. That chilean seabass tasted like swordfish, hard and tasteless. If you want to impress a girl or some friends, let me suggest Aubergine or Five Crowns. If you decide on going, all I have to say is I warned you ! ! !

The view of the coast if breathtaking. The ambiance is strictly high class and the food a bit pricey. But, boy was this place awesome!!! We ended our meal with a chocolate souffle and I mean to say that this dessert was better than sex!!!

i love the food