I've only been once so keep that in mind as you read; experiences may vary. The dark hardwoods used to wrap patrons in warm booths of Victorian comfort are adorned with baroque "sans-clothes"... More

I've only been once so keep that in mind as you read; experiences may vary. The dark hardwoods used to wrap patrons in warm booths of Victorian comfort are adorned with baroque "sans-clothes" paintings: the perfect combination for a cigar and whiskey parlor at the country club and therefore a great steak. (Per my taste anyway) This dark yet warm ambiance is best enjoyed as the sun sets on the Pacific right in front of your eyes. Enjoying the paltry -yet adequate wine list begins with butter drenched escargot paired to a nice mid-range Sancere. (a personal favorite having studied in France's Loire Valley in college) Moving down the wine selection and menu in tandem led to THE best French Onion soup to pass these lips...perhaps the duck meat and velvety smooth broth bribed my palate into submission. Opinions vary for the right wine to wash down such a rich soup but our sugary Riesling matched the sweet and succulent caramelized onion-duck combination. (I suggest allowing the Riesling to come to room temperature when pairing with soup.) Stage three was cotton-soft Kobe beef filet mignon cooked to perfection; no knife necessary. As you might imagine, the wine was predictably and appropriately a giant grand cru er uh California Cabernet. (eat your heart out Bordeaux!). Finally, desert was an exquisite Bananas Foster paired with a wonderful Gewurztraminer (admittedly, I'm not a regular connoisseur of the German's sweet grape juice). I only say finally because I refuse to acknowledge our final drink. I'm from the Pacific Northwest and am frequently disappointed in the ubiquitous black water pawned as coffee in Southern California with an incredible exception in San Diego. Snail, Duck, Cow and Banana accompanied by a French, German and two American wines requires slow appreciation, so make early reservations and take your time. I'm sure you'll find, as I did, that 21 Oceanfront is a quaint lighthouse of culinary euphoria despite their total lack of decent coffee. Pros: Availability of escargot, proximity to beach, kobe beef Cons: Paltry wine list, terrible coffee
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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... More

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!!
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We had our wedding there on a Friday afternoon. The view is wonderful, the food even better. We also had dinner that evening and it was awesome. I would highly recommend 21 Oceanfront.

We had our wedding there on a Friday afternoon. The view is wonderful, the food even better. We also had dinner that evening and it was awesome. I would highly recommend 21 Oceanfront.
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I'm such a softy for an ocean view. I love requesting a table by the windows, as the water can really define my experience. Beyond that, everyone here is very friendly and not snobby at all. ... More

I'm such a softy for an ocean view. I love requesting a table by the windows, as the water can really define my experience. Beyond that, everyone here is very friendly and not snobby at all. There is a lot of tasty looking seafood dishes here. I've had the crab cakes and the scallops and both are out of this world! Too bad this place isn't more affordable.
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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.... More

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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I took my wife for Valentines Day. It was the only decent place that I was able to make a reservation and now I know why. Way way way overpriced. The waiter was very unfriendly and had an aura of... More

I took my wife for Valentines Day. It was the only decent place that I was able to make a reservation and now I know why. Way way way overpriced. The waiter was very unfriendly and had an aura of arrogance that started us off on the wrong foot. If you go at night, the only view you'll be able to see is that of the parking lot. I was expecting a good meal at least, and I left unsatisfied. My lobster was overcooked and chewy, while my wifes was undercooked and fleshy. Both our steaks were overcooked and our seafood platter was pathetic. Compared to other places in this price range, you don't get what you pay for at all. Pros: ambiance is nice and romantic Cons: price, service, food
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OK... I have heard about this place for years! It's a landmark!! I finally drove down from LA to go there with my girlfriends... and WOW! WHAT AN AWESOME EXPERIENCE! The ocean view is sooo... More

OK... I have heard about this place for years! It's a landmark!! I finally drove down from LA to go there with my girlfriends... and WOW! WHAT AN AWESOME EXPERIENCE! The ocean view is sooo beautiful.. the restaurant is immaculate & very nice. FIRST CLASS ALL THE WAY! Definitely the BEST CLAM CHOWDER ANYWHERE! So many fish options! I had the Chilean Sea Bass. The girls ordered Lobster Bisque, Crab Cakes, and Filet Mignon. I tried a bite of everything & I swear it was all to die for! FLAVORFUL! Great portions!! Delicious sides...and excellent drinks.. The servers were so professional and great! They even brought us a souffle on the house... I think it was Grand Marnier flavor... they poured the hot sauce in for us & served it with vanilla bean gelato. I want to move to Newport Beach just to dine at 21 Oceanfront. It is sooo delicious & FUN there. I've always heard about all the celebrities going there... now I know why! The drive was quick & soooo worth it for me!! I wish we had that restaurant up here in LA!! I always think about that amazing meal!! Pros: FLAVORFUL, quality, portions, service, view, entertainment Cons: umm... addicting!
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.. 21 OceanFront went above and beyond for us on our anniversary. I found them on the internet.. Speaking from two experienced servers we had a great time. atmosphere was cozy and quaint. The Food... More

.. 21 OceanFront went above and beyond for us on our anniversary. I found them on the internet.. Speaking from two experienced servers we had a great time. atmosphere was cozy and quaint. The Food was priced decently and our server was a real gentlemen!! I would definately give this place "two thumbs up".. I'd say give it a try for yourself. Pros: service and comfort Cons: metered parking.. what a drag
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Restaurant looks good and great bar, unfortunately when my wife and i went to the restaurant if was a very different experience. I had the Linguine and my wife the risotto, my wife said the risotto... More

Restaurant looks good and great bar, unfortunately when my wife and i went to the restaurant if was a very different experience. I had the Linguine and my wife the risotto, my wife said the risotto was bland and taste less, the linguine was OK but the shellfish appeared undercooked. I suffered with stomach cramps and violent sickness all night. Emailed them to advise them in case someone elderly or with health complaints experienced the same thing. Never going back again.
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The saying "you get what you paid for" has absolutely nothing to do with this restaurant. The food are overpriced, service was bad, we had to wait and call for a waiter so they can start serving us.... More

The saying "you get what you paid for" has absolutely nothing to do with this restaurant. The food are overpriced, service was bad, we had to wait and call for a waiter so they can start serving us. We were seated on a small table close to the kitchen with chairs that were so uncomfortable. Steaks were bland and my clam chowder was burnt. It was a terrible "fine dining" experience. Pros: none Cons: overpriced, overrated
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