Ocean 48 — Restaurant in Newport Beach

January 2025 update

Had an incredibly odd outing at Ocean 38 last night. My wife and her friends had a nice table by the pool are which was great however be aware that the floor is super slippery. They ordered cocktails, a few appys and sides and a couple of steaks to share. All was great. However what really made their outing sub par was that a plate fell off of the tab le behind us and shattered into pieces. One of the pieces cut my friends leg which was bleeding a bit and she as for an alcohol swab to disinfect. We figured the manager will comp them a cocktail or something but nope nothing like that. They just brought a freebee whipped cream dessert with congratulations written over it. Which they sent back. Would have expected a much better service for O48.

——- October 2024 Was waiting for an excuse to try Ocean 48 as we have been patron's of Mastro's in crystal cove for at least 15 years. It was my wife's bday so I made a reservation via open table that is very convinient. We showed up, and we waited only for a few minutes before we were shown to our table, which was a booth at the end of the restaurant with the view of the kitchen. It was very unique but my wife didnt like it and made a comment that this is great for couples that are having an affair. We asked for a table by the pool area but were tols that those are not available so were kindly given a table in the lounge area. There was a hand written card waiting for my wife which was a nice touch by the GM. Our server was Rachel who was very gracious and ttentive and tended to our needs. We ordered a cocktail, which my wife liked a lot, and I had their alagash white which is a favorite, so was happy to see it on their drink menu. They brough us a pan of their fresh oven baked rolls, which were warm and again nice, but to be honest, we liked the variety n the bread basket from Mastros. The rolls were delicious but way to buttery for our taste. We decided to skip appys and salad as we were hungry and had already one of their 500 calorie rolls. Ordered the 22oz bone in ribeye and their branzino (Rachel's recommendation), we also got the brussel srouts, potato au gratin, and their mushrooms. The steak was cooked well, however I felt that it could have used a pinch more salt. Branzino was good and it is a large portion and we didnt finish. Mushrooms were amazing. Highly recommended. Potatoes were average, and looks like a mini lasagna with the cheese on top. The brussell sprouts were a fail, they looked and tasted like the ones that I make at home. and I wanted something different. They also served us a complimentary desert for my wife's bday which was also a nice gesture. We got the first item on the desert menu, and it didnt disappoint. Overall a nice experience but there is some room for improvement here before I can bring myself to give this place a 5 start for the price and...

Ocean 48 is the kind of place that just gets it. Whether you’re in the mood for a full dinner, cocktails and apps, or just swinging by for dessert, they deliver every single time—with top-tier service, clean ingredients, and a vibe that fits whatever night you’re trying to have.

Let’s start with the star of the show: the bread service. I rarely waste calories on bread, but this is an exception I happily make. It’s slightly sweet, flaky, buttery soft on the inside, beautifully crisp on the outside, and served warm on a cast-iron skillet. It genuinely makes my day every time.

Tonight, I skipped my usual cauliflower and mushrooms (which are fantastic) and went for the Caesar salad split in two and the Arctic char. The Caesar is consistently fresh and crisp, but what makes it next level is the soft egg yolk on top that gently breaks over the greens, adding a rich, velvety texture to the already creamy dressing. Paired with the crunchy croutons and fresh peppers—it’s a salad I actually crave.

The Arctic char is a generous 14 ounces, which makes it more than enough to share. It’s buttery, perfectly cooked, and full of flavor without being heavy—an easy favorite. And I love that the food always comes out relatively quickly, with just the right pacing.

Though I didn’t order a cocktail tonight, it’s worth noting: Ocean 48 serves one of the best Last Words in town. Their bartenders are skilled and the pours are generous.

Now, let’s talk service. Al is by far the best. We’ve followed him from A Crystal cove. The most attentive human being I’ve met. Ana, one of my other favorite server here, was absolutely exceptional—warm, intuitive, and always on point with her recommendations. She suggested the red velvet cake, and I’m so glad I listened. Served warm with custard and ice cream on top, it’s perfectly balanced—flavorful without being overly sweet. It honestly puts butter cake to shame. It gave me that burst of joy in the mouth that only a truly special dessert can deliver.

Huge shoutout to Lynn as well, for listening to our feedback from our last visit and going out of her way to ensure we had a great dessert experience this time around. The level of care from the staff here is unmatched.

As for the ambiance—you have options. The front bar is lively and great for cocktails. The back bar feels more casual and relaxed, perfect for a laid-back dinner. If you’re celebrating something special, the poolside seating is lovely and a bit more elevated. Personally, I skip the main dining area—it’s a little dark and formal for my taste, kind of gives a Mastro’s vibe.

Ocean 48 lets you make the night what you want—without pressure. Come for a drink, a full meal, or just dessert. No matter how you do it, you’ll leave full, happy, and already planning...

If you're searching for an extraordinary dining experience that tantalizes all your senses, look no further than Ocean 48. Nestled in the heart of Newport Beach, this culinary haven offers an unforgettable journey from the moment you step through its doors.

From the outset, Ocean 48 sets the stage for an exceptional evening. The valet service was a seamless start to our night, with friendly and efficient attendants who made us feel welcome and stress-free from the moment we arrived. Their professionalism was just the beginning of the exceptional service we experienced throughout the evening.

The ambiance inside is a perfect blend of coastal elegance and modern sophistication, with panoramic views of the ocean that make every seat the best in the house. As the sun sets, the golden hues reflecting off the water create a magical backdrop for your dining experience.

The menu at Ocean 48 is a masterpiece of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, crafted into dishes that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. Each bite is a testament to the chef's artistry and dedication to quality. My cousins and I were blown away by the array of flavors and textures that danced across our palates. From the succulent seafood to the perfectly seasoned steaks, every dish was a revelation.

The service was impeccable, with a team that was attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about ensuring our experience was nothing short of perfect. They guided us through the menu with enthusiasm, making recommendations that elevated our meal to new heights.

Even the restrooms were a highlight, featuring warm seats that added a touch of luxury and comfort, showing that Ocean 48 pays attention to every detail to enhance their guests' experience.

Ocean 48 is not just a restaurant; it's an experience worth every penny. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a night out, this is a destination that promises to leave you in awe. I wholeheartedly recommend Ocean 48 to anyone seeking a dining adventure that combines exquisite cuisine, breathtaking views, and an atmosphere that feels both luxurious and welcoming.

Bravo, Ocean 48! You've set a new standard for dining in Newport Beach, and we can't...