Ox & Ocean — Restaurant in Oxnard

Ox and Ocean is a hidden gem in the Oxnard area. It is located in the wonderfully renovated Zhacari Dunes Hotel which was previously the Embassy Suites. The restaurant decor was modern and chic yet warm, and there was live music this Saturday night. Aga was our server/hostess and was truly dedicated to making our dining excellent. She explained the menu and made some recommendation, most of which we took. The kale salad was a great started, the dressing was perfect and not overdone on the plate, and my wife and I split a plate of the crabcakes to accompany the salad. I had the grilled swordfish which was served over mini cooked turnips and slices of eggplant and topped with a very light ponzu sauce. My wife had the sea bass which was cooked perfectly and flaky, served with a couscous type grain and orange squash. Neither of us left anything on the plates when they were collected. For dessert, Aga recommended the hot strawberry pie which was very much like a fried crepe which was sealed and filled with strawberry compote, served with vanilla bean ice cream. The bartender did an excellent job with my wife's lemon drop martini, and I tried a specialty drink called the Boody Ox, a bourbon cocktail somewhat like an old fashion but served in a martini type glass with beet juice added with a small round of dried peppered beef floating on the top. I raised an eyebrow when I saw it but it was remarkable, the beet juice giving the drink a deep sweetness and heavier consistency than the usual.bourbon drink. We were never rushed, our meal was spaced out perfectly so we never felt rushed even though the restaurant was full, the music (country guitarist/singer) was appreciated and allowed us to still carry on a conversation, and Aga was always checking to make sure our experience was enjoyable - she was a great hostess! To say the least, since we live in the area, we will be...

Seating: We made a reservation for dinner, party of 7. We were told our size party didn't have a table ready, but the party ahead of us, same size, who did not have a reservation, did get a table prepared. Essentially, it was almost like they gave our table away even though we were there on time. My husband had to go and remind them that we were here and ensure that we got seated.

Ambiance: The venue is very modern, cushy benches and rounded edge tables. Clean colors. But the overhead lights were flickering terribly, making it hard to read anything due to the strobe effect. Thankfully a manager was able to fix it otherwise we couldn't have stayed.

Food: I was very much anticipating an amazing meal based on images and the property itself. But I was rather disappointed overall. The menu itself has a weird layout, making it confusing as to what is an appetizer sized dish and what was a meal. Thankfully I had seen a different layout of the menu online and realized this. The brussel sprouts were... ok. The kids' cheeseburgers were all burnt. My husband's salad had hair in it. The jodori chicken was bland surprisingly. But, happily, the delicata squash and pork chop were stellar!! If I ever could bring myself to return, I would absolutely order those two dishes. We didn't indulge in libations or dessert as I was disappointed in the meal itself.

Service: our waitress was very nice but slow. The bussers and other staff were too fast to clear our plates/cups without replacing said cups with the beverage refilled or at least letting our server know what happened. She was regularly surprised seeing things missing. Food came out slowly as well.

Overall, it was disappointing and I...

Looks really nice. Staff is actually really chill. However.... Let's get into it.

Wasn't busy at all. Bad sign. Got my food order wrong. Another bad sign. Got my drink order wrong, ANOTHER bad sign. Asked for them to make a different drink. That one went ok.

Staff was messing with climate control behind me not even knowing how to use it. Causing bar area to be uncomfortable. Then the manager came over and started causing a scene about f'ing things up in front of customers. SHOULD NEVER HAPPEN. Talk to your staff behind the curtains. Absolute embarrassing and insanely unprofessional.

Overall this was a really bad experience.

I'll write a different review for the actual hotel. But the bar area and food was probably some of the worst I've ever had in my entire life.

Got fish tacos. Bit into the smallest tacos ever. Spit it out on second bite. Couldn't even finish one. Hopefully I don't get sick.

Needless to say. I would not recommend this place for happy hour or bar food. Ever. Hopefully it improves. Because the location is excellent. All a miss managed issue usually and that's how it goes. I get that it's a chain under Hilton ownership. Let's hope they get their act together In the future.

Staff: chill. But really need to speak amongst themselves and NOT in front of customers. They do it the whole time making everyone uncomfortable.

Cleanliness: very clean.

Food: horrible.

Decor: nice with a beach vibe.

Bathrooms: N/A...