Land Ocean Restaurant Reno — Restaurant in Reno

What a disappointment. Didn’t have reservations, arrived around 8:15 and was seated around 8:45, even though about 5 tables were empty- odd but ok. Waited about maybe 10 minutes or a little less before our server greeted us. I don’t drink and asked if they have mocktails. I ordered the lemon drop and my waitress starts to tell me about the other non-alcoholic drink that I clearly didn’t want after reading the description and how really good it is, etc. Please don’t try to convince me to order something else.

My drink doesn’t arrive until half way through appetizers. The chicken skewers were on a bed of heaping Cole slaw, which was good, but one skewer literally looked liked they ran out of chicken and barely had enough for the last skewer. Artichoke was extremely bland, but the Wellington bites were good. Appetizers done and we still haven’t ordered our main course. I had to flag our server down. I order 8oz crab legs, BF and Sister both order New York strips, one with mashed potatoes and one with double baked potatoes.

Food comes out and we still have the appetizer plates on our table (they were still there when we left). The Two New York strips - One was seared and bigger (ribeye) and one looked grey. BF cuts into the thicker steak and there’s big chunks of fat. Sister cuts in and it’s medium plus when ordered mid rate. We flag server down and show her that fat chunks and say we think this is a ribeye. Her response “well it came with onion rings and New Yorks are served with onion rings”. She offers another steak and BF declines. Don’t bother showing her over cooked steak. My crab legs were cut in half length wise (only served half a leg) and came with an herb seasoning and herb butter I did not like. I’m still wondering if it was even 8oz. Cilantro rice came out green and it tasted like water. Broccoli- I make it better at home. Manager came over and said he heard about the steak (at least the server said something) and said the chefs said they dropped two New York’s. Bro! Look at the steak because it’s still sitting on the table. There are literally five pieces of 1 inch by 1 inch pieces of fat. We show him and say this is a ribeye. As if the chef remembers our table specifically, why not bring the damn steak back to the back and ask “is this a ribeye?”. Or better yet, know your protein! We were out celebrating a big achievement I reached since opening my own business, so I didn’t want to make my BF or sister more uncomfortable than they already were. I know my sister was being polite because I was treating everyone to dinner, but I could tell she was very disappointed and didn’t want to complain. We were having a great time despite the food and service, but believe me I wanted to go Gordon Ramsey on his ass. Manager offers free crème brûlée and we accept. Comes out delivered by manager himself and no clean utensils. OMG- I have to clean off my damn crab fork to eat this desert. Still no check and it’s now 10PM. It took forever, but we finally left at 10:15 and were almost the last ones to leave. The ambiance and double baked potato were amazing, but that’s it. My sister after leaving said “Denny’s is better than that place”. We then spent the 20 minute car ride home venting out out frustrations and laughed at how a restaurant could make us so angry. $250 dollar...

We have been here twice and also got takeout from here.

Love the selection on the menu. They have appetizers, salads, soups, burgers, steaks, seafood, and sides. My family has to have the garlic cheese bread everytime we come.

First things first, the ambiance is more casual than most other steakhouses in the area. That being said, the waitstaff is incredible. They are on top of everything. Needless to say, I have food allergies, and not all restaurants take that as seriously as they should. However, here they listen astutely and then double-check with the chef. They are very kind and knowledgeable about their menu. Should you need a suggestion on what to order, ask.

The service was phenomenal. Our waiter was on top of everything. He saw our needs and met them even before we did. I wish I could remember his name.

On to the food. The first time I had the salmon, it was good and satisfying. However, my son-in-law had the surf and turf. It is a Wagyu top sirloin with three tempura prawns. I had one bite of his steak and wish I had ordered that. It was phenomenal. I mean, you can't go wrong with Wagyu.

There were 7 of us both times we ate here. The rest of the family had the Macadamia Nut Crusted Sea Bass. They all raved about it but not as much as the Wagyu steak.

The second time, I got the Fitness special. The fitness special was a play on Cioppino. It was full of seafood. The mussels were ok. But the shrimp and the lobster pieces were succulent and so flavorful. I could probably have eaten three bowls of that. So good and decadent.

Of course, we had dessert both times. The first time it was my birthday, and because I can't eat flour or sugar, they brought me a bowl of fresh fruit. I was so delighted with that.

My family got the Apple Cobbler, Strawberry Cheesecake, cream brulee, and banana cream pie. The banana cream pie was hands down the favorite. The cobbler was excellent, but not as good as the banana cream pie. My son said it was the best banana cream pie he has ever had. My family agreed with him, which is why we got it the second time, too.

In fact, this last time he had to have a banana cream pie all to himself. So, if you want a suggestion on desserts, I would have to say BANANA CREAM PIE, hands down.

When we ordered takeout, I got the Lavish Burger with a gluten-free bun. The bun was so soft and tasted exactly like a regular bun--the best gluten-free bun I have ever had. The burger was so juicy. The habanero aioli is very spicy but adds a nice kick to the burger and bacon. It adds a nice heat to the burger while the guacamole cools it down.

I love the laid-back ambiance. The food is excellent and not as pricey as the bougie steakhouses in town. I can't rave enough about this restaurant and the waitstaff. It is excellent!

By the way, if you have a large party of over four people, it is wise to call and talk to a real person. This way, your reservation will guarantee you a table when you get there. They don't have a ton of space for large parties.

If you haven't tried this restaurant yet, what are you waiting for?

P.S. They are supposed to be getting a Land Ocean out in Spanish Springs before the end of the...

Restaurant Review

Food. Good food. Had a large variety and every seemed happy with the dishes. I had a tortilla soup starter that had just the right amount of spice. Followed with a salad that was very well plated. The key lime cheesecake was also good. The fish and steaks at the table also looked solid.

Service. Below average. Hostess was friendly and led me to a table set for 5. Reservation was for 7. Waiter knew what specials were, but did not know details about dishes when asked. Wrong drinks brought out first time around. Lots of little things. L&O holds itself out as a high end restaurant, prices accordingly, but under delivers on service. I’ve had more professional service from highway diners.

Environment. Nice modern look. Restaurant was fairly packed while we ate but acoustics were good and everyone in our party of 7 could hear and participate. Exactly what you would expect for a high end restaurant.

Summary 3 stars. I rarely give 5 stars (2 to date). I came close to giving 2 stars, but most people don’t understand that I grade on a curve. Land Ocean prices itself as a high end venue where you can expect to pay about $100 per person. Is the food better than the BJ’s next door? Yes. But BJ’s is a sports bar. IMO, the food was on par with high end restaurants, so a three. The service was below expectations , so a two. Ambiance was a good three. So, on the whole, a bit below my expectations. I am not overly familiar with the higher end restaurants in the Reno area, but if I lived there, I would definitely keep looking. This is no show stopper.

For those who do not know me from my other reviews: I am not prone to hyperbole or drama. Eateries are judged by food, service and environment; in that order and in context with expectations. I like picking new places. If it is a place I go to regularly, I...