Outer Reef by Celebrity Chef John Tesar

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1. P

   Pattiwall

   Orange County

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined 2 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Very good in very way. Thank you very, very much

   Report
2. FX

   FoodXS

   New York Area

   4 reviews

   vip
   4.0

   4 reviews

   Dined 6 days ago

   overall4food5service4ambience4

   There was a little bit of a wait for main entree. Good quality was excellent. Winter Green salad and Caesar salad were perfect. The wine list is a little bit pedestrian.

   Report
3. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Los Angeles

   1 review

   vip
   3.0

   1 review

   Dined on March 13, 2023

   overall3food3service3ambience3

   Average experience for high prices without execution. Processes were not in place for attentive service. Food not spectacular, service slow. No pre-ordering of appetizers as entire order has to be placed. How about doing what the customer who is paying wants? Wrong food order then delivered, then steak needed to be re-done. Asked for Manager but no one ever came and addressed issues. For fussiness about customer ordering and sequencing, no delivery on this. Not a great overall experience.

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4. C

   Cindy

   Orange County

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on March 13, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   We had an amazing dinner at Outer Reef this weekend. We were early for our reservation & greeted by Alex the restaurant manager. While we had originally planned to eat inside, Alex found a nice table for us under a heater on the patio which was very nice. While we waited the bartender Macay whipped up some of their signature cocktails for us. Our waiter was Aaron gave great recommendations & continued the fantastic customer service. The food was delicious & a we appreciated the creativity of the dishes we had. On our way out, the manager followed up with us again which was a nice touch. We can’t wait to go back & highly recommend it.

   Report
5. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   San Francisco

   1 review

   vip
   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on March 11, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Wonderful experience!

   Report
6. RN

   RobertN

   San Francisco

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on March 11, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience4

   This is a wonderful restaurant. The staff was welcoming. The sommelier was excellent and provided great wine recommendations. The food was first rate. Outer Reef was a great place for a birthday dinner!

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7. D

   Drats

   Seattle

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on March 10, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   This place is just perfection. All the dishes e ate for OC restaurant WEEK were delicious. We had hamachi tuna, lobster agnolotti, scallop risotto. The desserts were so nicely balanced and we took home some blueberry champagne muffins and they were out of this world. They recently renovated and the blue ocean theme is gorgeous.

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8. L

   Lisa

   Tahoe

   2 reviews

   vip
   2.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on March 9, 2023

   overall2food1service3ambience4

   All our dishes were cold and had to be sent back. A $185 steak should not come out cold. Restaurant didn't offer any complimentary item for the cold food.

   Report
9. AK

   AshleighK

   Hawaii

   9 reviews

   vip
   3.0

   9 reviews

   Dined on March 8, 2023

   overall3food3service4ambience5

   The restaurant was very quiet so we had very attentive service and the best seat on the patio for a lovely sunset. Unfortunately, the food was underwhelming for the touted chef and high cost. The amuse-bouche clam chowder was lukewarm and all three of our shellfish dishes had multiple pieces of cartilage, shell, and inedible gristle. When we shared this with the server nothing was done and it persisted. All of the little touches were nice, but they didn’t compensate for the disappointing main meal.

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10. WS

    WendyS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Superb food and excellent service at a stunning locale in which to enjoy it! Although pricey, the quality of the food, its presentation and the service make it well worthwhile for a special celebration or dinner. I tried it during Orange County restaurant week, and I will definitely go back!

    Report
11. LP

    LindaP

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 7, 2023

    overall4food4service2ambience3

    The Server was overwhelmed with tables. Outer Reef appeared to be short staffed. We attended with a group for Orange County Restaurant Week; the orders were mixed up and one plate was totally unedible. The Bar was also overwhelmed with customers and table drink orders came during the second course. Asked to meet the Chef, since we had heard so much about him, and that was denied by the wait staff. Over all - quite disappointing for a "Showcase" event of the restaurant.

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12. TG

    TheGrandPooBaa

    Orange County

    27 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    27 reviews

    Dined on March 6, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience3

    It was an odd experience. The dining area was very cold. We were the last people to be seated for the evening at 7:30. And even though there were 8 empty tables, when we arrived at 7:20 they had us wait until slightly past 7:30 to be seated. There was no crowd or others waiting or arriving. Once seated the service was slow. The appetizers and deserts were really terrific. My main course was pedestrian. Plus they had a special menu as for the 1st day of restaurant week that featured 4 entrees but they were already out of the lobster... Parking was free, out side in warmer weather the view is great.

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13. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Orange County

    60 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    60 reviews

    Dined on March 6, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    We had fun. Food was good. Waiter made it great as did the valets who made it real and light for me and my wife. Thank you for Our Bon Appetite

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14. J

    Jeff

    Orange County

    4 reviews

    2.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on March 4, 2023

    overall2food2service4ambience3

    Didn’t think it was worth the $ ! We won’t be back

    Report
15. MM

    MarceloM

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Outer Reef is a wonderful homage to Chef Tesar’s groundbreaking restaurant Spoon. The food was spectacular with a few new developments in technique. The staff is welcoming and the bar is a venue in itself. The restaurant design, coastal minimalist is probably best appreciated on temperante evenings when the doors to the outside can be opened.

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16. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Central Coast

    1 review

    vip
    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 22, 2023

    overall3food3service5ambience3

    The service and drinks were excellent. My one main complaint is the ridiculously tiny portions for such exorbitant prices. The lobster and crab entrees were well prepared but required a microscope to find the fish and for pasta dishes, only had about 6-7 pieces of pasta. The amount of food vs. price is a major fault with this restaurant.

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17. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Orange County

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3

    What a wonderful meal. Enjoyed the subtle flavors that were well balanced and let you savor each of the ingredients. Highly recommend a meal here. Don't let the fact that it is in a hotel scare you away.

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18. ST

    SusanT

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    It was very nice. Abraham was our server and was helpful with choices.

    Report
19. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 19, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4

    It was a bit on the dark and noisy side. To be expected I guess with all the glass and tile. The music was cool. The servers were outstanding but could be a little happier. The food was very good. Interesting twists that work. Definitely returning.

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20. MB

    MarthaB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Excellent service and the food was exceptional. We look forward to coming again.

    Report
21. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Orange County

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Best food and drinks we have ever had. Service is amazing! View is spectacular. We will be returning for sure!

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22. MG

    MaureenG

    Orange County

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on February 18, 2023

    overall3food4service2ambience2

    We love the location and have had great experience in the past, though last night the service was extremely slow. One of the steaks was not cooked correctly. They fixed that dish for us, but it took even more time. The staff was friendly.

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23. PC

    PattyC

    Orange County

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on February 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    The entire experience was worth every penny! Our server, Michael, first educated us about the Outer Reef concept and their chef. He also walked us through the entire menu and made suggestions. And all of his recommendations that we tried were delicious. The craft cocktails were unique and tasty. We will definitely be back.

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24. AG

    AlexG

    Tahoe

    83 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    83 reviews

    Dined on February 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Legendary as always!

    Report
25. MM

    MichaelM

    Orange County

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on February 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Dinner at Outer Reef was, in a word, spectacular. From the idyllic setting and view (get a table near the windows, it's worth it) to the amazing service and an absolutely top notch meal, we were blown away. The servers and wait staff added so much to the evening - they were engaging and attentive and didn't miss a beat. Our server was Aaron, who was an absolute delight. He was charming and informative and we developed a great rapport with him throughout the evening. Every course was on point, from the diver scallop with blood orange ceviche that was brought to the table without us ordering it, to the dozen West Coast oysters, to our entrees (diver scallops, lobster angolotti and a delightful filet, medium rare) and sides (potato puree and the kimchi creamed spinach) and the desserts were sinful and delicious. The bottle of cabernet that we paired with it (a Justin, our favorite California vineyard) was glorious as well. Aaron shared background on each item and talked about the chef's experience and approach to food, which made for nice conversation throughout the meal. His partner, Marty, was also wonderful, clearing things and appearing out of nowhere with the next item without us ever having to ask. I can not stress enough just how good the service was and convinced us on our first visit there that that alone will be reason enough for us to go back. Considering it was the Saturday before Valentine's Day and the bar was full, the noise level wasn't too bad. The only nitpick (a small one, at that) was that the room was dimly lit, enough that it made reading the menu slightly more challenging than we would have expected. Again, this is the ONLY issue we had, as everything else was spot on. Special shout out to the bartender Michael and his barback (?) Jett, who were hilarious and engaging and helped us enjoy our nightcap all the more. I would strongly advise anyone looking for a great experience in South Orange County to check it out. What a gem. Thank you!

    Report
26. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Orange County

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    This is a hidden haven

    Report
27. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Las Vegas

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We’ve waited for months to try this place… so worthwhile and the service was beyond excellent and made a long needed date night extra special. The food was top notch and if you want to splurge get the caviar appetizer! Cocktails were on point and our entrees (sturgeon and the scallops) perfectly prepared. Happy to see something like this come to South Orange County. We will definitely go back. Can’t wait for the patio this summer… don’t be afraid I’m winter as there ere ample space heaters but bring layers!

    Report
28. AS

    AdeleS

    Los Angeles

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on January 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Wonderful! Christian and Bianca went above and beyond to make our evening exceptional! Food was delicious! Beautiful views of the water. Memorable evening for our family! Thank you!

    Report
29. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We (4 ) shared 2 appetizers, 2 salads, and 2 entrees. It was the perfect amount and all agreed the flavors were delicious!! We tried Blue Fin, King Crab scampi, scallops, winter salad, Toasted Gnocchi. Cocktails were fabulous—especially Raspberry. The warm rolls with butter were light and airy, with a light sprinkle of sea salt. We had a sweet surprise after dinner with 8 small bites of various desserts—dark chocolate orange truffle was the highlight! There was another sweet surprise…a banana chocolate chip muffin to take home. I just warmed that up—nice and light, with a delicate banana flavor. Thank you for an amazing experience!

    Report
30. K

    Krystin

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Very attentive service, amazing ambiance, overall one of the best dining experiences.

    Report
31. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Amazing food, terrific service and ambiance

    Report
32. p

    philm

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Outstanding in all aspects. Not sure you’ll have better meal in Orange County and on par with finer dining in LA. A must for foodies!

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33. L

    Lakegirl

    Orange County

    82 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    82 reviews

    Dined on January 22, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    Chef led menu focused on seasonal ingredients and sustainable seafood. Excellent menu, service and execution

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34. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Orange County

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Michael was our server and he was outstanding! Food was beyond delicious, it was superb!!! We got to meet the chef! So glad south OC has a higher end place to eat!!!

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35. R

    Reeder9

    Orange County

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on January 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great menu and service, and the meal was excellent. Highly recommend.

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36. DK

    DarleneK

    Orange County

    16 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on January 15, 2023

    overall3food4service5ambience3

    Feel more like a cafeteria and corkage fees way too high!?

    Report
37. BM

    BreezyM

    Orange County

    30 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    30 reviews

    Dined on January 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    This was our second time at Outer Reef and it did not dissapoint. The food and service were both outstanding. I can't wait to go back.

    Report
38. T

    Traveler

    Detroit

    59 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    59 reviews

    Dined on January 14, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4

    The service was very good. The noise level got louder as more people arrived at the restaurant. The complimentary pre taste of Crudo was very good. Also the complimentary sweets were good as well. A very nice touch.

    Report
39. GS

    GinaS

    Orange County

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We went to The Outer Reef to start our New Year’s Eve out. Our server Aaron was very attentive and was very helpful when it came to my friends gluten and allergy issue. The food was beyond my expectations. Really I wasn’t expecting such a fine dining experience. Everything was above and beyond. I can’t wait to go back and eat outside on the patio. I have already recommended several of my friends to go and experience.

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40. d

    degostallion

    Orange County

    53 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    53 reviews

    Dined on January 1, 2023

    overall3food4service5ambience3

    This is a Hotel Resort Restaurant. That being said, The food was good, the service was outstanding, the ambiance (it's Hotel resort restaurant) so it caters to it's guests more than anything. I did not feel like I was in a restaurant that commands the menu and prices this one did. I sort of felt like I was In an upscale Hotel Lobby Diner eating off a menu that needs a stand alone High end restaurant. The waitress Bianca I think her name was , is very good and carried us through the meal and experience very well. I would go back there yes, but would not rush to do so.

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