Outer Reef by Celebrity Chef John Tesar

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1. p

   philm

   San Francisco

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 6 days ago

   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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2. L

   Lakegirl

   Orange County

   81 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   81 reviews

   Dined 6 days ago

   overall5food4service5ambience5

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

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3. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Orange County

   1 review

   vip
   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 7 days ago

   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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4. R

   Reeder9

   Orange County

   7 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   7 reviews

   Dined 7 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

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

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5. DK

   DarleneK

   Orange County

   15 reviews

   vip
   3.0

   15 reviews

   Dined on January 15, 2023

   overall3food4service5ambience3

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

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6. 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.

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7. T

   Traveler

   Detroit

   56 reviews

   vip
   4.0

   56 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.

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8. 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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9. d

   degostallion

   Orange County

   51 reviews

   vip
   3.0

   51 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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10. TJ

    TonJ

    Orange County

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on December 29, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Excellent pasta, delicious deserts and great service by Dylan and Joshua. We will be back soon.

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11. MB

    MeganB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 28, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Dinner was incredible! Highly recommend the caviar and diver scallop! The service was fantastic and everyone’s recommendations on food and drinks were spot on. We will definitely be back!

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12. RD

    RichardD

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on December 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Outstanding dishes and fine service. Attention paid to every detail of the food and very friendly staff. Especially the the head bar keep Mac Kay but everyone really. The lobster was nicely prepared and my wife loved the scallops. A couple surprises were served as you see in the highest end restaurants only. The atmosphere is modern yet cozy. I suspect this will be a very popular place. We will definitely go back.

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13. AG

    AlexG

    Tahoe

    74 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    74 reviews

    Dined on December 23, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    This is probably the best restaurant and meal I've had in Orange county. The food was amazing, the service impeccable the ambience unbeatable. Thank you for a wonderful evening see you again soon

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14. A

    Alex

    San Diego

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on December 22, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great food and view and experience, service are warm and friendly

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15. MY

    MarkY

    Dallas

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 21, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Started off with appetizers for the table (4 of us); Blue Fin Tuna, Hamachi and 2 orders of the Diver Scallop - what a start, all were excellently prepared and presented; Entrees included - Lobster Agnolotti, Kimchi Glazed Swordfish, and 2 orders of the Black Cod Milanese. We all shared a taste of each dish - all were excellently prepared and presented (wish I could be more creative - but all was just so well done). The Kimchi Creamed Spinach is a MUST side dish. Service was impeccable - we were given plenty of attention at the correct times - and left alone to chat among ourselves. We are huge fans of John Tedar's Knife restaurants in the Dallas/Plano, TX area - so, were looking forward to his take on some of the West Coast seafood choices. Just a superb all-around dining experience!!!

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16. m

    mjms

    Los Angeles

    26 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on December 21, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We loved our dinner, and so appreciated the wonderful ambience, gracious service, and excellent food. All our food was delicious and we especially loved the cacio and pepe - the best we have eaten.

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17. TJ

    TonJ

    Orange County

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on December 18, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great ambience. Very thoughtful waiters, some were lacking a bit of experience but all of them were very caring. Justin was outstanding.

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18. CW

    ClaudiW

    Orange County

    3 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on December 17, 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience3

    Excellent food, great service, great location and wonderful view, outdoor dining looks very nice with heaters and fire pits

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19. BB

    BillB

    Orange County

    22 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on December 14, 2022

    overall1food1service1ambience1

    We were all so excited to try a newer restaurant in the neighborhood. What a disappointment. The restaurant is located in the Marriott Hotel in Dana Point and has a celebrity chef. The restaurant is like a typical hotel restaurant, not well decorated. The wait staff is anxious but not seasoned. They try to be attentive but kept interrupting our dinner and conversation. We ordered a variety of items, salads, seafood, pasta and steak. They were not willing to make any changes to the preparations. We didn’t want blue cheese and simply asked if they can use the green goddess dressing offered on another salad. The answer was NO. The steak was their specialty and it was tough and dry. The swordfish was dry and not tasty. The whole fish and the pasta were just okay. The restaurant is very expensive and the food was not well prepared. We will never go bad I and do not recommend it to anyone.

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20. j

    jeful

    Los Angeles

    65 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    65 reviews

    Dined on December 11, 2022

    overall2food3service1ambience2

    This recent dining experience was so sub par. It was our 4th meal here and something was very off. All new help. Plenty of managers walking around but not to help at all. Our waiter took 25min. to get us our first drink. Our meals were soso. The lobster with pastrami was on a huge plate which was going for an artistic presentation Didn’t work. The single scallop appetizer was good, again a weird plating. Overall the prices are way to much. And the service was plain terrible. One good thing was the gem lettuce salad ( abnormally huge portion)

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21. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 10, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Returning for a family, dinner, service was impeccable. Food was so incredible. You can’t put words to its flavor and beauty. Alex, the restaurant manager went over the top to ensure my families comfortable and enjoyable experience. We felt very spoiled. We highly recommend this restaurant. Vincent and Maria

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22. RZ

    RoslynZ

    Orange County

    40 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    40 reviews

    Dined on December 4, 2022

    overall4food5service4ambience3

    Creative and interesting menu options. I always prefer to order as we go and dont expect a high end restaurant to require the complete order at once. Food was slow and the staff was satisfactory… service level was lacking professionalism across the board. Decor was disappointing. Food was very good. We ate raw, pastas, whole fish and meats. All were delicious.

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23. RA

    RALPH

    Orange County

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on November 25, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    One of the best nights we ever had. Beautiful view and sunset. Great food and better service. Will go again;

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24. JM

    JamesM

    Orange County

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Top notch service and the food was extremely fresh, perfectly prepared and absolutely delicious!

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25. SK

    SteveK

    Orange County

    16 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on November 20, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Amazing restaurant. Excellent, flavorful food with great presentation. Impeccable service. A wonderful experience.

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26. K

    Karen

    Los Angeles

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Excellent food and ambiance. Great service. Highly recommend.

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27. JT

    JanT

    Barcelona

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 17, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    What a great new restaurant! The chef is outstanding. The service is amazing. Everything was wonderful! Thanks again to all!

    Report
28. AS

    AndreaS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 13, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience3

    The food and service were outstanding. We were treated to an amuse buche at the start of dinner that was delightful. Homemade bread to follow was also wonderful. Had salad, pasta dishes and black cod. We will definitely return. The food is nicer than the ambience. The dining room felt a little casual for a fine dining experience in my opinion. Nevertheless I still highly recommend.

    Report
29. J

    Judy

    Orange County

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on November 13, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The site is outstanding, overlooking Dana Point Harbor from up on the hill, fires burning to glow the dark, superb food, always interesting, and wonderful service. It's our current favorite.

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30. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    vip
    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 12, 2022

    overall2food1service5ambience5

    Mock tail was really good. Twice my filet sent back (I ordered it med rare… first time it was rare, rare, next time med well) both times it returned with a rosemary stem on it even though I told them I was allergic. My husband finished his meal 45 min before I even got mine. Most expensive meal I’ve ever had and I feel like I didn’t get anything to eat since all was a La cart. We don’t mind paying a lot for a good meal, but being so overpriced with all the chef accolades they informed us about, we expected a stellar meal. Best part about the evening was the wait staff. They tried their best but the kitchen just didn’t have it together. Huge disappointment. Even the free dessert was mediocre. Great location, nice atmosphere. We are locals but doubt we will be back any time soon. If we do, it will be for the view.

    Report
31. JE

    JohnE

    Orange County

    15 reviews

    4.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on November 5, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience5

    Food was all great except cod. one dimensional. Needed to be served on a bed of something. Service (Kaley) excellent - attentive and informative.

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32. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Palm Springs

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on November 5, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great food! First class all the way🥇

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33. CJ

    CaroleJ

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 3, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Lovely local high end restaurant finally in Dana Point!

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34. SJ

    SteveJ

    Los Angeles

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on October 31, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We're going to need more stars. The food, drinks, atmosphere, decor, view, and service all scream Michelin stars. The prices are fair (wine is a particularly good value) and each wonderful bite is filled with unique and perfectly-balanced sensations. The Ceasar salad will feed two, and the lobster / pastrami combo is unique and exceptional. Pasta is freshly made and worthy of the finest Italian restaurants. They have a wide variety of seafood, but the chef is also famous for his steaks (he started in Texas, and is a celebrated chef there) and, based on our experience at his place in Dallas, you can't go wrong with a bone-in ribeye or prime filet. They had live music on the extensive patio, with fire pits, heaters, and a stunning sunset view. Honestly, this place should be packed every night.

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35. KT

    KatT

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 31, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience5

    They go out of their way to elevate the dining experience.

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36. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Orange County

    37 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    37 reviews

    Dined on October 30, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    The experience was superb. From the welcome greeting to to excellent service of our awesome server Justin and the well designed food as well as perfect atmosphere makes Outer Reef our "Go To" dinning spot for all occasions.

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37. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Orange County

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on October 28, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Anniversary dinner on a Thursday evening. Had reservations, waited for a booth outside. While waiting, we were treating like royalty by the knowledgeable bartenders and staff. Outdoor patio had fire pits, space heaters, mellow live music. Dinner was delicious! We had the King Crab scampi, Wedge salad, Lobster Agnolotti, Passmore Sturgeon and desserts plus a few surprises from the chef. We felt so special and had an overall outstanding experience. Everything you’d hope for at this price point and more. Highly recommend, enjoy!

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38. R

    Roxie

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 28, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Food was amazing!

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39. RR

    RebeccaR

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 28, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The entire evening was perfect, from the drink selections, the truffle pasta (AMAZING), the view, the live music - but our server was by far the best part of the night. Catherine did a phenomenal job going over the menu, providing recommendations, and being attentive to our table. We can't wait to return!

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40. LB

    LouiseB

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 27, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Server and service was first rate 👍 Food was even better

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