Fort Oak
Restaurant · San Diego ·
Wood-fired seafood, raw bar & cocktails in a stylish former dealership
Wood-fired seafood, raw bar & cocktails in a stylish former dealership
"Named for the majestic oaks of nearby Presidio Park, this Mission Hills eatery helmed by Chef Brad Wise is perfect for a casual brunch, happy hour, or an intimate "chef's experience" tasting. Just don't let the fire fool you—Fort Oak is no log cabin. This historic, former car dealership is bright and airy, complete with a glamorous horseshoe-shaped bar and sleek, mid-century vibe. Chef Wise's menu is one intended for sharing. Try a bit of everything, from raw seafood appetizers or towers to hot appetizers like their cinnamon heavy lamb merguez kefta with a pistachio muhammara. Heritage pork chop with roasted Brussels sprouts and potatoes shows off the kitchen's flair for the flame, while desserts like apple crisp served hot in an iron skillet are the epitome of comfort." - Michelin Inspector
"This sophomore entry from chef Brad Wise behind Trust Restaurant Group is a well-loved staple in Mission Hills. Housed in a former 1940s Ford dealership, there’s an oval-shaped cocktail bar that fits nicely in the showroom that once sold cars. With an upscale dining room, outdoor dining space, and chef’s counter perch, the restaurant offers a range of hearth-driven meals. Start dinner here with a selection of dishes from the raw bar like scallop aguachile and ahi tartare before digging into mains like pork chop with black garlic sauce and New York strip steak. Must-try dishes: New York strip steak, oysters, scallop aquachile" - Candice Woo
"The urban patio area tucked between two indoor dining spaces is a perfect setup for chef Brad Wise’s wood-fired dishes (think a grilled kanpachi collar with garlic chili oil or a dry-aged hot dog with salsa escabeche and elote aioli) and $1 oysters on Monday afternoons between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Sip on a cocktail concocted by bar manager Jess Stewart, such as the Roadmaster, an old fashioned with orange black pepper oleo." - Helen I. Hwang
"This sophomore entry from the chefs behind Trust Restaurant is a staple in Mission Hills. With a relaxed cocktail bar, upscale dining room, and chef’s counter perch it offers a range of dining experiences. Start meals here with a selection of dishes from the raw bar like scallop aguachile and ahi tartare before digging into mains like pork chop with black garlic sauce and New York strip steak." - Candice Woo, Helen I. Hwang
"The Mission Hills restaurant is running “Snowed In,” a Christmas-time cocktail pop-up, through December 31, with its bar refashioned into a giant snow globe and a dozen holiday cocktails created by beverage director Jess Steward that Santa Slaps, an espresso martini riff that features vodka, cold brew, chai, vanilla, cream, and amaretto, and Big Nic Energy, a Santa mug filled with Maker’s Mark Christmas Spirit, apple cider, and warming spices." - Candice Woo