Addy G.
Yelp
My family and I made a reservation at Ocean 44 for New Year's Eve, but one of us ended up with Covid, so we rescheduled the following Saturday. The reservation was made, and modified easily, via OpenTable. We arrived upon their opening at 4 PM on a Saturday evening. There were five of us, including a toddler. Valet is complimentary upon arrival. The hostess greeted us and escorted us to our table without any wait time. As soon as we sat down, we were greeted and served water. Shortly after that, our server came over and introduced himself. I believe his name was Matthew and he was incredible. He took his time, explaining the menu and restaurant, brought over a cocktail menu, and some complimentary, delicious/pastry like bread served warm. A few of us got cocktails, and we ordered the lobster tails as well as the shrimp Vance appetizer. Shortly after our appetizers arrived, we put in our entrées. The server reminded us that the portions are larger and shareable, but we did not listen, and he was correct. I ordered the crabcakes, I ordered my son butter noodles. They don't have a kids menu, but they will make you what you want. My father-in-law ordered the arctic char with a pesto glaze, my mother-in-law ordered the scallops, and my husband ordered the Bronzino. A lot of seafood to go around. For sides, we ordered the black truffle, short rib Mac & cheese and the whipped potatoes. There was more than enough food to go around and we were all stuffed. We brought some food home as well. I tried everyone's and it was all amazing. I can't tell you again about the portions. They are out of control. You may think the restaurant is expensive, but when you realize what quality seafood you're getting and how much of it, you're definitely getting your money is worth. Our server told us that they bring in the seafood every day by truckloads. That's how you know it's fresh. We had mentioned my son and his 35 month birthday. One month shy of turning three. They said well we have to celebrate his birthday and allowed him to pick any dessert from the dessert menu on the house. I thought that was classy. A lot of restaurants will give complimentary dessert, but I always think it's classy when they allow you to pick from the menu. Whatever you want versus whatever they want to give you. We chose the chocolate, mousse bomb, and it was, the bomb. It was amazing. It was a hard, dark chocolate shell, with nuts, inside was a chocolate mousse, and inside of that was a custard, coconut feeling. Topped with Toasted, marshmallows, and graham cracker crust, some whip cream and hot fudge reading "happy birthday." It was a great way to end our meal. Then they came out with complimentary cookies that are crinkle cookies, apparently the owner has a nostalgic taste for these because it reminds him of being young. I thought it was really nice and also meaningful. In between courses, they bring out lavender infused hand towels, and every time they brought them out, it was almost as if they read my mind. I really wanted that for my hands. Everything was timed out and paced out perfectly. In terms of atmosphere, when you first walk in the entire kitchen, you can see through the windows. You can see all of the fresh fish laid out on ice, you can see how clean the kitchen is, and how meticulous the chefs are working. The chefs all waved below to my son as he was mesmerized by what they were doing. There's a beautiful bar and lounge area, the dining area is split up in two separate rooms, it looks like there was some private/event space in the back, and I want to say there was actually two bars, one in the front and the smaller one in the back. The place is very big. It is a very beautiful and fancy restaurant. The only negative I would say of this whole experience was probably the music choice. For such a regal, dining experience, we wanted more dinner, music. Maybe some Frank Sinatra, jazz, maybe even live music. Instead, it was like America's top 20. Maroon 5, Imagine Dragons, etc. Not to say there's anything wrong with these bands, but for the Level of true beauty and experience this restaurant has, the music didn't match up. That is my only, smaller quip. I would go back here in a heartbeat. I also hear that they have another restaurant in Scottsdale called Steak 44, which I would be very interested in trying, but definitely on special occasion. Valentine's Day anyone?This restaurant comes highly recommended. It is definitely more expensive dining experience, but it's not just a restaurant, it's an experience. In my opinion, well worth every penny. You are going to get quality, quantity, and incredible service.
As an update, my mother-in-law, who made the reservation, said that she got a call a day or two after we dined there, making sure our experience was everything we wanted it to be. Now, that's classy!