Jennifer D.
Yelp
My dad requested we go to Ocean 48 for Father's Day and his birthday this year so we obliged. I booked a reservation for 7 people via OpenTable and received multiple reminders about the dress code, so I made sure everyone was dressed in our Sunday best.
They had extended hours for Father's Day, which was a great since they're usually only open in the evenings. We booked the first seating at noon.
Parking is easy to find around Fashion Island. The nearest free parking is by Red O and just a short walk over. If you prefer to valet, you can pull right up in front of Ocean 48. The valet attendants were incredibly kind and helpful especially with my elderly grandfather, assisting him in and out of the vehicle.
Overall, it was exciting to dine at Ocean 48. One of the newer hotspots in Fashion Island. We were seated in the pool room at a round table tucked into a little nook, which felt special and more private. The ambience here is elevated and each room has a different feeling to it.
We ordered several dishes, mostly appetizers, steak and sides to share (everything is à la carte). My favorites were complimentary bread, the shells + cheese, and the Superfood salad. The steak was fine. Cocktails were tasty, though pricey at $20+ each.
A small issue came up with our leftovers after we got home, so I emailed the restaurant. The manager, Anthony, called me shortly after. He was kind, apologetic, and open to feedback which I really appreciated.
I returned more recently with just my mom for drinks and appetizers. We reserved a high-top in the bar area, which unfortunately was placed in a high-traffic aisle. I had read that guests weren't supposed to stand around the bar unless seated, but a large group was congregating there anyway, making the space feel very cramped. It was so tight we could clearly hear their entire conversation, and I started to worry about safety as staff had to squeeze past them carrying hot plates. Eventually, a manager stepped in and politely guided them to their actual table. I later shared this feedback with Ocean 48 as well.
My main critique is the inconsistency between how the restaurant is marketed and what's enforced. They position themselves as upscale, but I noticed many guests wearing printed t-shirts, shorts, hats, and athleisure, despite the dress code policy. For the pricing and branding, I expected more consistent standards not just in service, but in guest experience and overall polish.
The food is good, but nothing really stands out to me though that may be my bias as seafood & steakhouses aren't my thing. I will say all the people who work here seem to care about giving an experience for their customers.
That said, we had a lovely Father's Day, and my dad and grandpa enjoyed it most, which is what mattered. I do think Ocean 48 has potential, but at this price point, I want to walk away feeling impressed not questioning whether it was worth it.