Those heading for rooftop RH Ocean Grill at Fashion Island are encouraged to ascend four grand flights of stairs past exquisite home furnishings vignettes. The dining destination itself is, likewise, stunning, filled with contemporary chandeliers, faux olive trees, stylish fountains and, seated at the tables, Newport’s finest clientele.
Many begin with a caviar appetizer. Specialties that feature the prized hybrid caviar Petrossian Imperial Kaluga include mini lobster rolls; mini king crab rolls; toro or salmon cones; grilled avocado; and the lightest imaginable house-made chips and dip. Elaborate seafood towers and crispy artichokes with rosemary aioli are also popular starters.
The shaved rib-eye dip is the runaway favorite; impossibly tender meat and Emmentaler Swiss cheese share a charred, buttered baguette with memorably savory jus on the side. Salad? Consider kale Caesar with Tuscan kale or classic Caesar with romaine; luxe add-ons include king salmon, buttered lobster or filet mignon. The whole grilled branzino stars at dinner.
The caramelized banana split and butterscotch brûlée – “no words” is the menu description – offer equally memorable finishes in wholly different ways.
MORE OPTIONS FOR OCEAN CHIC
Joey
Fashion Island
Hummus, gyoza, ravioli: The menu at Joey is global. Think greatest hits of Planet Earth. They’re all beautifully executed using local ingredients and served in cool, modern-art-filled surroundings. Popular dishes include seared salmon sushi, chicken lettuce wraps and the Joey Classic Steak. Just inside the door is a lively bar plus a standing bar for walk-ins waiting for a table. The spacious patio has a retractable roof.
Ocean 48
Fashion Island
The Mastro brothers’ newest restaurant, part of their second restaurant group, is the most spectacular yet. The beyond-stylish light fixtures in the main dining room include huge spheres high above a reflecting pool. Five other spaces offer a variety of experiences. Highlights of the impeccably sourced menu include Sasanian osetra caviar; Norwegian king crab legs; Iberico pork chops; and chef favorite Prime New York strip steak.
Javier’s
Crystal Cove Shopping Center
The expanded resort-inspired patio includes palm trees and fire features. The Cabo Azul main dish features Maine lobster enchilada, shrimp- and Dungeness crab‑stuffed poblano chile and an Ensenada-style shrimp taco. Consider the Javier’s Cristalino margarita, made with the restaurant’s own bottling of reserva añejo tequila. You’ll feel like you’re in Baja Sud in no time.
