Wildfish Seafood Grille

Reviews 4

BR

Brian Bergström

This is quite possibly the finest dining experience of my life. Which is saying a lot. I have eaten at Club 33. I have eaten at Hells Kitchen. I have enjoyed fine dining in Europe... I was looking for a nice place to bring my wife for date night, and saw plenty of good reviews from multiple sites, so I decided to try Wildfish. It helped that it is part of Darden, and she loves Seasons 52. It was a surprise for her, meaning I wouldnt tell her where were going. As we arrived she was very dismissive, as she said, "Were going to Wildfish?!" in the same way as if we pulled up to McDonalds. Maybe a little understandable due to its location, next to an Islands, Chipotle, and Panera, rather than a higher rent part of Newport Beach. So we are seated, everyone is incredibly polite and attentive, addressed us at every encounter as Mr [Lastname] or Mrs [Lastname]. Our waiter Manuel was very knowledgeable about the offerings and was always there when we needed something, but not constantly hovering or coming up to ask how everything is just as you take a bite. So for the food... We started with appetizers, the Crispy Salt and Pepper Shrimp and the Saint Andre Cheese. In my opinion both were to die for. The shrimp are a little on the spicy side for those who are concerned with such things, but I loved it. The cheese was amazing. Second course, I had the Lobster Bisque, which was presented with lobster in a very hot bowl, then the bisque is poured from a copper pot into the bowl. I really appreciate this, as the soup did not go immediately cold. Decadent perfection. My wife got the Iceberg BLT Salad which they chopped for her. The BLT comes with Maytag Bleu Cheese, her second favourite bleu, and when I saw that on the menu, that was a deciding factor in the selection of this restaurant. Main course, I had the Hong Kong style Chilean Sea Bass, it was light and flakey, perfectly prepared with a soy/miso broth. My wife enjoyed the Georges Bank Scallops with citrus. I preferred mine and she preferred hers, but in all honesty both were excellent. We did order a side, but it really wasnt necessary, for the record it was the Truffled Mac & Cheese, it was good, but did not add to the experience. It was a little out of place for our entreés, maybe some advice Manuel couldve offered. For desert, I had the Pineapple Foster flambé which is raved about and she had the Panna Cotta. OH MY GOD I thought we had died and gone to Heaven. Both were spectacular. The Panna Cotta was simply divine, sweet then salty in the end. I ended up bringing half of mine home and my sons girlfriends devoured it before the boys could get a bite. As for the ambiance, I was a little taken back at how loud it was inside, I realise that is the architectural design of restaurants now. I so much more enjoyed when restaurants had high backs and walls, but for some reason the open floorplan is the way to go. We were seated next to the wine walk-in, as far from the bar as possible, and still it was quite loud. I would honestly prefer if the bar were partitioned off completely and the happy hour party contained, if they even really need a bar... This is true of Seasons 52 as well... I realise alcohol is a big money maker, but would prefer it not infringe on the fine dining atmosphere. We cannot wait to return, next time I am looking forward to the Tomahawk Chop.

SO

Sonal Patel

I came here for fun girls night recently with a friend visiting from out of town. Ironically, she found this place and after seeing the glowing reviews we had to pay it a visit. She made reservations for 7:30 and we got seated very quickly. The ambiance was really nice inside and had a trendy feel to it...which might not be what you expect for the shopping strip location...then again its Newport, so I take that back. For appetizers we ordered the Point Judith Calamari, Jumbo Lump Crab Cake and the Hawaiian Yellowtail Sashimi. Between three of us, we almost filled up on them, but each one was great in its own way. The crab cake left me a little disappointed since it didnt have much flavor for my taste buds. I was bummed because I know so many people raved about this dish. But the portion was bigger than I expected and the quality was amazing. My favorite dish Id definitely come back over and over again for was the calamari. Kung Pao style, almost had a Thai fusion taste to it...it was amazing!!! For dinner, we shared the Sea Bass and the Filet 12oz. The Sea Bass just melts in your mouth like butter folks. I mean holy fish, it was freaking good. The steak was nice and cooked perfectly to my liking, but it was no Mastros, which is still hands down my favorite steak place. So i couldnt fall in love with it no matter how much I really tried. But that Sea Bass...im coming back for you! Of course we didnt leave room for dessert, but I hear they have a butter cake...WHAT?! :) Ill have to be sure to try it the next time around. The service was outstanding!! I loved the attention to detail these guys had and how patient they were with us while we just enjoyed the night catching up and not feeling rushed to place our orders. It really was a nice touch to the overall experience here.

KE

Kevin Witt

I came here for a private party with some colleagues. We had the outdoor patio reserved, which is a nice space. There is a bar out there as well, so my colleagues who enjoy basketball were happy that they could watch the NBA finals during the cocktail hour part of our party. The servers were great and very attentive. We had ahi tuna crisps as starters and they were pretty tasty. We had a set menu and were able to select a soup and salad, entree and dessert. I got the fuji apple salad which was unique and very good - I especially liked the cherries and blue cheese. I got the sea bass as my main and loved that it came in broth with pickled ginger. It was perfectly cooked and delicious! I got the Godiva chocolate cake for dessert and it came with ice cream - you cant really go wrong with a chocolate lava cake! A couple of my colleagues got the bananas foster and they come to the table to light it on fire, which is a different touch. Great place!

NI

Nicholas Disiena

Hmm the only thing I can recall when it comes to comparison is Mastros in Beverly Hills( I know its NOT seafood) , and this is just because the staff wore those white server coats, but mastros is located on rodeo drive(basically) with higher quality and more reasonable prices, while Wild Fish is literally located on top of the toll road! Fish was cooked in way to much butter, I was recommend the " macaroni n cheese" as a side with my 40 dollar drenched in butter fish, because the plates dont come with a side(which isnt to uncommon). I think my fish came from like Berlin? surrree great.... I have been to plenty of fine dining joints in my day, but this is not worth it! Cmon people so many good reviews.. why!? Again, its just the food and price I dont agree with. The service was great!