Located amidst the tropical setting of the Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa on Mission Bay, Oceana Coastal Kitchen opened its doors to the public on February, 2015. Formerly the Atoll, Oceana features a modern California flare under the culinary direction of Executive Chef Steven Riemer (The Lodge at Torrey Pines, The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel). The 8,200-square-foot venue showcases an ocean-inspired design that includes an 800-gallon aquarium and sweeping panoramic waterfront view of Mission Bay.
Now, let’s get down to the good stuff: the food and drinks. The restaurant offers breakfast, brunch and dinner, with menus that reflect a relaxed California flair assembled with local sustainable ingredients. I visited during dinner with my boyfriend and the weather was just perfect to sit outside (the best place to sit).
First on the Agenda – Cocktails
First thing on the agenda were cocktails. I am a bourbon kind of gal, so when I spotted the revolver on the menu: Bulleit Rye, Kahlua and orange bitters; I had to order it. What a great choice! The subtle coffee aftertaste of the Kahlua dresses the bourbon perfectly. My boyfriend had the aristocrat Manhattan prepared with Bulleit Rye whiskey, sweet vermouth and maraschino liqueur, a great choice for whiskey lovers.
Next Up – A Few Staters
For starters, the waiter highly recommended the yellowtail crudo, prepared with aguachile, avocado and pickled radish. A simple, fresh and tasty dish.
To accompany the freshness of the yellowtail we also ordered the oysters on the half shell – a selection of three different fresh oysters that varies daily accompanied with a flavorful chipotle cocktail sauce. For the last starter, I couldn’t not order their Oceana house roll with a perfect combination of eel, tempura shrimp, crab, nori and unagi sauce.
Now To the Main Dishes
After three starters I wanted something on the lighter side so I ordered the cold-smoked niman ranch pork chops that came on top of goat cheese grits, spiced apple and almond slaw with spinach. After the first bite I had to stop and take a moment to give thanks for the existence of goat cheese, what a perfect mix of flavors and textures. The boyfriend ordered the seared arctic char with buckwheat soba, shiitake mushrooms, ginger dashi, scallions and braised daikon; a perfectly balanced dish to accompany the ocean scene.
Don’t Forget Dessert
After such a feast I didn’t think I had space for dessert, but I just had to try the warm chocolate-cream filled doughnuts with vanilla dipping sauce. The waiter warned us it was delicious and he was right. My boyfriend ordered the orange blossom cheesecake with balsamic strawberries which I highly recommend. The combination of the orange with balsamic sauce was flawless.
Between the food, great service, and scenery, we really enjoyed our evening. I am planning on going back for another revolver (the cocktail), to try their flatbread and the apple empanadas with buttermilk ice cream, yum! Oceana is definitely a great addition to San Diego’s dining scene, one which keeps getting better and better with restaurants like this.
Oceana Coastal Kitchen Details
Where: 3999 Mission Boulevard San Diego, CA 92109
Hours:
– Sunday-Thursday: 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM
– Friday-Saturday: 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Reservations: 858.539.8635
> Find out more about Oceana Coastal Kitchen