First things first.  If you're on a budget, this isn't the place for you.  Through our travels we tend towards mom & pop locations or local favorites as well as best kept secrets but every now and then we torpedo the budget and splurge a little.

As you can see from the menu, not only should you bring your wallet but your appetite for steak and seafood.

My wife and I stayed with the trusted standbys.  She splurged with some lobster and I opted for the New York Steak.  Typically I don't like paying that much for a New York cut since I sometimes find them fatty but this was a great cut!

Typically I won't order french fries in this type of restaurant but they sounded too good to pass up and I was right.

Ultimately, when you pick this type of high end restaurant the quality of the food is as important as the atmosphere.  Situated mere feet away from the Pacific Ocean and Newport Pier, the view was as desirable as the meal.  I was a little beat up by the sun before it set but as you can see, the sunset was worth the wait.

If you've dined at Morton's or Ruth's Chris, that is the quality you should expect here.  Great atmosphere with a well stocked bar so don't expect stuffy surroundings.  I saw some ties and jackets and my wife was sure to pack a new dress but khaki shorts were also spotted as a group of 15 exited the party bus, a perk the restaurant throws in for the larger reservations.

If you're spending a weekend in the area, treat yourself and call ahead or go to their site and make your reservations.  www.21oceanfront.com

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