The top of the Oceana Seafood Tower — Photo courtesy of Auda Photography / Oceana Coastal Kitchen
An ocean-inspired waterfront dining destination has arrived in San Diego's Pacific Beach.
Oceana Coastal Kitchen is the result of a $2.1 million overhaul designed to raise the profile of Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa dining within the community, while catering to tourists as well.
At the helm is Executive Chef Steven Riemer, who boasts more than 25 years of culinary experience at two of Southern California's most notable AAA Five Diamond resort hotels: The Lodge at Torrey Pines and The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. Here at Oceana Coastal Kitchen, he's serving playful interpretations of classic dishes while highlighting the flavors of local California produce.
Chef Steven Riemer — Photo courtesy of Auda Photography / Oceana Coastal Kitchen
Highlights include a 25-foot-long cold bar that serves a selection of oysters, fresh sushi, seafood platters and specialty items, such as yellowtail crudo, sesame sea bass ceviche, king crab legs, tuna carpaccio and more. In a group? Taste a variety of cold bar favorites by opting for the Seafood Tower to share.
The rest of the menu features a selection of dishes from land and sea. The Cold Smoked Niman Ranch Pork Chop pairs perfectly alongside goat cheese grits, spiced apple and toasted slaw. The Two Duck Risotto is paired with duck leg confit and Japanese pumpkin flavor, while the Seared Arctic Char sits on top of buckwheat soba, shiitake mushrooms, ginger dashi, scallions and braised daikon.
Sustainable ingredients are used throughout the menu. And those with special dietary requirements will be thrilled to know that there are vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available.
In line with the overall tropical vibe of the Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa, the restaurant's cocktail menu is inspired by the South Pacific. This means Mai Tais, daiquiris and other festive drinks, alongside classic cocktails like margaritas and Manhattans.
The wine list features an extensive selection of California wines, with nearly 30 varietals by the glass. Oceana Coastal Kitchen partnered with Karl Strauss Brewing Company to create a signature pale ale, just for the restaurant, that will complement the other local brews on tap.
The dining room at Oceana Coastal Kitchen — Photo courtesy of Zach Benson / Oceana Coastal Kitchen
Beach colors prevail throughout the waterfront restaurant – blues, neutrals and greens. The cold bar's quartz countertop has sea glass and mother of pearl embedded, while custom tables feature Hawaiian-made Koa tops.
The focal point of the entire restaurant, however, is an 800-gallon aquarium that is home to fluorescent tropical jellyfish. But the sea life isn't to be outdone by the sweeping views of the water.
All guests of the restaurant receive complimentary valet for zero-stress parking. And dogs are welcome on the patio, with water bowls and even their own food menu.
Oceana Coastal Kitchen is open daily, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner in its ocean-inspired setting.
