10/02/08

Didnt' measure up

by Spvaran

While vacationing in Newport Beach, my husband and I visited Gulfstream for dinner. We have enjoyed Houstons and Rutherford Grill (all part of the same restaurant family) and assumed we would have a great experience. Unfortuntately our service was very poor. We waited approximately 15 minutes after being seated for a wait person to come to our table. I had to flag down our waitress and ask if someone could take our order. As the meal progressed we were constantly looking for assistance for water, to refill the water to order a drink, etc. A server rushed by our table and placed a glass of wine on our table (we did not order) and ran off. Finally we were able to attract our servers attention and explained we did not order. She said "Oh, that's where that went, it belonged to the table next to us".

The food is good. I ordered the Filet Mignon and my husband ordered the Wood Plank Salmon. At the end of the meal we asked the server if she was new her response was "no I am just not feeling well tonight". I can't recommend Gulfstream. If they could improve the service this would be a great place to dine.

• Pros: Friendly Hostess, good food
• Cons: Slow Service

03/06/08

Best Kid friendly restaurant

by vishphadnis

Great food, Great service! We?ve been coming to this place almost every week for the past 9 years! So have lived thru multiple wait staff, chefs, etc? but the food and service has been consistently great!

We'll soon be leaving SoCal and will miss this place very much!

02/06/08

DO NOT WAST YOUR TIME OR MONEY

by mocrates

The service here is terrible; the servers seem to be at odds with one another as well as the kitchen staff. After serving the meal our server disappeared; unfortunately my steak was well done instead of medium rare by the time I tracked her down my party had long finished their meal. Water glasses and beverages were never refilled. I've eaten here three times and each time the service has gotten worse. The food is actually very good but it can't make up for the horrific service. I am a fan of Houston's (same owners, but Gulfstream is supposed to be an upscale version) but after this last battle I won't be coming back anytime soon!

• Pros: very good side dishes; oysters; crab cakes
• Cons: Extremely poor service

05/18/06

User review by suzyqfor2

by suzyqfor2

Gulfstream, located at the corner of MacArthur & PCH, sits on the site of the old A&W drivethru - a great location offering a bit of nostalgia for Newport. Service is a tad chaotic and for some reason they always forget the water (remind them to bring it) but don't let that distract you from going. The item to get - and a favorite - are the fried oysters. This dish is their best. The restaurant is bustling - much like a microbrewery - so if you want a quieter atmosphere, go early or go late.

• Pros: Oysters, Oysters, Oysters
• Cons: More Water Please, Noisy, Chaotic

05/09/06

WoW!

by dmrmom

My husband and five yr. old daughter had an early dinner here, we sat outside on the patio. The patio area is fantastic! The waiter was excellent and very helpful and genuinely polite as well. Although the patio chairs are bar height my daughter was still able to sit comfortably. The food was above outstanding! I had the crab cakes that were to die for! I highly reccomend this restaurant, however those that have smaller children don't ask the wait staff to "somehow figure out" how your infant child can sit on a bar chair, it's not their job! They didn't design the seating or it's height. If you dine here simply sit inside with your smaller children. Great for couples or families.

• Pros: food, patio atmosphere, friendly wait staff
• Cons: crowded

06/16/05

Great admosphere

by diningmartin

I love seating outside by the fireplace and eating appetizers and zipping on wine and martinis. Looking forward to next week.........

• Pros: dining, drinks, admosphere
• Cons: parking, bar size

02/17/05

Gem on the PCH!

by mjcaban

This place is fantastic! Went here with my wife and in-laws over Christmas and it was dynamite. Bit of a wait, but no matter...we sat on the toasty patio and sipped on cocktails, patiently awaiting our table inside. Once in, it went smoothly. Stellar service and delicious food (first time having Spiny Pacific Lobster, only had Maine Lobster up til then, and the filet mignon was perfect) and a modest tab at the end of the night. You will spend a bit of money, but you will get everything you paid for. Heading back soon!!

• Pros: Service, Food
• Cons: None!

10/25/04

You can't go wrong!

by tennisgrl

My husband and I went for lunch, and the food was incredible!! If you are looking for something with a taste that is little different than the norm with romantic ambience (outside) Gulfstream has it!

• Pros: Great Food!

03/06/04

Consistently excellent

by christy7604

I just wanted to add a comment in response to the reviewer's remark that the sides are "substandard." One of the reasons I keep going back to Gulfstream is the fabulous side dish of roasted beets, walnuts and oranges. Try it and have a little adventure outside the potato realm!

• Pros: Aroma of wood fire, outdoor firepits, great wine

08/14/03

Newport Beach socialites unite to see and be seen at this posh fish house.

by Contributor

The Scene
After a day of shopping, diamond-decked patrons commune on the dirt-floor patio, where big jade umbrellas cover tall wooden tables. At night, heaters and a stone wall fire keep diners warm, but cozy banquettes and a baby grand piano still lure some inside.

The Food
Gulfstream's standard surf-and-turf menu includes kid-friendly fare. Start with tender crab cakes in Pommery mustard sauce, delicately fried for a crisp outside layer. A tangy, generously dressed chopped vegetable salad bursts with garden favorites, hard-boiled egg whites and chopped pecans. Entrees are delicious, though sides are substandard. Try the intensely spicy, blackened sea bass served on a spongy, sesame seed bun, or Grandma Ding's crispy chicken--lightly fried, without the excess grease. For dessert, kids will love the enormous sundae topped with a mountain of whipped cream, candied pecans and an extra side of fudge--extra spoons will be in order too.