Our Story
Evolution of
Atlantic-Era Eateries
Over the decades, the space at the base of the Newport Pier has hosted a succession of restaurants and bars:
Alley West, a San Francisco–style jazz bar (opened 1968);
The Ritz Restaurant under Hans Prager (late 1970s);
The Rex from Rex Chandler;
And finally, 21 Oceanfront, established in 1991
Mixed-Use Commerce to an Oceanside Landmark
In the early 20th century, the ground floor housed a variety of local businesses—confectioneries, bait shops, drugstores—while upstairs rooms served as a hotel or boarding house.
A 98-year lease was initiated in 1972, securing the building’s modern legacy.
Today: A Newport Beach Culinary Institution
21 Oceanfront embodies the elegance of a turn-of-the-century dining club, offering classic continental fare—prime steaks, fresh seafood—and sweeping oceanfront views.
Attached to Doryman’s Inn, it embraces the local fishermen heritage, building on nearly 130 years of waterfront tradition.
Frequently celebrated as Orange County’s most romantic restaurant and a prime sunset destination, we are known for our impeccable service, world-class cuisine, extensive wine selection, and live music in the bar & lounge.
Historic Roots:
The McFadden Building
The iconic brick building at 2100 West Oceanfront began as the B.K. Stone Building, commissioned in 1927 by Bagasar K. Stone and designed by architect Frank Lansdown, replacing an earlier structure on the site.
Before that, brothers James and Robert McFadden built Newport’s first wharf here in 1888, linked by rail to Santa Ana, which catalyzed the growth of Newport Landing and shaped the future of the Balboa Peninsula.
