Mastro's Steakhouse Awards

Mastro's Steakhouse Restaurant Review:

Located across the street from South Coast Plaza and among the performing arts district's many upscale restaurants, Mastro's shines as one of the OC's best classic cosmopolitan steakhouse experiences. Even though this is a modern place, the main dining room exudes an old-world warmth. In contrast, the dark lounge area is all Vegas, with its wraparound neon mural, low lighting and crowded tables. The menu almost replicates the steak and seafood offerings at its sister restaurant Mastro’s Ocean Club in nearby Newport Coast. But here at the steakhouse, you’ll find a bigger selection of Prime steaks, all of which are tender and flavorful. Groups and couples start out the night in the aforementioned lounge with strong drinks and the signature, three-tiered seafood towers of shrimp, crab claws, mussels, lobster and oysters. Then it's time to move to the downstairs salon or the upstairs dining room for giant steaks or butter-sautéed fresh seafood items like grilled Pacific swordfish. The side dish menu is full of American favorites, but we recommend trying the creamy lobster mashed potatoes or Gorgonzola mac ‘n’ cheese. Mastro's is meant for celebrations, so end the evening with chocolate-covered strawberries, a tart Key lime pie or the iconic warm butter cake. The wine menu boasts a nice selection of international reds and even some good by-the-glass options, and the cocktail list is well appointed with martinis and other traditional concoctions befitting the sleek setting.