From the outside, Ox & Ocean looks like just another resort restaurant off Mandalay Beach Road, but the story inside tells a very different tale. 🌊
Locals and in‑the‑know travelers caught on fast once word spread that this spot inside Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach was plating SoCal comfort with ocean views and craft cocktails that feel vacation‑ready even on a Tuesday. ✨
A Scenic Dinner Spot Everyone’s Flocking To
It started quietly: guests at Ox & Ocean raving about maple‑kissed Brussels sprouts, decadent lobster pappardelle, and a beachside setting where you can literally watch the sky turn pink over Mandalay State Beach. 🌅
Those travelers went home, hopped on Yelp reviews and OpenTable, and began calling this place a must‑visit in Oxnard, praising everything from the “fantastic” shareable sprouts to a burger that feels more steakhouse than hotel bar. 🍸
As more people discovered the restaurant through hotel spotlights, regional writeups like 805 Living’s feature, and lists of top Oxnard seafood spots, the narrative shifted from “nice resort restaurant” to hidden gem you drive in for.
Now, what used to be a low‑key stop for hotel guests has become a destination dinner for visitors building an evening around things to do in Oxnard, meeting in the middle for coastal sunsets, oxtail baos, and cocktails that taste like vacation in a glass. 🍹
Food Highlights
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Maple Bourbon Brussels Sprouts: Crispy Brussels sprouts glazed with maple and bourbon show up again and again in guest reviews as a “fantastic” shareable plate, the kind of starter that disappears before everyone remembers to take a photo. 🥬
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O & O Burger: The signature O & O Burger loads certified Angus beef with house‑made bacon, Fresno chili aioli, onion jam, and white cheddar, earning praise on the official menu and from diners who call it one of the go‑to mains when they want something indulgent and familiar. 🍔
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Grilled Swordfish: Guests highlight the grilled swordfish for its smoky profile and generous portion on the dinner menu, a surf‑leaning entrée that feels perfectly at home just steps from the Pacific and wins over seafood fans looking for something substantial. 🐟
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Half Jidori Chicken: The half Jidori chicken appears in multiple Oxnard restaurant reviews as a standout, with diners raving about juicy, flavorful meat that turns a simple roast chicken into a dish people remember long after check‑out. 🍗
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Grilled Bone‑In Pork Chop: Featured in 805 Living’s piece on Ox & Ocean, the grilled bone‑in pork chop arrives over acorn squash purée with seasonal chutney, combining sweetness, smoke, and richness in a way that has guests planning return visits just to order it again. 🥩
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Lobster Pappardelle: Diners swoon over lobster pappardelle packed with butter‑poached lobster and a rich lobster cream sauce, described on OpenTable as a special‑occasion main that feels like a splurge you absolutely do not skip when you’re in vacation mode. 🦞
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Crab Cake: The crab cake earns love in customer feedback for being packed with tender crab and paired with creamy sauce, a refined yet comforting starter that seafood lovers mark as a must‑order before diving into heavier mains.
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Strawberry Hand Pie / Strawberry Pie: Dessert‑lovers highlight the strawberry hand pie and strawberry pie with vanilla ice cream in recent reviews, calling them the “perfect ending” to a rich savory meal, especially when enjoyed after a sunset walk along the beach. 🍓
Atmosphere
Ox & Ocean leans into its Mandalay Beach setting with breezy indoor‑outdoor seating, palm trees, and fire‑pit vibes that feel built for golden hour after a day exploring Channel Islands Harbor dining.
Guests talk about friendly, accommodating service in online reviews that keeps the experience relaxed but polished, from brunch through dinner.
By night, the dining room shifts into a more elevated mood, pairing flickering light and coastal air with seafood, steak, and serious cocktails that compete with the best Oxnard restaurants with a view. ✨
It all comes together as a place that feels resort‑luxurious but still casual enough for flip‑flops, sundresses, and a post‑beach appetite. 🌴
Bottom Line
Beachfront sunsets, buzz‑worthy dishes, and craft cocktails make Ox & Ocean a must‑visit.
Come for the Brussels sprouts, stay for the lobster pappardelle and pork chop.
Perfect for date nights, vacation dinners, and “meet‑in‑the‑middle” coastal meetups. 🌊
Address:
2101 Mandalay Beach Rd, Oxnard, CA 93035
📞 +1 805-760-9040
🕔 Open daily, Mon, Sun, 7 AM–9 PM; Tue–Thu, 7–10:30 AM, 11:30 AM–9 PM; Fri, 7–10:30 AM, 11:30 AM–10 PM; Sat, 7 AM–10 PM