Steak searing over live oak embers and flame

Wood-Fired · Newport Beach

Where Fire Meets Flavor

Handcrafted dishes cooked over live oak wood, served in the heart of Newport Beach.

A Dining Experience Built Around the Fire

At Ember & Oak, every dish begins with real wood, real flame, and real intention. Our chefs source ingredients from local California farms and let the fire do what fire does best — deepen flavor, create texture, and bring people together. This isn't just dinner. It's a ritual.

Live Oak Wood Fired

Locally Sourced Ingredients

Est. 2019 · Newport Beach

Candlelit dining room with reclaimed oak tables and exposed brick

The Space

Designed for Good Nights

Our 80-seat dining room was designed to feel like a private dinner party. Exposed brick, reclaimed oak tables, and an open kitchen mean you're always close to the action. Whether it's a date night, a birthday, or a Tuesday that deserves to be celebrated — Ember & Oak is your place.

  • Open kitchen with wood-fire viewing
  • Private dining room for groups up to 20
  • Full craft cocktail bar
  • Curated California wine list
  • Patio seating available

What Our Guests Say

“The brisket changed my life. I've eaten at restaurants all over LA and nothing comes close to what Ember & Oak is doing. The atmosphere is perfect, the staff are incredible.”
— Jamie R., Yelp
“We hosted our anniversary dinner here and it was absolutely perfect. The private room, the food, the cocktails — everything was flawless. Already booked for next month.”
— Sarah & Tom M., Google
“Best ribeye in Orange County. Not even a contest. The truffle fries alone are worth the trip. This place deserves every star it gets.”
— Marcus D., OpenTable

Reservations

Join Us for Dinner

Reservations recommended. Walk-ins welcome based on availability.

You'll receive a confirmation email within 2 hours. For parties of 8+, please call us directly.

Our Story

Started with a Fire, Built on Community

Ember & Oak was founded in 2019 by Chef Daniel Reeves and his partner Mara Castillo. After years working in Michelin-starred kitchens in San Francisco and New York, Daniel wanted to return to something more elemental — real fire, real ingredients, real community. They chose Newport Beach because of its love for outdoor living and fresh California produce. Five years later, Ember & Oak has become one of Orange County's most beloved dining destinations.

“The fire doesn't lie. You can't fake it. That's what I love about cooking this way.”

— Chef Daniel Reeves
Chef Daniel Reeves in front of the wood-fire grill

Hours

When We're Open

Monday – Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday – Thursday
5:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Friday – Saturday
5:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Sunday
4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Brunch (Sat – Sun)
10:30 AM – 2:30 PM

Find Us

Newport Beach

Complimentary valet available Friday & Saturday evenings.