21 Main

This North Beach Plantation fine-dining restaurant has the elegance of a contemporary Southern estate, and a menu of prime-cut steaks and fresh sushi.

21 Main Food

The chefs here don’t hold anything back when it comes to influence, delving into Continental European, Southern, Steakhouse, Asian, and American cuisines to fill the list of offerings with a huge assortment of flavors for all tastes. The Appetizers list includes baked Brie, Beef Carpaccio, Clams Casino, and St. Louis Style Pork Ribs. Though, if you’re going the sushi route, you might consider something from the Raw Bar menu like a Lump Crab Meat Cocktail, or Little Neck Clams on the Half Shell.

Highlights from the Soups and Salads sections include their award-winning Lobster Bisque, a Cucumber & Roma Tomato Gazpacho with jumbo lump crab and arugula, and the 21 Main Steakhouse Salad, which is a fresh spring mix with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, apricots, aged bleu cheese, candied cashews, and a cabernet vinaigrette.

Before considering the options available from the Grill menu, first consider the sauces – Roquefort Au Poivre, Bearnaise, Cabernet Demi-Glace, Hollandaise, and Roasted Garlic and Bacon Compound Butter. Keeping the most appealing in mind, guest’s can then choose from the 16oz. USDA Prime New York Strip, the 21 day-aged Bone-in Kansas City Strip, Colorado Lamb, Filet Mignon, and Ribeyes of various varieties. There’s also the option of turning your dish into a surf and turf by adding Cold Water Lobster Tail, Colossal Scallops, or Jumbo Shrimp.

21 Main’s list of Entrees looks similar to Grill selections, but with added proteins and matching sides to round out the dishes. Highlights include the Shrimp with smoked Gouda fried grits, Vidalia onions, bell peppers, and a bacon pomodoro sauce. The Braised Lamb Shank is just as appealing, and is accompanied by Mediterranean roasted potatoes, broccolini, and a rich lamb jus.

The Sushi portion of the menu is as, or more, extensive than what you’d expect from a restaurant serving only sushi. In addition to the standard Sushi Appetizers (Seaweed Salad, Tuna Tataki, Squid Salad), 21 Main offers fresh raw fish in Maki, Specialty Roll, Nigiri, and Sushi forms. Interesting combinations from the Specialty Roll menu include the 21 Main Roll (spicy tuna and avocado topped with seared salmon, spicy mayo, tobiko (flying fish roe), scallions, and tempura flakes) and the Long Island Roll (tempura shrimp, spicy blue crab, and avocado, topped with tuna, eel sauce, and tobiko).

21 Main Atmosphere

The theme here is pretty formal (white tablecloths, black napkins) and the servers are expert in both menu knowledge and etiquette. It would be a great place to go if you’re in need of a fancy spot to celebrate something special with a world-class dining experience.