Monthly team lunch at Land Ocean Folsom, decided by team vote. Democracy worked this time.
I mentioned it was a business lunch, and they gave us a private room, which was a great touch. For a team meal, that made a big difference. Easier conversations, less noise, and no awkward "can everyone hear me?".
Quick Categories
FOOD: Polished, consistent, and group-friendly. The Macadamia Nut Crusted Chilean Sea Bass is still my go-to.
SERVICE: Very accommodating. Giving us a private room after hearing it was a business lunch was an instant win.
AMBIANCE: Upscale but comfortable, ideal for team lunches, special occasions, or a nicer dinner without feeling overly formal.
PARKING: Easy. They have their own lot with plenty of parking, so no parking-lot side quest required.
Here's What We Had
Creamy Blue Cheese Dip with House-Made Potato Chips (5/5)
This was one of the biggest hits at the table. Rich, creamy, and served with thick house-made chips that actually hold up to the dip. Blue cheese can be intense, but this was balanced and dangerously easy to keep eating.
Garlic Mushrooms (4.5/5)
Garlic, mushrooms, hot skillet. Simple formula, good result. The mushrooms had that deep savory flavor that makes this an easy shareable side. Not fancy, just effective.
Grilled Artichoke (5/5)
This one would make me come back by itself. The artichoke had a nice grilled flavor, but the lemon-basil remoulade is the real reason this works. Dip aggressively. No regrets.
Tenderloin Wellingtons (4.5/5)
This was my recommendation for the table, and it held up. The puff pastry, tenderloin, and creamy sauces make it feel more elevated than the usual starter. Good business lunch appetizer when you want to look like you know what you're doing.
Macadamia Nut Crusted Chilean Sea Bass (5/5)
Still my favorite dish here. The sea bass is rich and flaky, the macadamia crust adds texture, and the coconut jasmine rice ties everything together. The soy-ginger glaze gives it that sweet-savory finish. This is the dish I usually come back for on special occasions. I've had it at least 10 times now.
Filet Mignon (4.5/5)
A few people ordered the filet, and the feedback was strong. Classic steakhouse plate with asparagus, mushrooms, sauce, and a rich side. Reliable choice if you want something straightforward and polished.
The Dip (4/5)
One colleague ordered The Dip and gave it a solid 4/5. It came with shaved prime rib, melted gruyere, fries, and au jus. Hearty, comforting, and definitely more casual than the sea bass or filet, but still very satisfying.
Crème Brûlée (5/5)
A bunch of us ended with the Crème Brûlée, and it did what dessert is supposed to do. Creamy, smooth, satisfying, and just sweet enough to close lunch properly.
Overall
Land Ocean works really well for a team lunch because the menu has range. Seafood, steaks, burgers, sandwiches, appetizers, cocktails, wine, and desserts, everyone can find something. The private room pushed the experience up another level and made it feel more intentional than just a standard lunch reservation.
For me, the Macadamia Nut Crusted Chilean Sea Bass is still the signature move. But the appetizers were stronger than expected, especially the **Creamy Blue Cheese Dip** and **Grilled Artichoke**.
Final Thoughts
If you're coming with a group, order a few appetizers for the table, ask about a private room if it's a business lunch, and strongly consider the Macadamia Nut Crusted Chilean Sea Bass.
Team vote approved. The committee actually made a good decision. read more