Manhattan Spotlight: Ocean Prime

What Makes Ocean Prime Unique?

Ocean Prime is a nationally-acclaimed, dynamic steak and seafood restaurant from the award-winning Cameron Mitchell Restaurants group.¹ Its uniqueness lies in several key areas:

• Elevated Dining Experience: It offers a sophisticated atmosphere, combining the energy of a classic American supper club with a modern, elegant design.² The Manhattan location, situated in Midtown, captures the vibrant energy of the city.³

   

• Signature Hospitality: The brand emphasizes “Genuine Hospitality,” rooted in its Midwestern origins.⁴ A frequently quoted service motto is: “Yes is the answer. What is the question?”

   

• Ambiance and Design: The New York City restaurant, located on West 52nd Street, features a main dining room, a lively lounge, three stunning private dining rooms, and a temperature-controlled outdoor dining area.⁵ Each Ocean Prime location is uniquely designed to reflect its city’s energy.

   

• Signature Cocktails: The bar program is a highlight, known for creative, handcrafted cocktails like the famous “Berries & Bubbles,” which is served with dry ice smoke, creating a dramatic, memorable presentation.⁶ The Manhattan location also boasts the “Rye on the Hudson,” a former National Bartender contest winner.⁷

   

📜 History

Ocean Prime is part of the larger Cameron Mitchell Restaurants family, which began in 1993.⁸

• Founding of the Brand: The concept that would become Ocean Prime began as “The Ocean Club” in Columbus, Ohio, in 1999.⁹

   

• Reimagining: In 2006, the concept was reimagined and re-concepted to become “Mitchell’s Ocean Club,” which marked the start of the Ocean Prime brand, combining a traditional, modern steakhouse with fine seafood.¹⁰

   

• New York City Opening: The Ocean Prime location in New York City opened in October 2015, expanding its coast-to-coast presence.

🍽️ Highlight Menu Items

The chef-curated menu focuses on prime steaks, fresh seafood, hand-rolled sushi, and decadent side dishes.¹¹ Every dish is made from scratch.

Popular Dishes & Signatures

• Appetizers/Seafood: The “Smoking” Shellfish Tower Custom Built (served with dry ice for a spectacular presentation), Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail, and the Crab Cake (noted for being nearly all fresh, succulent crab).¹²

   

• Steaks & Chops: A variety of prime steaks, often with options to add accoutrements like Black Truffle Butter or Oscar Style.¹³

   

• Sides: Highly praised side dishes include the Smoked Gouda Tater Tots, Truffle Mac & Cheese, and Jalapeño Au Gratin Potatoes.¹⁴

   

• Desserts: The signature and much-loved dessert is the Warm Butter Cake, served hot with vanilla ice cream.¹⁵ The Mile High Carrot Cake and Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie are also favorites.¹⁶

   

• Cocktails: The Berries & Bubbles and the Black Orchid.¹⁷

   

🗣️ Customer Feedback

Customer feedback generally praises the overall dining experience:

• Service: Reviewers frequently highlight the excellent and attentive service, often mentioning that the staff is knowledgeable and goes above and beyond to make the experience memorable.¹⁸

   

• Atmosphere: The restaurant is cited as an ideal place for celebrations, business dinners, and indulging, with a luxurious and energetic ambiance.¹⁹

   

• Food Quality: The food is consistently described as exceptional, with a particular focus on the high quality of the crab cakes, steaks, and the signature desserts.
• Awards: The brand has received significant recognition, including being named the #1 Highest Rated Seafood Restaurant in NYC by TripAdvisor in 2022.

🗓️ Significant Events

While the restaurant frequently hosts private and corporate events—with private rooms like “The Times,” “Rockefeller,” “Guggenheim,” and “Carnegie”—the most notable event tied to the brand’s culinary status is:

• James Beard House Appearance: Ocean Prime’s culinary team was invited to cook at the prestigious James Beard House in New York City in December 2017, a major recognition within the culinary industry.

📍 Location and Contact Information