(212) 579-2300

384 Columbus Ave (at 78th St.)
New York, NY 10024 40.7815 -73.9759

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Neighborhoods: Upper West Side, Midtown

BRGUESTRESTAURANTS.COM

Years in business

Established in 1985

Hours:

Mon, 11:30am-10:30pm

Tue-Thu, 11:30am-11pm

Fri-Sat, 11:30am-midnight

Sun, 10:30am-10:30pm

Price:

$$$

Last updated 7.26.11

Category:

Restaurants, Certified Green Restaurant(R)

Payment Methods:

American Express, Visa, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard

Restaurant Special Features:

Local Favorite, Brunch, People Watching, Dine At The Bar

General Info:

Open 7 Days

Cuisine:

Seafood

Other Locations:

What People Are Saying About Ocean Grill

Featured Review

Contributor

Contributor

The Scene – Handsome dark wood furnishings, black-and-white photographs and big mirrors create a classy, pseudo-maritime atmosphere at this Upper West Side outpost of the ever-expanding BR Guest chain. As with its sister Grills, Blue Water and Atlantic, Ocean Grill matches quality seafood with a bustling scene--it's always packed, yet large enough to make getting a table relatively easy on short notice. – – The Food – The fare is reliable and reasonably priced, if not wildly inventive. Appetizers are mostly solid: Calamari is juicy, chilled beets and goat cheese salad…

Editor's Tips

Where to Sit:
The bar area has seats, tables and a pleasant view of the Museum of Natural History across the street, and a sizeable outdoor area in front of the restaurant makes for great summer sidewalk dining.
The Extras:
Atlantic Grill is the Upper East Side sister restaurant.
ambiance
79.16999816894531% positive
  1. For me, the raw bar and specialty cocktails are the highlights, and if you sit in the bar area around sunset, it's a nice view of the museum.
  2. We were seated outside, and it was a great atmosphere for a nice dinner.
  3. Service, ambiance and food were all great.
  4. Excellent atmosphere for romance
  5. If you love seafood and great ambience, then this is a must!
  6. Bad service, nice location try Blue Water Grill instead
  7. We prefer the cozy bar area and usually order a full meal and eat it right at the bar or at one of the cozy little tables.
  8. The service was horrible, the food was average at best and the atmosphere was just as average.
  9. The atmosphere shines with celebrities, twinkles with romantic lighting, and is surrounded with mouth-watering aromas of delicious food.
  10. I've been tempted by the great location for outdoor dining more than once, but the food has always been terrible and the service even worse.
  11. Ocean brings to the West Side what many restaurants have tried but failed to do - a fresh and diverse menu, excellent presentation, pristine service and an elegant and spacious atmosphere.
  12. Great location, Fresh seafood
dessert
83.33000183105469% positive
  1. Try the chocolate fondue for dessert - excellent!
  2. The entre's were tasteless, the desserts had to much alcohol which ruined them & the waitress spilled more of the champagne on the table cloth than in the glass.
  3. The prices are about 25-40 for an entree, not too bad, although a bit pricey when you add in the appetizers/salads, drinks and desserts, but it is well worth it!
  4. the best shrimp dumplings and crab cakes.
  5. When asked what he recommended his reply " everything is good choose something" same answer when it came to ordering dessert.
  6. We shared there carrot cake, which was delicious as well.
drinks
96.66999816894531% positive
  1. The prices are about 25-40 for an entree, not too bad, although a bit pricey when you add in the appetizers/salads, drinks and desserts, but it is well worth it!
  2. For me, the raw bar and specialty cocktails are the highlights, and if you sit in the bar area around sunset, it's a nice view of the museum.
  3. excellent raw bar.
  4. We had to wait a short time in the bar, and the bartender gave good wine recommendations and even let us taste a couple of choices before we ordered.
  5. The tuna with wontons is by far one of the best dishes in the city, the raw bar fantastic and the sushi chef specials are a great way to start.
  6. best raw bar
  7. it's the best raw bar!
  8. Very nice bar inside.
  9. The jumbo shrimp cocktail was very good, but I wish I would have gotten the raw bar sampler I saw on other tables.
  10. We prefer the cozy bar area and usually order a full meal and eat it right at the bar or at one of the cozy little tables.
food quality
79.43999767303467% positive
  1. The pineapple rice was a nice compliment to the fish.
  2. Everybody I was with had fish and everyone loved their meal.
  3. The atmosphere shines with celebrities, twinkles with romantic lighting, and is surrounded with mouth-watering aromas of delicious food.
  4. The service was horrible, the food was average at best and the atmosphere was just as average.
  5. If you love seafood and great ambience, then this is a must!
  6. My favorite fish entree is salmon with pumpkin ravioli, though my boyfriend swears by the tuna, or the steak.
  7. Good food with noise at full volume
  8. Part of this was due to sitting outside on a perfect summer night, but the food was delicious and the service good.
  9. dine here 3-4 times a month, and in my experience the service and quality of the food has been consistantly good.
  10. Ocean brings to the West Side what many restaurants have tried but failed to do - a fresh and diverse menu, excellent presentation, pristine service and an elegant and spacious atmosphere.
  11. Our fish was very fresh and flavorful.
  12. the best shrimp dumplings and crab cakes.
  13. Fish was fresh and delicious and service was great.
  14. Great location, Fresh seafood
  15. Place was okay, the food was definitely not worth the money, however the appetizers were good, we had the jumbo shrimp and oysters.
  16. The tuna with wontons is by far one of the best dishes in the city, the raw bar fantastic and the sushi chef specials are a great way to start.
  17. bad food, good service
  18. Service, ambiance and food were all great.
  19. The french fries that came with it were cut so small(smaller then a cheese greater) and unseasoned that they were like stale bread or card board.
  20. Erin the manager greeted us like family (as always), and we had a fabulous server in Steve, who guided us to some great special appetizers before we shared the soft shell crab.
  21. The food is awesome.
  22. My french toast was cold and gummy.
  23. The food, though when made properly, was good.
  24. Excellent sushi, the mahi mahi is wonderful.
  25. My lobster salad was delicious.
  26. This is a great place for a family meal.
  27. Great food!
  28. We prefer the cozy bar area and usually order a full meal and eat it right at the bar or at one of the cozy little tables.
  29. Both were tasty, and the spinach gnocchi with the sauces and veges was great!
  30. We shared there carrot cake, which was delicious as well.
  31. definate recommendation to those who enjoy seafood and a quality dining experience.
  32. My food was excellent but my dates was a little cold.
  33. Went there last night with family in town, it's always reliable with excellent food and great service.
  34. I've been tempted by the great location for outdoor dining more than once, but the food has always been terrible and the service even worse.
  35. The food was BAD- and i have eaten here before and liked it.
  36. Food is fresh and good if you do not mind clanging, banging, dozens of people taking at full volume.
  37. Even their cabernet is delicious.
  38. Waiter kept talking at full voice to pepole at next table for most of our meal.
  39. There are decent selections if you are a seafood person, but not a lot if you aren't!
  40. The food itself was good.
  41. I've been to Ocean a lot of times and the food is always great!
  42. He didn't show up till after the meal with the check at which point I had eaten it since the rest of my food was so bad and I was hungry.
  43. got a bowl of the tomato bisk and the worst sandwich I have had in a long time.
  44. Try the chocolate fondue for dessert - excellent!
  45. Food is very good especially the shell fish.
  46. it was a good dish.
  47. The food was really good, especially if you're in the mood for an elegant sea food dinner.
  48. great fish place
  49. The meal was really expensive & totally underwhelming.
  50. We had the sushi appetizer special which was just delicious and perfect for two.
  51. excellent meal, price and service = all around winner
  52. The crispy shrimp appetizer was flavorful and ample, and I had the short rib ravioli with scallops and mushroom gravy.
  53. never see a nasty wait staff no where like in your restaurant i'm sorry but it was terrible experience the food it was exelent but cause the service i'll never come back
  54. After we got seated, the service was good, but the food, surprisingly, was not!
  55. The jumbo shrimp cocktail was very good, but I wish I would have gotten the raw bar sampler I saw on other tables.
  56. Once I got my spoon, the bisque was quite tasty.
  57. nice neighborhood seafood grill
  58. My friends' dishes also did not look good.
  59. I'm not much of a fish eater, but the dishes here were delicious--not to mention beautiful.
  60. Ironically, they have good chicken.
menu variety
66.66999816894531% positive
  1. Ocean brings to the West Side what many restaurants have tried but failed to do - a fresh and diverse menu, excellent presentation, pristine service and an elegant and spacious atmosphere.
  2. Wait service is excellent, courteous, knowledgable of menu and it's items and worth the visit.
  3. There are decent selections if you are a seafood person, but not a lot if you aren't!
  4. He had poor knowledge of the menu.
  5. We had to wait a short time in the bar, and the bartender gave good wine recommendations and even let us taste a couple of choices before we ordered.
  6. They also have a great lounge area where you can relax and eat, it's full menu service.
overall
100.0% positive
  1. This is a great place for a family meal.
  2. great UWS restaurant!
  3. great fish place
  4. this is one of my favorite restarant even though i live in east villege, i go all the way to columbus avenue only because of this restaurant.
  5. Service is always great, down to earth, the place just feels like home.
  6. This has got to be my new favorite restaurant!
return potential
0.0% positive
  1. never see a nasty wait staff no where like in your restaurant i'm sorry but it was terrible experience the food it was exelent but cause the service i'll never come back
service
68.6899995803833% positive
  1. After we got seated, the service was good, but the food, surprisingly, was not!
  2. The staff was friendly and helpful, not always a given in NYC.
  3. bad food, good service
  4. The service was warm and friendly but arms-length enough to not be overbearing.
  5. Food is fresh and good if you do not mind clanging, banging, dozens of people taking at full volume.
  6. Service was good and friendly.
  7. excellent meal, price and service = all around winner
  8. The waiter and staff was attentive and had terrific suggestions.
  9. Erin the manager greeted us like family (as always), and we had a fabulous server in Steve, who guided us to some great special appetizers before we shared the soft shell crab.
  10. They also have a great lounge area where you can relax and eat, it's full menu service.
  11. Wait service is excellent, courteous, knowledgable of menu and it's items and worth the visit.
  12. I've been a few times when it was crowded and servers weren't as good, but we were there early so it wasn't as packed and everyone was very attentive.
  13. The entre's were tasteless, the desserts had to much alcohol which ruined them & the waitress spilled more of the champagne on the table cloth than in the glass.
  14. Waiter talked at full voice to people at next table while he served us.
  15. it is absolutely fabulous and the manager is nice too
  16. Not only did we wait a half hour past our reservation time for a table, but our waiter got "pissy" when we didn't order alcohol.
  17. Fish was fresh and delicious and service was great.
  18. Part of this was due to sitting outside on a perfect summer night, but the food was delicious and the service good.
  19. do not take friends here because the service is uncomfortable and embarrassing.
  20. The waiters are very attentive to your every need and the music is varied including some upbeat rythms.
  21. Wonderful service=Great evening
  22. Excellent service - not too overbearing.
  23. Ocean brings to the West Side what many restaurants have tried but failed to do - a fresh and diverse menu, excellent presentation, pristine service and an elegant and spacious atmosphere.
  24. I've been tempted by the great location for outdoor dining more than once, but the food has always been terrible and the service even worse.
  25. The service was horrible, the food was average at best and the atmosphere was just as average.
  26. never see a nasty wait staff no where like in your restaurant i'm sorry but it was terrible experience the food it was exelent but cause the service i'll never come back
  27. dine here 3-4 times a month, and in my experience the service and quality of the food has been consistantly good.
  28. Additionally the server was more than happy to offer her opinion and suggestions as to what my friend and I might enjoy.
  29. Bad service, nice location try Blue Water Grill instead
  30. We had to wait a short time in the bar, and the bartender gave good wine recommendations and even let us taste a couple of choices before we ordered.
  31. Went there last night with family in town, it's always reliable with excellent food and great service.
  32. Our waitress was very attentive and made for a really wonderful evening.
  33. Our server was knowledgeable ane very pleasent.
value
90.0% positive
  1. Wait service is excellent, courteous, knowledgable of menu and it's items and worth the visit.
  2. The portions were the perfect size for me--not too big and definitely not too small.
  3. The meal was really expensive & totally underwhelming.
  4. We both had the Wasabi crusted tuna which was magnificent and a generous portion.
  5. The prices are about 25-40 for an entree, not too bad, although a bit pricey when you add in the appetizers/salads, drinks and desserts, but it is well worth it!
  6. Place was okay, the food was definitely not worth the money, however the appetizers were good, we had the jumbo shrimp and oysters.
  7. The total bill wasn't cheap, but was fair for an excellent overall experience.
  8. excellent meal, price and service = all around winner
  9. This fantastic edition from the B-R Guest series of NYC restaurants (Blue Water Grill, Park Avalon, etc.) is completely worth the cost, which will definitely set you back plenty.
  10. The crusted scallops were huge, and prepared perfectely.
wait time
0.0% positive
  1. The turkey in the club was dry and so old feeling that it reminded me of when you leave your Thanksgiving leftovers in the fridge for too long and they dry out.
  2. got a bowl of the tomato bisk and the worst sandwich I have had in a long time.
4 Star Rating: Recommended

12/12/11

Over and Over Again

by shawannah at Citysearch

This is not the first time that I ate here in this restaurant. I've been here quite a few times. The reason for that is the food itself of course.

The only food that I always ordered is Maine Lobster Bisque with Shrimp Crostino. That 's one of my favorite. I really love eating this dish.

I always had a good time eating in this place. It always makes me comfortable and light headed. I really love this place.

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

12/13/09

excellent meal, price and service = all around winner

by simi 1 at Citysearch

We had a very nice surprise with this restaurant on our first visit. The crispy shrimp appetizer was flavorful and ample, and I had the short rib ravioli with scallops and mushroom gravy. My friend had mahi mahi encrusted with crab meat but we couldn't distinguish the crabmeat. The pineapple rice was a nice compliment to the fish. Excellent service - not too overbearing.

  • Pros: reasonably priced; excellent appetizer; excellent service
4 Star Rating: Recommended

07/09/09

Good Atmosphere; Great for Visitors

by repole28 at Citysearch

Took friends from out of town there. It has a neighborhood feel, while being upscale enough to be a chic New York spot. The crusted scallops were huge, and prepared perfectely. The service was warm and friendly but arms-length enough to not be overbearing. Would go back in a second.

  • Pros: Excellent Food (the most important thing, right?)
  • Cons: Somewhat Loud
4 Star Rating: Recommended

01/30/09

Delicious fish, dependable food

by foodie611 at Citysearch

Went last night for the second time and was not disappointed. Fish was fresh and delicious and service was great. Tried the filet mignon maki roll which was delic. We also had the oven roasted sea bass and the soy ginger roasted cod which were both excellent.

This is a great place for a family meal. Nice decor and relaxed setting.

  • Pros: food, service
  • Cons: nothing
4 Star Rating: Recommended

09/30/08

Good Atmosphere and Fantastic Food

by coygrier at Citysearch

This was another visit to this establishment and, as in past visits, was a pleasurable experience. Their service from host/hostess stand to final bill by server was a pleasure. The food selections are almost massive in quantity, the quality of those I have consumed have been well balanced with various spices/sauces. Wines are more than appropriate. Wait service is excellent, courteous, knowledgable of menu and it's items and worth the visit.

Green Restaurant All Certified Green Restaurants® meet the minimum certification criteria of the science-based standards of the Green Restaurant Association (GRA), a national non profit dedicated to Greening Restaurants since 1990. Certified Green Restaurants® implement transparent and verified environmental steps in seven environmental categories: Energy, Water, Chemicals, Food, Packaging, Waste, and Building. Learn more about the GRA's standards and how to Dine Green.

The Details on Ocean Grill

Place Categories:

  • good food
  • excellent wait service
  • embarrassing menu service
  • favorite seafood restaurant
  • very fresh fish
  • good dishes
  • great overall experience
  • best raw bar
  • full meal
  • great location
  • enjoy seafood
  • great evening
  • helpful staff
  • ample crispy shrimp appetizer
  • not as good server
  • nice sea food dinner
  • romantic lighting
  • great everything
  • diverse menu
  • great ambience
  • full volume
  • diverse pristine service
  • full voice
  • spacious atmosphere
  • great special appetizers