We celebrated ringing in the New Year and another special occasion in style with a wonderful and quite expensive dinner at Ocean Prime. My initial thought when I made our reservation was to eat and race downtown for the annual pineapple drop, but it was a chilly night so we stayed at the restaurant. It was very busy, perhaps the busiest they have been so far. The staff was definitely up to the challenge and we had great service. I saw no issues anywhere else in the large dining room. It was pretty loud, but it was a roomful of people enjoying themselves, including us. For dinner I went with the Prime part of Ocean Prime with a meal I've considered my favorite meat and potato dish throughout my adult life, French Onion Soup, a NY Strip Steak, and a Loaded Baked Potato. It just doesn't get any better than this. The food was prepared perfectly. The soup was exactly the way I like it, very flavorful with a deep rich broth and melted Swiss cheese. At 14oz there was plenty of steak, cooked medium rare. My wife no longer allows me to order rare steak, that's ok, still a great steak. And with a side of a loaded baked potato and some asparagus with Hollandaise sauce, it was a complete and filling meal. My wife went with the Ocean part of Ocean Prime and loved her Chilean Sea Bass. Dining at Ocean Prime, what a great way to kick off the New Year. read more

Ocean Prime Sarasota - French Onion Soup - Seafood Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

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Ocean Prime is Red Lobster for people with more money. A chain restaurant is a chain restaurant. The highly recommended Ocean Roll was the most bland, fishy tasting roll we've ever had. After one piece we told our server she could take it away and she didn't question why we would get rid of almost the entire app. Go to Hanami if you want sushi rolls. The sea bass had a super stringy texture because it was way overcooked. I eat everything but I didn't finish this. The lobster tails were cooked properly but they forgot to bring the advertised drawn butter out with them. The tator tots were soft, meaning they probably sat in a warming tray until ordered. At least the gouda dipping sauce was pretty good. At the end of the meal someone finally asked if we enjoyed the food. I said no and explained what went wrong. This was met with a shrug. When we left not one of the three people (doing nothing) at the front desk said goodbye or thank you as we passed. Instead, as I held the door for my wife the valet literally pushed past her to get out of the door first. The manager here needs to eat at 131 Main to learn how a good staff interacts with customers. Remember people: Expensive doesn't mean good. read more

Start with the amazing cocktails! A very dirty martini with a spicy kick in the blue cheese olives. The bubbles and berries drink was so fun! Looks like a witches brew and if you like a cocktail on the sweeter side this one's for you! Grand Marnier soaked fruit takes it over the top. Had a wonderful carpaccio app, and a great Caesar salad. The French Fries were too thick and not crispy enough (even though I asked for extra crispy) they soak their Shrimp for shrimp cocktail in beer so not doable if you are gluten free. Atmosphere in upstairs bar is great, with beautiful views of the water. Bartenders were very nice and helpful! read more

We had a Great dinner and cocktails on the patio with a beautiful sunset. It's a little bit pricey, but you get what you pay for, it's well worth it. They also have a great happy hour and a three course dinner special before 6 PM. read more

Ocean Prime Sarasota - Toasting with amazing crafted cocktails. - Seafood Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

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We had one of the best dinner and service ever in this town! Thank you Austin, you made it a great experience. Mia, you were so attentive and you both complimented each others work. We can't say enough about the great service and all your recommendations, they were excellent!! Espresso Martinis with Tequila minus the vodka, the lamb chops were the best I have ever had and I've travelled several parts of the country. (My wife even liked them) The grouper was excellently cooked! French onion soup was a hit!! Thank you for a great dinner experience. read more

Had a wonderful anniversary dinner! Christine was a great server. The atmosphere was LOUD. It was hard to hear each other. But that could be because we were unfortunately sat at the very first table next to the hostess stand with lots of foot traffic and people waiting. read more

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As far as steak houses are concerned, Ocean Prime surpasses Ruth Chris and Flemings. The Lobster Bisque is better than Dry Docks. The Jalapeno Au Gratin potatoes are unbelievable. We asked for iced tea and received a carafe of brewed tea. All superb. read more

I felt like I was at an industrial size glorified diner! My mistake was not requesting a seat at their "main dining area", which has actual table cloths on the tables and feels more like "high end" dining. We were sat at a booth which was very uncomfortable, hard low bench, no table cloths. The food was okay, the crab cake appetizer with coleslaw was delicious but the presentation was terrible, like I said diner style. My dining partners lobster tails were perfectly cooked and the asparagus too. My steak was at the right temperature and good. The service professional. But for me the price/experience/quality ratio is not there. So many other options in Sarasota to choose from. If you want to spend $$$$ for a not so great dinner go for it. No views! read more

My husband took me here for Mother's Day. The food was delicious. The private label Oysters were served perfectly chilled. My husband had the Strip Steak and I had the King Crab Legs. My only complaint is my entree came with asparagus and baby new potatoes. My potatoes three of them, were raw. The crab was the star by far but I really enjoy a fluffy baby new potato. I also had to ask for butter for my crab. My husband really loved his wagu beef, no complaints there. All in all a boushy place with nice cocktails and upscale dining. Our wait staff worked well. The team was a little slow but they were extremely busy. Lot of families celebrating Mom. We're going to save Ocean Prime for special occasions. read more

Ocean Prime Sarasota - Pineapple Picante - Seafood Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

Steak was extremely under cooked, cold and raw in the middle (ordered medium). They did not offer to take it back and bring it to temp, they just said sorry they were busy. They took the steak back to the kitchen and returned with nothing. Given the response and high quality of restaurant, we expected they may have comped it, or a drink, or one of the side dishes to offset it but they literally offered nothing. Extremely disappointing for the price we paid and did not even get to eat the steak. read more

OMG! Fantastic addition to downtown Sarasota. Ocean Prime has it all great location, great atmosphere, great service by Victoria and great food. There is something for everybody from seafood to steak and even sushi. read more

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Beautiful ambiance, great service, and good food. I really enjoyed our early anniversary dinner in those beautiful location close by the beach in Sarasota. read more

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This was our first time going. We went to celebrate our anniversary (which we mentioned in our reservation). The hostess greeted us with champagne. We happened to have the entire terrace to ourselves at sunset. Rose petals were at our table. There were mosquitos at night but not their fault obviously. Our server Austin was extremely attentive and knowledgeable on the menu. All of the food was perfect and exceeded expectations. We started with the calamari. Crunchy, well dressed, flavorful. I got the scallops with Parmesan risotto. Incredible, melt in your mouth scallops. Creamy risotto. My boyfriend thoroughly enjoyed his filet mignon with lobster Mac n cheese and broccoli. There was a lot of lobster in it. We opted for the butter cake dessert to-go and were surprised to see they put a special anniversary chocolate on top. The ice cream even had dry ice to keep it cold. They really think of everything. Valet was professional and attentive. 10/10 memorable experience. Thank you for a beautiful evening. read more

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Had a wonderful birthday celebration here yesterday. Great Piedmontese steak, drinks and service. Always a great experience here! read more

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Celebrated our anniversary on 2/6 and sat upstairs. Amanda was a great server with excellent recommendations. The jumbo lump crab cake and the surf and turf appetizers were excellent. Our 8oz filets melted in our mouths and were not over salted. The loaded baked potato and the bacon creamed spinach were excellent. Huge food portions with plenty to bring home. The view was great. They treated us with sparkling wine and a desert. We will be coming back soon. read more

Ocean Prime Sarasota - Filet topped with blue cheese, loaded baked potato and bacon creamed spinach. - Seafood Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

Our first time at this location to celebrate our 34th wedding anniversary and it was perfect. Service, ambiance, drinks and food were perfect. The lobster pasta is our favorite so so good. The carrot cake was the perfect sweet bite to end a lovely evening. Highly recommend you consider a visit. 5 stars!! read more

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Awesome service from Amanda D. She made my birthday feel really special. Everyone was very nice and kept my water glass full since that's all I drink. The tuna tartar and the lobster linguini were so yummy. There was so much pasta I had it again the next day. I enjoyed the warm butter cake but I thought the ten layer carrot cake was too sweet. We will definitely be back. read more

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We were celebrating our 40th Wedding Anniversary here, and the entire experience was Outstanding! The impeccable service from the manager Tyler, our server Mikiah and the rest of Tyler's team was over the top. The upscale ambiance and vibe created a wonderful atmosphere. There were 9 of us, and we tried most of the appetizers, entrees & deserts - everything was absolutely delicious! We've already made reservations to return this week, and I can't wait! read more

It was a nice. Appetizers and drinks excellent. Dinner fair. Dessert passable. But for the price not going back.

I guess is so busy that we have to wait again at the bar, well at least someone take our order very fast. Take a 17 minutes to get the drink and our table that was reserve for 8:15 move to other person, they offer better table upstairs, but the roon is very cold, My wife ask to seat at the first floor and the hostess reply, maybe we can do that, They put us next to a large party table, The server came and introduce his service as " are you guys ready to order, or you guys will keep the same drinks !! I ask for a simple calamari, no sauce, plain fried calamari with lime and lemons, I ask what is good and he could look at me, because he was to busy with the large table, He came back and told us the Lobster rolls are good ! Calamari came, over fried, to crispy, no lemons or limes, I ask the server assistence for water and bread, they bring over a big basket, but 3 pieces of bread and half of butter that look used before ! Any way the server could not tell us nothing, no even ask about a wine, that I try to order, That is not the first or second time I try this location, Is not working at all, we just get a new home next door, but something is missing at this location. Lot's of our friends does not give other chance, because the touch is not like a good touch, missing Hospitality, too busy maybe, We decide to go home. The bill came and we are charge for bread and butter !!! Also they charge for ice on our drinks, The excuse, I guess is I am so sorry ! The server never came to say good buy or Happy Birthday to my wife, I don't need anything from the restaurant for free, but when I make a reservation and I get inside, I want to be Welcome, like any other guest !!! Is very hard to me write this review. We left to meet our friends at local restaurant and when we walking to the front door, the hostess with a smile told my wife, Welcome to our restaurant, please enjoy like your house !!! This change my wife night, the live of people taking care old people like us, is not about how much or how long we have, is just about a hospitality !! read more

I made a reservation for 2/25/26 to celebrate my husband's birthday and our anniversary. In the "notes" section I requested for whatever seating area is the most "romantic" due to the occasions. They seated us on their beautiful, heated, quiet, and romantically lit patio. I wasn't expecting them to go above and beyond like this, but on our table, they placed rose petals and two complimentary glasses of champagne. They also placed a handwritten card wishing my husband a happy birthday and expressing gratitude for choosing them to celebrate with. Our server, Austin C, was absolutely impeccable. He knew the menu in such detail it was astounding, he was attentive, kind, knowledgeable, efficient, and overall just absolutely blew us away. He even let us choose a free dessert in honor of our celebrations. On top of all else that was wonderful about the evening, the food left us speechless. It was absolutely incredible, and while it is on the pricier side, it was worth every penny and is truly such an experience. Every detail poured into this establishment, every staff member that we encountered, and every dish that we tasted, worked together to create a night of ambiance, romance, and true togetherness. After a long week at a draining job, I felt a level of relaxation I haven't felt in a long time. If you want to feel truly taken care of, eat delicious food, and enjoy a beautiful setting, choose this restaurant. We will be daydreaming about it until we return. Thank you Ocean Prime! read more

Ocean Prime Sarasota - Seafood Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

Great addition to downtown Sarasota! Loved the food, drinks, and atmosphere. Can't wait to go back!

Stunningly beautiful restaurant. Sat upstairs at high top on an evening out with my love before a Van Wezel concert. Service was excellent and although we didn't indulge in many of the higher end offerings, our prime salad and prime sliders were fabulous! Our server suggested a pumpkin pie dessert that was both beautiful and delish. I deserve an A plus for this selection. You won't be disappointed! read more

Amazing !! Thank you for the wonderful service and dining experience . From the outstanding greeting with champagne to the amazing server . It was a pleasure to spend our anniversary here . read more

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I'm going to give this restaurant a 2 star solely based on the noise level. The waiter couldn't hear us and we could barely hear him. Forget about talking to anyone at your table. Unfortunately we will not be back. The food & service however was excellent, just don't expect to have any conversations read more

I love the new location. It was so nice and two awesome floors made it feel more like a club. I like the bar upstairs and i was able to catch the sunset because it's half open. It's very popular and it was packed so make a reservation. Overall, the food is the same as any other ocean prime location very good. I had Mitch as my bartender and he was awesome. The staff there everyone was really sweet. This may be my favorite new location. read more

Food and atmosphere were great. Good service. Quiet on the outdoor seating, but inside was definitely loud for a peaceful dinner. Would definitely go back. read more

I took my wife and sister in law there for a relatively early dinner last week. THE GOOD We were warmly welcomed and seated quickly. Our server was a friendly young woman who couldn't have been more attention. Bravo! THE NOT SO GOOD The food at OP is beyond overpriced. It's outrageous! I wasn't in the mood for a heavy meal, so I ordered shrimp cocktail ($28 for four shrimp) and a wedge salad ($16 and UNDERWHELMING) as my "meal". My wife ordered salmon/rice ($53 for a modest piece of fish) and my sister in law ordered lobster linguini ($57 - very rich). Also ordered a side of roasted brussel sprouts ($18 ). We ordered a serving of carrot cake for ($20 . It was tasty but not nearly as good as the carrot cake from Publix) and crème brûlée ($19 ). We did not order drinks. THE BILL WAS $280 with tip. FINAL THOUGHTS We didn't order blindly. We knew the prices for what we selected. For the money we expected a much higher culinary experience. I have traveled extensively, eaten at Michelin star restaurants, etc. and hate to call out Ocean Prime. But, I just think it's a HUGE ripoff! No haters please. It's simply my opinion. read more

Swanky restaurant. The main dining room was very sceney. We were seated at the upstairs terrace, which was lovely. Our waiter was very earnest. Cocktails were excellent. Wine was spendy. The bread was off of the charts excellent. We split a really good crab cocktail to start. I had a very good NY strip steak. The twice baked potato was really good. My wife ordered the branzino special. She thought it was a bit fishy. We ended the meal with solid cappuccinos. Expensive restaurant, but a nice space and very good service. Add a star if you're a local. read more

Food and service were excellent . Drinks at the upstairs bar were great. Beautiful view and the bar tenders were superior. read more

Ocean Prime Sarasota - Seafood Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

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Good was very good but there were a few surprises. 2 Hamachi appetizers were inconsistent for portion size. Had to ask twice for water refills and no one offered cracked pepper for salads. Miso broccoli was super dry and we should have sent it back. They provided dessert for anniversary which was very nice. Our main server was very nice but initial person helping with water was not present. Would we go back, maybe. read more

Great food and our servers had so much knowledge of the menu that helped us pick the perfect food for us. The drinks were so good and we left already already planning our next visit read more

First time visit here. Our table was ready on time, the ambiance was nice, the service was excellent. Honestly, the food wasn't that great, however my cocktail was very good. After dinner, we went to check out upstairs. We'll definitely choose this next time! Very trendy vibe. The worst part of Ocean Prime was the valet service. They didn't open my door for me at drop off or pick up, all seemed to have a sour attitude, and lingered around waiting for a tip even tho you MUST valet at a cost of $10.00. I'll go again, but I'll go upstairs and order something different. ( I had the lamb chops). read more

We celebrated our daughter and Son in laws 1 st Anniversary. They gave them sparkling wine when we arrived , put some rose settles on the table very nice touch. The food and service were very good . Nice addition to Sarasota. Took off a star for the globalists lobster was not very tender and pasta starchy. Also for what you spend on dinner feel $10 valet is a little much. The restaurant does get very loud when filled up read more

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Food was fantastic. Service was good, but annoying...hovered over table ready to "prebus" items everytime I set my fork down... Interior was really dark and uninviting - unlike other Ocean Prime locations that we have visited. Ordered the seafood tower - tower was great, but the crackers they provided were soft and stale... All the little issues took away from what was otherwise a good experience read more

No no no no no! Over priced by a LONG shot, WAY over salted and buttered! I have no idea why this place gets rave reviews. Staff underwhelming, nobody there to fill water glasses. There are many more better priced better quality restaurants in the Sarasota area. Will definitely NOT be going back, would not recommend this over priced chain restaurant. read more

Had one of the best meals ever at Ocean Prime. Our server (Amanda D) was terrific - prompt, cheerful, helpful (without hovering). Cannot say enough good things about the steaks (filets - done to perfection) or the scallops (absolutely wonderful); the wine and hot martinis were great as were the desserts. It was very loud in the upstairs bar dining area - which made it a bit difficult to carry on a conversation; but we realized that it was quieter outside on the patio and downstairs so next time, we will request one of those areas. Even the valets were wonderful - and we didn't have to worry about parking! This is another Cameron Mitchell triumph and close to home. Loved his restaurants in Columbus, OH and now get to enjoy his magic in Sarasota, FL. read more

Newly-opened, it's full of energy and vibe! We went on a Thursday at 6:30 and it was already packed so we ate at the bar upstairs. Cocktails were delicious - they had about a dozen gin to choose from - and of course we had the Caviar Dip. I had the grouper entree which was light and so tasty. It was a great night! Can't wait to go back. read more

If you're wealthy and want to be seen, this is your new spot. Nice setting and location. Service is friendly, but slow. Our waitress was great but she was waiting on kitchen and bar all night. Wasn't even that busy (Monday). The bad? Food is just ok. None of their seafood is fresh or locally caught. Zero. Drinks are weak and not good. Very limited liquor options for a high priced place. Speaking of prices, theirs are absurd for the quality of what you get. One of our guests got 8 ounce fillet that did not resemble a steakhouse fillet, it looked about as skinny as something from outback steakhouse, cheap grill marks and all. Lobster linguini was overcooked. Mushy pasta and chewy lobster. Fish portions were small. And $28 for a small dry piece of cake? But, it's a Darden chain, and lived up to that sub par expectation. Very high prices for avg to below avg food/drinks and slow service. read more

We were visiting from Miami and since we like trulucks and capital grille we wanted to try this restaurant. Based on how expensive the food is here, my expectations were not met. Had $100 rib eye steak that wasn't salted right and tried the blue cheese crust which was way too heavy and plastered on top of the steak. No finesse. Oysters were not tasty. We're used to having the lemon wedges on a net to avoid seeds falling off but this wasn't done. Perhaps they don't know about this. Chicken tenders for the kid were overfried. The opposite of tender. He could barely chew them. Wifey had scallops with risotto and lobster bisque. That wasn't bad but not impressive. Service was nice. No complaints there. Atmosphere a bit loud for a high end place. For a $400 bill, this restaurant didn't live up to the reviews and the fanciness. Meh.. is the bottom line. Recommend a lower end place for a similar experience. read more