What the Critics Say
"Sure, it's a fine dining establishment, but once the clock strikes 4pm, happy hour is on and the award-winning drinks begin to flow! Take a seat at any of the three bars, or grab a spot on the deck and settle into an evening with friends, both old and new."
-GO, Air Tran Magazine, Sept/Oct 2011
"With six locations in five states, the upscale chain Ocean Prime deserves at least a sliver of the credit for the mainstreaming of the Prohibition-era cocktail, with its Cucumber Gimlets, Whiskey Clovers and Strawberry Smashes. But its signature show-stopper is still one of its silliest drinks: The Berries & Bubbles. Chunks of dry ice are added to a rich purple mix of citrus vodka, Champagne, marinated berries and house-made sour mix, and the end result is a raucously bubbling brew that's guaranteed to turn heads around the bar. The fruit flavor is intense, the bubbles add texture and the dry ice gives it a strangely intoxicating aroma (and creates ice on the stem). It's pulpy, it's preposterous ... and somehow, it makes perfect sense."
-www.tampabay.com, 2011
"What better way to enjoy an elegant night out on the town than with prime steak or seafood and live music. The piano bar sets the mood for any occasion."
-Tampa Bay Metro, 2011
"The service at Ocean Prime is second to none and by the time the meal is over, the server has become a trusted friend."
-Tampa Bay Metro, February/March 2011
"When you taste even the simplest cocktail at Ocean Prime, the flavors shine through like the difference between microwave fries from a vending machine and salty spuds fresh from the fryer. These cocktails aren't just a vehicle for alcohol to be swilled into for effect, they're mini-masterpieces as respectable as the fresh fish flowing from the kitchen."
-Brian Ries
Creativeloafing.com, 2009
"Ocean Prime makes visiting International Plaza that much sweeter and tastier!"
-DupointRegistry.com, 2009
"Ocean Prime, Tampa Bays’ glitzy new fish and steak house, where seafood is a fashion statement. Take this well dressed Ahi Tuna Tartar appetizer that takes layering to new heights. With a mix of diced avocado, fresh lime, wasabi, fried wantons, pickled ginger, sour cream and a finish of fresh ginger ponzu with toasted sesame seeds and scallions, it’s absolutely runway perfect."
-Julie W. Martin
Tampa Bay Illustrated, 2009
"Everything at Ocean Prime lives up to the "Prime" in its name. It is sexy, fun and delivers and unparalleled dining experience."
-Tampa Bay Magazine, 2009
A Modern American Supper Club
Everything at Ocean Prime lives up to the “Prime” in its name. It is sexy, fun and delivers and unparalleled dining experience.
-Best Bets | Tampa Bay Magazine
"****. A well-run operation delivers on its promises of upscale fish and meat."
-The Columbus Dispatch, 2010
What the Critics Say
"Sure, it's a fine dining establishment, but once the clock strikes 4pm, happy hour is on and the award-winning drinks begin to flow! Take a seat at any of the three bars, or grab a spot on the deck and settle into an evening with friends, both old and new."
-GO, Air Tran Magazine, Sept/Oct 2011
"With six locations in five states, the upscale chain Ocean Prime deserves at least a sliver of the credit for the mainstreaming of the Prohibition-era cocktail, with its Cucumber Gimlets, Whiskey Clovers and Strawberry Smashes. But its signature show-stopper is still one of its silliest drinks: The Berries & Bubbles. Chunks of dry ice are added to a rich purple mix of citrus vodka, Champagne, marinated berries and house-made sour mix, and the end result is a raucously bubbling brew that's guaranteed to turn heads around the bar. The fruit flavor is intense, the bubbles add texture and the dry ice gives it a strangely intoxicating aroma (and creates ice on the stem). It's pulpy, it's preposterous ... and somehow, it makes perfect sense."
-www.tampabay.com, 2011
"What better way to enjoy an elegant night out on the town than with prime steak or seafood and live music. The piano bar sets the mood for any occasion."
-Tampa Bay Metro, 2011
"The service at Ocean Prime is second to none and by the time the meal is over, the server has become a trusted friend."
-Tampa Bay Metro, February/March 2011
"When you taste even the simplest cocktail at Ocean Prime, the flavors shine through like the difference between microwave fries from a vending machine and salty spuds fresh from the fryer. These cocktails aren't just a vehicle for alcohol to be swilled into for effect, they're mini-masterpieces as respectable as the fresh fish flowing from the kitchen."
-Brian Ries
Creativeloafing.com, 2009
"Ocean Prime makes visiting International Plaza that much sweeter and tastier!"
-DupointRegistry.com, 2009
"Ocean Prime, Tampa Bays’ glitzy new fish and steak house, where seafood is a fashion statement. Take this well dressed Ahi Tuna Tartar appetizer that takes layering to new heights. With a mix of diced avocado, fresh lime, wasabi, fried wantons, pickled ginger, sour cream and a finish of fresh ginger ponzu with toasted sesame seeds and scallions, it’s absolutely runway perfect."
-Julie W. Martin
Tampa Bay Illustrated, 2009
"Everything at Ocean Prime lives up to the "Prime" in its name. It is sexy, fun and delivers and unparalleled dining experience."
-Tampa Bay Magazine, 2009
A Modern American Supper Club
Everything at Ocean Prime lives up to the “Prime” in its name. It is sexy, fun and delivers and unparalleled dining experience.
-Best Bets | Tampa Bay Magazine
"****. A well-run operation delivers on its promises of upscale fish and meat."
-The Columbus Dispatch, 2010