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Ocean Prime

4.3 (823 reviews)
Closed • 11:30 am - 9:00 pm
Updated 3 weeks ago

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Recommended Reviews - Ocean Prime

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Manhattan made with Uncle Nearest
Steven C.

When first impressions matter. What can I say when first impressions matter. I had an opportunity to expose new friends and colleagues to OCEAN PRIME DC. I was attending a conference in DC when about 14 people wanted to have a great dinner. As they were struggling to figure a place to go, I of course suggested, Ocean Prime. I took a chance to call Tim but was not sure with such a short notice request if they could accommodate. They absolutely did in space. Alexander quickly heard my request and scrolling into action. Made sure that my group was well. Taken care of the first impression was truly magnificent... But I would expect nothing less from the absolute best. A highlight of was seeing Tiana, whose Infectious smile and memory that amazes even the most astute person in action. She remembered everyone's name at our table, despite not being our official serve. It is this type of hospitality that keeps Ocean Prime head and shoulders above other fine dining establishment in DC.

Wagyu steak black garlic & New York Strip (14oz)
Londa S.

The establishment was downtown DC and the customer service and staff is amazing. I highly recommend this restaurant if you like a delicious food, great atmosphere, and reliable service this is the restaurant for you. The picture don't do justice for the experience and food. Went for a Birthday celebration food was well seasoned.

John W.

Ocean Prime: How Tiana Turned a High‑End Dinner Into a Full‑Blown Culinary Adventure Takeaway: The food was outstanding. The private room was beautiful. But Tiana? She elevated the entire night like she had a PhD in hospitality and a minor in mind‑reading. The 73rd Birthday Mission We needed the perfect steakhouse for a 73rd birthday celebration -- something upscale, polished, and worthy of a family‑and‑friends get‑together. Ocean Prime was the unanimous choice. Ten of us, private dining room, big night ahead. My wife and I pulled up to valet at the same time as another couple. The valet attendant greeted us like he'd been waiting all day just for us. He even parked our cars together right in front -- a small touch, but it set the tone. We walked inside, talked to the hostess, and then...the night changed. Enter Tiana -- The Greatest Waitress I've Ever Had A few minutes later, a woman approached with the biggest, warmest, most welcoming smile I've ever seen in a restaurant. She introduced herself: "Hi, I'm Tiana. I'll be taking care of you tonight." Not serving us.Not waiting on us.Taking care of us. That's when I knew we were in good hands. She walked the four of us to the private dining room, gave us time to settle, then introduced the wine and drink menu. And then she did something I've never seen done at a table of ten: She asked for everyone's names. All ten. And remembered them. All night. Not once did she slip.Not once did she say "sir" or "ma'am."She addressed every person by name like she'd known us for years. That alone elevated the experience -- but she wasn't done. The Drinks: A Masterclass in Descriptions Before taking drink orders, she told us: "If there's something you want that's not on the menu, I'll check with the Chef." Who does that?Tiana does. She recommended the Berries & Bubbles to a few of us and described the Smoked Old Fashioned like she was narrating a food documentary. I went with my classic: a White Russian . Drinks arrived. Everyone was happy. The Food: Ocean Prime Doing What Ocean Prime Does Orders included: Grilled Oysters Lobster Linguine Creamed Spinach Deviled Eggs Rack of Lamb Parmesan Truffle Fries New York Strip Ribeye with Oscar Style Dynamite Roll Kid's Crabcake Brussels Sprouts Parmesan Broccolini Loaded Baked Potatoes Bread Service Everything was beautifully plated and tasted outstanding.The Parmesan Truffle Fries?Some of the best any of us had ever had. One steak came out well‑done instead of medium -- corrected immediately, no hesitation. I sampled the sides around the table. Every single one was a hit. I asked the group how their meals were -- nothing but smiles and nods. Dessert: Tiana's Final Touch When dessert time hit, Tiana went into full celebration mode. She surprised the birthday guest with two desserts: Ten‑Layer Carrot Cake Warm Butter Cake with Ice Cream And "Happy Birthday" written on the plate He lit up like a kid. I ordered the Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie -- I enjoyed it, but everyone else at the table loved it. The Carrot Cake was good, but the Butter Cake?Outstanding. Worth the hype. Final Verdict Ocean Prime already delivers a high‑end dining experience -- but Tiana transformed it into an unforgettable culinary adventure. Her professionalism, warmth, attention to detail, and ability to remember ten names without missing a beat made the night feel personal, special, and elevated. We left full, happy, and already planning our next visit. And yes -- I will be requesting Tiana again.

Warm Butter Cake
Asia C.

Came in for a celebration, I really appreciated the card on the table and the fresh roses! Super cute! Our waiter was amazing, even brought me an extra scoop of ice cream. Overall our dinner was great. The lobster pasta was so good, the steak (NY Strip) lacked a bit of seasoning and it wasn't hot. I would suggest a finishing salt or perhaps an add on like the garlic butter or just something to take it up a notch. Other than that we had a great time, and we'll definitely be back especially for the lobster linguine!

Cocktail menu
Shawn T.

Another DC staple restaurant. Despite being open for a while I finally went. We opted for the early price-fix menu. I was not disappointed. The server suggested everything. He said everything was great and everything I had was great. From the caesaer salad, to the salmon, to the warm butter cake. Go to be seen, eat well, and have a great time!

Lobster Linguine
Christina L.

We need to address the elephant in the room...how did I not know how FABULOUS Ocean Prime is?! I entered the venue with a bustling bar and intimate restaurant. I started at the bar while awaiting the rest of my party. I enjoyed a glass of brut rose and complimentary popcorn. The popcorn is nothing short of amazing! The bar staff couldn't be friendlier and accommodating. When transitioning to dinner, I left to an intimate environment where our server was attentive and humorous. I ordered the Lobster Linguine, perfectly seasoned and flavorful. Goodness! I then indulged in an espresso martini which rounded out the perfect dinner. I cannot wait to return.

Bread Service
Jasmine U.

Ocean Prime is a fine dining chain that I can count on no matter the location. I've been in several cities but mostly frequent Chicago because that's where I live. This DC location is top notch! Our server was excellent and very attentive and even recommended an alternative ride share app to use. T addictive truffle popcorn was amazing as usual and entrees were delicious and well plated. It was my friend's birthday so she got a dessert on the house, also delicious. This was our best meal of trip, thanks for being elegant and consistent!

Gerald H.

Saturday dinner here. I had noticed this place while leaving a dinner a couple weeks ago and put it on the list. I made a reservation for 8:30 and we showed up right on the dot. We were sat shortly after in a large booth which I highly prefer over the half chair half booth seating. We started with the French onion soup and Caesar salad. The soup was really good - the broth wasn't sweet but dark and flavorful. The Caesar was the standard issue. After reminding our waiter 3 times we finally got a bread basket which came with a small bread loaf, thin flat breadsticks with everything seasoning, and small pretzel sticks that were halved. The butter was also a nice touch - whipped butter. Seeing as it was my birthday dinner - I decided to splurge and ordered the special Japanese A5 Wagyu steak - 6oz. The steak melted upon touching the mouth. Highly recommended. Wow. We also added a twice baked potato, and chophouse corn as sides. I liked these as well - the potato was massive. For dessert I ordered the 10 story carrot cake and a cup of coffee. The cake was intense and I liked it a lot. The coffee was botched and the grounds seeped into the coffee and the coffee tasted horrible. Overall - very good. 4/5

Bubble and Berry drink
Noelle L.

Came for a birthday dinner and had a wonderful dining experience! Tried the Berries & Bubbles drink that's handshaken side table. It was sweet and light. Also ordered the Ocean role which was really fresh and good. Our waitress was friendly and knowledgeable about the menu which was nice since it was our first time dining there. She even brought us a free glass of champagne when the cook of the steak wasn't right. The steak was fixed within minutes and we enjoyed our meal, ending with the warm butter cake.

Flavorless Lobster Linguine
Alfredo E.

I had high expectations for Ocean Prime in Washington, DC, but unfortunately the experience did not live up to the reputation or the high prices. Despite having a reservation, we were still made to wait, which was not a great start to the evening. One detail that also stood out was that bread was never brought to our table before the meal, even though we noticed other tables were served bread. The wait for the main course was also much longer than expected. When the food finally arrived, it was disappointing across the board. The sea bass was only half cooked, the Brussels sprouts were burned, and the lobster spaghetti lacked flavor entirely. At that point, we decided not to even bother trying dessert. Service overall was average, nothing particularly attentive or memorable. The dining room is elegant and well decorated, with a stylish atmosphere, though it is a bit dark. Unfortunately, between the loud conversations, background music, and poor acoustics, the space felt much noisier than enjoyable. Given the high prices, the overall experience simply did not justify the cost. With so many excellent dining options in Washington, DC, this is not a place I would recommend.

Kaya E.

Love Ocean Prime the more and more that I come. I almost always sit at the bar and all of the bartenders are great. Super attentive. Constantly moving finished plates away. Keeping your glass filled. And really friendly. It's almost always the same guys there as well and they remember faces. I tried a lot of food from their lounge menu during this visit and everything was delicious. My favorites included the, prime beef sliders, lamb lollipops, crispy fish tacos and the calamari. I also tried the mumbo shrimp and the ocean roll and I thought they were just ok. Probably wouldn't order again. Stop into Ocean Prime for lunch or happy hour. It's beautiful and cozy inside. And parking isn't too bad as well.

Teriyaki Salmon
Fran W.

Stopped in for Winter Restaurant Week 2026 and was not disappointed....the food was great, service was top tier and Ocean Prime is perfect for girls night, date night, or solo outing. I'll be back for their early dinner menu during the week!!!

Spicy Martini
Brenda T.

While in DC we had dinner twice as the service and food were delicious. First dinner we stuck to seafood tried scallops as appetizer able to order a half order. Spicy tuna sushi and fish dinner. Great privacy in booth very good vibes and ambience

Warm butter cake.

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Ocean Prime Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Ocean Prime

Is it a good place for lunch?

They are. They also have a lunch special.

Does Ocean Prime still have their surcharge in place? I believe it was just from Covid/inflation. Just wondering since we haven't been here in a couple years!

Is there a Dress Code?

From the company's website: Please choose attire both polished and suited to our restaurant. Thank… 

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CR NoMa - Swordfish Nicoise Salad

CR NoMa

4.4(223 reviews)
1.5 mi•NoMa
•$$

Went here for a work dinner and didn't know what to expect. Just followed the usual Yelp protocol…read moreand sent it. The place was pretty packed with everything from business to a bridal shower party. I really enjoyed how simple and inviting the place was for conversation. Being with other co-workers, I didn't want that place that I was screaming over everyone to have a conversation. More importantly, it wasn't that 20 year old vibe of being 4 deep at a bar begging for a drink. It was an elevated crowd that wanted a drink after work or a place to decompress. Oddly enough, there was even a guy there who whipped his laptop out to work while drinking and eat at the bar. Kinda different but hey, to each their own. Overall, this was a total win for me as it was still a weekday and exactly what I was looking for. Service at the bar was spot on and overall a secret win that Yelp help guide me towards. If you're in the area and need a post-work venue, I can vouch for this place 100% Food Taste: 5 Overall Service: 5 Value of service/food to cost: 4 Facility: 5 Ambiance: Pretty modern feel with that same take on food and value. Definitely fits the food vibe in the area. Repeat customer: yes Dog Friendly: no

I came here with a friend on a random Friday. It used to be open somewhere else in dc although this…read moreis a new location. It was quite loud when we came in, probably because it was Friday night. The service was great though. They were prompt and open to change, as needed. I ordered the pastrami sandwich, my friend got the flatbread and we shared the cigars. Everything was outstanding. I would definitely come back here again for more items.

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CR NoMa - Seating area near the front of the restaurant

Seating area near the front of the restaurant

CR NoMa - Chicken Kebab

Chicken Kebab

CR NoMa - Tea

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Tea

Free State - Hazy IPA

Free State

4.3(151 reviews)
0.7 mi
•$$

Not to be confused with Free State Distillery in Upper Marlboro (though many also call it Arthur…read moreWheeler Spirits haha), this place is located just off of the main street in chinatown, and it's surprisingly lowkey. It's a basement bar with a bit of a dive vibe, but it's hard to ignore the nautical, blue crab theme throughout. Turns out that one of the owners is a Marylander, which is cool to see reflected in the decor in a place in dc, even though it is next door. They have a happy hour and they have a great variety of drinks in general. It's bring-your-own-food (BYOF) and there are a bunch of delicious looking Asian spots nearby, including upstairs. It didn't start getting crowded until closer to 10, which, as I said, is surprising for this part of town to me. Everywhere in Chinatown is not going to be packed and busy, and this place is here to remind you of that. Stop by if you're looking for a more chill vibe. Staff are pretty cool.

Free State is perfect for a chill bar in the Downtown area. It's exactly the kind of place you want…read moreto share a few drinks and be able to hear the person in front of you. I had a delicious orange crush drink and my friend had a sangria. The bartenders are extremely chill and nice; they only come up when you need it which is nice for good conversation. I'll easily be back when I want to catch up with friends without a speaker blaring in our ears. Great place to introduce to more people!

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Free State - Spiked chocolate

Spiked chocolate

Free State - Bar

Bar

Free State - Small glasses

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Small glasses

Ciel Capitol Hill

Ciel Capitol Hill

4.1(15 reviews)
1.5 mi•NoMa

Omg!! The food was delicious. This was my first time patronizing this restaurant and I was blown…read moreaway. Interestingly enough they have two locations which I did not know. The food at this location was great. The red snapper with the rice and tomatoes was very flavorful. The red snapper could have been cooked a little harder. However, other than that it was great. My friend order the same dish except with salmon. She enjoyed the dish as well but also mentioned that the fish could be cooked harder. We sat at the bar so we didn't get service from the waiter. However, the service from the bartender as great. He was very knowledgeable on the drinks and the food. Unfortunately, I did not get a picture of the drinks. But I ordered a smoked margarita which had a great taste. The ambiance was wonderful. It was very aesthetically please. From the flowers on the ceiling to the rooftop overlooking the Capitol it was great. The roof top provided a chill vibe with low music. It could be a great place for a date night or just a place to go to meet up with friends. I 100% recommend.

Finding a spot open past 10 PM in this area can be tough, so I was glad this rooftop restaurant at…read morethe Marriott Capitol Hill was open until 11 PM. However, the experience started on a rough note. When checking in at the Marriott, the front desk agent was quite rude and incorrectly insisted the restaurant was already closed. The African American guy behind the counter definitely needs some etiquette lessons or at least needs to be trained if he is supposed to be the face of Marriott Capitol Hill. Fortunately, we went up to the rooftop anyway. They seemed short-staffed, but the bartender stepped in to serve us and was absolutely wonderful. Lighting could be better, IMO it's a little too dark for my liking. The food was also a bit hit-or-miss. The sweet chili shrimp appetizer was fabulous, hot, and featured a great portion size. For the entree, I had the Trout a lo Macho. The presentation was beautiful and it arrived piping hot, but unfortunately, the mussels were not cleaned properly and still had dirt in them. For the price, the food could have been a bit more polished, though the portions were appropriate. Pros: Great rooftop views, excellent bartender service, and reasonable on-site parking ($8/hr or $12 for 2 hours, which is great for DC).

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Ciel Capitol Hill
Ciel Capitol Hill
Ciel Capitol Hill

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Bar Betsie - Back area

Bar Betsie

4.3(75 reviews)
1.9 mi

Stopped into Bar Betsie for drinks and snacks and really liked the place. The whole bar has a cool…read moreretro vibe with neon, a disco ball, dark booths, and a long bar that was packed by the time we were there. We grabbed a couple drinks and ordered some snacks while we hung out. The soft pretzel with mustard was good, but the buffalo chicken dip with Cheetos was the winner. It was exactly the kind of over-the-top bar food that works after a couple drinks. The atmosphere is really what makes the place. It was busy and energetic without feeling like a club, and we could still sit, have a drink, and actually talk. Cool spot for cocktails, snacks, and hanging out for a while. Definitely somewhere we'd come back to.

I love the ambiance and service here. I've been a couple times and it's been very consistent. The…read moreinside is dark and moody with a fantastic playlist. I always leave with new songs on my playlist. It is on the smaller side so I wouldn't suggest for a huge group. But if you're looking to grab a cocktail with a few friends or by yourself I definitely recommend. I ordered the Gold Rush! The drink was perfectly sweet and a good intro to bourbon, which I typically don't drink. I can't remember the second drink I got but it was equally delicious. I will note my friend was not a fan of her dirty martini. Overall great experiences.

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Bar Betsie - Quick view of options

Quick view of options

Bar Betsie - Frozen hibiscus pina colada

Frozen hibiscus pina colada

Bar Betsie - A well balanced Old Fashioned

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A well balanced Old Fashioned

The Alchemist DC - Killer Sally

The Alchemist DC

4.2(124 reviews)
1.3 mi•U Street Corridor

When we walked in around 6:45p it was empty. But around 7-7:40pm it started filling up. It's been a…read morelong time since I was back at a true cocktail bar. Cocktails have become trendy and mostly a lazy combination of a spirit, simple syrup and a fancy-sounding ingredient. Not here. Each combination is crafted and tastes delicious. One sign of a good cocktail to me is that it has balanced flavors that somehow combine well together to create complexity that works. It did here. Our bartender was knowledgeable and guided me well after I shared my preferred spirit and flavor profile. The martini I had was off-menu and well prepared. Nostalgia for days of yore when only a handful of places in NYC were known for "cocktails" - not every happy hour menu in town. We did get the happy hour pricing ($12/drink) and yes, 20% gratuity was included. The service was stellar so I would've done that anyways and had no problem with it being mandatory. I will add - someone complained about the incense smells and when I first walked in, it did smell odd. Over time, I saw our bartender switch it out and the second fragrance was more inviting.

Very cool speakeasy type bar with skilled bartenders. They do fun themes such as house of the…read moredragon with smoke bubbles on the drinks. Good place for a one and done drink because they are very expensive... but it is DC so it's expected.

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The Alchemist DC - Bubble machine!

Bubble machine!

The Alchemist DC - Something experimental (no name, yet!)

Something experimental (no name, yet!)

The Alchemist DC - House made!

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House made!

Ocean Prime - seafood - Updated November 2026

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