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All Reader Reviews of...

Oceana

120 W. 49th St., New York, NY, 10020
nr. Sixth Ave.
212-759-5941

Avg. Rating

8
Food: 8
Service: 8
Décor: 9
"Recommended"

Average Reader Rating on a Scale of 10.

86% would go back.

 Write your own review

Personal service that made my night.

By bpresta on 12/7/2012

  • Overall Rating: 8
  • Food: 8
  • Service: 9
  • Décor: 9
  • Yes, I would go back!

I went to Oceana for dinner last night and had a fantastic time. A close family friend's mother has severe food allergies, but our server went out of his way to figure out how to make her a special meal. He spoke with the manager, Ryan, who then worked with a chef to create a unique dish with sole and fennel. Her allergies make eating out a challenge, but they couldn't have been nicer or more accommodating. I was truly touched at how the server, Carlos, wanted to make sure she had a great experience. Beyond that, my scallops were delicious, and everyone enjoyed their dishes (from filet mignon to crab stuffed lobster)! Carlos brought out dessert wine and chocolates to round out a perfect night. I would absolutely recommend Oceana for any formal occasion -- the decor is beautiful and the service was incredibly friendly and helpful.

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8 out of 15 people found this review helpful.

One bad apple

By Nycdude2003 on 8/9/2012

  • Overall Rating: 3
  • Food: 3
  • Service: 2
  • Décor: 7
  • No, I would not go back!

A beautiful ambiance with reasonably good service do not compensate for extremely salty food and a manager Pedro who believes he is doing you a favor by allowing you to eat at his restaurant. One reason for the older crowd may be that the food is made particularly salty or perhaps it is their attempt to get you to drink more like some cheap bar might do with pretzels. And at these prices, hopefully you have your kid's college fund to dip into. In either case, of you have objections, Don't share them or Pedro who apparently is number two in command of the restaurant may charge you for a bottle of wine that he was unwilling to serve because he was "insulted" by us. Furthermore, he charged us for an appetizer as well as a drink that we never ordered. If you are unsatisfied with your meal, realize that if Pedro is there, he is likely not to allow you to get a replacement dish or call the cops if you refuse to pay for the dish even though you were dissatisfied and couldn't get a replacement. I'm never returning to find out.

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14 out of 25 people found this review helpful.

At Oceana you think to yourself, "Why aren't I eating at Esca or Marea right now?"

By scottpsolomon on 7/18/2010

  • Overall Rating: 7
  • Food: 6
  • Service: 9
  • Décor: 9
  • Yes, I would go back!

I used to eat at Oceana about once per week when Raj Dagstani was the sommelier and they were in the old location. Now Oceana has moved into a really magnificent and fun space, and the staff is fantastic. BUT, while the food is sorta fine I guess, if you've been to Marea or Esca a few times you just sorta sit there eating/thinking "what am I doing here?"

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37 out of 88 people found this review helpful.

The best of the best

By ZORBAS on 12/20/2009

  • Overall Rating: 10
  • Food: 10
  • Service: 9
  • Décor: 10
  • Yes, I would go back!

I am avoiding to eat out because most of the times I am desapointed. My experience at Oceana was something else I was so pleased that I will go back. Seems to me those guys they know what they are doing.

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85 out of 166 people found this review helpful.

First-rate

By FatBastard on 7/25/2009

  • Overall Rating: 9
  • Food: 10
  • Service: 7
  • Décor: 7
  • Yes, I would go back!

I had been hesitant to try Oceana because of its price tag, so Restaurant Week seemed like the right opportunity. Interestingly, the restaurant only appeared to be offering the $35 prix fixe menu as they didn't hand us the regular menu. And Oceana did not skimp with the prix fixe selection as many restaurants tend to do -- kudos to management for not treating as second-class citizens diners like the table of college kids in sneakers who would otherwise never have an opportunity to experience Michelin-rated fare. Quality of the tuna/yellowtail poke (essentially tartare) was excellent, and its seasoning expertly balanced. Smoked trout appetizer had great consistency and a delicate flavor. Entree portions of fish are small but on par with Le Bernandin for preparation. Shellfish dish was simple but unobjectionable. The atmosphere is fine, though slightly dingy banquette could use a refresher. Small space can be loud if any one table is boisterous. Service was appropriate and appreciated even if a bit confused a time or two. The meal was one of the best I've had in recent months, and I'll be back for the full-priced menu in due time.

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70 out of 149 people found this review helpful.

Still the best

By pattani on 2/21/2008

  • Overall Rating: 10
  • Food: 10
  • Service: 10
  • Décor: 8
  • Yes, I would go back!

Oceana continues to be my favorite overall restaurant in Manhattan. The food is consistently 'great' and the service excellent. I eat out 3 to 5 times a week and although there are other great restaurants in this city, this one has never disappointed. My only criticism is that the crowd it draws is an older bunch and more formal than a younger hipper crowd. Refined dining for refined tastebuds. Every item on the menu is exceptional and that comes from someone who has eaten here 20+ times.

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135 out of 273 people found this review helpful.

A seafarer's delight.....

By markedwardphoto on 12/16/2005

  • Overall Rating: 10
  • Food: 10
  • Service: 10
  • Décor: 10
  • Yes, I would go back!

If you love sea food and incredible wines then this is the place to be. Every dish is made perfectly. The decor is nautical and fun. It is elegant, so don't wear jeans. The food is some of the best in NYC, and you pay for it! Magnificant wine list as well. Highly recommende.

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376 out of 767 people found this review helpful.

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