Ocean Prime — Restaurant in Philadelphia

I dined at Ocean Prime on 2/24/24. It wasn't my first time dining there and it was actually one of my favorite restaurants in the city until my experience last night. There was a piece of glass the size of a 50 cent piece in my drink. I was actually horrified to learn that glass was in my drink. The piece of glass blended in with the ice that was in the drink until I actually felt it as I drank the drink. I felt the sharpness and hardness of the glass on the inner part of my lip and on my tongue, which made me pull it out of my mouth. I was in shock in that moment as I held the piece of glass in my hand, all of the possibilities that could have happened if I didn't quickly pull it out of my mouth flashed in my mind, and I thought if it was a smaller piece, I would have actually swallowed it and serious damage could have been done on my insides. The waiter was actually standing at our table clearing it for our next course when I pulled the glass out of my mouth. He too was horrified. He immediately took the drink away from me and he expressed that that has never happened before. He was apologetic and asked he if I wanted another drink at no cost to me. I declined the drink as I sat still in shock and disbelief. At this point my family and I were ready to leave. We waited for awhile for someone to return to our table. The General Manager (Ryan McLoughlin) came over introduced himself, asked me a few questions about the incident, and gave me the phoniest apology ever. I felt like I was in the middle of a motion picture with a horrible actor. I felt totally disregarded and I thought to myself "this dude doesn't give a "F" about what just happened to me!" He didn't offer to compensate me in any way, comp my meal, give me a gift card or something for a paid meal on my next visit! Nothing! All they did was offer us a free drink or another side dish, and the General Manager gave us his business card, stating if we need anything in the future when we dine there again, just ask for him. He didn't seem to consider this a serious matter at all. I just would not expect an establishment with the caliber of Ocean Prime to handle the incident as they did, nonchalantly, with lack of genuine concern, and no offer to make things right in anyway, other than offering us another drink. Do you think that I want another drink after that experience! After having this experience it makes me not want to dine out anymore. Maybe if I would have became irate or made a fuss the outcome would have been different. But I should not have to behave in that manner in order to be treated as if what happened to me (which was the fault of their staff) was a serious concern, and to be regarded as valuable customer. I was really traumatized by...

READ THIS BEFORE BOOKING: Visited: 2/13/25 If you are reading this; I do not know what happened to Ocean Prime during my experience but these 5 star reviews are either paid, lying, or both. After seeing nothing but five stars, I decided to book a reservation for my wife and I. I kid you not as we walk in there is a CROWD out angry people waiting for valet, and I quote “Order your valet before you sit so if can get here by the time youre done eating” was yelled at us as a friendly warning, but we did not take heed to their irritation of the service because we did not drive. Our reservation that I booked through open table’s recommendation was at 9PM, and we were not seated until 10 maybe. We were sat at the bar while our table was “being prepared” for an hour. I am Autistic and am terribly uncomfortable sitting on high top tables which is why specifically chose against sitting when booking my reservation. Moreover, we ordered margaritas, and our bar tab was $75 for two margaritas that we only ordered because we were waiting for our table; Nonsense, but at this point at about 10:20PM while waiting for a 9PM table in a TWO FLOOR restaurant, we were so hungry. We get seated, and continue to wait while we watch servers put on their coats to leave, as they are clearly outnumbered. While waiting to even meet our server, we look around and see nothing but unhappy faces and empty tables. Murmurs about the quality, but nothing being done by Ocean Prime. I was sat by the kitchen and watched the food be made just to sit under the lamps as the servers just left. Pitifully, gave us a bread basket with one piece of bread ripped in half for us to have one slither each after being forcefed popcorn at the bar. That was our last straw, we saw people who were waiting when we ARRIVED still have no food. Kid you not we ordered UberEats to beat us home, and we left without tasting a bite of food other than snacks really. We decided to cut our losses with the margs, and honestly, once again, if you are reading this; I do not know what happened to Ocean Prime during my experience but these 5 star reviews are either paid, lying, or both. I HIGHLY recommend Buddakan for higher class dining in Philadelphia, or Del Frisco’s if you want similar menu items but much better ingredients. 0/10 Ocean Prime. Go birds!

Pictured is the peasant popcorn that accompanied $35...

First and foremost, I’d like to take this opportunity to personally thank the entire Ocean Prime Center City Phila staff as a whole! From Jerome the general manager, to Adhemar, Nick, Kemani, & Emily who provided my family the absolute BEST dining experience we’ve ever enjoyed - words cannot express how grateful I am for your level of dedication, professionalism, & hospitality. Thank you!!!

And last but not least - to the sales & events manager Nick Outlaw, you are a ROCKSTAR!!!

Now, as far as the review:

Tucked perfectly in the heart of Center City Philadelphia lies the most impressive restaurant in the city.

From the time I exited my Uber my family and I were treated like absolute royalty. If you don’t prefer being dropped off, valet is available along with self parking options as close as across the street! Having worked prior with Mr Outlaw to reserve a room for my family dinner we were whisked away upon arrival and seated promptly. Adhemar and his team introduced themselves and discussed the evening’s menu with precision and great knowledge. Throughout the entire evening, they navigated a table of chaos masterfully! Each member of the crew listened intently to each family member’s request and in each instance, went above and beyond to blow our minds with their service!

Taking the advice of Mr Jerome, we enjoyed the dynamite rolls as well as a few seafood towers for starters. They were as advertised & a BIG hit amongst the family. A round of “Berries & Bubbles” gave my us a cool moment to have our “Instagram Moment”. Lol. The staff was kind enough to bring non-alcoholic versions of the drink so that the kids could participate in the fun!

Dinner was amazing. I looked on at some of the entree options others chose and realized that I absolutely must return to try them all!

As the planner of the dinner (and by default, the one who had to ensure everything went smoothly), I regret that I didn’t take more time to take photos and enjoy the magnificent experience that Ocean Prime offered. But that only serves as motivation to return quickly and experience the hospitality many times more.

If you live or are visiting the Philadelphia/New Jersey area and are anywhere near Ocean Prime Center City, do yourself a favor and visit as quickly as you can. It will raise the bar on what you should expect from a night out...