Ocean Prime Sarasota — Restaurant in Sarasota

A Truly Exceptional Dining Experience

Dining at Ocean Prime Sarasota was an absolute highlight and exceeded every expectation. From the moment I arrived, the atmosphere struck the perfect balance between refined elegance and relaxed comfort, making it an ideal spot for both a celebratory night out and a casual upscale dinner.

What really stood out, however, was the service, specifically at the bar. Fred was nothing short of phenomenal. Friendly, engaging, and incredibly knowledgeable, he took the time to ask what I enjoyed and offered thoughtful recommendations that went far beyond the standard. Every suggestion was spot-on, whether it was the perfect cocktail to start with or the ideal wine pairing to complement our meal. You could tell they genuinely cared about ensuring each guest had a memorable experience, and his enthusiasm for both the food and drinks menu was contagious.

The cocktails were crafted with precision and flair, beautifully balanced and layered with flavor. Combined with attentive yet never intrusive service, it created a sense of personal connection that made the evening feel special.

Of course, the food was outstanding, beautifully presented, expertly prepared, and every bite bursting with flavor. But it was the personalized attention and stellar recommendations from Fred the bartender that elevated the evening from a great dinner to an unforgettable experience.

Ocean Prime Sarasota delivers across the board: exquisite cuisine, a stunning atmosphere, and service that sets the bar for excellence. This restaurant doesn’t just serve meals, it...

We chose this restaurant to celebrate our 5-year wedding anniversary after hearing they go above and beyond for special occasions. When we arrived, the table was nicely set and we were welcomed with two small complimentary glasses of champagne, which we appreciated and thought was a lovely gesture.

However, the rest of the experience left us disappointed. We spent around $350 for two cocktails, ann appetizer, and two entrées (filet mignon and salmon), 2 sides without ordering dessert. Later, we found out from a friend that couples celebrating anniversaries are offered a complimentary dessert—something our server never mentioned. We were also never informed that the pricey sides (around $15 each) could be ordered in half portions, which felt like an important omission, especially given how large the portions and price tags are….

We still tipped about $65, hoping to support the staff, but left feeling underwhelmed and honestly a bit misled. What added to the frustration was my attempt to call and speak with a manager to provide feedback and give our server, Bryan, the benefit of the doubt. Unfortunately, I was met with a dismissive response from the hostess, who said they were busy and would call back. It’s been a month, and no one has followed up……

Overall, the experience didn’t match the high price tag or our expectations for a special night. The food and service were just okay, and with so many great restaurants in Sarasota, I would recommend exploring other options if you’re looking for a truly memorable...

Writing this review has me more torn than a well-cooked short rib. The meal deserved recognition, but a few elements left me wondering what could’ve been.

We started with the scallop and short rib appetizer-a surf & turf duo with potential. The scallop, while perfectly seared, was just a pinch shy of the salt it needed to sing. Then came my entrée: the grouper dinner. The fish? Incredibly fresh. The gnocchi? Let’s just say less would’ve been more. Either that or the gnocchi needed to downsize to bite-sized pillows.

Now, let me pause here to share a public service announcement: if you even like lobster mac and cheese, order the $45 side. I consider myself a lobster mac connoisseur.., yes, it’s a self-appointed title, but a well-earned one and this dish was worth every decadent, buttery, cheesy bite. Trust me, your arteries might not thank you, but your soul will.

The cocktails were equally impressive, though the dry ice option fizzled out a bit for me. I expected a show-stopper, but the flavors fell flat. My partner had the sea bass and practically licked the plate clean, which I’ll take as a glowing endorsement.

Looking back, I left full, happy, and without dessert. Maybe that’s where the confusion lies. Ending a meal without a sweet finale just feels unfinished. Or maybe I’m just being dramatic. Either way, it’s a spot I’d return to…especially for that...