The Oceanaire Seafood Room (Seafood)

4.3 out of 5 based on 150 ratings | about our ratings

Location Info

400 J St
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 858-2277

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Restaurant Tags

fresh, gaslamp, seafood, top chef
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Comment card by Jeff-A
Jeff-A (392)
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  (1.67 overall)
Reviewed on 11/10/2011


After hearing all the hype surrounding Oceanaire, I decided to give it a try for restaurant week to see what all the fuss is about. I don't know if it was because of the high volume or the fact that it was restaurant week (which is really no excuse for that caliber of a restaurant), but the food was terrible. Improperly cooked, bad taste/texture combinations and overpriced seafood all set in a faux-upper scale bistro that comes off looking more like a converted office space with a bar. To be fair, I did not eat the coveted scallops or any of the oyster bar, but I doubt I will go back to find out.

I couldn't even imagine going to this establishment at full price, I would have had to speak to a manager - and I still maintain that if you are looking for a good eating experience, downtown is one of the worst places to go.




Comment card by Ginger
Ginger (195)
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  (5 overall)
Reviewed on 1/26/2011


I have heard the hype surrounding Oceanaire, and I finally tried it out. I have to say it is all true. The food is superb, delicious and cooked perfectly. The crab cakes were the stand out plate of the night, but the black and blue tuna I had was excellent as well. I was not so much a fan of the calamari, it was cut too thin and was on the tough side.




Comment card by jeph
jeph (1878)
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  (5 overall)
Reviewed on 2/8/2009


OK, I haven't been to every seafood restaurant in downtown San Diego, but I'm still confident in making this statement. Oceanaire is the best fish joint in the area.

I went their for the 3rd time tonight for dinner. The service, like every other time I was there was amazing. The bartenders actually remembered who I was (I admit, I'm a pretty good tipper, but I haven't been there in several months). I went with their recommendations for the entire night and wasn't disappointed one bit.

I started with the blue crab cocktail...a chilled bowl of giant crab lumps served with a trio of sauces. Not quite as good as the crabcake, but amazing nonetheless.

Next up I had the "angry" scallops. Now, I would never have ordered this, but I asked for a recommendation, and the this one was offered passionately. It's a spicy dish, but the scallops are so buttery, the flavors balance perfectly. On the side...hash browns (Oceanaire style--this means with bacon, onions, and Tabasco). Even the small portion is a huge amount of food. I'll be nipping at that for the next few days. To wrap it up, I went with the warm cookies with milk.

Again, not a direction I would normally have taken, but the quintessential complement to a great dinner. Wash that down with a glass of 2% and muscat (not together) and you've capped off a brilliant culinary offering.

Oceanaire is great. I know it's a chain, but for seafood, it's definitely my first choice (bear in mind, I haven't been to Nobu or Ostera). Service, food, and atmosphere are second to none and I have yet to have a less than stellar experience. That's my two cents.



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It seems these dishes have yet to tantalize or ensicken any of our foodies.

FROM THE OWNER

Sleek and sophisticated, The Oceanaire provides the perfect setting to enjoy the freshest seafood flown in daily from around the world.

Our knowledgeable staff will delight you with exceptional service — guiding you through the wide variety of items on our menu and helping you select the perfect wine to complement your meal. You'll find out why The Oceanaire has been voted one of the best seafood restaurants in the country.

ABOUT THE RESTAURANT

  • Waiter Service: Yes
  • Reservations: Recommended
  • Outdoor Seating: No
  • Attire: Business Casual
  • Parking: Street,Valet
  • Noise Level: Vibrant
  • Pet Friendly: No
  • Smoking Allowed: No
  • Function Rooms: Yes
  • Alcohol: Full Bar
  • Has Bar or Lounge: Yes

ABOUT THE BAR/LOUNGE

  • Pool Table: No
  • Dart Board: No
  • Television: Yes
  • Happy Hour: Yes

ACTIVITY STATISTICS

Food Rating 4 based on 70 ratings
Service Rating 4 based on 6 ratings
Atmosphere Rating 3.57 based on 7 ratings
Menu Item Rating 4.05 based on 64 ratings
Best Menu Item Grilled Cape Neddick Sea Scallops
Positive List Appearances 2
Negative List Appearances none
Number of Locations 15