Ocean Prime - Chicago

Review summary

1. E

   Enrique

   VIP

   Vancouver

   12 reviews

   3.0

   12 reviews

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 3

   They ask for early arrival and they took almost 80 minutes to give us the table. All the lady hostess where very rude. The food and the service excellent.
   

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2. T

   Tatiana

   Chicago

   11 reviews

   4.0

   11 reviews

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 4

   We had a reservation for 10 PM on December 31 for 6 people. When I booked, the restaurant staff called to confirm the reservation. They emphasized their grace period is 15 minutes and that our entire party needed to be present to be seated. We agreed and confirmed. We arrived at 9:55 PM, but upon arrival, we were informed that there were several parties ahead of us and that we would be called shortly. We were escorted to the hotel lobby, where many others were also waiting for their reservations. Despite arriving on time, we waited for over an hour and were repeatedly told that our table was not ready. Frustrated, I finally approached one of the staff members to ask if we were going to spend New Year’s Eve in the hotel lobby or if we’d actually be seated at our table. About 5–7 minutes later, we were finally called and seated—over an hour past our reserved time. That said, we ended up enjoying our evening. Our table had a great view, allowing us to see and enjoy the fireworks. We also received complimentary glasses of champagne for the midnight countdown, which was a nice touch. Despite the chaos, our waiter did a good job. We appreciated that he made it clear multiple times that a 20% gratuity was already included, so there was no confusion about tipping. As for the food: •The lobster pasta was amazing. •The lobster bisque was too “lobstery” and somewhat greasy. •The French onion soup was good but overly salty. •The steak, which cost over $60, was bland and didn’t come with any sides or sauce, which was disappointing. •The cocktails were pretty decent. • Oyster were amazing. Tasted fresh. • Ocean roll also very good. In the end, while the initial experience was frustrating, we were happy with the service and the overall celebration.
   

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3. Q

   Qiana

   Chicago

   10 reviews

   4.0

   10 reviews

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   It was a great overall NYE dinner. We didn’t get seated til 40 min after our reservation. However, they gave guest complimentary champagne and put us by a window which was nice. My chops were good but the truffle Mac cheese was lukewarm and tasted like Kraft out the box. The twin lobster tails were cooked to perfection. Chefs kiss to that!
   

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4. R

   Rose

   VIP

   Chicago

   19 reviews

   4.0

   19 reviews

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 5

   The food and service from our waiter was great, we came for NYE but we had to about 45 mins for our table. This was unfortunate because we had some place planned after that we missed due to the extreme delay of seating guest.
   

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5. L

   Leah

   Houston

   7 reviews

   5.0

   7 reviews

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Outstanding!!! I’d recommend this place to anyone!
   

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6. P

   Patrice

   New York City

   2 reviews

   3.0

   2 reviews

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 4

   It was NYE however they over booked called a couple days early to say they are strictly enforcing 15 minute rule for late arrivals so your reservation would be cancelled. Then got there and waited 45mins after our reservation. They offered champagne but only 1/2 the party received. I expected better service from Ocean Prime, especially being an upscale restaurant. Quite disappointed they should figure out what to do next time for major holidays high reservations and normal holiday traffic.
   

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7. J

   Jill

   VIP

   Chicago

   8 reviews

   3.0

   8 reviews

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 3

   New Years Eve 7p reservation. Upon check in, we’re cattle called as a group to the hotel lobby to wait. When we were called to be seated (30 minutes late), our name and party size were shouted out loud, more reminiscent of a diner situation rather than an upscale dining experience. Our server at table was terrific and so was the food. But the Bar and kitchen was backed up so everything was slow. Chicago Prime is a great restaurant, but I would recommend taking less reservations on a busy night like NYE. And to rethink the check in and wait experience. (Perhaps move check in to the hotel lobby???). And with these tweaks, make their New Years experience truly special for the guests.
   

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8. G

   Gary

   VIP

   Chicago

   33 reviews

   4.0

   33 reviews

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   We came for an early NYE dinner and Ocean Prime was stellar as always! My companion had her favorite Berries & Bubbles (their signature cocktail) while I opted for their spicy margarita, the Picante Pineapple. For starters, she chose her favorite Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli while I opted for French Onion Soup, which is highly recommended by other reviewers on this site (both in Chicago and other locations) and it was one of the best that I have had outside of France - not too salty, with a hint of smokiness from a splash of brandy like they do in Grenoble! My companion is a light eater and opted for the crabcake as her main course while I opted for the lobster linguine despite the attraction of the night's special Chilean sea bass with crab meat and potatoes au gratin. Too full for dessert, we did end off with espresso. Our server Charles was the consummate professional and the rest of the team backed him up wonderfully. Always great to be back at Ocean Prime Chicago!
   

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9. S

   Shannon

   Chicago

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   The food was fantastic. I find a lot of steakhouses downtown really overdue their sides (and steaks) with WAY too much garlic. This place did not. And everything tasted as it should, no sauces needed. Excellent service, ambiance, and even the filet (rare plus) cooked to perfection, grouper was excellent, truffle Mac and cheese was NOT FULL OF GARLIC but seasoned to perfection (loved the truffle taste). Charlie was our waited and he was great! Thanks again.
   

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10. N

    Naomi

    VIP

    Dallas

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3

    Our server was phenomenal, but the wait time to get a table was ridiculous when we arrived and checking in to our reservation was also a hassle.  But as mentioned, our server was amazing and she was a delight, and the food was also great. 
    

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