Ocean Prime – Buckhead
Atlanta has no shortage of good steakhouses, from traditional (Bones) to chef-driven (Kevin Rathbun Steak) to luxurious (Ruth’s Chris). But, lately, a new class of steakerys has put a twist on the traditional staid white tablecloth experience. Attracting a younger demographic with modern décor, funky cocktails and an expanded menu focus, Ocean Prime fits this category perfectly.
My husband and I had an 8 o’clock reservation on a recent Saturday night. When we arrived, the place was buzzing—not an empty table to be seen and a handful of wannabe patrons waiting in the foyer. We were informed that the kitchen was running a little behind, and after 30 minutes, we were escorted to the bar for complimentary drinks—pineapple fusion fruity goodness for me and an oh-so-refreshing cucumber gimlet for him.
We managed to snag a seat on one of the black leather banquets near the piano player who kept the atmosphere lively with a mix of crowd favorites. Called the Blu Lounge, the bar area offers a contemporary locale for mingling and taking the edge off without being overly intimate.
After another 30 minutes, we were finally escorted to the dining room, where modern fixtures, clean lines, and blue and yellow overtones create a fun, unexpected aesthetic. The manager immediately came over with another round of cocktails to wash away the woes of our hour-long wait. (It worked.) The signature berries and bubbles beverage attracted attention from those dining around us, as the dry ice in it bubbled and steamed—a fun novelty.
We sunk our teeth into warm bread—crispy on the outside with a soft center and a slight asiago flavor—and perused the menu. The house salad (romaine, spinach, Granny Smith apples, goat cheese crumbles and walnuts with sherry mustard vinaigrette) was light and sweet. My husband loved the French onion soup made with brandy and served with aged Swiss melted over the top.
Entrée choices were more difficult. With a menu evenly balanced between steak and seafood, we knew we had to get one of each. My husband was torn between the pork porterhouse and the filet, while I pondered ginger salmon, sea scallops and Chilean sea bass. Ultimately, we chose the filet with green peppercorn sauce and sea bass, and both were delicious. The center of the filet was a bit undercooked for my husband’s liking but by the time he reached it, he was full anyway. The sea bass was topped with flavorful spices, complemented by a light buttery sauce. With it, we enjoyed steamed broccoli and a sweet Persian-inspired rice pilaf.
The meal concluded with my favorite, chocolate peanut butter pie. Creamy with an Oreo crust, it was the ideal end to a superb evening—one well worth the wait.
Go for: All dates (Blu Lounge) and special occasions (main dining room)
What to know: On-site valet parking is complimentary.
Price: $25-$42 per entree
Contact: 3102 Piedmont Rd. N.E. | 404-846-0505 | www.oceanprimeatlanta.com
Berries and Bubbles Cocktail photo courtesy of The Reynolds Group
