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Categories: Seafood, Steakhouses, Fish & Chips
1300 Nicollet Avenue
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Oh. my. word. Ate here with part of my family last night and it was absolutely divine. Started out with the giant seafood sampler - had a little trouble with our lobster deciding to luge down the ice mountain into a water glass on the table but it was funny and not anyone's fault but our own. Even got 99% of the table to eat oysters on the half shell. Probably 50% would do it again but hey, it isn't for everyone! The sauces to compliment the food were lovely as well.
Salads all around for us - I had the duck confit and spinach salad with pine nuts, craisins, some variety of blue cheese, and a light raspberry vinagrette which I figured was rolling the dice at a seafood joint but was pleasantly surprised. I had one little bundle of odd stuff in there but I pulled it aside and continued on - polished off the whole plate. Other folks had the BLT salad to rave reviews, I didn't try it so no feedback here. I was too focused on my duck deliciousness.
I had the scallops for dinner - tender, sweet, still a touch gritty but not terrible, perfectly seared, served in a garlic butter sauce. I had to take some home and will have to serve them cold lest I wreck the perfect done-ness. We had sides of squash, creamed corn, and au gratin potatoes. All were well recieved by the members of the table.
Dessert - oh my. HUGE portions. I'm not kidding folks when I say that the cheesecake comes with a steak knife, the apple crisp comes with 2 huge scoops of cinnamon ice cream (which, due to the unfortunate placement of the scoops, prompted giggles from our table as they very much appeared in shape and color to resemble a much oggled part of the female form), and the banana cream pie my husband and I split could easily have served 4. All were outstanding.
Service was delightful. I love it when you go somewhere and dinner IS the evening's entertainment. Our waiter was funny, able to read our table and knew that he could get away with some slightly off kilter jokes and we'd laugh, and tremendously knowledgeable about the menu and flavors contained in it. We were able to dine at our own pace and there was no hit of trying to rush us out the door - sign of a waiter who understands that the longer you linger, the more cocktails you'll order and the bigger the tip will be! He wasn't mistaken. 3 hours passed in no time whatsoever. The only thing that was a disappointment is that, at 11, there were few people in the restaurant, and next to nobody out on the street. Apparently us Minnesotans are early to bed, early to rise-rs.
The food is good, not exceptional, but solid and consistently good.
My biggest issue with this place is that the servings are too big. And when you're paying $30 for an entree, wasting any of it sucks. But since fish doesn't make great leftovers, wasting it is the only option.
And I found the space a little sad. I don't know if it was a factor of the recession, Manny's no longer being next door, or something else, but it had a kind of "has been" feel to me.
The next time I want a fancy seafood dinner, I'll go to Sea Change.
My SIL talked us into taking my MIL here when she retired.
While I thought the food was excellent. I did not much care for the prices to go with it. Ala carte as well. The sides were as much as entrees at many restaurants.
My impression is you pay a premium for the "ambiance" of the place. I did not think it was all that and a bag of chips. There are quite a number of restaurants in the Twin Cities serving superb food. No need to gouge anyone.
The bill for the four of us (one drink each) was close to $400. I could have fed my whole family for two months with that money.
I will shell out some coin for good food, but this restaurant doesn't rate the expense to me.
There are more worthwhile places for a great night out.
The atmosphere is great, service is great, but the food is average compared to the price.
-Irene Suwarno
Fabulous place for seafood in the twin cities. Fun, retro atmosphere that you feel ok dressing up or casual.
Great crab cakes! Most everything I've had there has been very good. I don't care for the appetizer platter they bring out with herring etc on it. Otherwise, I really can't complain.
I probably shouldn't be writing my review while still inebriated but I am also high from such a wonderful dining experience... not just a meal but an experience that I feel I must share.
Michelle M. made my dining at Oceanaire an experience. She was astute and opinionated on her recommendations with welcoming advice and sincerity. How often do you get a waitress with a witty, fun attitude and 2 Sommelier levels completed?? ... Me. Never.
She even was kind enough to introduce me to the neighboring table... was it a double date night or pay day? either way I was mesmerized by the red head... my Kryptonite.
Traveling on business I am resigned to dine alone but not at the expense of my palate.
And tonight my taste buds danced happily.
The amuse-bouche was supposed to be spicy tuna tartar on a chip but it was mostly just raw tuna on a chip without the spicy... go out on a limb on this one and make it a little more spicy.
The raw sampler was interesting and unexpected. I never had pickled herring; it was tasty, but don't know that I need to taste it again. Frankly the raw plate is sooo pickled it can numb your taste buds so I tried to avoid eating too much.
The bread had an amazing crust. Crunchy with sprinklings of rock salt to bedazzle your buds. Perfect if only it could have been sliced a little less chunky.
I opted for the prix-fix menu and was delighted with my choices.
The oyster sampler had 1 East and 1 West oyster each .... sadly, but they were fine choices; I love oysters. I wished for more but who needs an aphrodisiac when you are alone?!?
I also opted to add a house salad and was delighted with the Oceanaire House dressing. De-lic-ous~!!! Apple cider vinegar, little egg, capers, and... wish I knew to recreate at home.
For the main course, I had the corn crusted trout with what looked like cubes of roasted root vegetables. I was desiring greens and ordered the asparagus with hollandaise on the side... luckily you also have a choice of spinach, Broccolini, and i think Brussels sprouts. The asparagus was tasty, light and fresh. Yum. The Corn Crusted Trout was good but .... well forgettable... nothing wow but a solid good.
For the finale, I ordered a 10yr Grahams Port and the chocolate mousse. Not the best pairing. The port needed a darker chocolate or the mousse needed a lighter dessert wine. My mistake. I did practically like the mousse dish so I wasn't put out too much by my mistake.
Overall, a great dining experience. The prix-fixe is a great way to experience some great seafood on a meager budget but splurge a little to really enjoy your evening.
I am looking forward to returning with my clients.
Seafood was excellent and fresh. The chef even gave us a few amuse-bouches in between. Get the flaming pie dessert! It was sponge cake with pumpkin ice cream and absolutely amazing!
The first restaurant on our first Restaurant Week jaunt did not disappoint. Minnesotans are not accustomed to a small Midwestern seafood restaurant chain, Mitchell's Fish Market, but I can vouch that I definitely got a similar vibe. Think luxury ocean liner, Deco era, swanky service and crooners piped in through the audio system...yeah, like Titanic before it went down. The Oceanaire may do it just a little better, even.
We parked in the hotel lot off Nicollet - too bad the restaurant can't validate - and walked straight into the restaurant level. I'd made reservations for later on in the evening but we were starving and showed up early. I'm glad that we did, because the place filled up not long after that and we probably would have ended up waiting. The front staff were extremely friendly and polite, and of course there's coat check at a joint like this! Our waitstaff was EXCELLENT - our waiter was good, but the server was beyond amazing, clearing plates, cleaning our table, refilling water and replacing our silverware almost before I could comprehend the need.
The food was uneven. We opted to get a crab cake to start, because I just don't turn down crab cakes, and that ended up being the favorite dish of our meal. I loved my house salad with Green Goddess dressing (ohhhh how I loooooooooooooove GG dressing) and the crudite tray with pickled herring was also yummy. They serve the biggest knuckle of sourdough bread ever. Sadly, our main dish of marlin was not up to par with the rest of the meal - dry and tough, and not even the jicama slaw could rescue it - but I found a little solace with my dessert of a pecan ball (vanilla ice cream scoop coated with pecans and luxuriating in a pool of caramel and hot chocolate...o.m.g.) and a few bites of hubby's chocolate chip cookies and milk.
The wine pours are SERIOUS here, and my pre-dinner cocktail packed a punch. All in all, it was quite a blow-out for an average Monday night, but like the Titanic, we may as well go down in style...We'll be back to sample some of the more typical offerings.
The Oceanaire is by far my favorite restaurant in the Twin Cities. True, it is expensive, but it is worth setting a little cash aside each week to splurge on their delicious sea food! Every time I have gone I have had exceptional service. With each bite of food, I find my self unable to help the "Mmmmm!" that escapes. Try the Maui Maui! Just trust me!
Placed reservation for 8:30 on the day before. Arrived at 8:20. Hostess said they were a little behind and could we wait outside or in the bar. We waited outside for over and hour. No communication at all from the hostess or anyone else.
We were not alone outside and were not alone in our frustration, as several couples were there when we stepped outside and they were still outside over an hour later when we walked back in to get my wife's jacket so we could leave. Interestingly I looked over the dining area as we walked out and saw several open tables.
Never again, and anyone without hours to wait should strongly consider a different restaurant in my opinion.
I had dinner here with my four "wives". It was fantastic! How did I come by four wives and not being from Texas? It began with the server congratulating us on our "anniversary". One of the menu's said "Happy 25th Anniversary" on it. Not missing a beat, I thanked her and said the women present were my wives who all heartily agreed!
While we didn't get any anniversary dessert, we did dine on some delicious food. The grilled romaine salad is half a head of romaine lettuce grilled till slightly wilted. It's covered with a chili ranch dressing and sliced avocados. The mouth feel and taste was a great contrast.
For an entree, I had Maryland softshell crabs. Dredged in Panko bread crumbs and fried, each bite was a little bit of heaven. One of my "wives" had the fresh trout which looked great, done simply with olive oil, salt and lemon. Another "wife" had the soft shell crab BLT , escargot and one crab cake for her entree.
We ordered two sides, family style to share. Fresh beets glazed with balsamic vinegar and the creamed corn which is a house specialty. The corn is fresh and is in a light cream sauce. The sweetness of the corn is complimented by the cream sauce's subtle seasonings.
The service was outstanding. The wait staff works as team. I knew we were off to a good start when one server lent me some "cheaters" (non-prescription reading glasses) so I could read the menu as the font was too small for easy reading. Our server was knowledgeable about the menu, attentive without being overbearing.
You pay for this excellence though. Everything is ala carte. We had two bottles of wine with our meal. The bill without tip was $363 for five people. Luckily, my "wives" didn't insist I pay for the entire meal and we split it evenly. Definitely a place to come back to!
As means of celebration, my fiance and I recently dined at Oceanaire. It was my fiance's first time at the restaurant, as he is from Guatemala and just recently moved here. I had eaten there previously, but never at the one in Minneapolis. The fish was as outstanding as I remembered and the sides made me drool. My fiance opted for the Pork Chop since we had fish the previous night. I was a bit skeptical of his decision; I don't love Pork Chops and Oceanaire is the "Seafood Room" for a reason. That said, I would return any day of the week to eat pork in this "Seafood Room." It was hands down the best Chop I have ever tried and far superior to my scallops.
The reason I only gave Oceanaire 4 stars instead of 5 was due to the location and ambiance. The stale hotel entrance was less than desirable and the harsh florescent lighting made for a less romantic evening.
Our Menu
Champaign
Crab Cakes
Scallops with Garlic
Pork Chops
Creamed Corn
Mashed Potatoes
Baked Alaska
Great service, generous wine pourings, fantastic oysters...yet when the main course came - so called fresh....it was off. I mean fishy. Sad, because otherwise this would be a great place. A high end seafood restaurant with bad fish. Turned me off so I doubt I 'd go back.
Restaurants that combine great service and fantastic food, what more could you ask for?
Oh wait, what about having [I redacted this line as a precautionary measure]
I ended up shelling $77 for dinner here. Got myself a 'small' shellfish sampler for $45, and a side of creamed corn and some weird Asian green beans.
Let's talk food first:
Shellfish sampler included: A metal bowl with shrimp, oysters, Alaskan king crab, and 'garnished' with a lobster tail. The oysters were so fresh and so clean (clean). And each bite of the crab brought me to tears. (Okay fine, not literally, but it was damn close). The shrimp and lobster were both solid. I'm not the biggest fan of lobster, so I'm not the most reliably lobster critic. The sampler came with four sauces, included cocktail with horseradish sauce.
The creamed corn side was delicious. On par with the creamed corn from Lawry's. The Asian green beans weren't that great. The only low point of the meal.
The Service: The waiters were all extremely attentive and friendly. Always quick to refill water and make friendly banter. There were two highlights regarding the service.
1) I wanted to use the little boy's room. I asked one of the waiters, and he responded, 'Follow me!'. And he proceeded to escort me all the way to the bathroom! (not into the bathroom itself mind you, but just to the door)
2) At the end of my meal, they provided a hot towel. Pretty standard for a restaurant of this caliber (wow that sounded snobby), but the kicker was that they brought out the rolled-up hot towel on a metal plate with a slice of lemon. Before handing me the towel, the waiter squeezed the lemon onto the towel. CLASSY!
This place is highly recommended, if you're in Minneapolis (and have money to burn), go here.
I probably should proofread this review, but I'm watching the Team USA Basketball Olympic Finals.
I've lived in Seattle for the last few years, so upon coming back my sister took me to Oceanaire for a night out. First of all, it was just as fresh as any thing I've ever gotten in Seattle at the Fisherman's Terminal. It hurts me to say also, that Oceanaire has the BEST crab cake I have ever had!
Now for the bad news, WOW is this place expensive. I mean I realize I'm in the midwest, but YIKES!
This is our stand-by, Minneapolis, "let's celebrate" restaurant. I've never had a bad meal or a bad dish here. Love the oysters on the half-shell with a vodka martini. I've lost count as to how many times I've been with large business groups, family, friends, and yes, even by myself. I've even gotten take-out from here and it was great! They put the air freight tags on the wall as the fish is flown in daily direct from the West Coast. I almost forgot to mention the crab cakes: yes, they are the best. Better then the ones in St. Michael's, MD where you can watch the crabs being sold off the boat.
This is definitely some of the best fine seafood dining in the Twin Cities. Located in the hotel on the second floor it is not accessible from street level. I recommend using the hotel parking garage right next door (parking not validated) and take the elevator right down to the restaurant level (across the hall from Manny's Steak House).
Oceanaire has a fantastic throwback atmosphere that is hard to beat. Call ahead if you are going for a birthday or anniversary and they will provide you with a special menu and a desert at the end of your meal.
The wait staff is well trained and seasoned at describing the fantastic selection of fish and other seafood dishes. Additionally many have a good palette and can recommend a wine pairing for your meal.
Although I have not eaten at the oyster bar I have had a variety of their oyster selection and you can't go wrong if you like oysters. I have to highly recommend the Escargot being presented in a little ceramic dish with garlic butter and a tiny pastry atop. This one can be that memorable taste for someone that is unsure because it is such a fantastic presentation.
Selecting a protein for a main course can be a challenge at Oceanaire. The daily list of fresh seafood abounds with selection besides the good old standby of Lobster and some beef dishes. Recently I tried the Moon fish prepared ala Oscar (crab and hollandaise) and it was almost a bit too rich for me. If you can get it I can't but help recommend Black Cod but it is very seasonal and difficult to get.
All in all this is a fabulous restaurant in atmosphere food and presentation. This is definitely a treat even for the foodie in all of us as an average tab can easily reach $75 per person.
It's been a long time since I have been there but all I can remember is that it was really expensive. And I don't mind expensive food if it tastes good, but The Oceanaire is the only place I can remember not enjoying sashimi.
+ 4.5 for good, large-portioned seafood, attentive staff and reasonable prices.
-1.5 for being located in the Hyatt Regency with its dated and tired Mary Tyler Moore-circa 1977 interior. The decor of the restaurant itself is pleasant, but unremarkable. (The newer locations of the Oceanaire are in much more architecturally distinctive locations.)
Bottom Line: Oceanaire, like McCormick and Schmick's, is the McDonald's of high-end seafood: consistent, satisfying, and a reasonable value. Main criticism: the lackluster location. Good seafood deserves a grander interior space...like the lobby of the Westin Minneapolis/Bank.
I went here for Valentine's day with my now-ex bf (not sad about that lol!!) and it was great.
They have a tuna tartare thing that is served with chips (sounds weird I know) and it is to die for. Reasonably priced around 10 bucks as I remember.
They also have fantastic fresh fish and their sides are actually quite tasty. I agree with the other comments that the interior of the hotel leaves something to be desired.
Wine list is decent and the service is outstanding.
The only fish I eat is out of a can that says Starkist, so I'm no help in telling you firsthand how good this place is for seafood that will make you want to give up steak, chicken and any food that doesn't come from the sea.
What I can tell you, however, is that they have the best hashbrowns. I'm serious. I don't know how hashbrowns and seafood are related, but regardless, these are the most amazing hasbrowns you'll ever have. I promise.
Amazingly fresh seafood that changes daily based on that days catch. The freshest seafood you can get in the Midwest. Professional service, clean dining room, and did I say fresh seafood? And this is coming from a New Englander.
What to get?
Apps: Crab cake, better than Legal Seafood! and Oyster's Rockefeller
Entree: Anything that is the daily catch. I prefer to taste my fish so I go grilled and naked.
Sides: Salt and Vinegar Fries and Fried green tomatoes are awesome.
Dessert: Can't comment, not enough room after my grilled Hawaiian Wahoo, tasted like but' ta.
Service: A-
Food: A
Decor: B
Dessert: B+
By far, my most favorite seafood restaurant since 2000. The fish +oyster are fresh and change everyday depending upon the shipment. The crabcake with mayo is very yummy... perhaps because I am one of the few asians who is keen on mayo. Crispy arctic charr with citrus soy glaze is huge and may be sufficient to feed 2-3 hungry stomach. Try to ask the butter heated to accompany the bread -it's so good that you may forget about your carb diet.
There are not many good places to eat seafood in Minneapolis and the quality of the food here certainly supercedes many places in east/west coast.
I think this would be a 3.5 stars if I could. Everything seemed very fresh, and our server was pretty incredible. Entrees are all served a la carte, and we're talking $35 for scallops alone. I wasn't starving, so I ordered the mussels appetizer as an entree and it was more than enough. I also sampled some desserts that were going around the table, and they were all very solid without being spectacular.
The main problem with the restaurant for me seemed to be the ambiance. It was a large boxy dining room that was close to other tables, and the lighting was bright and flat as a Super Target. Portions were gigantic if you're in to that, and the diners seemed to be a mix of people in dresses and pearls, and others in jeans and cotton. Be prepared to spend about $80 a person for a drink or two, dinner, and dessert.
Amazing hash browns (what *do* they put in those amazing hash browns?), crab legs as thick as a grown man's wrist, and key lime pie servings the size of a baby's head. I quite often have some permutation of swordfish (blackened, sauced with capers, something like that), and my experience here is limited to a handful of visits.
The appetizers are profanely expensive, but usually worth it. There's this huge pile of ice sampler, layered with oysters, lobster tails, and shrimp which I think was upwards of 50 bucks, and not for a party of 2-- I've usually done groups here and really put the hammer down on the bill with these high-priced appys, don't go if you're trying to squeeze a reasonably priced meal out.
Drink service kinda sucks if you ask me, they make them too strong, like a dive bar to the detriment of taste. While I appreciate their generosity with the booze, I think it should be pretty clear patrons here are probably looking for *taste*.
There's another location I'll make a pilgrimage to in San Diego, and others popping up, keep an eye out for them.
Best Crab Cakes anywhere! Fresh Seafood Daily. Great wine list.
My boyfriend and I hope that his dad will take us here again. Cause we cant afford it. But we want it. The crab leg I had there haunts my dreams. Great seafood!
I have been going here since they opened. It is (was) my favorite place, bar none. As of late, prices have shot way up. I mean WAY up. I used to go there fairly often and thought it wasn't too bad. Yes, it is fresh, but I do not want to pay for all the gas for my Copper River Salmon to get to Minnesota. The true value here has always been the sides. Do not leave without getting the creamed corn and hash browns. Add a shrimp cocktail and you are set.
Under the same ownership as Manny's (best steak ever), this place is another spot not to miss. Sometimes they have a salt-crusted Atlantic charr, big enough for 3 people. It's my favorite.
BEST crabcake ever. I went here for my birthday a few years ago, and it was very loud and I left very full.
Finally got to go here and it was everything I had imagined. Definitely the best crab cakes and the walleye was splendid. I didn't care too much for the jumbo shrimp cocktail, but that's nitpicking. Wonderful place and worthy of all the hype.
Minneapolis, MN
Category: Steakhouses
Minneapolis, MN
Category: Steakhouses
Minneapolis, MN
Category: American (New)
Minneapolis, MN
Category: Seafood
Minneapolis, MN
Category: Steakhouses
