Chef Paul Virant is a Chicago-based executive chef and owner of restaurants Vie, Vistro Prime, and Gaijin. He is also the author of 'The Preservation Kitchen cookbook' and an expert in canning and food preservation.
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It was all it was cracked up to be. My only objection was that they tried to seat us is off seating when we were early enough, they had plenty of window seating and we had made our reservation months in advance. The adjusted gracefully when I mentioned our preference. The cocktails were awesome. The smoked Old Fashioned made with Angel's Envy Bourbon was the best ever and to tell the truth I have had a few over the years. My wife's Black Orchid martini was refreshing and well balanced. We had the warm bread which was not necessary as we had more than enough to eat after. The Ceasar salad was delicious and they voluntarily split it for the two of us. I am busy with my scallops and most are overcooked as were these, but the timing is so difficult to get it to perfection. They were accented with a lobster sauce which was more than than enough. My wife had the King Crab legs which she enjoyed but could not finish. A very generous serving. The lemon sorbet was a wonder balance to end the meal. And finally, Jimmy's service was A+. He had a very heavy load of tables to serve, yet it provided professional and personable service as he attended to at least 19 persons. He hustled and maintained his composure when most of us might have crumbled undef the demands. We liked this place however please know that it is very pricey. Very!
Great service, amazing views, and a truly luxurious atmosphere. The restaurant has an elegant vibe that makes the whole experience feel special from the moment you walk in. Our dinner was outstanding — every dish was beautifully presented and full of flavor. The seafood was fresh, the tartare was excellent, and everything exceeded expectations. A perfect spot for a memorable night out. I’ll definitely be back!
One of the best happy hour food menus in Chicago. The drink menu specials leave a tad bit to be desired, but they do have a couple of options for happy hour drink specials. The food menu for happy hour is very diverse. Lots of options ranging from raw oysters, steak tartar, sushi, to a wide range of other items. The complimentary truffle popcorn is a really nice treat. Great views of the Chicago River as well.
We visited Ocean Prime for a birthday celebration, and it was exceptional from start to finish. The cozy, inviting ambiance set the perfect tone for the evening.
A huge thank you to our server, Jimmy. His service was impeccable; he was patient and took the time to explain the menu in detail, which we truly appreciated.
The food was amazing across the board. We shared a variety of dishes, including the lobster bisque, ahi tuna tartare, and the deviled eggs topped with caviar. For mains, the snapper, shrimp scampi, teriyaki salmon, and chicken were all cooked to perfection. Make sure to try the smoked gouda tater tots and mashed potatoes as sides—they were delicious.
We ended the night by sharing the warm butter cake with ice cream, which was the perfect birthday treat. Even as non-drinkers, we had a fantastic time. This is an excellent restaurant and we highly recommend it for any special occasion!
Amazing first experience at Ocean Prime.
Delicious food, refreshing drinks, elegant atmosphere, and outstanding service.
Special thanks to Andrew from the reception team for his kindness and for taking the time to give me a tour of the restaurant during my first visit. His recommendation of the Blackberry Club mocktail was excellent.
Also, thank you to Sarah from the sales team for her patience, professionalism, and great knowledge of the menu.
Appreciation as well to Mr. Foley, the beverage manager, for his humility and respectful hospitality.
Highly recommend Ocean Prime to anyone looking for a premium dining experience with great food, drinks, and service.
Great people in the right place.
