Oceanaire Seafood Room

This is the highest quality seafood in Denver. Specials, atmosphere and service are great. Apps are delightful and choices are varied.

Pros: Excellent Variety of Very Fresh Seafood, Service

Cons: Price Can Add Up

Posted 05/17/09

I've been in to eat there many times and love it. I decided to host an office party at the Oceanaire for 50 people and I couldn't have picked a better place to do it. Michelle the event coordinater was very attentive to all of our needs. The food, wine, and cocktails were above expectations. All I can say is the Oceanaire is SPECTACULAR!

Pros: Great for big parties

Cons: Portions are kind of big

Posted 04/01/09

Seafood experts of Denver!! My husband and I went to the Oceanaire to celebrate our anniversary and we couldn't have picked a better place. The Chef really knows how to bring out the flavors in every dish...it's incredible. The atmosphere is very romantic and elegant and the staff truly cares about your well-being. Experience it for yourself and spread the word...The Oceanaire is unexplainable!

Pros: Place to go for special occassions

Cons: Little pricey

Posted 04/01/09

My daughter suggested I try this restaurant. I was sceptical because I'm not a huge seafood fan but WOW! As soon as we walked in the door it was an amazing experience until the moment we walked out. The decor of a 30's cruiseliner was breathtaking. I took a risk and tried the Mahi Mahi which was cooked to perfection. We also got the hashbrown side dish that complimented it very well. Our server was very knowledgable on all the wines and paired a great wine with my fish. The cheesecake dessert was also to die for. I will definetly be returning to have another wonderful experience.

Pros: Atmosphere is wonderful

Posted 04/01/09

This is one of the best restaurants I've ever been to. The food is amazing and well worth every penny. The staff treats you as if you were a regular. There is really nothing I can say that's bad about this restaurant...just try it for yourself and you'll see!

Pros: Elegant, Classy, Perfect!

Cons: None!

Posted 04/01/09

So, my friends and I decided to go to the Oceanaire for Restaurant Week. We made reservations and, the day before our dinner, we asked if we could add another person. The next day, we were told by the GM that we didn't have any reservation--we lost our reservation for 2 because we asked for 3. I couldn't believe it. When I called him back, he said we must have called the wrong number and they were pranking us. Are you kidding? We called the wrong number and they answered "The Oceanaire" and proceed to "prank" us by telling us we had no reservation? When I told him that was ludicris, he said he was taking the reservation away from us altogether! I complained about that and he said he was wrong. To make it up to us, he'd give us a $100 gift certificate to the restaurant. On our way there, he called me back and said that we had mistakenly made our reservation at the wrong time--accused us of trying to scam him and said that he was rescinding his offer of the $100 certificate.

There was no scam here. We mistakenly made the reservation for the wrong date. It was an honest mistake. He told me TWICE that we weren't the type of people they wanted at Oceanaire!!! He was rude, condescending and unprofessional. The busboy at a Denny's has more class than Robert Bonner, the GM for The Oceanaire in Denver. Do not bother with this restaurant. Rober Bonner belongs behind a dishwasher at an Olive Garden, not at the helm of a fine dining restaurant.

Cons: Worst GM - terrible attitude--elitest and just void of class

Posted 03/01/09

OK, I realize it's a chain. But, Oceanaire really is a step back in time to what a high quality restaurant should be. The service is impeccable, the selection is remarkable and the wine list is adventuresome and not overpriced. Under present economic conditions, it's a good idea to make this a special occasion destination but when you do, it is well worth the money. The menu lists the freshest seafood and our server ably answered all of our questions. Also, the bar is a great place for a nightcap or some after-work appetizers and cocktails. The civility of everyone from the busboy to the management is enough incentive for me to return!

Pros: Freshest, best seafood in Denver

Posted 01/04/09

After getting a new job, my family, friends, and I decided to go out for dinner to celebrate. Unfortunately what seemed to be great service and selection turned out to be the kind of night for which none of us hopes. I'll spare you the details, but let's just say I was in an ugly situation for about 2 days and not right for about a week. Freshness is definitely something to be desired, so be very, very careful...

Pros: Pretty surroundings.

Cons: Questionably "fresh" seafood picks...

Posted 11/12/08

Having tasted fine seafood around the world from Alaska, to the eastern seaboard of the US, Asia, and the Mediterranean, the thought of enjoying fresh seafood in the Rocky Mountains is not something that is a generally accepted concept. However, Oceanaire does a wonderful job with the quality and variety of the seafood as well as its presentation. Couple this with impeccable service and that makes for a very enjoyable dining experience.

I have been there twice and about to go again this evening. Everything that I have tried there from the raw oysters, to crab legs, to tuna, to halibut, to the scallops, etc. has been outstanding. The cream corn is a must have as a side. The only downside I can think of with Oceanaire is the price in general. However, good seafood is typically more expensive than other fairs and at Oceanaire, you get what you pay for. So when comparing to places like Cape Cod, the price is comparable.

Robert, the Assistant GM and Sommelier, is very service-oriented and this mindset is echoed by the staff. Ask to meet him when you are there and you will feel special as his attentive manner makes you feel almost at home.

Posted 07/12/08

It is great that Denver has a first class seafood restaurant in a sea of steakhouses. While I agree that the mark up on the wine is very high and the prices for the food are high, I think it is well worth the visit.

The atmosphere is fun and inviting. The host staff can be a bit snobby but the servers are spectacular.

The highlights of our visits have been ((1)) the shellfish platter (cold platter with a ton of fresh seafood- excellent and filling) ((2)) the crab cakes (mostly crab-- not bread crumbs) ((3)) the monkfish ((4)) the alaskan crab legs (I have never had such fresh, remarkable crab legs) ((4)) the trout simply prepared and ((5)) last but certainly not least, the Tuna. I asked for it extremely rare and they offered to serve it to me sushi style. This was the best tuna I have had in Colorado since we visited a fishmarket in Tokyo a few years ago. 10 ozs of pure heaven.

Other nice touches: the veggie and pickled herring platter that come before the meal (gotta love a place that has pickled herring!), wonderful amuse-bouche before meals, chocolate candies to take home on valentines day, health pours for a glass of wine, etc...

Things to note: the sides items are pretty heavy and not the highlight of the menu- I would skip them. parking can be a pain but they have valet, make reservations- can be packed, the desserts have not been that impressive but I am also not big on baked alaska...

Overall- this is one restauran that I will keep going back to!

Pros: Freshest seafood in Denver, large portions, great servers

Cons: A bit pricey, parking can be tricky, snobby host staff

Posted 03/02/08

Our experience overall was pretty good. Our bartender Kara was exceptional. She was very helpful and went out of her way to help us. We had a reservation at 8:30 and were not seated till closer to 9:00 and she was very apologetic and friendly about the whole thing. Honestly we didn't have any problem with the wait but it was nice that she recognized the situation. Once we were seated service was good, our appetizers came and then it took nearly 20 minutes for our meal to come, which again was not a problem, except my meal came and it was cold. I saw a manager and asked if the meal was meant to be that way and he said no and took it back to heat it more. When he returned the manager simply said that it should be plenty warm and walked away. After that our waitress seemed very short and not friendly and the manager went to both tables next to us to see how their meals were and avoided us. I felt like we were extremely patient and nice the entire time and got treated very poorly. The food was great, but to be treated that way from management really disappointed us and I don't know if we will go back.

Posted 02/25/08

I don't know what you are smoking giving this place a bad rateing!!! This is a great resturant! Food and service are unreal!! Been the one in minneapolis and now in denver. When I have family from back east come into town this is the only seafood resturant that I will bring them too.Before oceanaire I wouldn't take them for seafood!!

Pros: you get what you pay for

Cons: I can't find one!! Don't go if you can't pay the rent

Posted 12/02/07

Came into the Oceanaire recently, and we were simply doted on by our server. There was a vast selection of wines available, and the place is gorgeous! Fantastic crab cakes, amazing Halibut T-Bone, and beautiful desserts. Come with a healthy appetite, you won't leave hungry!

Pros: Fresh fish, Atmosphere, Service

Posted 11/11/07

Visited the Oceanaire on a recent trip to Denver as the place I wanted to go was out of business. At first, the hostess seemed a little pretentious, but the serving staff was very friendly and attentive. The bench seats are very cozy - I was seated very close to two other parties - close enough to easily overhear conversations. I ordered the crab cake appetizer and "Canadian Diver Scallops", which were simply ordinary sea scallops. The single crab cake, while good, was nowhere near the best I've ever had (I've eaten crab cakes all over the country), but the scallops were very tasty and unique in their preparation. They had some zing to them, but not overly so. I was pleased with the chilled vegetable plate that is served in addition to a helping of bread prior to the meal. I also had the fortune of seeing their Baked Alaska served at the next table. The Oceanaire adds a unique twist to that dish - which I won't give away.
My one disappointment was their prices. I'm used to paying for high quality dining, but this was excessive. My total bill before tip for just those two dishes was $56. This included a single crab cake appetizer, the main dish of six good-sized scallops and a soda. I may go back for the Baked Alaska, but there are far less expensive restaurants with at least the same quality seafood at which I would rather dine.

Pros: good quality food, friendly and attentive staff

Cons: very, very expensive - not worth the price IMHO

Posted 10/14/07

Having enjoyed the Oceanaire in Seattle for a number of years I just had to give the one in Denver a try while I was there on business. Knowing the excellent customer service and the wonderful quality of their food I had no worries inviting the Director and Chair of my department with me. And of course they did not disappoint.
For anyone looking to be treated to an amazing dining experience look no further than here. I highly recommend it!

Pros: Service. Food.

Posted 10/01/07

Tried the new Oceanaire while in Denver over the weekend...was wonderful like always! Love the cheesecake and the staff and managers are very professional. Keep up the good work!

Pros: food, ambience

Posted 10/01/07

I like the Oceanaire's Oyster Bar. They always have a nice selection that changes pretty frequently. It's great to stop in after work for a drink, a tray of oysters and a bit of any sports game on the tv in the bar.

Pros: Nice Oyster Selection

Cons: None

Posted 09/30/07

I must disagree with the previous reviewer. I have been a fan of Seattle's Oceanaire for a long time, too, and was very happy to discover an Oceanaire here in Denver. The staff is always very friendly and really try to make sure that my husband and I have a memorable time. My favorite Oceanaire meal is their crab cakes with a huge side of creamed corn... and maybe the hashbrowns, too. I have tried many of their selections, such as their black and blue fish, which is a selection of their fish that has some onions and blue cheese on it. Yum!! I think it is nice when a restaurant wants to do something a little different instead of a poorly cooked slab of mystery fish. Don't avoid this restaurant. Try it, have the crab cakes and maybe some creamed corn and you'll fall in love with it, too.

Posted 09/30/07

Five meals...one edible. Wine extremely over priced in Denver market. One meal was very good...Sturgeon with a blue cheese vinegrette...the salmon unedible, tuna poor quality, fish and chips soggy...and on and on..crab cake fair to poor not anywhere close to Sullivans.

I was excited that Denver had gotten an Oceanaire. Have eaten at the one in Seattle several time and it was always excellent.

Oh well, another poor quality Denver restaurant...the pickin's are slim. Off the list. Avoid like the plague.

Pros: Good wine selection

Cons: Porr qulaity food and over priced wine list

Posted 08/16/07