Ocean Grill

Rencently, we had lunch at the Ocean Grill with friends after a mid-day talk at the 92nd Street Y about FDR and the Holocaust. The menu was sort of asian-fusion seafood. The sushi rolls were fresh as was all the fish we ordered and the service was friendly and attentive. We liked it so much in fact, that we decided to go back for dinner a few days later after a reception at the Natural History Museum (AMNH) - it's right across the street. What a mistake! We couldn't get an outside table, and inside every table was filled. Unlike our experience at lunch, everything tasted re-heated and the service was slow and forgetful (getting a menu took 20 minutes, they never brought the asked-for lime or poured the wine after the first glass). Three times they tried to bring us something for another table (at one point the waitress asked Paul if
he wanted a knife for the Maki rolls). Even the bread that had been exceptional at lunch was dry and hard this night.

As we said, the fish here is fresh and very good. Chris enjoyed her oyster starter and the warm 'Thai filet mignon maki roll' was tasty. For her entre, Chris selected the 'wasabi-sesame crusted tuna with crispy shrimp wontons' that Paul had had for lunch previously. The tuna was well prepared and delicious, but the 'crispy wontons' tasted as if they had been saved from another day and refried that night. Paul had the 'oven roasted Chilean sea bass with crispy falafel' which was OK. The fish was perfectly prepared but seemed to lack flavor; probably because the sauce was all on the 'crispy falafel' that was much too seasoned. We accompanied it with a Reisling Kabinett that was nice but not the best choice for this meal since it was a tad sweet. The espresso following our meal was quite good, but lacked the delicious plate of sweets that were offered to us during our lunchtime experience.

This might be a better place for lunch when the kitchen and the staff are less stressed especially if you can snag an outdoor table on a beautiful day.

Ocean Grill
384 Columbus Ave.(bet. 78th & 79th Sts.)
Manhattan, NY 10024
212-579-2300

Zagats says
Cast your net no further than this winsome West Side poisson palace where the seafood couldn't be fresher and there's a plentiful raw bar too; though the brunch is very popular, whether it's too noisy or just a good buzz is up to you.