Ocean Restaurant was established in 2002 by George Reis, awarded as the best chef in the seafood category. Moreover, Ocean Restaurant was voted the best seafood restaurant in Birmingham’s southside.
Ocean Restaurant, situated at 1218 20th St S, Birmingham, AL, United States, is regarded as one of Birmingham’s secluded zones. The restaurant operates from Tuesday to Saturday, from 5:30 PM to 10 PM.
As the name implies, Ocean Restaurant is famous for its marine-based fare within a contemporary setting. You will find quite an array of seafood to satisfy every appetite and wish, from appetizers to desserts, and the selection will leave you salivating.
Beginning with appetizers, there are three types available: Beef satay, Fritto misto, and shrimp and sausage gumbo. Among these “Fritto misto”, which has squid, shrimp, fish, parsley, sweet pepper, fennel, lemon, and green curry aioli, shines above the others.
If not, dive right into the salads. Freshly made with an abundance of flavors and textures, these salads present four options: Ocean salad, Roasted wild mushroom salad, Red pear and burrata salad, and Ceviche.
If authentic Japanese sushi is what you want, then Ocean Restaurant really is the best place to go. Sushi lovers will get their fill of different types of these dishes here. Ten types of sushi are on the menu. Pick whichever item your heart desires; they will leave you with a taste of pure satisfaction.
This is why Ocean Restaurant is revered-the chef turns out incredible entrees that do not do justice within mere words. In the entree section of the menu, they have the option of choosing from ten different kinds of entrees to mouth-dive into.
A unique taste and flavor characterize every single dish. All the items are fresh and beautifully cooked, making your mouth water and tempting seafood lovers all over.
A lovely whole fish for two can be ordered for sharing with your significant other, co-workers, family, and friends.
There are several side dishes on the menu as well. The “Roasted Balsamic Brussels” and “Wild Mushroom Bacon Risotto” are the big stars in this category.
Then we come to desserts, which include various flavors of cake and ice cream. To sweeten the deal, the restaurant offers sweet potato cake, oatmeal cream pie cheesecake, carrot cake crème brûlée, baklava ice cream, and chocolate panna cotta.
Ocean Restaurant Menu (Updated 2025)
The Raw Bar at Ocean
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Seafood Tower | 18 oysters, 1 dozen French style mussels, 3/4 # spicy Bon Secour shrimp, chilled Maine lobster | $95.00 |
| Chilled Maine Lobster | Drawn butter | $40.00 |
| B.D. Shrimp Cocktail | Classic cocktail | $24.00 |
| Spicy Peel & Eat Shrimp | Cocktail sauce & cumin remoulade | $18.00 |
| Oysters Rockefeller | Spinach, bacon, Manchego cheese | $16.00 |
| Oysters Bienville | Atlantic coast shrimp, blue crab, green onions, mornay sauce | $18.00 |
| Oysters on the Half | Our selection changes daily | MP |
The Seafood Tower has the finest fresh seafood and is a must for any lover. It consists of tons of oysters, mussels, spicy shrimp, and chilled lobster, making it a sharing experience! Everything melts in your mouth with an ocean-fresh flavor, especially when you dip the lobster in the drawn butter.
It might seem a little expensive, but believe me, every dollar is worth it. Another one of their favorites? Oysters Rockefeller. These come baked with spinach, bacon, and Manchego cheese for a creamier, smokier, just-slightly-salty bite. Or for something simpler, they have Oysters on HalfShell, which changes daily, so you are in for a special surprise, always.
Fresh Starts
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Ocean Salad “Greek Style” with Fried Feta | Crispy greens, Roma tomatoes, red onion, Kalamata olives | $12.00 |
| Roasted Wild Mushroom Salad | Lions mane, black trumpets, chanterelles, baby greens, smoked herb h.m. ricotta, lemon oil sherry vin | $14.00 |
| Ceviche | Halibut, shrimp, tuna, salmon, papaya, mango, serranos | $12.00 |
| Red Pear & Burrata Salad | Shaved red pear, endive, watercress, toasted hazelnuts, pear ginger syrup | MP |
The Ocean Salad “Greek Style” with Fried Feta is a fresh and flavorful way to start your meal. Large in crisp greens, juicy Roma tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and warm, crispy feta, it’s salty cheese magic with every bite that pops against the acidity of the dressing.
For something a little far off the beaten path, the Roasted Wild Mushroom Salad is a sure win. Earthy depth from wild mushrooms, baby greens, and smoked ricotta, lightened by lemon oil vinaigrette. It’s a great option for mushroom lovers and those wanting to steer clear of the usual greens.
Appetizers
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Beef Satay | Brussels and herb vin slaw, candied pecans, ginger sambal aioli | $12.00 |
| Fritto Misto | Calamari, shrimp, pesce, parsley, sweet pepper, fennel, lemon, green curry aioli | $12.00 |
| Shrimp & Sausage Gumbo | Conecuh sausage, Gulf shrimp, okra, gumbo file | $14.00 |
| Cornmeal Crusted Snapper Collar | Southern succotash, blistered tomatoes, citrus aioli | MP |
The Shrimp & Sausage Gumbo is comfort in a bowl. Conecuh sausage, Gulf shrimp, and okra sitting in a well-flavored broth; smoky and rich. Not overly spicy, just a perfect highlight to the sweet and delicate accents of the seafood.
On the pricier side-and what we mean by pricey is if you don’t give in to that impulse to share-it’s the Fritto Misto. Crispy and gloriously shareable, this one features fried calamari, shrimp, and fish with a light batter. So good against that green curry aioli; a spicy-sweet lift.
Sushi
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Crunchy Rice Crab Salad Roll | Tempura rice, crab salad, avocado, serrano, tobiko, eel sauce | $13.00 |
| Salmon Roll | Salmon, avocado, cream cheese, spicy mayo | $14.00 |
| Tempura Ocean | Tuna, salmon, sesame oil, chives | $16.00 |
| Spicy Crab Salad Roll | Tuna, crab, scallions, tempura, spicy mayo, eel sauce | $14.00 |
| Bubblegum Roll | Tempura shrimp, tuna, cucumber, avocado, sriracha, wasabi aioli | $15.00 |
| Soul Roll | Tempura fried Alaskan king crab, jalapeno, cream cheese, carrots | $15.00 |
| Smoked Salmon King Crab | Salmon, crab, avocado, cucumber, sriracha aioli | $14.00 |
| Spicy Hawaiian Tuna Roll | Red pepper, cucumber, coconut | $16.00 |
| Dee’s Roll | BBQ eel, tamago, red pepper, cucumber, green onion, avocado, eel sauce | $15.00 |
| Angus Beef Tartare Roll | Angus beef, capers, fried leeks, cornichons, spicy mustard | MP |
Try The Crunchy Rice Crab Salad Roll. Tempura rice gives it terrific crunch with very creamy crab salad and avocados in excellent balance. Drizzle some eel sauce over everything and you’re looking to tie it all together with a bit of sweetness.
Prefer a little heat? Choose the Spicy Hawaiian Tuna Roll. Fresh tuna, red pepper, cucumber, and a hint of coconut all culminate in a tropical explosion. Spicy, a little sweet, it really is mouth-watering.
Entrees
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| “WGNY” Strip | Sweet potato pave, morel demi | $46.00 |
| Thai Green Curry Bouillabaisse | Lobster tail, Gulf shrimp, clams, mussels, pesce, pineapple jasmine rice | $48.00 |
| Hereford Filet Mignon | EVOO truffle mash, balsamic Brussels, house Worcestershire, onion bacon butter | $32.00 |
| Swordfish | Roasted butternut squash celery root, hominy, garlic caramel, butternut butter | $36.00 |
| Gulf Red Grouper | Roasted cauliflower, miso melted leeks, wild mushroom, red curry latte | $34.00 |
| Wood Grilled Shrimp | Crispy fingerling fennel yogurt, caramelized lemon gastrique | $34.00 |
| Mahi Mahi | Acorn squash pepita succotash, roasted walnuts, fish bits, tomato brown butter | $35.00 |
| St. George’s Bank Scallops | Celery root puree, apple fennel salad, roasted hazelnuts, harissa vin | $38.00 |
| Ora King Salmon | Mojo roasted carrots, herb prosciutto risotto, chive creme fraiche | $40.00 |
| Coal Seared Ahi | Bok choy soba noodle salad, beet shoyu, chive oil, wasabi wonton | MP |
The Thai Green Curry Bouillabaisse draws an explosion of flavors. It’s loaded with a variety of flesh including lobster, shrimp, clams, mussels, and other fresh fish, swimming in an aromatic broth of green curry. With the addition of pineapple jasmine rice, it provides the exact balancing act for sweetness and spice.
For steak lovers, Hereford Filet Mignon is a great option. Very juicy and tender, with truffle mashed potatoes and balsamic Brussels sprouts. Goes awfully well with house Worcestershire and onion bacon butter.
Sides
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| McEwen & Sons Stone Ground Grits | White cheddar, green onion | $7.00 |
| EVOO Truffle Mashed Potatoes | $7.00 | |
| Wild Mushroom Bacon Risotto | Lardons, garlic, parmesan | $7.00 |
| Roasted Balsamic Brussels | Cipollini, balsamic glaze | $7.00 |
| White Truffle Parmesan Fries | House-made ketchup | $7.00 |
| Fried Alabama Okra | H.C. tomato aioli | $7.00 |
This is the Wild Mushroom Bacon Risotto. Comfort food right there. That smoky bacon, and velvety risotto, rich and indulgent could pair magnificently with seafood or steak; just as well with a fine red.
If the craving is for something crispy, nibble the White Truffle Parmesan Fries. Loaded with truffle flavor and parmesan topped, served with housemade ketchup. You would not want to share it!
Whole Fish (Changes Daily)
| Fish | Origin |
|---|---|
| Flounder | Gulf of Mexico |
| Red Snapper | Gulf of Mexico |
Desserts
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Sweet Potato Cake | Maple pecan cream cheese frosting, French vanilla anglaise | $12.00 |
| Baklava Ice Cream | Anglaise, rose honey | $13.00 |
| Oatmeal Cream Pie Cheesecake | Marshmallow cream, butterscotch sauce, oatmeal cookie crumble | $12.00 |
| Carrot Cake Creme Brulee | Candied carrots | $12.00 |
| Chocolate Panna Cotta | Dolce de leche, toffee brownie brittle | MP |
The Sweet Potato Cake will definitely be one of the top desserts in this place. Moist, superbly spiced, and dressed with maple pecan cream cheese frosting. To top it off, the French vanilla anglaise just adds sweetness.
Cheesecake fans won’t want to miss out on the Oatmeal Cream Pie Cheesecake: it features layers of marshmallow cream, butterscotch sauce and an oatmeal cookie crumble. Rich, sweet, and completely unforgettable.
Ocean Restaurant Serving Options
| Dine-in | Available |
| Takeaway | Available |
| Kerbside pickup | Unavailable |
| Delivery | Available |
| Outdoor seating | Available |
| No-contact delivery | Unavailable |
Important Links
| Platform | Link |
|---|---|
| Website | Ocean Restaurant |
| Ocean Restaurant on Instagram | |
| Ocean Restaurant on Facebook |
FAQs
Is Ocean Restaurant Only Serving Seafood?
Usually, Ocean Restaurant specializes in seafood. However, they do have some amazing dessert items, which you might try to satisfy your taste buds.
Do Ocean Restaurants Have Any Seasonal Seafood Dishes?
Ocean restaurant most of the time serves seafood dishes that are seasonal, they usually change their menu so frequently that you will be served fresh in-season fish. Make sure to check the menu through online platforms or ask any staff through call.
What Are the Most Popular Dishes at Ocean Restaurant?
Not much. Foreign wits known dishes at Ocean Restaurant are fritto misto, salmon roll, spicy Hawaiian tuna roll, wood-grilled shrimp, gulf red grouper, roasted balsamic Brussels, and wild mushroom bacon risotto.
Although the other dishes are also pretty famous, but these are the ones that the public regularly seems to order.
Is It Necessary to Make a Reservation at Ocean Restaurant?
Yes. It is advisable to reserve a table during peak hours at Ocean Restaurant. A majority of the time that the restaurant is open, it remains buzzed with guests and you will face a hassle without reservation.
Conclusion
Ending with that, it’s a fine place to dine in an excellent contemporary ambiance. One of the most palatable seafood restaurants in town with lots of seasoned seafood for the appetite in you.
Its view and the fresh tasteful dishes it offers provide a memorable break for the seafood lovers.
