Ocean

Name: Ocean
Address: 1218 20th Street South, Birmingham, AL, United States, 35205
Telephone: (205) 933-0999
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.6

4.6

1561 Reviews

$31 to $50

Seafood

Top Tags:

Ocean has been locally owned and operated by George Reis since 2002 and is located in the historic Five Points district of Birmingham’s Southside. Enjoy a casual night out with friends at the inviting and contemporary patio bar, or venture inside for some of the best seafood in town and an award-winning dining experience.
Ocean offers fresh seafood in an exciting and contemporary atmosphere. The menu features a wide selection of fish and fresh oysters arriving daily. Ocean focuses on sourcing sustainable seafood, local produce, and is proud to support local farms. Pulling flavors and inspiration from around the globe, Ocean is the recipient of the prestigious AAA Four Diamond Award for 2007-2015, the Wine Spectator Award 2004-2015, and is the winner of the Alabama Seafood Cookoff in 2015. Voted Best Chef, Wine List and rated 5 stars by the Birmingham News,
Reservations accepted Tuesday through Saturday.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

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Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(205) 933-0999

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Fine Dining
Cuisines
Seafood, Contemporary American, International
Hours of operation
Dinner: Tuesday - Thursday: 5:30pm - 10:00pm, Friday - Saturday: 5:30pm - 10:30pm
Phone number
(205) 933-0999
Website
http://www.oceanbirmingham.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive chef
George Reis
Catering
For information about catering options, please contact our event coordinator, Rachel Langdon, at: Rachel@oceanbirmingham.com or call us at: (205)933-0999

Location
1218 20th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35205
Neighborhood
Birmingham
Cross street
Highland and 13th Ave
Parking details
Complimentary Valet Parking
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Korean Fried Green Tomatoes$11.00
spicy kimchi, beef bulgogi, sweet chili
Green Curry Calamari$10.00
carrots, watermelon raddish, mussels
Crab & Cauliflower Arancini$11.00
manchego, spicy tahini aioli
Spicy Tuna Tempura Bonbons$10.00
cream cheese, sambal, hot mustard, sweet chili glaze
Seafood Charcuterie$16.00
H.C. tuna, pastrami cured salmon, gulf shrimp sausage, midnight moon
Shrimp and Grits$11.00
shrimp shiitake bacon sausage, grana grits, heirloom tomato gravy
Ocean Salad "Greek Style" with Fried Feta$8.00
crispy greens, roma tomatoes, red onion, kalamata olives
Heirloom Tomato Salad$13.00
field peas, herb ricotta, raddish, anise hyssop
Cream of Wild Mushroom$8.00
Grana Padano

Sushi*

Tempura Ocean$10.00
tuna, salmon, sesame oil, chives
Bubblegum Roll$14.00
tempura shrimp, tuna, cucumber, avocado, sriracha, wasabi aioli
Wasabi Pea Crusted Lobster$11.00
tempura lobster, carrots, cucumber, wasabi peas, tobiko
Smoked Salmon King Crab$12.00
avocado, cucumber, sambal aioli
Inside Out Crunchy Salmon$10.00
cream cheese, asparagus, salmon
Soul Roll$11.00
tempura fried alaskan king crab, jalapeno, cream cheese, carrots
Spicy Hawaiian Tuna Roll$12.00
red pepper, cucumber, coconut
Samurai Chalo Roll$15.00
scallop, tempura shrimp, tobiko, avocado, asparagus, cream cheese
Spicy Crab Salad Fried Rice Cake$13.00
avocado, jalapeno, tobiko, eel sauce

Entrees

Red Grouper*$32.00
spinach, farro, fennel, blistered tomato vinaigrette
Gulf Sword Fish$30.00
fondant potatoes, leeks, mushroom cream
Thai Green Curry Bouillabaisse$42.00
lobster tail, gulf shrimp, mussels, clams, grouper, pineapple jasmine rice
Alaskan King Salmon$34.00
curried pumpkin risotto, mint beurre blanc
Alabama Pink Shrimp$31.00
field pea daikon escarole succotash, watermelon radish, saffron coriander sauce
Hereford Filet Mignon*$35.00
blue cheese gratin, haricot vert, bacon, onions, house worcestershire
Georges Bank Sea Scallops*$32.00
porchetta di testa, blue lake beans, herb ricotta agnolotti, pork jus
Ahi Tuna*$34.00
kali olive, red pepper polenta, beech frisée vert salad, egg anchovy vinaigrette

Whole Fish*

Red Snapper - Gulf of Mexico$38.00
hickory grilled, chimichurri
Flounder - Gulf of Mexico$40.00
southern cornmeal crusted, gribiche

Pure Fish*

Alaskan King Salmon - Alaska$31.00
Shrimp - Gulf of Mexico$31.00
Red Grouper - Gulf of Mexico$30.00

Oysters on the half

Blue Point$2.75
Long Island Sound, Connecticut. Firm, mild, sweet, clean finish
White Stone$2.75
Fleets Bay, Virginia. Sweet, creamy, clean finish
Point aux Pins$2.50
Grand Bay, Alabama. Plump, rich, slightly briny
Beausoleil$2.75
Nova Scotia, Canada. firm, sensual, pure, sweet
Grand Pearl$2.75
Chesapeake Bay, Virginia. Briny, buttery sweet finish
Shell Bank Selects$2.75
Bon Secour, Alabama. Large, mild, sweet finish
James River$2.50
Virginia. Light, crisp, clean finish

Seafood

Seafood Tower$65.00
18 oysters, 1 dz french style mussels , ¾ # spicy bon secour shrimp, chilled maine lobster
- W/ Alaskan King Crab$95.00
1# Alaskan King Crab$38.00
drawn butter
Spicy Peel & Eat Shrimp$22.00
cocktail sauce & cumin remoulade
Chilled Maine Lobster$28.00
sauce louis
Oysters Rockefeller$14.00
spinach, bacon, manchego cheese
Oysters Bienville$16.00
atlantic coast shrimp, blue crab, green onions, mornay sauce
Thai Curry Mussels$13.00
green curry, coconut milk, lemon grass, ginger

What 1,561 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.6

4.6 based on all time ratings

4.6Food
4.6Service
4.4Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

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Filters

RA
RAYH
Atlanta Metro
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on February 15, 2021
overall3food4service2ambience4
Took to long to get food after order was placed. server was over worked with excesive tables
DB
DB0423
Alabama
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on February 14, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Oceans is the best Seafood Resturant in Birmingham Alabama.
LG
LoisG
Alabama
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 14, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
The curtain panels made our dining time intimate and the food was so Amazing!!!!
BD
BirmDiner
Detroit
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on February 14, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
A wonderful meal and dining experience! The whole fish was amazing!
LS
LoriS
Jacksonville
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 13, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Love this restaurant and the food!
C
Carol
Alabama
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on January 31, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Another amazing meal at Ocean. Ocean is consistently excellent, the food, the service and ambiance. Lovely birthday celebration- great oysters and the shrimp cocktail was fantastic. My daughter even said the shrimp was the best she’d ever had, just exactly what you would want shrimp to taste like. The Thai bouillabaisse was excellent, as always. Salmon was perfect. I frequently recommend Ocean to friends and newcomers to Birmingham, as it is one of the very best restaurants here. Don’t miss the desserts - cinnamon roll creme brûlée was amazing and the baklava ice cream is a real treat!
B
Barbie
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on January 24, 2021
overall4food4service5ambience5
Service and atmosphere were wonderful. But the entree for the restaurant week selection was not as good as I have had there in the past. Drinks were great and server was knowledgeable. Overall our go to date night place with a superb dining experience.
RB
RoxanneB
San Francisco
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on January 21, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Still my favorite restaurant! I love the grilled Lobster tails and Greek salad the best. Why arnt those lobster tails on the menu?? I have to ask every time. But they are awesome !
JT
JamesT
Alabama
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on January 17, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and the service was fantastic. Look forward to dining here again soon.
RF
RachaelF
Alabama
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on January 15, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent in every way. The Restaurant Week menu was fabulous and the service always attentive ans informative. The sushi was amazing and the lobster pot pie was different but great. We will be back!
j
johnny
Alabama
22 reviews
5.0
22 reviews
Dined on January 8, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very good food and service. Liked the curtain separators
RK
RandallK
Denver
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on January 8, 2021
overall5food5service3ambience5
They have taken socially distanced tables seriously. Have ocean themed curtains separating tables, for safety and more privacy. Always my go to 5 star restaurant when I am in Birmingham. Awesome dining experience every time!
p
paulm
Alabama
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 3, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Phenomenal dinner. Great service. Restored my faith it this place
SB
ScottB
Alabama
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on January 1, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
New Year’s Eve Dinner with friends.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Las Vegas
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 31, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a fantastic time. Champagne, oysters, wonderful entrees. This was a special treat- first time out to dine in 8.5 months for our friends that came from California. George made a table side appearance.
PS
PatS
Alabama
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 30, 2020
overall4food3service3ambience5
Nice place and nice atmosphere. The salad and oysters were delicious but the lobster tails were drenched in oregano which took away from the flavor of lobster. Wouldn’t order that again.
L
Luv2go
Alabama
155 reviews
vip
5.0
155 reviews
Dined on December 27, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Ocean never disappoints! The food & cocktails were amazing & Robbie took great care of us at the bar. Try the whole fish—I had the grilled pompano & it was fabulous! Also, the sushi is delicious & you can’t go wrong with the bananas foster for dessert.
BP
BarryP
Alabama
2 reviews
vip
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 19, 2020
overall4food5service5ambience5
Food was excellent, felt very safe the tables were positioned.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Baltimore
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 18, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience1
Our server was incredible. Very knowledgeable and very friendly. One of the best dining experiences we’ve had in Birmingham.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Alabama
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on December 13, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a great evening. The waiter was very knowledgeable with the menu. He was one of the best we have ever had.
CG
ChrisG
Alabama
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 12, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
One of our go-tos in Birmingham. Never over-the-top, always a fantastic experience. Servers know what they're doing, food is extraordinary, and the ambience is terrific.
AA
AndrewA
Nashville
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 12, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
3rd year in a row we have went to ocean for our anniversary amazing sushi and atmosphere.
KC
KimC
New Orleans
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 6, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
We thoroughly enjoyed our experience at Ocean. Everything that we ordered was fantastic. The sushi and raw oysters were a great start to our evening. I had the scallops, which were delicious, and my husband said that the filet was probably the best he's ever had, and he's eaten a lot of filets. Our server was very attentive. He was also great at making recommendations. We cannot wait to go back!
RV
RonV
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 6, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was amazing. Strongly recommend the whole Snapper or Flounder as a main course. Great service and attention to COVID protocols.
PC
PatrickC
Alabama
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 6, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Both service and food was fantastic. Our waiter was very attentive making sure we were happy with everything
BW
BethW
Alabama
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on December 5, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
We have not dined at Ocean in a while, but we were so glad we chose it for a recent family dinner. Staff complied with all CDC guidelines, so we felt perfectly comfortable and safe in the dining room. The food, as always, was excellent. I highly recommend the tuna - very fresh and delicious. The chef even accommodated our very picky college student and allowed a few substitutions to create a meal she loved. We won't wait so long to go back!
PK
PeetK
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 21, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had the Thai Curry dish and it was delicious! The service was extraordinary!
w
weloveeatingout
Alabama
184 reviews
vip
5.0
184 reviews
Dined on November 15, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Super service, wonderful seafood, great bar = one terrific experience!
GA
GAVSJM
Alabama
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 14, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service and food. Highly recommended. Great care given to customer protection fromCOVID.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Alabama
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 14, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Still the best seafood in town.
B
Bill
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 11, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent as always! Seafood tower and drinks were awesome!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlanta Metro
9 reviews
3.0
9 reviews
Dined on November 8, 2020
overall3food3service3ambience5
Nothing particularly wrong with our experience, just average.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 30, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Really enjoyed the tower and the bouillabaisse was delicious.
TJ
TiffanyJ
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 29, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
I loved it great food, very great service as well! Will be back for sure.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlanta Metro
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on October 28, 2020
overall4food5service4ambience5
Food excellent. A few missed steps in service- missed cocktail, food delivery to correct person, wine not reported Recommend however as enjoyable evy
AP
AshleyPfeiffer
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 24, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was mine and my husband’s first time to eat at Ocean. It was our 18th anniversary, and we chose to go here based solely off the reviews. Well, the good reviews we read, lived up to their words! We were impressed by the service and the food. The restaurant is beautiful, our waitress was super nice and amazing, and the food was delicious. We would definitely go back and recommend this place to anyone!
TP
TanyaP
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 24, 2020
overall5food3service5ambience5
I ordered a dish that I do not normally order. The food was amazing it was a preference issue. I am trying to eat healthier.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Des Moines
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on October 21, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Outstanding food and service
JS
JohnS
San Francisco
27 reviews
vip
5.0
27 reviews
Dined on October 16, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and great service
OT
OpenTable Diner
Alabama
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on October 16, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was great as usual

FAQs

Ocean offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (205) 933-0999.

Ocean is rated 4.6 stars by 1561 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

Is this your restaurant?

Claim this listing

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(205) 933-0999

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
Highland and 13th Ave
Neighborhood
Birmingham
Hours of operation
Dinner: Tuesday - Thursday: 5:30pm - 10:00pm, Friday - Saturday: 5:30pm - 10:30pm
Cuisines
Seafood, Contemporary American, International
Dining style
Fine Dining
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
Complimentary Valet Parking
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Executive chef
George Reis
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.oceanbirmingham.com/
Phone number
(205) 933-0999
Catering
For information about catering options, please contact our event coordinator, Rachel Langdon, at: Rachel@oceanbirmingham.com or call us at: (205)933-0999

Ocean

Not available on OpenTable

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

47 Alabama Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

The Most Fun Restaurants in Birmingham

Appetizers

Korean Fried Green Tomatoes$11.00

Green Curry Calamari$10.00

Crab & Cauliflower Arancini$11.00

Spicy Tuna Tempura Bonbons$10.00

Seafood Charcuterie$16.00

Shrimp and Grits$11.00

Ocean Salad "Greek Style" with Fried Feta$8.00

Heirloom Tomato Salad$13.00

Cream of Wild Mushroom$8.00

Sushi*

Tempura Ocean$10.00

Bubblegum Roll$14.00

Wasabi Pea Crusted Lobster$11.00

Smoked Salmon King Crab$12.00

Inside Out Crunchy Salmon$10.00

Soul Roll$11.00

Spicy Hawaiian Tuna Roll$12.00

Samurai Chalo Roll$15.00

Spicy Crab Salad Fried Rice Cake$13.00

Entrees

Red Grouper*$32.00

Gulf Sword Fish$30.00

Thai Green Curry Bouillabaisse$42.00

Alaskan King Salmon$34.00

Alabama Pink Shrimp$31.00

Hereford Filet Mignon*$35.00

Georges Bank Sea Scallops*$32.00

Ahi Tuna*$34.00

Whole Fish*

Red Snapper - Gulf of Mexico$38.00

Flounder - Gulf of Mexico$40.00

Pure Fish*

Alaskan King Salmon - Alaska$31.00

Shrimp - Gulf of Mexico$31.00

Red Grouper - Gulf of Mexico$30.00

Oysters on the half

Blue Point$2.75

White Stone$2.75

Point aux Pins$2.50

Beausoleil$2.75

Grand Pearl$2.75

Shell Bank Selects$2.75

James River$2.50

Seafood

Seafood Tower$65.00

1# Alaskan King Crab$38.00

Spicy Peel & Eat Shrimp$22.00

Chilled Maine Lobster$28.00

Oysters Rockefeller$14.00

Oysters Bienville$16.00

Thai Curry Mussels$13.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Sort by

Filters

FAQs

Does Ocean offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Ocean restaurant rated?

Not available on OpenTable

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Featured in

47 Alabama Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

The Most Fun Restaurants in Birmingham