Ocean Blue Restaurant & Oyster Bar

Name: Ocean Blue Restaurant & Oyster Bar
Address: 118 Columbia Street, Utica, NY, United States, 13502
Telephone: (315) 735-2583
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.2

4.2

1376 Reviews

$31 to $50

Seafood

Top Tags:

At Ocean Blue we take our food seriously, but not ourselves. We are inspired to create a dining experience where our guests feel welcome and at home in our inviting setting to enjoy quality food, and warm hospitality. Borrowing influence from our most favorite era and styles, Ocean Blue’s interior boasts a mix of elegant black and white décor, a large copper bar, and floor to ceiling windows that offer a panoramic view of our city. Perhaps the most striking feature is our vast, open kitchen that allows guests to watch the culinary team in action, preparing our signature dishes. We cook the food, and craft the drinks that make us happy, and we want to extend to you the same feeling. Great service, great food and great drink is not enough. We create an experience. We are a feeling. We are all of the above.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Aug 11, 2022

7:00 PM

Booked 28 times today

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
Seafood, American, Shellfish
Hours of operation
Brunch Sun 11:00 am–4:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 4:30 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:30 pm–11:00 pm
Phone number
(315) 735-2583
Website
http://oceanbluerestaurant.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Francis Pezzolanella
Catering
Our staff is excited to host everything from small intimate dinners, to grand gatherings of 100+. At Ocean Blue, special events are a way of extending our full restaurant experience to new guests, and soon to be friends. If you know exactly the event you want, we would be happy to plan it with ease. If you are still looking, leave the details to us, as we find the perfect setting for your next affair.
Private party facilities
We’d love to host your next cocktail party, dinner, weekend brunch, wedding, and more.
Private party contact
our Private Dining Coordinator: (315) 735-2583

Location
118 Columbia Street, Utica, NY 13502
Neighborhood
Utica
Cross street
Genesee, Columbia & Seneca Streets
Parking details
Ocean Blue features a private parking lot on premises. We are also located next to parking at the adjacent Delta Marriott Hotel garage as well as ample on-street parking on Genesee, Lafayette and Seneca Streets.
Public transit
Centro Bus Stop.
Entertainment
Televisions located in bar/lounge.
Additional
Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

East Coast Oysters*$38.00
one dozen shucked to order, on the half-shell
- Half-Dozen$20.00
Signature Lobster Bisque$16.00
butter-poached lobster, sherry, cream, croutons
New England Clam Chowder$16.00
Island Creek clams, bacon, potatoes, grilled focaccia
Island Creek Clams*$20.00
one dozen steamed with butter or raw on the half-shell
Street Tacos*$16.00
fried Atlantic cod, chipotle aioli, cotija, jalapeño
Rhode Island Calamari$17.00
cherry peppers, marinara, lemon
Grilled Rosemary Focaccia$6.00
olives + toasted macrona almonds
Short Rib Nachos$21.00
salsa fresca, corn, cheddar, cotija, crema, jalapeño
Jumbo Lump Crab Cake*$27.00
6oz broiled Maryland blue crab, Pommery mustard sauce, field greens
Colossal Shrimp Cocktail*$29.00
cocktail sauce, rémoulade, horseradish, lemon
Bang Bang Cauliflower$17.00
tempura, General Tso's sauce, sesame
Loaded Lobster Skins$27.00
poached lobster, cheddar, bacon, scallions, jalapeño cream

Salads

Asian Shrimp Salad*$21.00
colossal chilled shrimp, romaine, field greens, carrot, pickled red onion, tomato, scallion, peanut sauce, Asian sesame dressing
- Half$13.00
Chop Chop*$17.00
romaine, bacon, tomato, feta, olive, cucumber, chickpea, red wine vinaigrette
- Half$12.00
Classic Caesar*$13.00
romaine, grana padano, croutons
- Half$7.00
Field Greens*$11.00
tomato, cucumber, balsamic vinaigrette
- Half$6.00

Entrées

Ahi Tuna Burger*$29.00
brioche bun, served rare, red pepper aioli, spicy cole slaw, kennebec fries (Gluten Free +$2)
Lobster Roll*
brioche roll, kennebec fries, spicy cole slaw, pickles (hot buttered or cold with mayo) (Gluten Free +$2)
- 39
Half Pound Cheeseburger*$18.00
brioche bun, chuck, brisket, sirloin, kennebec fries, spicy cole slaw, pickles
Crab Cake Dinner*$42.00
two 4oz broiled Maryland blue crab, Pommery mustard sauce, kennebec fries, spicy cole slaw
Chilean Sea Bass*$51.00
roasted, truffle cream, honey-roasted carrots, mashed potatoes
Everything Spiced Ahi Tuna*$43.00
seared and served only rare, tzatziki, braised red cabbage
The Hawaiian Rib-Eye$52.00
blue crab mustard stuffing, beurre blanc, honey-roasted carrots, braised red cabbage
Baked Stuffed Haddock*$39.00
blue crab grain mustard stuffing, Pommery mustard sauce, braised greens
Jumbo Scallops*$42.00
pan-seared, honey-roasted carrots, braised red cabbage
Shrimp Scampi$40.00
handmade bucatini pasta, cherry tomato, roasted garlic, white wine, scallions, grana padano
Faroe Islands Salmon*$37.00
simply grilled, olive oil, herbs, lemon, mashed potatoes
Lobster Ravioli$40.00
handmade pasta, scallion, grana padano, tomato cream, olive oil
I'll Have the Chicken*$31.00
herb-roasted, beurre blanc, honey-roasted carrots, mashed potatoes
Lobster Mac + Cheese
handmade campanelle pasta, signature cheese blend, bacon, buttered crumbs
- 48
Fish + Chips*$26.00
hand-trimmed Atlantic cod, tartar, kennebec fries, spicy cole slaw (Item is or can be prepared keto-friendly +$4)
Filet Mignon*$42.00
8oz center cut, char-broiled, mushroom demi, mashed potatoes

Add-Ons

Two Colossal Shrimp*$20.00
Two Jumbo Scallops*$22.00
4oz Grilled Salmon*$16.00
Grilled Chicken*$13.00
4oz Grilled Tenderloin*$20.00
4oz Broiled Crab Cake*$19.00

Sides

Idaho Baked Potato$7.00
Loaded +$4
Kennebec Fries$6.00
Loaded +$4
Mac + Cheese$13.00
Honey-Roasted Carrots$7.00
Braised Red Cabbage$7.00
Mashed Potatoes*$7.00
Spicy Cole Slaw$7.00

What 1,376 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.2

4.2 based on recent ratings

4.3Food
4.1Service
4.6Ambience
3.8Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Central New York
Healthy
Central New York
Hot Spot
Central New York
Romantic
Central New York
Special Occasion
Central New York
Vibrant Bar Scene
Central New York
Most Booked

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OT
OpenTable Diner
Tampa
10 reviews
4.0
10 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
overall4food4service5ambience5
Beautiful setting atop office building in Utica. Outside and inside dining. Umbrellas on the outdoor tables would have helped. Great selection of fish choices. Friendly wait staff
OT
OpenTable Diner
Orlando
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Short ribs nachos excellent, tuna burger as well
DH
DonH
Atlanta
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
overall2food2service5ambience4
Chef needs some seasoning. Very boring food and fish was dry as was everything.
SC
SueC
Switzerland
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on August 2, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
88th Birthday celebration
RH
RachelH
New York Area
13 reviews
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on August 1, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Impeccable as always!
b
bear
New York Area
3 reviews
1.0
3 reviews
Dined on July 25, 2022
overall1food3service1ambience3
The service was atrocious.. No soda o coffee after waiting half hour then staff acted annoyed
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 22, 2022
overall3food2service4ambience5
I never leave reviews, ever, however…… Our server was lovely and attentive, the bartender was awesome, the oysters were fabulous, my entree was over salted. I couldn’t eat the spinach or fish enjoyably due to the enormous amount of salt. My boyfriend loved his scallops, perfectly cooked but again the wilted spinach, as the set ups were the same, was inedible. The carrots that came with both meals were excellent. For an almost $200 dinner, I was disappointed. I loved everything about this place and had such high expectations. Should have just ordered a dozen oysters and a Caesar salad.
LR
LeahR
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 22, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great night out for my birthday! Service was excellent. All staff was friendly and accommodating. Food was excellent. I had the lobster roll with the cabbage salad and carrots, husband had the ribye that came with a massive loaded potoato. Prices are high. We will be returning.
j
jagg
New York Area
6 reviews
vip
2.0
6 reviews
Dined on July 20, 2022
overall2food2service3ambience3
Food was so so, for the price it should be exceptional.
E
Eric77
New York Area
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 16, 2022
overall2food1service4ambience3
Have eaten here several times. This time was very poor. Had to have 2 steaks re-fired. One came back the same. Calamari was under cooked with a very bland flavor. Food presentation was a steak on a plate? I got the impression that it was a resturant with no chef. $350 of disappointment.
RC
RickC
Washington DC
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 12, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
I had dinner on the terrace, and between the gorgeous sunset and the wonderful food and drink, the experience was top notch. Shout out to the best service and attentiveness, too!
BT
BridgetT
New York Area
22 reviews
5.0
22 reviews
Dined on July 10, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing brunch on the sunny patio after the boilermaker. I had the street tacos and 1/2 a Caesar salad which was delicious. My husband had the eggs Benedict with salmon and loved it as well. A 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Brunch all around.
s
stier62win
New York Area
9 reviews
4.0
9 reviews
Dined on July 9, 2022
overall4food5service4ambience5
We had a lovely meal at Ocean Blue, with excellent food. Our only complaint was that we waited 30 minutes after the time of our reservation, and had to remind the hostess at that time to eventually be seated. It is pricey for Utica, in my opinion. We'll definitely eat there again.
V
Victoria
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 6, 2022
overall5food5service3ambience4
Great food! The service was good. The only thing I would say is that when we got there they made us wait until our reservation and we were ten minutes early and lots of tables available. Other then that it was amazing.
N
None
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 2, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Music was a little to loud for our comfort. It was very hard to have a conversation at the table.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Tahoe
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on June 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Love Ocean Blue! It’s our go to restaurant for special occasions!
KA
KatherineA
New York Area
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on June 27, 2022
overall4food5service4ambience5
Service was a little slower than usual which was expected in these “times”… but the food was amazing!!
G
Goodeats
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on June 24, 2022
overall4food5service4ambience5
Nice atmosphere and food! Service not great, waiter not around most of the time, had to wait for a long time to fill the water, ordered dessert but waited for a long time until another waiter who was not assigned to my table brought out the dessert. In addition, food way overpriced for the area. To attract more business and customers, improve service to ALL customers and have more reasonable prices.
TR
TiffanyR
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 23, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything was great, our server was so nice and had answers to our questions, very polite. The food was outstanding and it is very nice to have this in Utica.
K
Kimberly
New York Area
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on June 20, 2022
overall4food3service3ambience5
This is the fifth time we have dined at Ocean Blue. By far, it was the worst experience (compared to every other experience, which were amazing). First, our appetizers were served to a different table. I had to ask the waitress about it after waiting an additional 20 minutes and she realized the mistake. Very shortly after- we got the apps. Then, they served cheese on my sons burger (he’s specifically asked for no cheese to be on it) and my husbands meal was cold. Besides that, the rest of the food was delicious and the drinks were amazing. You could definitely tell that there was a lack of staff and the waitresses were very inexperienced. They didn’t know the table numbers and were walking around with food not knowing where it should be served. Granted, we will go there again but I think that the owners would probably want some honesty based on our experience so I am sharing! Typically, I would 100% recommend dining here.
T
Table4
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on June 19, 2022
overall3food1service2ambience5
I waited almost an hour for my food and it was cold and not worth the wait. The drinks were very good though.
DC
DeniseC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 18, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We went to Ocean Blue to celebrate our wedding anniversary. Everything from the food to the service was top notch. We would definitely recommend this place to anyone who wants the ultimate dining experience.
TJ
TomJ
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing food and service as always! Can't wait to go back again.
AS
AlexS
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on June 14, 2022
overall1food1service3ambience3
$208 plus $42 tips, $250 (cash) Food bad, oysters was good. Frozen deserts, salty fish.
FF
FFFFF
New York Area
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on June 10, 2022
overall3food4service1ambience3
The waitress took our food and drink order. My wife requested the dressing on the salad be on the side. There was a log wait for the drinks, a long wait for the salads, and and long wait for the entrees. My wife's salad arrived with the dressing on it. We would have alerted our waitress to this, but we did not see her again until she brought the bill. That was the last we saw of her. No one came back for payment until the bus service asked if they could take care of it when they came to clear the plates. Very disappointing experience for the price.
BM
BeckyM
Orlando
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on June 4, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Quality, experience and atmosphere are incredible. I make a point to make reservations at the restaurant when I am in Utica. It has never disappointed
SP
SusanP
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on June 3, 2022
overall2food4service1ambience2
The service was very bad. It took 45 mins to get our drink order and then our main courses arrived, but not our appetizers. The waitress was not attentive to our table. I could see her help g and conversing with other tables but she forgot our table. Food was lukewarm when it was served.
MC
MaryellenC
New York Area
30 reviews
vip
5.0
30 reviews
Dined on June 3, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Had a lovely dinner outside. Beautiful view of downtown Utica.. Oysters were tasty and scallops prepared to perfection.
MW
MaryannW
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 28, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Bang bang cauliflower appetizer was great! Field greens salad very fresh. Baked haddock was very moist! I recommend it!
s
samw
New York Area
9 reviews
4.0
9 reviews
Dined on May 27, 2022
overall4food5service4ambience5
Great energetic vibe, interesting and wide variety of appetizers and entrees. Got a perfect negroni and a very nice glass of La Crema Chardonnay... Can tell a lot from the attention a place gives to their cocktails and wine list... Food was excellent. We had a trainee and the floor manager for service so it was a bit erratic but not unpleasant.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 23, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Expensive, but well worth it. Absolutely try the cake for dessert!
SR
SandraR
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 22, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Had a lovely celebratory brunch on the patio for my daughters college graduation.
RA
ReneeA
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on May 17, 2022
overall4food5service3ambience5
The food , both appetizers and entrees were absolutely FANTASTIC! The mixed drinks (I got a Hit & Run, my friend got a Grey Goose Cosmo) were also very good. We were disappointed by our server. She seemed to be in a rush to get our orders and then she never checked on us. Our orders were brought by someone other than her and we had to go to the bar to get more drinks. We had to call someone else to take our payment until she saw us asking.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on May 14, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Waitstaff was great!!!
m
michaelm
San Francisco
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on May 14, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was excellent the atmosphere was excellent the staff was excellent The owners and management do a fantastic job 5 Star
CN
CathyN
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 10, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
WE sat out side for a business dinner last night,,, it was superb... the atmosphere,,, the food and drinks we could have stayed all night. Our out of town guest was so impressed with Ocean Blue
LZ
LindaZ
New York Area
5 reviews
vip
1.0
5 reviews
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall1food1service1ambience1
Seated on time… then ordered understanding it is Mother’s Day I expected a wait but, we we seated at 12:45 and at 2:30 we still had no food!!!!! We asked at 2 where our food was and the waitress said very curtly it will be here shortly they are backed up you know! At 2:25 I went to address with the hostess. We addressed the issue with the hostess who said they could pack up the food if it was ready. To their credit they picked up the drinks we had and one appetizer for my daughter. I had offered to pay for what we ate. It was sad that I wasn’t able to eat there for Mother’s Day nor any of our guests!!!
A
Alex
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on May 7, 2022
overall1food1service1ambience3
Service was terrible. Waited an hour and a half to get our table then waited over an hour for food we had to send back. Don’t waste your time.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
4 reviews
2.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 7, 2022
overall2food3service2ambience3
Waited an hour to be seated, then food/drinks took a long time.
JW
JoeW
New York Area
37 reviews
vip
5.0
37 reviews
Dined on May 4, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Outstanding food and service

FAQs

Ocean Blue Restaurant & Oyster Bar is rated 4.2 stars by 1376 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Aug 11, 2022

7:00 PM

Booked 28 times today

Google Map for Ocean Blue Restaurant & Oyster Bar

118 Columbia Street, Utica, NY 13502

Additional information

Cross street
Genesee, Columbia & Seneca Streets
Neighborhood
Utica
Hours of operation
Brunch Sun 11:00 am–4:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 4:30 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:30 pm–11:00 pm
Cuisines
Seafood, American, Shellfish
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Ocean Blue features a private parking lot on premises. We are also located next to parking at the adjacent Delta Marriott Hotel garage as well as ample on-street parking on Genesee, Lafayette and Seneca Streets.
Public transit
Centro Bus Stop.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Executive chef
Francis Pezzolanella
Entertainment
Televisions located in bar/lounge.
Additional
Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://oceanbluerestaurant.com/
Phone number
(315) 735-2583
Catering
Our staff is excited to host everything from small intimate dinners, to grand gatherings of 100+. At Ocean Blue, special events are a way of extending our full restaurant experience to new guests, and soon to be friends. If you know exactly the event you want, we would be happy to plan it with ease. If you are still looking, leave the details to us, as we find the perfect setting for your next affair.
Private party facilities
We’d love to host your next cocktail party, dinner, weekend brunch, wedding, and more.
Private party contact
our Private Dining Coordinator: (315) 735-2583

Ocean Blue Restaurant & Oyster Bar

Make a reservation

Additional information

Lobster Roll

East Coast Oysters

Two Jumbo Scallops

Appetizers

East Coast Oysters*$38.00

Signature Lobster Bisque$16.00

New England Clam Chowder$16.00

Island Creek Clams*$20.00

Street Tacos*$16.00

Rhode Island Calamari$17.00

Grilled Rosemary Focaccia$6.00

Short Rib Nachos$21.00

Jumbo Lump Crab Cake*$27.00

Colossal Shrimp Cocktail*$29.00

Bang Bang Cauliflower$17.00

Loaded Lobster Skins$27.00

Salads

Asian Shrimp Salad*$21.00

Chop Chop*$17.00

Classic Caesar*$13.00

Field Greens*$11.00

Entrées

Ahi Tuna Burger*$29.00

Lobster Roll*

Half Pound Cheeseburger*$18.00

Crab Cake Dinner*$42.00

Chilean Sea Bass*$51.00

Everything Spiced Ahi Tuna*$43.00

The Hawaiian Rib-Eye$52.00

Baked Stuffed Haddock*$39.00

Jumbo Scallops*$42.00

Shrimp Scampi$40.00

Faroe Islands Salmon*$37.00

Lobster Ravioli$40.00

I'll Have the Chicken*$31.00

Lobster Mac + Cheese

Fish + Chips*$26.00

Filet Mignon*$42.00

Add-Ons

Two Colossal Shrimp*$20.00

Two Jumbo Scallops*$22.00

4oz Grilled Salmon*$16.00

Grilled Chicken*$13.00

4oz Grilled Tenderloin*$20.00

4oz Broiled Crab Cake*$19.00

Sides

Idaho Baked Potato$7.00

Kennebec Fries$6.00

Mac + Cheese$13.00

Honey-Roasted Carrots$7.00

Braised Red Cabbage$7.00

Mashed Potatoes*$7.00

Spicy Cole Slaw$7.00

Overall ratings and reviews

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How is Ocean Blue Restaurant & Oyster Bar restaurant rated?

Is Ocean Blue Restaurant & Oyster Bar currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information