The Oceanaire Seafood Room

(619) 858-2277

400 J St
San Diego, CA 92101 32.709359 -117.161019

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Neighborhoods: Marina, Central, Central San Diego

THEOCEANAIRE.COM

Years in business

Established in 2004

Hours:

11:30am -

Price:

$$$$

Last updated 6.08.11

Category:

Restaurants

Payment Methods:

Carte Blanche, American Express, Cash, Visa, Discover, Diners Club, MasterCard, Debit Card

Restaurant Special Features:

Romantic Dining, Special Occasion Dining, Outdoor Dining, Theater District Dining, Private Rooms, People Watching, Business Dining, Date Spot, Group Dining, Bar Scene, Prix Fixe Menu

Cuisine:

Seafood

Other Locations:

Editor's Tips

What People Are Saying About The Oceanaire Seafood Room

The Owner

The Oceanaire Seafood Room

Owner

From the moment you enter the Oceanaire you feel a sense of place and time akin to a classic 1930s ocean liner. No detail is left to chance. From cocktails in the lounge, to our raw oyster bar, to a main course of ultra-fresh fish, a rendezvous at the Oceanaire is the perfect occasion to indulge your unfettered senses.Our seafood is flown in daily from around the world. We source only top-of-the-catch fish from the world's most reputable suppliers. Since our menu is based entirely on market availability, selections change by the day - in some cases, even by the hour. Choose your fancy prepared…

Provided by CityGrid

Read more from the owner

Featured Review

Amy Eddo

Contributor

In Short – Experience the glamour of a 1940's supperclub in a dining room that replicates a vintage cruise liner. The grand dining room gleams decadence with polished hardwoods and red leather booths, where fancied-up couples and groups indulge in oversized martinis and rich caviar. As big-band classics play in the background, crowds cluster around the half moon oyster bar for an outstanding selection of fresh shellfish and house specialty crab cakes. – – –

Editor's Tips

Know Before You Go:
If you don't plan on paying the price for valet, know that Gaslamp District parking is particularly difficult on evenings and weekends
Look Good:
While there is a mix of casual chic to glitzy dressers, crowds trend towards fancier attire.
Save Time:
Reservations are recommended at this popular dining destination.
Save Money:
Happy hour is Monday through Friday from 5-6pm where guests enjoy several drink and menu item specials, including half price oysters.
The Extras:
Celebrity Chef Brian Malarkey (a Top Chef finalist in 2007) still runs the kitchen -- and works the room, even signing the occasional autograph.
atmosphere
100.0% positive
  1. “a near perfect evening”
  2. “are much less expensive and just as good guality and atmosphere”
  3. “delicious food, amazing atmosphere.”
dessert
100.0% positive
  1. “the cheesecake was wonderful, although, you definitely want to share as.”
  2. “the deserts were very tasty especially the homestyle cheesecake”
  3. “best crab cakes in san diego”
  4. “yummy crab cakes”
drinks
100.0% positive
  1. “you could spend the same amount elsewhere and get a much better meal, even a few good left-overs for later, and a whole bottle of wine.”
  2. “impressive wines- ask for the reserve list.”
food quality
97.29999542236328% positive
  1. “to go for fresh seafoood”
  2. “delicious food, amazing atmosphere.”
  3. “it was about 90% crab meat, and was excellent.”
  4. “an amazing variety of types of fish from all over, and creative flavors that.”
  5. “i highly recommend this place to any seafood fans, as well as people looking for a special place.”
  6. “best crab cakes in san diego”
  7. “simply the best in san diego for: .1- the freshest seafood in beautiful preparations of various world influences.”
  8. “yummy crab cakes”
  9. “the deserts were very tasty especially the homestyle cheesecake”
  10. “the food was good”
  11. “mixed signals- mediocre seafood”
  12. “best seafood and service”
  13. “the menu is based upon the fresh fish that, and is pretty extensive in terms of seafood.”
  14. “there are some nice seafood restaurants in san diego as, but none come anywhere close.”
  15. “excellent food& service”
  16. “me make delicious appetizer and dinner choices”
  17. “along with some bread, it was a very nice start to the meal.”
  18. “i was impressed with the wide variety of fresh seafood on their menu and the different preparations.”
  19. “this is a very nice seafood restaurant”
  20. “nice seafood place”
  21. “excellent food and service at both locations.”
  22. “the food is fantastic”
  23. “fresh seafood.”
  24. “itself was the perfect end to a great meal”
  25. “you are looking for a very nice place and ove seafood”
  26. “the seafood was excellent”
  27. “i definitely recommend this restaurant to anyone visiting san diego or any local fish!”
  28. “not having a good seafood dinner”
  29. “the food was so fresh and scrumptious, that!”
  30. “the caesar salad was good topped with anchovies, although i thought.”
  31. “you could spend the same amount elsewhere and get a much better meal, even a few good left-overs for later, and a whole bottle of wine.”
  32. “extremely fresh- delicious seafood”
  33. “best seafood experience in san diego”
menu variety
100.0% positive
  1. “me make delicious appetizer and dinner choices”
  2. “i was impressed with the wide variety of fresh seafood on their menu and the different preparations.”
  3. “however, it has a great menu and great service.”
  4. “the menu is based upon the fresh fish that, and is pretty extensive in terms of seafood.”
  5. “an amazing variety of types of fish from all over, and creative flavors that.”
overall
100.0% positive
  1. “wow a great place”
  2. “this is a very nice seafood restaurant”
  3. “nice seafood place”
  4. “j 's halibut cheeks with triple corn was also good.”
  5. “my visit to the oceanaire last was near perfect.”
  6. “this is my all time favorite restaurant in san diego!”
  7. “great place for big groups!”
  8. “great overall dining experience!”
  9. “you are looking for a very nice place and ove seafood”
  10. “i highly recommend this place!”
return potential
100.0% positive
  1. “my wife really enjoyed her sole”
service
100.0% positive
  1. “however, it has a great menu and great service.”
  2. “the host was very professional and courteous.”
  3. “the staff is very friendly and attentive, but not too in your face.”
  4. “the bartenders really friendly”
  5. “thank you for the excellent service.”
  6. “excellent food and service at both locations.”
  7. “i highly recommend this place to any seafood fans, as well as people looking for a special place.”
  8. “best seafood and service”
  9. “the service was prompt and friendly and helped.”
  10. “excellent food& service”
  11. “the service is great”
  12. “everyone from the smiling people at the door to the wait-staff and bussers were all so pleasant and acommodating.”
value
100.0% positive
  1. “a great dinner!”
  2. “are much less expensive and just as good guality and atmosphere”
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

07/09/11

Impossible not to like this food

by Less2Les at Citysearch

I have never tasted better seafood anywhere, and we have been all over the world. Hands down, the best ever. We don't come here often because it's just too expensive for us, but when we want to treat ourselves, we make a trip over and go for it!

San Diego is really coming along with great places to eat.

4 Star Rating: Recommended

05/02/11

Best Crab Cake in the world!

by ciscodan at Citysearch

Oh no, I can't believe it...why did they have to take something so great and ruin it...

Well folks, the home of the best crab cake has been sold. That's right, Landry's has purchased the Oceanaire chain - and food quality, portion size and staff happiness has dramatically decreased. I am sure the corporate guys and Landry's figured they could by the place and start cutting costs, reducing quality, and increase their profits. A sign of the times.

All of the fish portions have decreased by 2-4 ounces (including a 1.5 ounce reduction in the crab cake). The food quality has decreased and the staff is very unhappy.

If you still want to experience the best crab cake in the world (just a little smaller now), stop in this place before it is too late. I have decided that I probably wont go back. Oceanaire doesn't do it for me anymore...I have lost that lovin feeling.

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

01/09/11

superb seafood and service

by josephR at Citysearch

having been to many seafood resturants in Norhtern and Southern California, I find this place to have maybe the best food, great service, and a friendly atmospher. the best.

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

11/23/10

Love this restaurant

by IsabelO at Citysearch

This is my absolute favorite restaurant. My boyfriend and I went here for Valentine's Day. The restaurant had formulated a very special menu for the occasion. Each course left us speechless. Everything from the bread, salads, and soups to the fish, meats, and desserts was absolutely phenomenal. The meals are so unique and it's amazing how the chefs know that very different ingredients and spices (that no normal person would combine) somehow can come together in a tantalizing fashion. The ambiance was romantic and comfortable. The servers were polite and knowledgeable about each dish. I wish I was rich so I could eat here at least once per week.

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

09/27/10

Ask for Jason as your Waiter

by KatFlyd at Citysearch

The food and drinks are delicious and it has to be some of the best seafood in San Diego. Also, I have been here a few times and the service has been hit and miss. By far our favorite waiter is Jason, be sure to ask for him and you'll know you'll receive excellent service.

The Details on The Oceanaire Seafood Room

Place Categories:

  • great great service
  • nice seafood place
  • fresh ove seafood
  • excellent food
  • favorite seafood restaurant
  • impressive wide variety
  • good seafood dinner
  • amazing atmosphere
  • yummy crab cakes
  • good leftovers
  • fresh fish
  • friendly staff
  • wonderful cheesecake
  • fresh seafoood
  • friendly bartenders
  • nice start
  • tasty deserts
  • great overall dining
  • mediocre seafood
  • delicious dinner choices
  • best seafood experience
  • excellent crab meat
  • good guality
  • delicious appetizer
  • beautiful preparations

As Seen In…

Best of Citysearch

San Diego

Best of Citysearch

San Diego

Best of Citysearch

San Diego

Message from The Oceanaire Seafood Room

  • Ultra -Fresh Seafood
  • Extensive Wine List
  • Private Dining Rooms

From the moment you enter the Oceanaire you feel a sense of place and time akin to a classic 1930s ocean liner. No detail is left to chance. From cocktails in the lounge, to our raw oyster bar, to a main course of ultra-fresh fish, a rendezvous at the Oceanaire is the perfect occasion to indulge your unfettered senses.

Our seafood is flown in daily from around the world. We source only top-of-the-catch fish from the world's most reputable suppliers.

Since our menu is based entirely on market availability, selections change by the day - in some cases, even by the hour. Choose your fancy prepared to your liking: simply grilled or broiled, sauteed, steamed or even fried. Served with our famous fresh baked sourdough bread, and offered with a wine list as deep as the sea, it's no wonder people come here to be spoiled.

The Oceanaire Seafood Room
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