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Ocean Blue Restaurant & Oyster Bar, Utica, NY

Ocean Blue Restaurant & Oyster Bar

4.4
4.4
1629 Reviews
$31 to $50
Seafood

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 11 times today
  • Good for special occasions
  • Great for creative cocktails
  • Great for scenic views
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.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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

What 1,629 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.4
4.4 based on recent ratings
  • 4.4Food
  • 4.4Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Mohawk Valley

    Innovative

  • Mohawk Valley

    Hot spot

  • Mohawk Valley

    Great for fine wines

  • Mohawk Valley

    Great for outdoor dining

  • Mohawk Valley

    Romantic

  • Mohawk Valley

    Good for special occasions

  • Mohawk Valley

    Lively

  • Mohawk Valley

    Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Ocean Blue Restaurant & Oyster Bar offers a charming dining experience with standout dishes like "phenomenal" seafood and "amazing" butter cake. While some find it "pricey," the exceptional service and lovely rooftop views create a memorable atmosphere. Perfect for special occasions, it's a favorite for many returning guests.

1,629 Reviews
  1. Sandra

    E. Tennessee

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Ocean Blue is hands-down the best restaurant in Utica. The lunch menu has very reasonable prices, and the dinner menu, while a bit more expensive, is still excellent value for the quality of the food and the bespoke experience. Our server was knowledgeable, personable, and professional and she attended to everyone's preferences well. Everyone's food was excellently prepared. The desserts are sizable. We shared the flourless chocolate cake (divine) and the very best key lime pie I've ever tasted. If budget is a big concern, at least come for lunch - it's memorable.

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  2. Debra

    New York City

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 3
    Service was less than expected for such a high priced restaurant. Wine was very expensive considering they only give a 4 oz pour. Quality of food was sporadic. Some very good, some sub par, overcooked and burnt.

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  3. Kim

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It was our first time at Ocean Blue and it did not disappoint. Very gourmet menu selection, the staff are very nice and welcoming. The place is upscale, but also kid-friendly with a great children’s menu. My son however, ordered from the adult menu and said the Faroe island salmon is the best thing he’s ever had! I have to agree with him!

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  4. Sarah

    New York City

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 7, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    5-star experience all the way around. Our party of 6 sampled across the food and drink menus, including desserts. We were not disappointed! Such a treat to find in downtown Utica. We will be back!

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  5. Kathy

    Upstate NY

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 6, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wonderful experience!! Very gracious staff, very attentive and friendly. Food and drinks were fantastic!!! Highly recommmend.

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  6. Laura

    Upstate NY

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 2, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food, service, drinks were amazing! I’ve never been unhappy with our visit. We will be back soon definitely!!! By the way Kyle makes the best drinks, try the 1492 so refreshing and delicious!

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  7. Barb

    New York City

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on October 26, 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Beautiful setting, waitress was lovely but it was busy & it took extra time. Food was good although entrees were pricey

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  8. Theresa

    Upstate NY

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 26, 2024

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Very pricey for the regular food not necessarily for the higher end seafood items. The cod was really good but with "Fish and Chips" in my experience the chips (fries) should be thick and chunky not shoestring fries. That was disappointing.

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  9. Joe

    New York City

    45 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    45 reviews

    Dined on October 19, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Outstanding service from the staff and the food is always amazing.

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  10. Dee

    Philadelphia

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on October 19, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    From the moment we stepped into Ocean Blue, we were enveloped in an atmosphere that was welcoming and warm—a perfect setting for a memorable dining experience. Ocean Blue has a casual and subtle speakeasy vibe which is accentuated by soft lighting and tasteful decor; it set the stage for what turned out to be an exceptional evening. We started our culinary journey with the Rhode Island calamari, which was a delightful introduction to the evening. Tender and perfectly fried, the calamari was complemented by cherry peppers that added just the right amount of kick, elevating this classic appetizer to new heights. Next came the Stuffed Haddock. This dish was flaky, moist, and infused with a harmonious blend of flavors that showcased the freshness of the seafood. The jalapeño creamed corn was outstanding, as the taste made every bite a true delight; you won't regret ordering this side dish! The Crab Cake Dinner was equally impressive. Each cake was packed with succulent crabmeat and seasoned to perfection, served with a side that was equally delectable. It was evident that the chefs at Ocean Blue take pride in their craft, using high-quality ingredients that shine without being overpowered by heavy sauces. To complement our meal, we indulged in craft cocktails—the Below Daiq and the Mezcal Fizz. Both drinks were expertly crafted, showcasing a balance of flavors that highlighted the creativity and skill of the mixologists. The Below Daiq, with its refreshing notes, was a particular favorite, perfectly paired with the seafood. Finally, we couldn't resist the allure of dessert and opted for the crème brûlée. It was the perfect conclusion to an already stellar meal. What truly set Ocean Blue apart was the impeccable service. All members of the establishment worked as a team; they were attentive without being intrusive, knowledgeable about the menu, and enthusiastic. Price range:$$$$ Be prepared to pay a bit more, but enjoy treating yourselves.

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FAQs

Ocean Blue Restaurant & Oyster Bar is rated 4.4 stars by 1629 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 11 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
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • 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
  • 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.
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