24 Nov Ocean Prime Beverly Hills

A new steak house in Beverly Hills sounds a bit cliché.  I can think of at least five  within walking distance of each other. But, now there is a new one – Ocean Prime, the first California outpost of a restaurant group, Cameron Mitchell Restaurants, out of Columbus, Ohio. Located where the El Torito stood for many years, on the corner of Wilshire and Camden, it is a stunning venue and more importantly it is more than a steakhouse. They also emphasize top-quality fish with a raw bar and full seafood menu. Ocean Prime is a 350-seat restaurant broken into two parts separated by a building entrance. On the right side is the lounge with a full bar that leads out to a huge patio overlooking Wilshire Blvd. On the left side, past the hostess stand is another lounge/bar that feeds into a large dining room, as well as a couple more private rooms. If you sit in the dining room, as we did, you will pass the raw bar as you are taken to your seat. So, that is where we started on the menu. From the Raw Bar, we had oysters on the half shell, colossal shrimp cocktail and Dutch Harbor king crab legs ( the restaurant kindly removed the meat from the claws for us).   We ordered Sashimi of #1 Ahi Tuna, Yellowtail and King Salmon, Hamachi Crudo with Seaweed Salad, Picked Mango, Sesame Ginger Vinaigrette, Cilantro and Ahi Tuna Tartare with Avocacdo and Ginger Ponzu from the Sushi Menu.      Still on the first page of the menu, we also ordered Jumbo Lump Crab Cake with Sweet Corn Cream and a Caesar Salad – Crisp Romaine, Parmesan Garlic Dressing, Brioche Croutons   While the first page of the menu was enough to fill us up, we had to try one of the steaks and ordered the Kansas City Strip. This is one of the most flavorful steaks that I have had in a restaurant. And what is a steak without the sides. Creamed Spinach is one of my favorite sides ever. And, Ocean Prime may make one of the best. The spinach is very fresh and is creamy but not runny. In addition, they add bacon and spices which add a smokiness and added crunch.     Other sides include Truffle Mac & Cheese, Lobster Mashed Potatoes, Creamy Potatoes (all rich and decadent) and Steamed Broccoli (the healthy choice).   Even after a filling meal, we had to have dessert – Key Lime Pie and Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake. The chocolate peanut butter cake is decadence and gluttony all in one. It is creamy, rich and not overly sweet. Definitely worth saving room for this one! Ocean Prime is not an inexpensive restaurant. But, with the stunning space and delicious food, it is a grandiose experiences and worth every penny. Ocean Prime Beverly Hills 9595 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90212