You simply can not write this restaurant off as a "chain" just because it has other locations throughout the country - by the way those locations all do very well just the same. The food here is extremely tasty with every dish having its own distinct flavor. Upon receipt of your plate you will taste your amazing entree but try adding a little of everything on the plate to your fork/spoon and enjoy how the flavors all blend together to give you an even more exceptional taste. the chef, Sean Bernal, has worked at Tambo, Baleen and the unfortunate short lived Pescado. Although it is a "chain" restaurant the chef and his sous chefs are highly trained and qualified in order to bring this place to life! There is no comparing this seafood restaurant to any other in Miami. it is rare in Miami to find a place with exquisite food AND atmosphere. This place has it!

The Oceanaire Seafood Room is the best thing to come to downtown since Azul and Cafe Sambal (at the Mandarin Oriental). The seafood is simply the best in town. I know people will scream foul, "Joe's is better", or "The Rusty Pelican is king." Frankly, Joe's has been arrogant and OVER-overpriced for far too long (and this coming from a worshipper of the all-mighty Stone Crab), and the Pelican is nice, but nothing about it really is that impressive.

The food at the Oceanaire all stems from the freshest creatures to have been caught in the last day or so from waters both local (Key West Hogfish - the reason I go) and afar. Whether those creatures were swimming or crawling yesterday, they'll be delicious on your plate today.

What I really like about the place is this. You can have an equally amazing time sitting at the bar with your friends for happy hour scarfing down a Raw Bar platter, as the great sit-down dinner you can have here with your girlfriend or wife. Furthermore, when I've taken friends to dinner here who are kind of timid with fish, I always tell them "Don't go for the safety fish". Meaning, you don't need to go for the chilean seabass here (even though it is amazing), try the hogfish, or halibut, or salmon, or wahoo. My motto here is always try something new (unless the hogfish is on the menu that night - my fave).

Try the Lobster Bisque or the NE Clam Chowder. Try the crabcakes. Try the Keywest Hogfish.

Leave some room for the deserts - order Sean's Mom's Flan and the Pineapple Rum Cake.

I agree with Brad. I went to Oceanaire recently and I did enjoy the food. Although its a beuatiful restaurant, the service was very slow and not very impressive. There's many other restaurants that serve better seafood. Joe's River oyster, and Big Fish should be considered. Oceanaire is a chain of restaurants and should not be something that is named on this list.

Obiovulsy you have not been there or you wouldn't be making such negative comments. Did it ever occur to you that maybe this restaurant is THAT good it only had to be around for 6 months to make best of?! Don't knock it, until you've tried it - and you obviously haven't.

Shouldn't a restaurant be operating for more than 6 months to earn a "Best Seafood Restaurant" designation? What an insult to the countless other quality seafood establishments that have actually earned a reputation over time. Classic example of the Miami mindset: choose the new/trendy over classic/quality.

right on, you just missed on best oyster bar and service too. i cant speak highly enough and you can get a reasonable lunch there too

I had the best night at The Oceanaire! The service is excellent and super friendly. Antonio was our server, and he suggested that we try the crabcakes - best I've had in Florida! This is the place to go if you want superb service and fresh, fresh food.