New Fort Lauderdale Surf and Turf Spot Opens on Waterway

A national steakhouse and seafood concept has claimed one of the most high-profile waterfront spaces in Fort Lauderdale. Ocean Prime has officially opened at the newly developed Las Olas Marina. The two-story, 15,000-square-foot restaurant by Cameron Mitchell Restaurants is the first to debut at the marina, offering views of docked yachts along the Intracoastal Waterway and seating for more than 100 guests across indoor dining rooms, outdoor terraces, and a private space for large groups. It’s also Ocean Prime’s first location on Florida’s east coast, joining existing restaurants in Tampa, Naples, and Orlando.

The opening comes days after New Times reported that the Ohio-based hospitality group is also taking over the former Dune by Laurent Tourondel space. Expected in 2025, the brand will reportedly open a Fort Lauderdale location of Del Mar, its high-end, coastal Mediterranean restaurant with existing outposts in Columbus, Ohio, Naples, and West Palm Beach.

"Award-winning dining, exceptional hospitality and stunning views are all in store at Ocean Prime Fort Lauderdale," says General Manager Jason Brown. "With gorgeous outdoor terraces on both the upper and lower levels, the restaurant will offer unmatched waterfront views in the heart of Las Olas."

Upscale Surf and Turf Dishes with a View

Led by executive chef Charlie Tkacik, the kitchen turns out the upscale surf-and-turf dishes that have come to define the Ocean Prime brand. Signature items include a smoking shellfish tower, sea scallops with parmesan risotto, and a bone-in filet mignon topped with garlic butter. The menu also features raw bar selections, sushi rolls, lobster bisque, and entrées like blackened snapper with corn spoonbread and Chilean sea bass finished with champagne truffle sauce.

Tkacik brings more than a decade of culinary experience to the Fort Lauderdale opening, including time at Ocean Prime locations in Boston and Dallas. Originally from Rhode Island, he trained at Johnson & Wales University in North Miami and completed a culinary internship at Thomas Keller's Per Se in New York City. His team will also serve Ocean Prime's best-selling desserts, including the towering ten-layer carrot cake, made with cream cheese frosting and pineapple syrup.
The design of the new space reflects its waterfront setting, with dark wood tones, light accents, and nautical-inspired details. A custom ash wood light fixture created by Ocean Prime associate Giulio D'more — meant to resemble a musical note or sailboat depending on the angle — anchors the main dining room. Indoor and outdoor areas are separated by large sliding doors, allowing for a seamless transition to the wraparound terrace.

Ocean Prime is the first restaurant to open within the newly completed Las Olas Marina, a redevelopment project that includes a waterfront promenade and slips large enough to accommodate mega yachts. Additional dining and retail tenants are expected to open later this year.

Ocean Prime. 171 Las Olas Cir., Fort Lauderdale; 954-302-3838; ocean-prime.com.