OCEAN PRIME TAVERN

OCEAN PRIME TAVERN

2 S Ave W, Cranford, NJ 07016, United States

+1 908-272-0045

Restaurant
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About This Place

Located in the heart of Cranford, NJ, Ocean Prime Tavern is a distinguished upscale restaurant that artfully blends the best of surf and turf to create an unforgettable dining experience. Specializing in exquisite seafood and perfectly cooked steaks, this eatery prides itself on delivering bold, rich flavors paired with an inviting atmosphere that balances sophistication with comfort.

The menu is a celebration of culinary craftsmanship, featuring standout dishes like the Grilled Octopus, served with roasted baby potatoes, Kalamata olives, grape tomatoes, and a bright lemon thyme vinaigrette that awakens the palate with its vibrant, tangy notes. Seafood lovers will savor the Chilled Seafood Tower, a decadent assortment including fresh oysters, colossal shrimp scampi drenched in garlic, lemon, and white wine, and clams casino topped with crisp bacon and a delicate panko crust, each bite echoing the freshness of the sea. The Seared Tuna appetizer, a harmonious blend of mango, avocado, cucumber, jalapeno, and cilantro, offers a refreshing yet spicy introduction to the meal.

For those who favor land over sea, the selection of steaks at Ocean Prime Tavern exemplifies prime quality, with highlights such as the Cowboy Steak Bone-In Ribeye and the classic Rib Eye Steak cooked to perfection. These juicy cuts are complemented seamlessly by indulgent signature sides: velvety Lobster Mac & Cheese bursting with rich, creamy flavors; Loaded Baked Potato baked to golden perfection; and savory, crisp Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon. The promise of their Mashed Potatoes elevates every bite with comforting, buttery smoothness that lingers.

Dessert lovers will find true delight in the decadent NY Cheesecake, a perfect balance of creamy and tangy textures, or the soulful Banana Foster that features walnuts and banana liquor served alongside French vanilla ice cream — a sweet end that warms both heart and palate. For cocktail enthusiasts, expertly crafted drinks like the Moscow Mule, Manhattan, and a tropical Mai Tai add the right touch of refreshment and sophistication to any dining occasion.

Beyond the exquisite food, Ocean Prime Tavern excels in creating an ambiance that feels both upscale and warmly inviting, making it an ideal choice for everything from celebratory occasions to relaxed dinners with friends. Guests frequently praise the attentiveness and friendliness of the staff, highlighting how a gracious welcome and seamless service make each visit memorable.

Authentic customer reviews reflect the consistently high standards here. One guest enthusiastically raved about the freshness and flavor of the seafood tours and ahi tuna, calling it “unreal” and a must-try for seafood lovers. Another return visitor praised the scallops and rich chocolate lava cake that capped off their night perfectly. Diners appreciate the accommodating nature of the team, with many returning for special events like birthdays, emphasizing that the experience is both filling and satisfying — a testament to the generous portions and masterful flavors.

Ocean Prime Tavern stands out as a culinary gem where every detail, from the quality of ingredients to the thoughtfully crafted menu and impeccable service, invites you to savor not just a meal, but a deeply gratifying experience. Whether you’re craving the delicate brininess of fresh seafood, the juicy succulence of a premium steak, or a decadent dessert to complete your evening, Ocean Prime Tavern promises to deliver with passion and finesse.

Service options
Outdoor seating Takeaway Dine-in Delivery
Highlights
Fast service Fireplace Great cocktails
Popular for
Dinner Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet Assistive hearing loop
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Cocktails Coffee Comfort food Small plates Spirits Wine
Dining options
Dinner Catering Dessert Seating Table service
Amenities
Bar on site Toilet Wi-Fi Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly Groups LGBTQ+ friendly Tourists Transgender safe space
Planning
Reservations required Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Parking
Free of charge street parking Free parking lot Paid multi-storey car park Paid street parking Parking

Opening Hours

  • Monday
    Closed
  • Tuesday
    05:00 PM - 10:00 PM
  • Wednesday
    05:00 PM - 10:00 PM
  • Thursday
    05:00 PM - 10:00 PM
  • Friday
    05:00 PM - 10:00 PM
  • Saturday
    05:00 PM - 10:00 PM
  • Sunday
    04:00 PM - 09:00 PM

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • kristen costello
    2 month ago

    My girlfriends (10 of us) and I had a great time last night. We had two seafood tours, amazing calamari, and a salad to start, all were fresh and delicious! My ahi tuna entree was unreal. Just how I like it!! If you’re a seafood person, highly recommend.

  • Fiorenza D'aprano
    3 month ago

    Tonight was my second time back . It just keeps getting better. Try the limoncello it was delicious the scallops are a must . The ending with the chocolate lava cake topped it off.Thank you

  • Tyler Klutkowski
    3 month ago

    Ocean Prime Tavern in Cranford is an absolute standout. From the moment we arrived, we were warmly welcomed by a hostess who made us feel like old friends. The ambiance is the perfect mix of upscale and cozy—ideal for a special night out or a relaxed dinner. We had a 5:30 reservation for four, were seated right away, and greeted by a friendly server who offered us a choice of water (we chose bottled—served perfectly chilled). Our drinks were a hit: I had a refreshing Mixed Berry Mint Cocktail, my fiancée had a tropical Malibu Bay Breeze, and my dad enjoyed a smooth, rich Red Blend. For appetizers, we had an incredible dozen oysters—ice cold, fresh, and briny with a tangy mignonette and Tabasco—and perfectly crispy fried calamari with a sweet chili sauce that hit all the right notes. For entrees, I had a 16 oz NY Strip, juicy and seared to a perfect medium rare. My fiancée’s 16 oz Ribeye was rich and beautifully marbled, while my mom’s Chicken Milanese was golden, crispy, and topped with a light arugula salad. My dad also had the NY Strip and called it one of the best steaks he’s had in years. We shared three knockout sides: a loaded baked potato with all the fixings, garlicky parmesan-roasted asparagus, and the indulgent, creamy lobster mac and cheese—absolutely packed with tender chunks of lobster. Desserts were outstanding: I had a luscious Frangelico tiramisu, my fiancée loved the sea salt caramel cheesecake, and my dad’s bananas foster was warm and dreamy. We finished with rich coffees and were treated to complimentary limoncello—bright, smooth, and the perfect ending. Ocean Prime Tavern delivers five-star service, unforgettable food, and an atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. Already planning our next visit!

  • Thomas Ho
    3 month ago

    Service and food were outstanding. The only critical thing i have is, they should probably invest in better steak knives. Sawing at a steak of this quality is a sin

  • Denise
    4 month ago

    Can for my mothers birthday. After reading the reviews I was weary what the experience would be did food but took a chance. It was amazing, the service was flawless, everything we ate was delicious and they were very accommodating. We’ve been to lots of steakhouses and typically never finish our food, that was not the case here. We left stuffed and happy. I will be back

  • mariana grisales
    4 month ago

    Such a hidden gem! The flavors were unique and perfectly balanced. The presentation was beautiful, and the staff made the whole experience even better. The cocktails were absolutely delicious — refreshing and perfectly mixed. Definitely a place worth visiting — I’ll be recommending it to all my friends!

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