Eleven years. That’s how long Kristy and I have been together, and when it came time to celebrate our anniversary, we wanted one of those romantic restaurants in Orlando that would actually match the occasion — not just a nice meal, but a real anniversary dinner experience. We’d been eyeing Ocean Prime Orlando on Sand Lake Road in the Dr. Phillips restaurant district for a while, and on Friday, January 31st, we finally pulled the trigger.
Spoiler: it was worth every penny.
The Vibe: Upscale Fine Dining Without the Stuffiness
Here’s what I loved right away — Ocean Prime feels luxurious without being pretentious. When we walked in, we were led to a semi-private curved booth with black leather seating, white tablecloths, black napkins, and crystal glasses. Dark curtains framed our space, giving us this intimate little world in the middle of a busy Friday night.
But the detail that really got us? Yellow rose petals scattered across the table around a copper “Reserved” sign, with a gold LED mushroom table lamp casting this warm glow. The whole restaurant has this beautiful balance of dark wood paneling and modern chandeliers — it’s the kind of place where you feel dressed up but not stiff.
Kristy looked stunning, the lighting was perfect, and honestly — before we even opened the menu, I knew this was the right call.
Why Ocean Prime Is Perfect for Anniversary Dinners and Special Occasions
If you’re searching for the best anniversary dinner in Orlando — or a place for a proposal, milestone birthday, or any special occasion dining — let me tell you why Ocean Prime should be at the top of your list.
First, the romantic ambiance. This isn’t a dimly lit room with generic mood lighting. Every detail feels intentional. The rose petals on our reserved table, the warm glow from the table lamp, the semi-private booth with those dark curtains creating an intimate cocoon — it felt like the restaurant was designed specifically for couples celebrating something meaningful. The lighting hits that sweet spot where everything looks warm and flattering without being so dark you can’t see your food.
Second, the service. Our server Summer was attentive without hovering — she read the room perfectly, knowing when to check in and when to let us just be together. When we mentioned it was our anniversary, she was genuinely happy for us, not performatively so. That kind of service matters on a night like this. It’s the difference between a good dinner and a romantic dining experience you’ll actually remember.
And third — they handle the details that most upscale restaurants in Orlando overlook. The reserved table setup with petals wasn’t something we requested. It was just how they treat guests celebrating something special. That says everything about the level of hospitality here. Whether you’re planning a romantic date night in Orlando or a bigger celebration, Ocean Prime understands that fine dining is about more than the food — it’s about how the entire evening makes you feel.
The Menu: Something for Everyone
One thing worth mentioning — Kristy has a beef allergy and doesn’t eat sushi, which can make fine dining restaurant menus tricky. Not here. Ocean Prime’s menu has a solid mix of seafood, steaks, and other options. She had zero trouble finding something she was excited about, and that matters when you’re picking a special occasion restaurant for a celebration.
Our server, Summer, was absolutely fantastic. Not hovering, not absent — just perfectly attentive. She walked us through specials, made recommendations, and genuinely seemed happy for us when we mentioned it was our anniversary. The kind of service that elevates the whole experience.
What We Ordered
Appetizers
We started with two shareable apps:
- White Truffle Caviar Deviled Eggs ($22) — These were elevated comfort food at its finest. Creamy, rich, with just enough truffle to make your eyes widen without overwhelming the egg.
- Smoked Gouda Tater Tots ($16) — Yes, tater tots at a fine dining restaurant. And yes, they were incredible. Crispy on the outside, gooey smoked gouda inside. We fought over the last one.
Jonathan’s Pick: 14oz New York Strip ($65)
Ocean Prime broils their steaks at 1200 degrees, and you can taste the difference. My New York Strip came out with this gorgeous dark caramelized crust, cooked to a perfect medium, finished with butter and a parsley garnish. Served steakhouse-style on a clean white plate — no pretension, just an impeccably cooked piece of meat.
Paired with their Whipped Potatoes ($15) — silky smooth, topped with fresh chives — and I was a very happy man.
Kristy’s Pick: Grouper with Lobster, Gnocchi, Spring Peas & Lemon Jus ($59)
Kristy’s dish might have been the star of the night (don’t tell my steak I said that). A golden-brown spice-crusted grouper fillet sitting in a gorgeous golden buttery broth, surrounded by tender lobster pieces, pillowy gnocchi, and bright green spring peas. Finished with a crispy herb garnish on top — the kind of dish that makes you pause before eating because it looks too good.
She let me try a bite. The lemon jus tied everything together beautifully — light, bright, and perfectly balanced against the richness of the lobster and the earthiness of the crust. This is fine dining done right.
The Full Spread
We skipped the alcohol and stuck with sparkling water, which our server Summer never batted an eye at. No upselling, no judgment — just great service. I appreciate that more than I can say.
The Honest Moments
Look, I’m not going to pretend every anniversary dinner goes perfectly. Sometimes the restaurant is too loud, or the food takes forever, or you’re seated next to a table of twelve celebrating someone’s birthday with an air horn. None of that here. From the moment we walked in to the moment we left, Ocean Prime made us feel like the only people in the room.
Ocean Prime Orlando Review: The Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a romantic restaurant in Orlando for an anniversary dinner, a proposal, a birthday celebration — any special occasion — Ocean Prime on Sand Lake Road in Dr. Phillips should be at the top of your list. The food is exceptional, the ambiance is romantic without being stuffy, and the service (shoutout to Summer) is exactly what you want on a night that matters.
We’ve eaten at a lot of fine dining restaurants in Orlando, and Ocean Prime stands out because it gets the full experience right — not just the food, but the atmosphere, the pacing, the little touches that make you feel like the evening was crafted specifically for you. If you’re planning an anniversary dinner in Orlando, a romantic date night, or even a birthday dinner for someone you love, this is the kind of place where the night exceeds the expectation.
Quick Details
- Restaurant: Ocean Prime Orlando
- Location: Sand Lake Road, Dr. Phillips, Orlando, FL
- Phone: 407.781.4880
- Price Range: Steaks $50-$75, Seafood $40-$60, Apps $15-$30
- Perfect For: Anniversary dinners, romantic date nights, birthday celebrations, proposals, and any special occasion that deserves more than “just dinner”
- Good to Know: Private dining rooms available. 1.5% surcharge on all checks. Steaks broiled at 1200°.
- Pro Tip: If you have food allergies, you’ll find Ocean Prime accommodating — the menu has real variety beyond just steak and sushi.
- Our Server: Summer — if you get her, you’re in great hands.
Happy 11 years, Kristy. Here’s to many more dinners like this one. ❤️
