An Elegant Date Night at Ocean Prime in Naples

On date nights, Raphael and I like to head to Downtown Naples' 5th Avenue, which has many luxury restaurants, but not all are worth the prices or withstand the hype. Fortunately, the recently opened Ocean Prime Naples is the real deal.

Ocean Prime is an upscale chain known for its sophisticated decor, long wine list, and classic steak and seafood menu. Yet, we had not been to any of their 14 locations before from renowned restaurateur Cameron Mitchell. Their Naples location just opened last December.

When you enter, your eyes are drawn immediately to the modern lighting fixtures and clear glass walls filled with various wine bottles from wall-to-ceiling.

Speaking of drinks, they boast an inventive signature cocktail list as well. Berries & Bubbles is a champagne cocktail/cosmopolitan that is both a tasty drink and a show. Poured over dry ice and into a chilled glass, the drink comes to life bubbling to the surface and leaving a trail of water smoke. Definitely Instagram worthy. This looks like we sped up the video, but no, that is how quickly the drink was percolating.

Creative "Berries and Bubbles" presentation that @tarametblog ordered @OceanPrimeCMR - great way to start the weekend! #oceanprimenaples pic.twitter.com/vrix5rkkmy

— Raphael Ocampo (@latwinodad) May 19, 2017

Once you place your drink order, your biggest problem will be deciding on limiting your order to just a few options. For appetizers, the Scallops with Short Ribs came recommended as did the Tuna Tartare. We went with the tuna, which was great, but now I can't wait to go back and try the former too. We also split a Burrata Salad.

For entrees, you can go either surf or turf. We went with an off-menu Halibut option, which was a special of the day but should be appearing on the menu this summer; and the Chilean Sea Bass. Both white fishes melted in our mouths like butter.

Chilean Sea Bass

Don't forget sides! I immediately knew that I wanted the black truffle macaroni and cheese and Raphael wanted lobster mashed potatoes, so we got both and loved each. I want to go back and eat two orders of the mac, lol! Raphael would have to agree considering he didn't want to order it, but then ended up fighting over the last bite.

Save room for dessert too. Although we didn't have much space in our bellies left at this point, we had heard amazing things about their Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake and Warm Butter Cake. We took what we couldn't finish home.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary dinner to experience Ocean Prime, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.