The Ocean Restaurant@RWS

As the first and only female Iron Chef in America, Mississippi-born Cat Cora’s Ocean Restaurant at Resorts World Sentosa bursts into the local culinary scene in February amidst much fanfare.  As the name implies, the main draw of the Ocean Restaurant is that diners get to enjoy a ‘one-of-a-kind’ experience dining in the world’s largest aquarium.
 

The menu features “seasonal, light and sustainable seafood” with Mediterranean,  Californian and Asian flavours – in one word ‘fusion’. Prices for lunch range from $16 to $24 for starters, and $24 to $32 for mains. Dinner prices are about 10 per cent higher.
 

We thought we would first check it out before bringing the Princess and made a reservation to dine there for an early Valentine’s Day.  The restaurant seats only 63 diners, hence the ambience is cosy and romantic. With such a view, you can’t help but marvel in awe as you are led into the restaurant…

We were surprised that with so much hype, the menu was in-extensive and service luke-warm at best.  It was mesmerizing to watch giant manta rays, zebra sharks, and giant groupers swimming past at such close range as we dine. However, we find the food overpriced and did not impress (After all, we went with high expectations as Cat Cora is a Celebrity Chef). I guess it is common understanding that it would be the experience rather than the food that we should go after when dining at such an establishment (within a theme park).

Here’s a peek at some of the items we had that night:

Soft Bread-rolls (Free for the 1st 3 buns; refills are chargeable at $4 for 3 buns)

Shrimp Ceviche ($25) – a popular Mexican appetizer

Cubes of shrimps and pineapples with crunchy croutons – refreshing!

Ocean Sashimi in Bouillabaisse ($24) – we’ve tasted nicer ones on our honeymoon in Mauritius…

Lobster Macaroni and Cheese ($52)- the most expensive Mac & Cheese we’ve ever had! For that price, we were expecting to be served at least half a lobster…

Pan-Seared Cod ($45) – Fresh and tasty, could be more generous with the veg…

Portions are small but that’s fine dining for you…

Ending our meal with a Raspberry Yoghurt “Pearl” ($15) – nice presentation but forgettable

If you have no qualms eating dead seafood next to their live cousins, the spectacular views and intimate dining atmosphere at the Ocean Restaurant do warrant at least one visit, especially on special occasions (like birthdays or anniversaries).  We like the fact that we do get to go very much closer to the fishes than at the Open Ocean Viewing Gallery situated inside the S.E.A Aquarium.  This alone will keep patrons making a bee line to the restaurant the whole year through so advanced reservation is a must.

Ocean Restaurant

S.E.A Aquarium, Marine Life Park
22 Sentosa Gateway, Resorts World Sentosa
Singapore 098269
Tel: +65 6577 6869

Operating Hours: Daily 11.00am till 10.30pm

If driving, drive through main RWS carpark towards B1 West Carpark at Equarius Hotel. 
The entrance to the restaurant is inside the carpark.

Please Note:

There is a minimum spending of S$25++ per person between 11.30 am to 2.30 pm & 5.30 pm to 10.30 pm.  All prices subject to 10% service charge & prevailing government taxes

 To read our review of The S.E.A Aquarium, click here.

Dining with a view…