Zagat 2008: "Fail-safe seafood” so fresh it’s “still flapping” is the signature of Steve Hanson’s “ocean-liner”–like UWS poisson palace where a “happy vibe” and an “accommodating” crew have fans angling for reservations; it can be “noisy”, but the “bargain” $24.07 lunch prix fixe and “lovely brunch” are a “catch."

Manhattan Spirit - Ed Koch
This is a spectacular seafood restaurant that just opened on the Upper West Side. It is the creation of Steve Hanson who owns Isabella's, a block away at Columbus Avenue and 77th Street. I've never been to the last - it attracts a very, very young crowd. I enjoy the others immensely and eat at them frequently.

The food at every one of them is superb, varied and modest in price. Ocean and Blue Water Grill have very much the same menu - marvelous oysters and fish of every variety. Entrees include 23 types of oysters, salmon with mushroom asparagus risotto and a roast garlic broth for $16.50, and blackened swordfish with a sweet potato-crabmeat hash for $19.95, all excellent. I went to a pre-opening tasting at Ocean recently and tried everything and loved it all. The ambience is simple but elegant and spacious.

Wine Spectator Award of Excellence (1999, 2004, 2006)