New Seafood Restaurant, Ocean 12, Brings Fresh Take on Elevated Dining
Ocean 12, a posh new seafood restaurant and steakhouse in the Montrose/River Oaks area of Houston, will open its doors at 1212 Waugh Drive on September 1, 2023!
Ocean 12 aims to set a new modern standard of excellence for upscale seafood and steakhouse dining. The exciting new restaurant brings a distinctive culinary experience led by Chef Erick Anaya, and a cosmopolitan vibe that blends classic elegance with contemporary vision to Houston’s vibrant dining scene.
Chef Anaya, whose culinary journey began at the tender age of 15 as a prep cook at the Venetian resort in Arizona, has played a pivotal role in shaping Ocean 12’s culinary identity. His passion for cooking ignited during those formative years and led him to hone his skills across various cuisines, from Japanese to barbecue, and open six successful steakhouses across the nation.
Guests at Ocean 12 can indulge in Chef Anaya’s innovative offerings from the finest caviar, to prime wet-aged steaks, to lavish fresh Seafood Towers, and a tantalizing array of appetizers, entrees and side dishes that are set to redefine culinary expectations!
The restaurant has an unwavering dedication to the finest, freshest ingredients, with seafood brought in fresh daily to craft an extensive menu of extraordinary appetizers like Deluxe Deviled Eggs with fried shrimp and bacon jam, Campechana, succulent Fried Lobster Tail with Sweet Chili sauce, Baked Oysters in the Half Shell, and Lobster Ravioli with Ricotta cheese and Cajun Beurre Blanc.
Fresh Seafood Entrees at Ocean 12 include options like Blackened Atlantic Salmon, Miso Glazed Sea Bass, Crab Cakes, Twin Lobster Tails, Red Snapper, and Pistachio Encrusted Halibut. Prime steak enthusiasts will also relish options ranging from 8oz Wagyu Filets to succulent Cajun Ribeyes, with delectable toppers like Poached King Crab, Truffle Butter, Sauteed Shrimp, and Caviar Beurre Blanc. The menu also features a range of exquisite chef-driven options designed for diversity with entrees like savory Stuffed Chicken, Lamb Chops, and Pork Chops, along with an extensive lineup of distinctive sides and salads to please the most discerning palates.
General Manager Patrick Smith, a seasoned hospitality veteran with over 30 years of experience, will be at the helm of Ocean 12’s new culinary journey. Smith joins Ocean 12 from Morton’s Steakhouse in the Houston Galleria, where he served as Assistant GM for 24 years. A proud graduate of Bellaire High School and the University of Houston, Smith is a distinguished member of the Court of Master Sommeliers American Chapter, ensuring an extraordinary wine experience for Ocean 12’s guests.
“We are thrilled to introduce Ocean 12 to the Houston community,” said Patrick Smith, Ocean 12 General Manager. “We are really proud of our entire team who has been working tirelessly on every detail to capture the essence of our vision for Ocean 12 and we think our guests will be blown away by the impressive culinary and beverage offerings, signature ambiance, and the exceptional level of service we’ve created.”
The beverage program at Ocean 12 is impressive, featuring a global wine list that includes selected favorites from California vineyards and a curated selection of handcrafted cocktails spanning from traditional classics to modern signature creations.
Guests can expect elegance and opulence at every turn at Ocean 12. The lavish 6,700-square-foot space is designed in rich cobalt blues, gold accents, plush, high-back booths and indoor seating for 215 guests. The new restaurant will feature a variety of experiences including Live Music + DJs, Prime Hookah, Happy Hour from 5pm to 8pm, a decadent Weekend Brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from Noon-4pm, and Day & Night Dinner Parties.
Starting September 1, Ocean 12 will be open Monday-Thursday, 5pm to 12am, Friday from 5pm to 2am, and Saturday and Sunday from 12pm to 2am.
For more information, visit https://www.ocean12htx.com and follow them @ocean.12.htx.
