Relying on Google Maps to try and find a nice restaurant with a sea view, we decided to check out Ocean View. We arrived at midday. The server told us every single table by the windows had already been reserved, so we settled for a table in the middle of the room which had a pleasant enough view:
This corner table remained unoccupied the entire time we were there, with no sign of the reservation party appearing at any stage. We felt we could have been offered this with the condition that we vacate within a certain time frame. Oh well.
Menu looked very nice:
We opted for the Seafood Sharer to start (£39.95) - smoked salmon, monkfish scampi, haddock goujons, dusted calamari, prawn marie rose, marinated anchovies, Salcombe “Smokies” smoked mackerel, crevettes, OV tartare sauce, bread of the day & Netherend Farm butter.
We were very happy with the quantity of seafood that was placed in front of us! The little brown wholemeal loaves were still warm. There were also slices of rosemary focaccia. The butter was amazing. The two haddock ‘goujons’ were quite large, like a small fish and chips fish portion. Below that in the little fake deep frying basket was a good portion of the salt and pepper dusted calamari which were crisp, not greasy and not rubbery. Everything was polished off.
Then we decided to share a main of 6 seared Plymouth scallops (£24) - Thai basil & chilli dressing, seasonal side salad, shoestring fries. The salad was just a pile of undressed rocket leaves. The scallops were perfectly cooked. The fries were excellent. We really enjoyed this.
The bill:
Service was hit and miss. We had to keep getting up to seek out the server to order, which was a bit weird given that this is an upscale restaurant. We would return for the excellent seafood and great views and remember to book a windowside table next time.
