Oceano making waves in Marketplace

An exciting experience awaits food aficionados who walk through the doors of Oceano. From the fascinating sushi bar, boasting a wide array of rolls to the sophisticated and diverse Japanese-Jamaican menu, the restaurant has garnered the attention of many, making waves as a new hotspot. With signature dishes like the crispy teriyaki chicken double breaded and tossed in the Oceano signature teriyaki sauce, and the kakuni braised pork belly, Oceano promises to entice and engage any discerning palate. Its dishes marry flavours from starter to dessert, and induce a reverie of euphoria with each satisfying bite.

“Oceano is [a] Japanese-inspired restaurant that focuses on multisensory meals. But we’re not only about the dishes. We believe in providing a 360-degree dining experience,” co-owner Chad Williams told Food. Business savvy by nature, he teamed with culinary mastermind, Chef Shea Stewart, to create an exclusive oasis needed on the Kingston market. “Shea’s quality of work speaks for itself. I’ve known him for a long time, so the synergy just seemed natural. This isn’t our first project together.”

Most successful restaurants in the United States and Europe, he says, are Asian influenced. He believes that Japanese cuisine is so vast that something is in it for everybody, including Jamaicans. With a growing demand for Japanese restaurants on the island, combined with the worldwide trend, the decision on what type of eatery to open was calculated to a T.

You can’t help but be captivated by the ethereal beauty of the distinctively designed ‘O’ on the door located at the posterior of the Courtyard of Marketplace. Upon entry, the greeting is simply enchanting: an exquisite cascading waterfall and convivial host(ess) to match. This sets the tone of serenity and relaxation.

Priding itself on providing a refreshing rustic meets exquisite ambience, the décor lends support to the growth and development of the talented local artisans who made the handcrafted and handwoven tables and chairs on display. Speaking of crafting, every dish is crafted in a culinary sense to be disparate in flavour. The ones to make the cut on the popular list include the pepper shrimp rolls, inclusive of Jamaican peppered shrimp, the fire roll, which is presented on a platter with dry ice – an epic sight to behold, and the miso steak, a top seller.

Breaking away from the misconception that dining has to be boring and that it ought to be reduced to a set or structured time, Oceano is looking to change the landscape and introduce a new kind of dining experience to the customers.

Since engaging in a soft launch two weeks ago, the restaurant has been filled every night, Williams shared, noting that he is grateful that persons are loving the vision brought to life. The only downside is that the team is sometimes faced with no choice but to postpone reservations and turn away walk-ins, especially over the weekend. With that in mind, Williams is encouraging persons to book early so they can secure their table.

With plans to expand in the near future, guests will have the opportunity to bask in the bliss of the total package. “We’re looking at other locations for the brand. And we’re going to be offering another experience that lends to having a complete evening out. We’re also looking to launch our live Teppanyaki [shortly],” Williams said.

To make your reservation at Oceano, call 876-665-6512 or follow @oceanojamaica on Instagram for more information.

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com