Ocean Restaurant Review: Sea Views and Fine Dining at The Atlantic Hotel in Jersey

Fine dining, a nautical decorated dining room, abundance of natural light and some of the most stunning sea views – just some of the things you can expect from Ocean Restaurant at The Atlantic Hotel in Jersey. Situated on the cliff faces, this restaurant has recently become home to new chef Will Holland who’s been implementing some exciting new changes from our last visit, taking this restaurant to new heights.

Whilst we toiled over the menu trying to decide what to eat, as everything sounded so delicious – we tucked into an amuse bouche and sipped a rather fine Negroni which was full of bite and bitterness. We couldn’t wait to see what new head chef Will Holland had in store.

My dining companion had the seared Jersey scallops, took one mouthful and told me they were the best scallops they’d ever had. I managed to steal away one forkful and can happily confirm that statement. They were so soft, cut through like butter and had a real taste of the sea. Complimented by beautiful smoked haddock, creamed leeks, white wine sauce and a soft herb crust. A dish you’ll fall in love with when dining at Ocean Restaurant.

A dish which in my opinion needs work in the presentation area was this plate of Jersey crab. It looks like all of the ingredients have been dropped onto the plate, but take one bite and you’re transported to seafood heaven thanks to the excellent, local Jersey crab. A mixture of picked white claw, brown crab beignet, pork rillettes, crab apple jelly and pork crackling. There were so many contrasting flavours to this dish which all worked in perfect harmony.

Being in Jersey and in a restaurant named Ocean, you’d think it was all about the seafood – but you’d be wrong because the meats are incredibly well sourced and the roast venison loin is some of the finest you’ll eat. Served alongside chicory, caramelised artichoke puree, forest mushrooms and a cocoa nib crumb this is such a well-balanced dish with so much refinement.

Roast Jersey beef sirloin was an absolutely beautiful plate of food and one I felt like could become a real signature of the restaurant – if not already. Again the meat itself was stunning, cooked to a perfect medium-rare and had such a lovely depth of flavour. A tower of bread and beef fat pudding, savoy cabbage, grelot onions and the most silky red wine sauce. Is this the best dish I’ve eaten in Jersey to date? Most probably.

I have a bit of a dessert obsession in life and carrot cake is one of those – so when I saw it on the menu, well I couldn’t resist. Not served in the tradition sense, this cake really was a dream come true and the perfect way to near the end of our evening. Fluffy carrot cake sponge, cream cheese ice cream, carrot, orange and vanilla puree – plus a good helping of candied walnuts.

We had a really lovely meal at Ocean Restaurant, accompanied by some equally delicious wines and it was just great to be back. I really liked Ocean restaurant before under its previous chef, but something about Will Hollands cooking will turn this restaurant into one of the islands finest in my opinion. It’s special, creative and the attention detail of the actual cooking itself felt very confident, not to mention full of flavour. If you’re looking for a special meal whilst in Jersey, this is it.