You’ve seen the photos. Those massive, sprawling decks overlooking the Atlantic, the kind of scenery that makes you want to quit your job and just move to Delaware. But here is the thing about Big Fish Grill Ocean View—it is not just another tourist trap with a decent sunset. It is a beast of an operation. Nestled right on Coastal Highway in Ocean View, Delaware, it sits just a stone's throw from Bethany Beach. It’s part of the Big Fish Restaurant Group, which, if you know anything about the mid-Atlantic food scene, is basically the gold standard for high-volume, high-quality seafood.
People always ask me if it’s too corporate. Honestly? No. It feels like a well-oiled machine that actually gives a damn about the trout on your plate.
The Big Fish Grill Ocean View Experience
Walking into this place on a July Saturday is chaos. Organized chaos, sure, but chaos nonetheless. The first thing you notice isn't the smell of salt air, it's the sheer scale of the place. High ceilings. Raw bar front and center. A staff that moves with the frantic energy of a kitchen crew that knows exactly what happens when 400 people show up for happy hour at the same time.
The "Ocean View" part of the name is actually a bit of a misnomer if you’re expecting to sit with your toes in the sand. You aren't. You’re in the town of Ocean View. The water is close, but the vibe is more "sophisticated inland lodge" than "shack on the dunes." Does that matter? Probably not once the appetizers arrive.
Most people screw up their first visit. They go straight for the heaviest thing on the menu because they’re hungry from the beach. Don't do that. The secret to Big Fish Grill Ocean View is the freshness of their sourcing. They have their own wholesale seafood market in Rehoboth. Think about that for a second. Most restaurants are at the mercy of whatever the truck brings in at 6:00 AM. These guys are the truck.
Why the Raw Bar is the Real Hero
If you aren't eating from the raw bar, you're missing the point. Period. The oysters are icy, briny, and usually sourced from local spots like the Chesapeake or further north into PEI. They don't just sit there. They move fast, which means they’re fresh.
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I’ve had "fresh" oysters at other spots along Route 1 that tasted like they’d been sitting in lukewarm tap water for three days. Not here. At Big Fish Grill Ocean View, the turnover is so high that the seafood is basically jumping off the ice.
What to Actually Order (And What to Skip)
Let’s talk about the menu. It is massive. It’s the kind of menu that usually makes food critics nervous because it’s hard to do fifty things well. But they pull it off.
The Sea Bass. If it’s on the specials or the "Fresh Fish Board," get it. They usually do it with a ginger-soy glaze or a simple lemon butter. It flakes apart if you even look at it funny. It’s buttery. It’s rich. It’s expensive, but you’re on vacation.
The Chopped Salad. This is the cult favorite. People go to Big Fish Grill Ocean View just for the salad. It sounds stupid—who goes to a seafood joint for greens? But it’s loaded with shrimp, bay scallops, and this creamy garlic vinaigrette that I’m pretty sure is addictive. It’s a meal in itself.
The Crab Cakes. Okay, here is where I get picky. Being this close to Maryland, everyone claims to have the best crab cake. Big Fish does a "Maryland-style" cake. It’s mostly jumbo lump. Very little filler. Is it the best on the entire East Coast? Maybe not. But is it better than 90% of the crab cakes you’ll find in a 50-mile radius? Absolutely.
Stay away from the generic pasta dishes. Look, the kids might want the buttered noodles or the basic alfredo, and that’s fine. But you? You’re here for the grill. Don't waste stomach real estate on heavy cream and carb-loading when there is yellowfin tuna sitting right there.
The Logistics of Eating Here Without Losing Your Mind
Big Fish Grill Ocean View does not take traditional reservations in the way you might expect for a high-end spot. They use a call-ahead system or online "waitlist" apps. Use them. If you just roll up at 6:30 PM on a Friday, you’re going to be staring at the host stand for two hours.
The bar is a great fallback. It’s big, it’s loud, and the full menu is available. Plus, the bartenders here are pros. They aren't college kids who just learned what a Martini is yesterday; they’re career hospitality folks who can handle a four-deep crowd without breaking a sweat.
The Happy Hour Situation
Happy hour is a localized phenomenon. It usually runs from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM (check their seasonal shifts, because they do change). You can get discounted oysters, cheap drafts, and some solid appetizers. It’s the best way to experience the place if you’re on a budget.
Sustainability and Sourcing: The Real Expert Take
One thing the casual diner misses is the commitment to the "Big Fish" ecosystem. Eric and Norman Sugrue, the brothers who started this empire, built a vertical integration model. This matters for SEO-conscious diners because it speaks to E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness).
They aren't just buying fish; they’re often dictating what’s caught based on their volume. This allows them to keep prices slightly more stable than the tiny mom-and-pop shops that get hammered by market fluctuations. When you eat at Big Fish Grill Ocean View, you’re benefiting from that scale. The price-to-quality ratio is actually quite high.
Common Misconceptions About the Location
- It’s on the beach. Nope. It’s about 2 miles inland. You won’t see waves crashing while you eat. You’ll see Coastal Highway.
- It’s fancy dress. Not really. You’ll see guys in flip-flops and girls in sundresses next to couples in business casual. It’s "resort casual." Don’t overthink it.
- It’s only for seafood lovers. They actually have a decent steak program. The "Surf and Turf" isn't an afterthought.
A Note on the Crowd
It gets loud. Really loud. If you’re looking for a quiet, romantic spot to propose, this probably isn't it. But if you want a place that feels like a celebration—where the energy is high and the service is fast—this is the spot. It’s great for families because the noise level masks a crying toddler, and the menu is approachable enough for picky eaters.
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The Actionable Game Plan for Your Visit
- Download their waitlist app before you leave the house. Seriously. Do not skip this.
- Aim for the "shoulder" hours. 4:45 PM or 8:15 PM are your best bets for getting seated quickly.
- Start with the Chopped Salad. Even if you share it.
- Check the "Fresh Fish Board." Ignore the permanent menu for a second and look at what just came off the boat.
- Visit the Market. There is a seafood market attached/nearby. If you’re staying in a rental house, grab some of their pre-made crab dip or a couple of salmon fillets for the grill the next day.
Big Fish Grill Ocean View succeeds because it refuses to be mediocre. In a world of "good enough" beach food, they swing for the fences with every service. It’s a well-oiled machine that manages to keep its soul, which is a rare feat in the restaurant industry.
The next time you’re driving down Route 1 and the hunger hits, don't settle for fast food. Pull over. Join the waitlist. Get the sea bass. You won't regret it.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
Check the official Big Fish Grill website for their daily "Fresh Board" updates, as the catch changes based on what’s available at the docks each morning. If you’re planning a large party (10+ people), call the restaurant directly at least 48 hours in advance, as their seating for large groups fills up significantly faster than their standard tables. Finally, if you're a local or frequent visitor, join their rewards program; it’s one of the few in the area that actually pays out decent discounts once you've visited a couple of times.