Ocean Restaurant has been a popular dining destination in Five Points South for over two decades. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

Eight months after starting a fresh chapter under a new owner, beloved Birmingham seafood destination Ocean Restaurant has closed for good. Founded in 2002 by Chef George Reis, Ocean has long been one of Five Points South’s premier dining destinations.

Ocean Restaurant, a Birmingham staple since 2002

Grilled lobster tails with drawn butter and lemon, a signature dish once served at Ocean Restaurant — Grilled lobster tails at Ocean Restaurant. (Bham Now)

Located at 1218 20th St S in Five Points South, Ocean has been a familiar name in Birmingham’s fine-dining scene for over two decades.

Founded by Chef George Reis in 2002, Ocean has been many residents’ first choice for date nights, anniversaries, graduation parties and other special occasions. Known for its coastal seafood and upscale hospitality, Ocean won multiple Best Chef and Best Restaurant awards and was one of only three Alabama restaurants to receive the Award of Excellence from the Distinguished Restaurants of North America (DiRōNA) in 2024.

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In February of 2026, founder and longtime owner Chef George Reis shared on social media that he had passed ownership of the restaurant to Chloe Kidd, a Birmingham native and graduate of Auburn University.

“The new owner, Chloe Kidd, has already taken over and is settling in, full of vision and passion. She sees great things ahead and has exciting plans for Ocean’s future.

I wish her every success and happiness on this next chapter.”
Chef George Reis

Closed after 24 years in Birmingham

Cocktails and menus on Ocean Restaurant's bar, with fresh oysters and shrimp on ice behind — Cocktails at Ocean. (Bham Now)

Eight months after the ownership transition, Ocean Restaurant has suddenly closed its doors. Owner Chloe Kidd confirmed the closure, but declined to share a statement by publication.

Despite the loss of Ocean, Five Points South has seen a flurry of new openings in 2026.

Japanese-inspired sushi, sake and cocktail lounge Sakéroom opened at 2007 Highland Avenue on March 20.
Latin-inspired açaí bowl and drink shop Bandida Bowls opened in the Five Points Lane alley at 1024 20th St S #103 in March.
Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee opened inside the Cortland Vesta apartment building at 2173 Highland Ave in April.
LGBTQ+ bar Icon Birmingham opened in Pickwick Place at 2012 Magnolia Avenue on May 8.
Bandido Brunch & Social, a Latin/American fusion brunch spot, opened at 1105 20th St S on May 16.
24/7 diner Karma’s Kitchen began slingin’ breakfast staples, burgers and comfort food at 1210 20th Street S, Suite 100 on July 31.
Latin nightlife and cocktail bar La Catrina opened at 1005 20th Street S on September 12.