Floating Chinese Restaurant Amsterdam: Sea Palace Review
Discovering the Unique Floating Chinese Restaurant in Amsterdam, here is a review of Sea Place!
Amsterdam is known for its picturesque canals, colorful tulips, and world-class museums. But did you know that it also boasts the only floating Chinese restaurant in Amsterdam? If you’re a first-time visitor to Amsterdam, you might not know about this hidden gem.
The restaurant’s name, Sea Palace, is as intriguing as its location. It’s the largest floating restaurant, where you can indulge in Chinese food while enjoying the scenic views of Amsterdam’s canals.
As a recent visitor to Amsterdam, I was fascinated by the city’s rich culture and diverse food scene. When I first heard about the Sea Palace, I was intrigued by the concept of a floating Chinese restaurant and couldn’t wait to experience it myself. And all I can say is we loved it!
Located in the center of Amsterdam, this impressive restaurant has been attracting locals and tourists alike since 1984. As I stepped foot on the gangway, I was greeted by friendly staff and immediately immersed in the vibrant atmosphere including Chinese lanterns and artwork representing the Chinese culture.
Where to find the Sea Palace
The central location of the Sea Palace Restaurant on Oosterdokskade is near Amsterdam Central Station. The restaurant is housed in a massive three-story structure and has been a fixture in Amsterdam since 1984. The entrance to the restaurant is across a walkway over a sea of water, which adds to the unique dining experience. Reservations
Location
Address: Oosterdokskade 8, 1011 AE Amsterdam, Netherlands
Walking Directions:
- From Amsterdam Central Station, walk towards Piet Heinkade.
- Cross the bridge over the water and turn right onto Oosterdokskade.
- Walk for about 200 meters and you will see the Sea Palace on your left.
Sea Place in Amsterdam Review Ratings
With its picturesque location and delicious Chinese cuisine, it’s no surprise that the Sea Palace Amsterdam has garnered rave reviews from customers. Here are some of the highlights:
- Google | 4.2⭐ |
- TripAdvisor | 4⭐ |
- Yelp | 3.5⭐ |
Google:
“A Really good food! The fact that this a floating restaurant was what brought us here, and we were surprised by the flavorful food, especially the dim sum dumplings, they were amazing! If you’re able to get a table by the window, the river view is great!” – Google Review
TripAdvisor:
“My family and I had an incredible dining experience at Sea Palace Chinese restaurant in Amsterdam last February. The food was a gastronomic delight, with every dish showcasing authentic flavors. The Dim Sum was exquisite, and the Ma Po Tofu was incredibly flavorful.” – TripAdvisor Review
Yelp:
“We have been to Amsterdam 3x before and always thought this was a touristy restaurant – we were completely wrong.
The food was very flavorful and cooked well. Portions are good. Better than the Chinese restaurants back in California!
Robot service is only on the first floor. We were seated on the second floor which had great views.” – Yelp Review
What to Expect when you arrive
Once you enter the restaurant, you’ll be greeted by friendly staff dressed in traditional Chinese attire. The decor is lavish, with ornate Chinese Lanterns, red and gold accents, Chinese motifs, and paintings. You’ll be transported to a different world as you take in the scenic views, lush surroundings, and the sound of lapping water.
Sea Palace Amsterdam takes inspiration from a well-known floating Chinese restaurant in Hong Kong that operated from 1966 to 2008. The original location was beloved by both locals and tourists until it closed down due to declining business.
Since 1984, Sea Palace Amsterdam has paid tribute to its predecessor by recreating the same authentic Chinese dining experience and flavors.
The owners’ goal was to bring the unique atmosphere, service, and cuisine of Chinese Sichuan dishes to Amsterdam. For over 35 years, Sea Palace has been fulfilling this vision, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking genuine Chinese cuisine in an unforgettable setting.
What is on the Sea Palace menu
One of the highlights of Sea Palace is its extensive menu that caters to both meat lovers and vegetarians. They serve Cantonese cuisine including dim sum (made by a professional dim sum chef), soups, starters, hot pot, main courses, and sweet treats.
Some of the must-try dishes on their set menu are Peking duck, Beijing duck, sweet and sour pork, dumplings, and hot and sour soup. Your taste buds will thank you. Be sure to leave some room for their delicious desserts, such as fried ice cream and mango pudding.
Is the Sea Palace worth visiting?
Sea Palace is not just a restaurant. It’s an experience. You can choose to sit in the main dining area or reserve one of the private dining rooms. The private rooms are popular for hosting business meetings, family gatherings, and romantic dinners. The restaurant also has a cocktail bar area where you can sit back and enjoy a drink.
Apart from the food and ambiance, the location of Sea Palace also adds to its charm. It’s located in the heart of Amsterdam’s cultural hub, where you can explore numerous attractions, including the National Maritime Museum and the NEMO Science Center.
You can also take a familiar sight from the restaurant a boat tour around Amsterdam’s canals and experience the city like a local.
My Recommendation for the Sea Palace in Amsterdam
I cannot recommend Sea Palace enough. The unique experience of dining at a traditional Chinese restaurant while floating on water is something that you can’t find anywhere else in Amsterdam.
From the moment I stepped inside, I was transported to another world with its beautiful decor and stunning views of the city at one of the best Chinese restaurants I’ve eaten at. The next best thing to eating in Hong Kong.
The staff was incredibly friendly and made sure we were well taken care of throughout our meal. And speaking of the food, it was simply outstanding, including an extensive dim sum menu. Each dish was bursting with authentic flavors and made with fresh ingredients, like Sichuan peppers and fresh meats.
But what truly sets Sea Palace apart is its unique touch of having robot servers deliver your food to your table. It added an element of fun and novelty to the dining experience.
I highly recommend making a reservation in one of their private dining VIP rooms for a special occasion. It’s the perfect setting for a memorable and intimate dinner with loved ones for an exclusive dining experience.
Overall, my experience at Sea Palace was exceptional and I can’t wait to go back and try more of their delicious dishes. It’s a must-visit when in Amsterdam and did I mention the restaurant floats?
Places to stay nearby
If you are looking for a place nearby, here are the closest hotels.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for the Floating Chinese Restaurant in Amsterdam
Here are some commonly asked questions about the Sea Palace, a floating Chinese restaurant in Amsterdam:
Sea Palace combines traditional Chinese cuisine (including Cantonese and Sichuan) with a unique dining experience on the water.
It is highly recommended to make a reservation, especially for larger groups or private dining rooms.
There is limited street parking nearby, but it is recommended to use public transportation or a taxi to reach the restaurant.
There is no specific dress code, but smart casual attire is appropriate for the upscale dining experience.
Yes, there are several vegetarian and vegan dishes on the menu.
No, the restaurant has a full bar with a variety of drinks available.
There is no age limit, and children are welcome to dine at Sea Palace.
Yes, the menu includes several gluten-free dishes.
The Wrap-Up: Floating Chinese Restaurant Amsterdam
If you’re looking for a unique dining experience in Amsterdam, Sea Palace Restaurant is a must-visit. This floating Chinese restaurant offers mouth-watering dishes and stunning decor that will leave you awestruck. It’s an unforgettable experience, so add it to your itinerary.
Also, check out other attractions in Amsterdam, such as the NEMO Science Museum and Anne Frank Museum.
Related Topics
- Is the ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo Worth Visiting?
- Visiting the Anne Frank Museum: Your Ticket to a Powerful Learning Experience
- Exploring the Charm of Amsterdam through a City Canal Cruise
- Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans Windmill and Cheese Tasting Tour Review
- Is the NEMO Science Museum in Amsterdam Worth Visiting?
- The Pancake Bakery in Amsterdam: A Honest Review
