NeighbourhoodOosterdok / City Centre
Culinary Landmarks
Sea Palace Amsterdam
Dine within a magnificent floating pagoda on the Oosterdok, where authentic Cantonese flavors meet one of Amsterdam's most iconic waterfront silhouettes.
Best forAuthentic Cantonese & Dim Sum
Plan for1.5 - 2 hours
Worth knowingEurope's first floating restaurant
A Piece of China
Floating Elegance on the IJ
Sea Palace stands as a striking architectural feat in the heart of Amsterdam. This three-story floating restaurant, designed in the style of a traditional Chinese pagoda, has become a permanent fixture of the city's skyline since it opened as the first of its kind in Europe. Located just a short walk from Centraal Station, it offers diners a unique vantage point over the Oosterdok waters.
The restaurant specializes in Cantonese cuisine, maintaining a reputation for authenticity that has earned it a place in the MICHELIN Guide. The interior is meticulously crafted to evoke the atmosphere of the Forbidden City, featuring intricate woodwork and traditional decor that transports guests away from the bustling Dutch capital into a world of Chinese heritage.
Heritage
Europe's First Floating Pagoda
Sea Palace was established with the vision of bringing authentic Chinese culture and gastronomy to the Netherlands. Its construction marked a significant moment in Amsterdam's maritime and culinary history, as it was the first floating restaurant to be built in Europe. The design was intentionally grand, utilizing classic Chinese architectural motifs to create a landmark that was both a functional eatery and a cultural statement.
Over the decades, the restaurant has remained a family-run institution, preserving traditional cooking methods while adapting to the evolving tastes of international visitors. It serves as a bridge between the East and West, situated in a harbor that has historically been the gateway for global trade in Amsterdam.
What to Expect
Culinary and Visual Delights
Menu
Authentic Dim Sum
Available daily until 16:00, the dim sum menu features a wide variety of steamed and fried delicacies, prepared according to traditional Cantonese recipes.
Architecture
The Pagoda Design
The restaurant's exterior is a masterpiece of traditional design, featuring tiered green-tiled roofs and ornate red pillars that reflect beautifully on the water.
Dining
Cantonese Classics
From 15:00 onwards, the dinner menu takes center stage, offering signature dishes like Peking duck and fresh seafood prepared with authentic spices.
The Experience
Timing Your Visit
Midday
Lunchtime Dim Sum
The atmosphere is bright and bustling during the day, making it the ideal time to enjoy tea and dim sum while watching boats pass by on the Oosterdok.
Afternoon
Transition to Dinner
As the dinner service begins at 15:00, the mood shifts toward a more formal dining experience, perfect for those looking for an early evening meal.
Evening
Waterfront Glow
At night, the pagoda is illuminated, casting a golden glow over the water. It is a popular spot for large groups and celebratory dinners.
Atmosphere
Inside the Forbidden City
The interior of Sea Palace is designed to immerse guests in Chinese culture. Large windows provide panoramic views of the surrounding docks, including the nearby NEMO Science Museum and the A'DAM Lookout, creating a contrast between the ancient-style interior and the modern Amsterdam waterfront.
Visitor Info
Planning Your Meal
Sea Palace is a large venue capable of hosting hundreds of guests, yet it remains popular, especially on weekends. Reservations are recommended to secure a table with a direct window view of the water.
Official websiteLocation
Getting There
Located at Oosterdokskade 8, the restaurant is less than a 10-minute walk from the eastern exit of Amsterdam Centraal Station.
Service
Bookings
The establishment manages its own bookings directly. You can contact them via phone or their official website to reserve a table.
Bookable experiences
Experiences around Sea Palace.
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Directions
Finding the Pagoda
Sea Palace is impossible to miss when walking along the Oosterdokskade. If arriving by train at Amsterdam Centraal, follow signs for the city center and head east toward the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel; the floating pagoda is situated directly behind it on the water.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
When is dim sum served?⌄
Dim sum is served daily until 16:00.
Is the restaurant suitable for large groups?⌄
Yes, Sea Palace is a very large venue with multiple floors, making it well-suited for group bookings and celebrations.
Does the restaurant move?⌄
No, while it is a floating structure, it is permanently moored at the Oosterdokskade.