Restaurant
RIJKS
The Rijksmuseum's own Michelin-starred restaurant, led by Joris Bijdendijk and serving the cuisine of the Low Countries with Dutch produce.
Sea Palace
A floating Chinese restaurant on the Oosterdok near Central Station, open since 1984 and serving Cantonese dishes, dim sum and Peking duck.
At a glance
- Type
- Cantonese and dim sum
- Area
- Oosterdok, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Price
- $$ · Mid-range
- Official site
- seapalace.nl
Good to know
- Floating restaurant
- Dim sum lunch
- Takeaway
- Event rooms
Why we recommend it
Sea Palace has floated on the Oosterdok since 1984, and its pagoda-style building, lit up at night, is a familiar sight on the waterfront east of Central Station. The restaurant describes itself as the largest floating restaurant in Europe, with around 600 seats spread over three floors, and it calls itself a little piece of China in Amsterdam.
The menu covers authentic Chinese and Cantonese cooking, with specialities such as Peking duck alongside a selection of Sichuan dishes for those who like more heat. The strongest reason to come at lunchtime is the extensive dim sum menu, served until 4pm, with steamed and fried dumplings, buns and small plates that are ideal for sharing. The dinner menu starts from 3pm, and the kitchen takes last orders in the evening.
The scale of the place makes it practical for families and larger groups, and it is well known for Chinese banquets. Rooms on the upper floors are used for events, meetings and celebrations, and Sea Palace is a recognised wedding venue of the Amsterdam municipality. Window tables give views across the water towards NEMO Science Museum and the eastern docklands.
The restaurant is open daily from 12pm to 10pm, with a break between 3pm and 4pm. The kitchen closes at 9.15pm and the last guests are seated at 8.30pm, and on 31 December it closes at 5pm. Reservations can be made through the website, by phone or by email, and booking is advisable for groups and weekend evenings. Takeaway is available on weekdays, and delivery runs through a delivery app. Pets are not allowed. Allow about an hour and a half.
Sea Palace is moored a few minutes' walk east of Central Station, next to the central public library and the Conservatorium of Amsterdam on Oosterdokseiland. It is a convenient stop before or after a visit to NEMO Science Museum or Het Scheepvaartmuseum, both a short walk further east. The LuminAir sky bar on the 11th floor of the DoubleTree hotel nearby is an option for a drink with a view after dinner. Arriving for lunch on a weekday is the calmest way to enjoy the dim sum.
Sea Palace FAQs
When is dim sum served?
Until 4pm; the dinner menu starts from 3pm.
Is it open every day?
Yes, daily from 12pm to 10pm, with a break from 3pm to 4pm.
How long has it been open?
Since 1984.
How big is it?
About 600 seats over three floors.
Is it good for groups?
Yes, it is known for banquets and has rooms for events.
When does the kitchen close?
At 9.15pm, with last entry at 8.30pm.
Can you get takeaway?
Yes, on weekdays.
What is nearby?
Central Station, the central library and NEMO Science Museum.