Hong Kong East Ocean Restaurant: A Bay Area Staple for Traditional Cantonese Cuisine and Unforgettable Banquets
Nestled along the shoreline with sweeping views of the San Francisco Bay, Hong Kong East Ocean Seafood Restaurant has been a cherished part of the dining landscape in Emeryville, California, for over 35 years. Known for its authentic Hong Kong-style dim sum and breathtaking waterfront scenery, the restaurant remains a go-to for locals and visitors alike. We spoke with Edith, the restaurant’s manager, who shared insights into its longstanding traditions, menu highlights, and exciting future plans.
Honoring Tradition with a Fresh Approach
Despite changes in ownership and management, Hong Kong East Ocean remains steadfast in its commitment to traditional Cantonese cuisine. The restaurant’s long-serving chefs—some of whom have been there for over 30 years—proudly prepare classic dim sum dishes that are increasingly rare in today’s fusion-heavy dining scene. “You can find very traditional, old-style dim sum here,” Edith noted, reflecting on the restaurant’s dedication to preserving authentic flavors.
Unlike many dim sum spots that have modernized their offerings, Hong Kong East Ocean keeps it simple, catering to patrons who appreciate a taste of tradition. Their approach to dim sum service is also slightly unconventional; while many establishments rely on bustling carts to deliver dishes, here, the dim sum is served tableside, enhancing the personal dining experience. On weekends, a few carts still make rounds, adding a nostalgic touch for diners who enjoy the classic dim sum cart experience.
Signature Dishes and Dining Highlights
With an expansive menu that includes everything from family-style meals to elaborate banquet selections, Hong Kong East Ocean offers something for everyone. Edith pointed to a few standout items, including a tender filet of beef with bell pepper and mushrooms and a variety of meticulously prepared dim sum staples. Additionally, the restaurant’s set menus, such as the popular business and family set menus, provide great value and showcase a diverse selection of Cantonese flavors.
In keeping with their commitment to quality, Hong Kong East Ocean sources its ingredients daily, ensuring that every meal is fresh and flavorful. According to Edith, “Our ingredients come from our owner's market, so everything is very fresh every day,” giving the restaurant an edge in quality that guests can taste.
A Premier Venue for Banquets and Celebrations
With seating for up to 600 guests, Hong Kong East Ocean is not just a restaurant but a popular venue for weddings, birthday parties, and other large gatherings. The dining room’s scenic views of the Bay make it an ideal location for unforgettable celebrations. According to Edith, the team’s goal is to host even more events and special gatherings, leveraging their unique space and convenient location. “It’s a good area for a wedding or birthday party,” she shared. Large events are typically booked months—even years—in advance, underscoring the restaurant’s reputation as a prime spot for celebrations.
Adapting to a New Era
The past few years have been challenging for restaurants everywhere, and Hong Kong East Ocean was no exception. When the pandemic hit, the restaurant quickly pivoted to takeout services to stay afloat. “During the pandemic, we kept takeout open, and my previous boss used all grants and funding to ensure our staff continued to get paid,” Edith recalled, showing the dedication to both their customers and staff that defines Hong Kong East Ocean.
Post-pandemic, the restaurant has undergone some updates, including a remodel and new TV installations to enhance the dining atmosphere. The new management team is also focused on creating a more robust digital presence and plans to introduce promotional menus and discounts every few months to engage a broader audience.
A Bright Future on the Horizon
As they look to the future, Hong Kong East Ocean’s management aims to balance tradition with modernity. They plan to expand their digital marketing efforts to connect with a wider audience and enhance the experience for patrons who come for both the food and the views. With decades of history, loyal chefs, and a commitment to traditional Cantonese cuisine, Hong Kong East Ocean is poised to continue its legacy as a beloved Bay Area dining institution.
For a taste of authentic Hong Kong-style cuisine and an ambiance that can’t be beaten, Hong Kong East Ocean Restaurant remains a must-visit destination for dim sum lovers and celebration seekers alike. Whether it’s a quiet lunch or a grand banquet, Edith and her team are ready to make every experience memorable.