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East Harbor Seafood Palace
Master Critic Reviews (9 Lists)
East Harbor Seafood Palace
8.7
Massive gold-accented banquet hall serving Brooklyn's most iconic cart-service dim sum. Weekend mornings transform into controlled chaos with announcements echoing reservation numbers while steaming bamboo baskets parade past packed tables of multigenerational families.
Must-Try Dishes:
Siu Mai, Shrimp Cheung Fun, Zongzi Sticky Rice in Lotus Leaf
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: Authentic cart-service dim sum in a massive banquet hall
Who should go: Families and groups seeking traditional dim sum experience
When to visit: Arrive by 10am weekends to beat the rush
What to order: Siu mai, har gow, zongzi, egg custard tarts
Insider tip: Weekdays offer calmer dining and a la carte ordering without cart competition
Logistics & Planning
Parking: On-site parking lot available (rare for Brooklyn) plus street parking - lot fills quickly on weekends, arrive early or take the N train to 8th Ave
Dress code: Casual - this is a bustling banquet hall, come comfortable for the dim sum hustle
Noise level: Loud and lively - reservation numbers announced over loudspeaker, carts wheeling past, multigenerational families chatting. Part of the experience
Weekend wait: 30-45 min typical, but massive space means turnover is steady
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait - calmer atmosphere with a la carte ordering available
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - vegetable dumplings, turnip cakes, tofu skin-wrapped veggies, rice noodle rolls available from carts
Vegan options: Limited - some vegetable dishes work but many contain oyster sauce or egg, ask cart servers
Gluten-free options: Limited - rice noodle dishes possible but soy sauce is ubiquitous, cross-contact guaranteed
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date loves adventure over romance. The chaotic cart service, loudspeaker announcements, and crowded tables make intimate conversation tough. But for couples who bond over shared food experiences and can laugh at the mayhem, it's unforgettable.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekends require patience - expect 30-60 minute waits with reservation numbers called in Cantonese over the loudspeaker. The space holds 600+ so lines move, but arrive by 10am to minimize waits. Weekdays are dramatically calmer with minimal wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely - this is where Brooklyn's Chinese families bring multiple generations. Kids love pointing at passing carts and choosing what looks good. The controlled chaos is entertaining, portions are small and shareable, and nobody blinks at noisy children.
Best For
Better for: Authentic cart-service dim sum experience you can't find in Manhattan anymore, incredible value ($12-15/person leaves you stuffed), on-site parking lot, and a 600-seat banquet hall that accommodates large groups and celebrations
Skip if: You want quiet conversation, can't handle crowds and noise, need extensive English-language guidance, or prefer the calm of menu-ordering over the hunt-and-point cart experience
East Harbor Seafood Palace
8.7
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Family Friendly Favorites
Comfort Food Classics
Trendy Table Hotspots
East Harbor Seafood Palace is a sprawling dim sum and Cantonese seafood hall where carts circle constantly with shrimp dumplings, beef rice noodles, and live-tank seafood. Locals pack the round tables on weekends for banquet-style meals that feel celebratory without requiring white tablecloths.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shrimp dumplings (har gow), Beef rice noodle rolls, Steamed whole fish with ginger and scallion
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: High-volume dim sum and live-tank seafood in a massive hall.
Who should go: Groups craving classic dim sum and Cantonese seafood.
When to visit: Weekend late mornings or early afternoons for peak dim sum.
What to order: Shrimp dumplings, beef rice noodles, steamed whole fish.
Insider tip: Take a number early; you can browse carts while you wait.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is available but very competitive on weekends; easier on weekdays before 5pm. Some diners use nearby public lots along 8th Avenue for convenience.
Dress code: Casual and practical — jeans, sneakers, and everyday wear are completely fine.
Noise level: Loud and energetic — conversation is possible but you will be speaking up, especially during peak dim sum hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes during peak dinner and banquet hours without a reservation.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait outside of the 12–1pm rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetable dumplings, stir-fried greens, tofu dishes, and noodles.
Vegan options: Limited — a few vegetable-based dumplings and stir-fried vegetable plates without sauces.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free steamed seafood and rice noodle dishes, but cross-contact is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual, food-focused dates than intimate ones — the room is loud and hectic, but sharing dim sum can be fun and low-pressure.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially on weekdays, but on weekends you should expect a wait and be ready to take a number and hang nearby.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — families with young kids are common, and the cart service and large tables work well for groups with children.
Best For
Better for: Large-group dim sum feasts, banquet-style seafood meals, and classic cart-service dining with nonstop variety.
Skip if: You want a quiet romantic dinner, modern fusion Cantonese, or tightly curated small-plate dining.
East Harbor Seafood Palace
8.8
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Family Friendly Favorites
Birthday & Celebration Central
Comfort Food Classics
East Harbor Seafood Palace is a sprawling Cantonese banquet hall where carts circulate with a deep roster of classic and modern dim sum. Locals treat it as the go-to destination for weekend gatherings, with steady quality and a constant buzz that stretches across late mornings and lunchtime.
Must-Try Dishes:
Har gow (shrimp dumplings), Siu mai pork and shrimp dumplings, Rice noodle rolls with shrimp
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: High-volume dim sum hall that anchors Sunset Park’s Cantonese scene.
Who should go: Families and groups planning a classic dim sum outing.
When to visit: Weekend late mornings for full carts and peak buzz.
What to order: Har gow, siu mai, shrimp rice rolls.
Insider tip: Arrive early on weekends; take a number and be patient.
East Harbor Seafood Palace
8.5
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Birthday & Celebration Central
Family Friendly Favorites
Trendy Table Hotspots
East Harbor Seafood Palace is a massive Cantonese dim sum and seafood hall that doubles as a weekend brunch ritual and banquet-style dinner destination. For couples, it works as a more boisterous date night built around carts, shared platters, and big-occasion Cantonese dishes.
Must-Try Dishes:
Har gow shrimp dumplings, Pork siu mai, Peking duck with pancakes
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 6.5
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Huge dim sum palace with carts, big seafood, and banquet energy.
Who should go: Couples and groups who enjoy loud, bustling feasts.
When to visit: Weekend dim sum or early evening seafood dinners.
What to order: Har gow, siu mai, Peking duck with pancakes.
Insider tip: Arrive early for dim sum to avoid long waits and get the best carts.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small private lot fills quickly; street parking is possible but competitive on weekends. Many diners plan to circle for 10–15 minutes or use nearby residential streets.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual. Jeans are completely fine, but people often dress a bit nicer for banquets and celebrations.
Noise level: Loud and energetic — conversation is possible at close range, but this is not a quiet, intimate dining room.
Weekend wait: 30–60 min without a reservation, longer for large parties
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait outside of peak noon dim sum rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — vegetable dumplings, stir-fried greens, tofu dishes, fried rice, and noodle options.
Vegan options: Limited — a few vegetable and tofu-based plates work, but most dim sum contains egg or seafood.
Gluten-free options: Limited — steamed seafood, roast meats without sauce, and plain rice dishes are the safest bets.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It works best if you’re both comfortable in busy, high-energy environments. It’s fun and interactive, but not ideal if you’re looking for a quiet, intimate first impression.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially for small parties on weekdays. Weekend dim sum and banquet-style dinners are far easier with a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — high chairs, large tables, quick food delivery, and familiar dumplings make it a strong option for families with young kids.
Best For
Better for: Large celebrations, shared-plate feasts, classic cart-style dim sum, and big Cantonese seafood presentations.
Skip if: You want a quiet romantic dinner, modern fine-dining plating, or a low-key, intimate conversation setting.
East Harbor Seafood Palace
8.4
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Birthday & Celebration Central
Family Friendly Favorites
Trendy Table Hotspots
East Harbor Seafood Palace is a massive dim sum and Cantonese seafood hall that functions as Sunset Park’s de facto banquet dining room. Carts, big round tables, and banquet-style seafood make it a go-to for weddings, family celebrations, and long weekend feasts.
Must-Try Dishes:
Har Gow Shrimp Dumplings, Siu Mai Pork Dumplings, Lobster with Ginger and Scallion
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 6.6
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: High-volume dim sum palace where classic carts meet banquet seafood.
Who should go: Groups planning celebratory dim sum or big Cantonese dinners.
When to visit: Weekend mornings for peak dim sum carts and variety.
What to order: Har gow, siu mai, lobster ginger-scallion with noodles.
Insider tip: Arrive early or take a number and browse nearby blocks while waiting.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Plentiful street parking in the surrounding residential blocks; easier than most Sunset Park spots, but fills up on weekend mornings.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans and sneakers are fine, but many diners dress slightly elevated for celebrations.
Noise level: Loud and lively — expect constant cart traffic, large tables, and banquet-level energy.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation for full dining service; longer for large parties.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days outside peak noon hour.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple vegetable dumplings, tofu dishes, and stir-fried greens available.
Vegan options: Limited — some vegetable dumplings and plain vegetable stir-fries, but soy and oyster sauces are common.
Gluten-free options: Limited — steamed seafood and plain rice dishes work best; most dumplings and sauces contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for an intimate first date — it’s loud, busy, and built for groups rather than quiet conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but on weekends you’ll likely wait and should be flexible with table size and timing.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — high chairs, space for strollers, and quick handheld dim sum dishes make it easy for families with young kids.
Best For
Better for: Large celebrations, banquet-style seafood feasts, and traditional cart-style dim sum at scale.
Skip if: You want a quiet, romantic meal or refined modern Cantonese plating — smaller neighborhood spots will feel more personal.
East Harbor Seafood Palace
8.5
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Group Dining Gatherings
Family Friendly Favorites
Trendy Table Hotspots
East Harbor Seafood Palace is a sprawling dim sum and Cantonese seafood hall where carts, chandeliers, and big round tables make every visit feel like a banquet. Families book VIP rooms for weddings, milestone birthdays, and multi-course seafood feasts, while weekend mornings turn into full neighborhood dim sum rituals. It’s the classic pick when you need to impress a crowd and feed everyone well.
Must-Try Dishes:
Har Gow Shrimp Dumplings, Lobster with Ginger and Scallion, BBQ Pork Baked Buns
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Massive banquet-style dim sum hall built for big celebrations.
Who should go: Large families and groups planning milestone Cantonese feasts.
When to visit: Weekend dim sum hours or early evening seafood dinners.
What to order: Har gow, lobster ginger-scallion, roast meats from the window.
Insider tip: Reserve a private room for long banquets and BYO wine service.
East Harbor Seafood Palace
8.8
East Harbor Seafood Palace is a sprawling Cantonese dim sum hall where rolling carts, banquet menus, and multiple private rooms make it a go-to for large family gatherings and celebratory meals. Locals treat it as a weekend ritual for har gow, beef ribs, and an endless spread of small plates, with private dining upstairs often booked for birthdays and banquets.
Must-Try Dishes:
Har gow shrimp dumplings, Black pepper beef short ribs, Taro pork dumplings
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: Classic rolling-cart dim sum with true banquet-style private rooms.
Who should go: Families and groups planning dim sum celebrations.
When to visit: Late morning weekends before peak crowds and longest waits.
What to order: Har gow, black pepper beef ribs, taro pork dumplings.
Insider tip: Call ahead to reserve an upstairs private room for carts tableside.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available but competitive on weekends; plan to circle or use nearby paid lots along 65th–66th Streets.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans, sneakers, and family-friendly attire are all perfectly fine.
Noise level: Loud and lively — constant cart movement and crowd energy make quiet conversation difficult.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, especially for large groups or private rooms.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or under 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetable dumplings, tofu skin rolls, and stir-fried greens available.
Vegan options: Limited — a handful of vegetable-based dumplings and rice noodle dishes; confirm egg-free items with staff.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some steamed proteins and rice-based dishes work, but soy sauce and wrappers dominate much of the menu.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for intimate conversation, but great if you both love lively food experiences and shared plates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes on weekdays, but weekends often require a wait unless you arrive right at opening.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely kid-friendly — stroller-friendly layout, fast service, and plenty of familiar dim sum favorites.
Best For
Better for: Large-family dim sum feasts, banquet-style celebrations, and classic rolling-cart experiences at strong value.
Skip if: You want quiet ambiance, a romantic setting, or highly modernized dim sum presentation.
East Harbor Seafood Palace
8.4
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Brunch Bliss Spots
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
A massive Cantonese dim sum hall and seafood house where rolling carts and banquet tables make lunch feel like an event. For business lunches, it offers a balance of efficiently delivered dim sum and the ability to host larger groups without sacrificing food quality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shrimp dumplings (har gow), Siu mai, Beef rice noodle rolls
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: High-volume dim sum and seafood that still draws destination crowds.
Who should go: Teams hosting clients or larger multi-table business lunches.
When to visit: Late-morning or early-afternoon dim sum before peak lines.
What to order: Har gow, siu mai, beef rice noodle rolls.
Insider tip: Ask for a slightly quieter side room if you need conversation.
East Harbor Seafood Palace
8.8
East Harbor Seafood Palace is a massive Cantonese banquet hall where rolling dim sum carts, lazy Susans, and big round tables make family meals feel like events. Weekend mornings fill with multi-generational groups sharing baskets of dumplings and egg tarts.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shrimp dumplings (har gow), Steamed pork ribs with black bean sauce, Peking duck with pancakes
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 9.3
What makes it special: A sprawling dim sum palace built for big, multi-table family meals.
Who should go: Families wanting rolling dim sum carts and celebratory spreads.
When to visit: Late weekend mornings for peak dim sum energy and cart variety.
What to order: Har gow, steamed pork ribs, Peking duck with pancakes.
Insider tip: Take a quick lap around the carts first so kids can point to what looks fun.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is challenging, especially on weekends; a few paid lots operate within 2–3 blocks but often fill up during peak dim sum hours.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—jeans and sneakers are common during the day, but families often dress a bit nicer for celebrations.
Noise level: Loud and lively—expect constant cart traffic and banquet-style energy that makes quiet conversation difficult.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, longer during peak celebration hours.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days before 1pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable dumplings, tofu dishes, rice noodle rolls, and several stir-fried vegetable plates are available.
Vegan options: Limited—some vegetable dumplings and plain vegetable stir-fries can work, but many items use egg or oyster sauce.
Gluten-free options: Limited—steamed proteins and plain rice dishes work best, but soy sauce and dumpling wrappers contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a quiet or intimate first date—it's loud, busy, and built for groups rather than one-on-one conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially on weekdays or early weekend mornings, but mid-day weekends and dinner are much smoother with a reservation for larger groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely—dim sum carts, big tables, high chairs, and fast pacing work well for toddlers through teens.
Best For
Better for: Large family gatherings, birthday celebrations, and classic cart-style dim sum experiences with maximum variety.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, intimate date setting, or modern small-plate dim sum with craft cocktails.