Ocean Palace in Poole

We visited with friends on a Saturday night as a party of 6 and had a really lovely evening. It did help that it was a beautiful night and we had a few pre drinks in the bar while watching the sunset. The food was great and the staff were extremely professional and welcoming. The round tables are so sociable and it was lovely to try and share some new dishes from the menu and make good use of the 'lazy suzy' LOL. We had the most wonderful evening and would return.

Had a lovely Chinese meal in the restaurant. All of the food was perfect. The service was a little slow but that’s fine if you know that’s how they work. We must return when the evenings are light so the view can also be enjoyed.

This was a take away delivered by Deliveroo it was undoubtedly the very worst Chinese food we have ever had it was dried up and tasteless disgusting food

Once again, our ‘local chinese’ did not disappoint. Drinks outside with fabulous view, followed by some of the best (and fresh cooked) Chinese food you’ll have anywhere. I can’t comment on the service allegedly received by the ‘poor’ reviewers on here but the food is always superb and price… the bill is always less than we’d guess.

The food was absolutely lovely, we had beef in black bean and satay chicken and all of it was delicious. When the food came it was all boiling hot which was fab. The staff were attentive and polite and the view from the restaurant is beautiful. We travelled from Newcastle to Poole and this restaurant didn’t disappoint!

Very expensive meal in a lovely location but feels like you're in some back street average chinese restaurant. Menus were cheap and tacky, service was terrible, food was okay.

Awful food and very expensive. I would definitely recommend to stay well clear of this awful restaurant

This restaurant, which is part of the Harbour Heights Hotel, is brilliant. The restaurant itself is lovely, the staff are attentive and the service is excellent. The food was amazing and the views are wonderful.

We dined in the main restaurant The location and the view is special and I felt privileged to be here. That is were it ends it went from special to being the biggest waste of hard earned money. The outside chairs were uncomfortable, the cocktails were like squash one sent back and still charged, the service was from couldn't care less trainees, the food was poor at every level. All 4 of the party were not happy with the presentation, quality and quantity, lamb was sparse and inedible. Friday night peak season and the place was half empty with no atmosphere. They should be sold out with this unique location. Pay the price for a top meal but not at this undeserving place it was insulting and frustrating and spoilt a potential memorable occasion with friends

Background, a family meal for 6 on a Saturday evening high season arrival at 8pm, spend £250. Let's start by stating that the food, presentation and attention was very good. We finished our mains by about 9:20 and the table was hastily cleared (good service we thought). Then the wheels fell off! There was no further contact by waiting staff, so at 9:40 we asked for the desert menu. The (assumed) manager/senior waitress informed us that the kitchen was closed from 9:30 so no deserts were available except if we wanted a scoop of ice cream. We all looked dumbfounded and were told frostily that we should have booked an earlier arrival time. And that was it. As we finished drinks the empties were almost taken from our hands as staff were clearly hovering around us. This at 9:45 ish. We were asked to pay the bill, including a 10% service charge for an incomplete meal!, and the atmosphere turned distinctly chilly as it was clear they wanted everyone (including those on other tables), out. Now I can fully understand a policy of not taking new arrivals after 9:30, but to cut off existing customers with no warning whatsoever, is inexcusable, particularly on a Saturday night. So no, they won't be seeing us again and I think if the hotel itself condones conduct of this nature it can only do huge reputational damage.

Rang to book a table told fully booked I asked if they could take my number for a cancellation. We don’t normally she said but took my number. An hour later we got a call to say 8.30 a little late for us but took it. Lovely spectacular views and I’m afraid that’s where it ends. I was unable to have most vegetarian vegan dishes as the waitress said all the same oil is used to cook everything. While I admired her honesty I thought this was not the sign of a good chef. I couldn’t have the chilly tofu .....come on tofu should be cooked in vegetarian or vegan fresh oil. I just had Singapore noodles which were ok but lacked fresh chillies. My partner had sweet sour chicken ... drenched in batter! And to be honest I can’t remember the other dish it was so unmemorable. The night also spoilt by a young couple who ordered a mountain of food but were in and out the door most of the time onto the veranda. They should have stayed at home. We would return again but not for the food but the wonderful views.

nice to see Ocean Palace back at the Harbour Heights Hotel again, now operating in the previous Funtion room, which has wonderful views over Poole Harbour and Brownsea Island. A much less fenetic atmosphere than most other Chinese restaurants with a more upmarket feel to it. Delicious and varied dishes; a real treat.

Staying at the hotel we decided to eat here first night. Unlike other reviews here, we found the staff very pleasant. The menu selection is similar to most Chinese restaurants. We ordered 3 starters, crispy squid, salt and pepper ribs and shredded lamb with lettuce. For mains we had sweet and sour prawns, crispy beef, Pak choi and egg fried rice. Portions were a good size and as always, we ordered too much food!! Take home bags are available if you need. The food was good and cooked well. Our only issue was that all 3 starters were a bit salty for our liking. Mentioned to waitress who said we could have returned it. Then when our mains came out they lacked salt. Didn't mind this because adding is easier. The 2 issues we experienced. The restaurant was not busy, a table of 2, a small family and my wife and I. Yet, we had to wait over 45 minuets for starters because the chef was busy cooking a large Deliveroo takeaway! To me your restaurant diners should come first. That being said, the waiters did apologies several times. Lastly when we came to pay the bill, their system was not working so could only accept cash. Because of the bottle of wine we choose, our bill was over £120 - I don't tend to carry that sort of cash on me. Fortunately because we was staying at the hotel, they found a way to charge it too our room. Had we not been staying however, we would have needed to drive and find a cash machine. The restaurant has a good menu with great views. Just needs a few tweaks to improve.

Victim of its own success. Unhelpful, and arrogant , bordering on rude , waiters. Food average and nothing like the photos in presentation or portion size. Expensive for what is is!

Great food, we had the set menu starters crispy chicken and prawn toast, followed by crispy duck which were all amazing. Mains prawns in chilli, crispy beef, rice and vegetables all very tasty. Great service all staff really friendly and asked if we wanted a rest between courses. Best Chinese food we’ve both had for a very long time.

Wonderful food in a superb location. Spacious and COVID friendly. Couldn’t fault the food it was very fresh tasting; the best Chinese I’ve ever had. Was a little pricey but well worth it.

Based at a sister hotel of ours we went with hope and no massive expectation. But the service and the food was outstanding. Chinese food at its finest. Compared with restaurants with high reputations in the Sandbanks area this gem really understood how to cook , serve and delight their customers. We will be back!

Covid taken seriously here with masked staff & tables well spaced out. This does dampen the atmosphere somewhat.Pricey but we love it & have been regulars since it was in the Sandbanks Hotel & Bournemouth before that. Food arrives 30 seconds after chef bangs his bell that it is ready. Limited number of tables with sea view. Closed Mon & Tue.

I arrived here after surprising some family that had booked in advance, the restaurant itself is set in what looks like a wedding venue/conference room.I don't myself eat much Chinese food but what I had and my family and friends was good, yes it was more expensive than most Chinese restaurants but you would expect that from where it is situated. The only issue we had was with desserts that we had to wait 20 minutes for them to being under coked and after sending back the 2nd lot being undercooked!We were then told that the chef was sent the wrong flour from the supplier hence the issue! It was not just our table that sent them back but a few.That being said the mains were good and would I go back again ???? Yes, I would at some point in the future but I wouldn't rush back.Good food and great venue.

Two of us had a fabulous dinner here. The food, staff and views were amazing! Best Chinese food I’ve had for ages. We’ll be back.

Views stunning , services amazing , food fantastic . couldn't ask for any more , the price and quality of food would put you anywhere in the world , and then to top it up with the views as the sun set , well I'd recommend it to anybody . Tip however make sure your booked outside on the terrace.

Been a customer of Ocean Palace for 20+ years. Rang for takeaway order tonight, but they said they were too busy to take the order. This is the attitude of the new management. Try the 1805 in Bournemouth instead, They value your custom.

It must be some months now since this Chinese restaurant moved into the Harbour Heights Hotel, which is at the top of the hill leading down to Sandbanks after coming through Canford Cliffs. The HHH restaurant had suffered from lack of business for many years but these people who previously had their own premises elsewhere in Bournemouth have absolutely transformed it and one now needs to book well ahead to get a table, particularly at weekends. Well done to JFB for having the wisdom and confidence to allow these people to take over a previously failing facility.Probably now the best Chinese cuisine in Bournemouth and certainly a great location. Message for TA - update the address....

We visited mid-week so it wasn’t particularly busy and the service was very good. Food was also good although the hoisin sauce served with the aromatic duck had never seen any plums, it had a slightly odd caramel flavour. The restaurant area has been moved from its original position in the main hotel’s dining area to what looks like a function room. The area completely lacks any ambience, it’s brightly lit and the furniture mis-matched - it looks like they have utilised the old function room furniture. Our bill for the evening for the two of us was over £100 which is way over the top. We had 3 glasses of wine and a very flat pint of lager in addition to our meal but even so not good value for money. We left feeling very deflated.

The food was unpleasant which is being generous. We had a gluten free requirement and there was no guidance on allergens available. Their advertised tempting house specialities of sizzling Mandarin dishes would taste better if bought from the out of date range. and what qualities should Sizzling ‘Sea Spicy’ Prawns have? Yes, you’ve guessed! But this had neither. The dining room had once been impressive with panoramic views across Poole Bay but on this dark October evening the room was tired the tables less than basic the staff were inattentive and to top it when they cleared the main course dishes we were advised the kitchen was closed. So no toffee banana and ice cream!! this was at 10pm. This was the most disagreeable meal I can remember. This is one restaurant you should certainly miss.

We had a really nice meal. The wait staff were very efficient and accommodating. We liked the crispy duck the best. We also had the crispy lamb, vegetable side, crispy seaweed and spring rolls. The restaurant is very nicely decorated. Overall, we thought the food was great. I don’t understand the negative reviews on the service, etc. We were not rushed and asked prior to each course if we were ready for the next.

The starters of deep fried Calamari rings come out looking like a tennis ball stuck together. The oil it was fried in was not hot enough resulting in a greasy soggy product. Disgusting. The main course of Lasagne came out in a sizzling iron dish, unusual but the top layer of pasta was black and inedible. The Chicken Milanese came out deep fried and black. Both mains needed a chisel to cut through them. I called the sensitive Maitre D who said I was rude. So I called Peter the Duty Manager who said and I quote "What the bloody hell is this" They claim award winning and experienced chefs. I seriously doubt there was a qualified chef in the kitchen. The Maitre D was clearly not qualified or he wouldn't have served this total crap. For the first time in 40 years My wife and I walked out and refused to pay. Says all you need to know about this dump.

We went to Ocean Palace for our wedding anniversary no 22, having spent a large number of romantic meals at City Bay view, we thought Ocean Palace at Harbour Heights hotel would be fantastically romantic, how wrong were we,We chose set menu B, starters Ribs and chicken were bland, main course Sizzling Beef was the best, duck was ok, but were felt we were completely rushed, with 3 courses pushed through in less than an hour, well how can you be romantic with that, (could have had better food at our local chinese takeaway or 2 x steak meals at miller and carter for the same price, we wont be going again

What a disappointing evening, one that we were so looking forward too. The service was dreadful the food was very average. Being a massive fan of Ocean Palace when it was in Bournemouth we were so looking forward to this meal, it was nothing like it used to be. I think they are trading on the name and nothing else. Certainly wont be going back. The staff just seemed to be working clearing up all the time like they were working in the kitchen .Paying no attention to there customers at all. Also this is not a cheap meal.

Had dinner here one evening in a group of four. We ordered a set menu which looked appetizing on paper but we were all disappointed in the quality of the food. Service was also below par. Décor is also a bit tired. Given the price for what you get, we won't be back.

Everything looks lovely until the food turns up ! Very poor quality, couldn't tell if it was chicken or tofu ?? Everything was greasy, even the sugar snap peas. I live in the area and had never been to eat here before but I certainly won't be returning, what with so many good restaurants in the area this one was a real let down. I imagine it's the view that allows them to charge astronomical prices for not a lot.

I have been going to ocean palace since 1993 and have followed it around to all its venues I have never found Mongolian lamb at any other resteraunt and it’s lovelyVisited them in there new venue which has lovely views and the food was great as it always has beenOver all the years that I have eaten with these guys they have always been quick to serve the food and they are a highly functioning team better than waiting ages for food which is there main concernI have never been to the harbour heights hotel before and only went because of ocean palace and it introduced me to this hotel which had a great viewThe staff are very busy and under pressure so probably haven’t got the time to enter into small talk as they have many dinners to serve in a small time frameThe food is great I always have the Mongolian lamb Kung po chicken The best dishes I feelWill be back again and wherever they go next always been in my opinion over the years the best Chinese restaurant I have eaten in and that’s a few

After a few unclear emails to reserve a table, we finally found out they do two sittings - one at 6-6.30 (and MUST be out by 8!) and the second thereafter. We arrived at 6.15pm, to a very cold "welcome" and shown our table which had a good view of Sandbanks. Took the waiter about 10 mins to take our drinks order and about another 10 to serve them. Unable to offer us a large bottle of sparkling water, we then had to order several throughout the meal, if one could catch the waiter's eye. They were not hands-on to say the least. We decided on set menus at 29 GBP pp. The quantities were just right, food was hot but bland and presentation average. The peking duck was dry and we left half of it. The chicken and cashews tasted like a mild fish. The chili beef was dried out and not very spicy. Prawn toast was pretty bland too. Overall, very disappointing and no value for money.

Visited the Ocean Palace for the third time and we were not disappointed. The food was delicious and tasty. I had noodles and my partner had prawns. We did not leave anything. I recommend a visit it is well worth it.

Visited with family, why has this lovely hotel handed over its restaurant ? It must be a huge shock to residents of the hotel to be informed that their only dinner options are in a Chinese restaurant! Is the hotel not able to keep a good brigade of chefs in this prestigious location? We have enjoyed many meals over the years in this restaurant in its previous incarnation, albeit with fairly hit and miss service from the waiting staff, food was, however, always very good, but now, we’ll probably not be back! Rude, arrogant staff, practically throwing food onto the table, in an effort to get you to leave ASAP! After enjoying a drink outside, we were ushered unceremoniously to the restaurant at 8:45, having booked for 8:30, so a little late, I admit, but were told that ‘chef finished at 9pm’ ! How many Chinese restaurants stop serving at 9pm? Especially in the summer months in this beautiful location, where it’s nice to watch the sunset with a glass of something cold before eating! We struggled to find bar staff after our meal to have a drink, and despite closing at 9pm, the Chinese staff didn’t leave until just before we did around 12:30! They seemed more focussed on laying the tables up for breakfast the next day than ensuring that their guests were treated well! Come on Harbour Heights, sort this out! It’s not doing your reputation any favours!

This Chinese restaurant serves up good food but the best reason for dining there is for the amazing views. The service was good, staff were nice, no complaints.

I live locally and know exactly what Harbour Heights offers. One of the most beautiful views in England but it is so sad that the Chinese restaurant did not result in the same memorable satisfaction.

We had heard great reports of this restaurant following the move to the Harbour Heights Hotel. What a disappointment. The food was extremely poor with a complete lack of taste and the service was not good. We will not be coming back.

We visited Harbour Heights for drinks with a view ahead of a dinner reservation elsewhere. It’s a while since we had been to Harbour Heights so didn’t know that the restaurant had become the Ocean Palace. So we stayed for dinner too and were not disappointed. Service was Asian friendly and efficient and the food very tasty. Our who are regular Chinese restaurant visitors thought it was one of the best they had been to for a while. They particularly liked the Mongolian lamb which is not a regular on menus

This restaurant has now moved to the Harbour Heights Hotel

Booked for our 25 wedding Anniversary even told them when booking and when we arrived how special the evening was .

We were bought a Gift Voucher for an evening meal for my husband and myself. We had previously eaten at the Harbour Heights and had always been very satisfied. However, we were very underwhelmed by the staff, service and quality and quantity of the food at the Ocean Palace. We felt the staff had a 'couldn't care less' attitude, and lacked refinement with table service and customer care. The food was tasty, just sufficient quantity for two people, and of course, very expensive. They did not sweep the table between courses and we had to use the same cutlery throughout the entire meal. Service ceases at 9pm which seems a little early.

The Chinese food is tasty , well presented.Getting an evening reservation is a little difficult . Lunchtime is easier.

Absolutely disgusted with my experience here. The service was slow and unhelpful. We were a pre-booked party of 14. The three choices of menus were poor and limited for the prices quoted and from booking three weeks prior to the event, the prices were put up by £2 a menu and after dining they tried to hike the bill up by another £2 a menu (from £25 originally quoted for the 4 star menu to £29 on the night). The actual food was reasonable but I have tasted better takeaways and we had to get up from the table to go to the bar for our own drinks, but couples or small parties of four were served drinks at their tables I observed. DO NOT ARRANGE A DINING PARTY HERE!!

My wife and I went hear after it moved from the sandbanks hotel

Ocean Palace recommended by friends as a place you need to try. Booked early in the week and table secured. Restaurant busy and clearly a place that people want to try.

Shame, we were excited to hear the lovely Harbour Heights Hotel had changed their drab restaurant to a Chinese. How disappointing.

Pre booked early evening table and on arrival the restaurant was virtually empty. We were given a table next to a pillar and in the middle of a walkway, so had people arriving and walking either side of the table,quite close as the space was tight. This was in addition to waiters going back and fourth. Requested we have another table, the owner/manager sent little Steve over to see us and was told we were lucky to have a table and couldn't move ( still virtually empty)-" YOU ARE LUCKY TO HAVE A TABLE HE PROUDLY PRONOUNCED - DO YOU WANT TO ORDER - I'LL SEND SOMEONE OVER - AND WALKED OFF"! Food was below average, very expensive and the waiters/waitresses looked like they didn't want to be there. Small portions - my guests were aghast at the attitude and over £107 for 3 , with only 2 beers and soft drinks -absolutely ridiculous -even for sandbanks (a chinese!) Followed this restaurant from Christchurch road when Kim was working there ( such a guy and chatty/ happy!) Now - its lost its way and the food was small portions and well below average. Look at the menu to see yourselves before you book-such a shame - one long standing customer -gone,and will tell people when asked- so annoyed, as it was a special occasion, not so much the price but the service and attitude, oh and very poor food.

They fitted us in then we didn't have a reservation, which was nice I suppose. Unfortunately, the food was expensive and average takeaway food. The water we requested wasn't bought to the table until we'd finished our meals and were ready to leave. I'd have said something to someone but once our food arrived we didn't see anyone come anywhere near us. And then when the bill arrived, the "discretionary" 10% service charge added to the bill clearly wasn't discretionary because it was added without any way of removing. Considering how unimpressed we were, how poor the service was and how expensive it was, they didn't deserve a gratuity.

We booked for a family meal several weeks in advance.

This place does amazing food. I love it.It is the best in the area and I have only ever had one dish I didn't like and they happily offered another dish to replace it. The service is great and the people friendly.

Thought it would be nice to go out to a good Chinese restaurant for a lovely meal and sorry to say it did not live up to expectations.

Walked from The Haven where we were staying. Very pleased we did as the food was excellent and the staff were very friendly.

Long weekend break needed so we rang ahead to make sure the restaurant was open, as it closes for weddings. We stay at the Sand Banks Hotel so it’s on site. Fabulous banquet meal for three picking the Ocean De Luxe from the extensive menue. Beautiful food washed down with a Sauvignon Blanc. Good service and reasonable pricing given the food, ambiance and sea views. Will go again.

Very nice food nice portions best Chinese tasted for s long time, downside s bit pricey maybe because be, sandbanks a bit an echo when restaurant is full

Found it surprisingly hard to find a Chinese restaurant in Poole on Friday night but happily stumbled upon Ocean Palace in the Sandbanks Hotel.

Just found out that the old Ocean Palace has moved to the Sandbanks hotel. Well I am glad to say the high standards and great food are still there. We had a lovely set meal with extras. Could not appreciate the sea view due to it being dark. The restaurant itself is very bland, needs brightening up. But the food is great.

This is a pop up restaurant within the Sandbanks Hotel, as such it is not open every night and is closed when the hotel needs the area for other functions. It is best to check in advance with reception when open and book a table.

We have eaten here several times, being local, and each time the standard has become less good. Tonight, the starters were over cooked. The second course - the crispy duck was cold and the waitress put her hand over the meat, took it away and I would think that it was microwaved and returned to us. Not enamoured. The main course was pretty basic. The prawns were large, nicely cooked but with a sauce that had no flavour that had developed. I would offer that it needed more sauteeeing. It had potential. The chicken with cashews tasted of simply nothing. I cannot believe that this has happened and am celebrating my birthday feeling pretty cheesed off. I am a foodie and enjoy flavours from all over the world but one has to say, I won’t be back.

First things first... this is no way near as good as City Bay Views were... and it shows.

This is some of the best Chinese food I have eaten. I used to use their related companies Ocean Palace Bournemouth and Ocean City. This restaurant continues this great dining fare. It is my favourite and has the bonus of a great view.

Have been going to Ocean Palace on and off for years, from when they used to be in Bournemouth.

I was delighted to find this restaurant again which was originally in Bournemouth I has been going there for many years as the food was so good, it then moved and became the Ocean city for a while in Bournemouth then closed, it was on a walk from Bournemouth to Sandbanks that I discovered it had re opened in the Sandbanks hotel.