Ocean Bay 避風塘 — Restaurant in New York

This Cantonese Dim Sum restaurant is a rare find in the Elmhurst area, with a comfortable ambiance and average food quality. However, I think it lacks a unique appeal, which might be why there are so few Cantonese Dim Sum spots in Elmhurst—most feel the same. Friends and locals often prefer heading to Flushing for its wider variety and richer selection of standout dishes.

I believe this restaurant could stand out by introducing seasonal specials and innovative dim sum, blending traditional and modern decor, and perhaps adding an open kitchen so diners can watch the dim sum being made. Small touches like Cantonese greetings from staff or exclusive tea pairings would also bring warmth and cultural depth to the experience. Here are some suggestions that could make this restaurant a unique and memorable destination:

Fusion of Classic and Innovative Menu Options The restaurant could maintain its classic offerings while introducing unique, modern twists. Seasonal specials or limited-time chef recommendations with creative flavors and artistic presentation could make each visit exciting.

Atmosphere and Themed Decor A design that fuses traditional Cantonese elements with a modern twist would create a memorable dining atmosphere. Adding cultural elements like murals, traditional calligraphy, or a cultural story wall about dim sum could deepen the experience for diners.

Immersive Experience An open kitchen where diners can watch their dim sum being made would add a unique touch and create a sense of connection with the culinary process. Hosting events on weekends, like traditional Cantonese music performances, or even offering dim sum-making classes, could attract a wider range of patrons.

Personalized Service Training staff to greet customers in Cantonese and offer insights into the menu could enhance the authenticity. Offering set meal combinations for newcomers who might not be familiar with the dishes would make the experience feel personalized and welcoming.

Exclusive Tea Pairings A specially curated tea menu could elevate the dining experience. Imagine pairing traditional dim sum with exclusive teas like aged Pu’er or herbal infusions only available at this location. A signature tea that’s unique to this restaurant could add to its charm.

Community Engagement and Storytelling Telling the restaurant’s unique story, perhaps as a dedication to preserving the flavors of Guangdong or as a place to experience authentic, modern Cantonese cuisine, could strengthen its identity. Engaging with the local community through tasting events and social media would help to build a loyal customer base and foster...

WORST PICK UP EXPERIENCE EVER

Placed my order at 5:10.....waited 3 hours for the food. They said on the phone it would be ready in an hour so we get there at 6. I didn't get my food for another 2 hours of waiting at the restaurant.

With so many people waiting for their order I gave them the benefit of them being busy to why my order was taking so long. They are calling order numbers out higher then my order number so I start looking at the orders to the ones coming out and see people ordering an hour after me are getting their food first. Asked why people that ordered later then me getting their food first. We told them we took mom out from nursing home and have kids waiting at home (not to mention the rest of the family).

When they finally came out with our food, they are short one of my dishes and refund our money for the dish. I asked if they could give a discount for waiting 3 hours. They said I can not sorry next time. We spent $200 for the meal and waited 3 HOURS. I said to discount it now. They said sorry next time.

THEY HAVE ABSOLUTE ZERO CUSTOMER SERVICE/SATISFACTION knowledge. I JUST SPENT $200 AND WAITED 3 HOURS for a pick up order AND OFFER ZERO COMPENSATION. I LEFT VERY ANGRY AND WILL NOT BE COMING BACK HERE EVER. I probably left with COVID because of of how long I waited with all these people coming and going the time that I waited. THINK TWICE BEFORE COMING HERE or better off just don't come here at all and save yourself the terrible experience.

THIS PLACE IS BANNED and on the DO NOT EVER GO BACK LIST. All friends and family will know about this bad experience. To not offer any kind of compensation and have an angry customer not want to ever go back just shows they all about the money and nothing about the customer. Your next time discount = garbage.

Queens Seafood Restaurant has delicious Cantonese food in Elmhurst and will now be getting my business.

Ocean Bay...

This is one of our favorite restaurants to go to as a family. With 4 little kids, there is not much restaurant we could go to, one, because of the noise my kids make; two, my kids are very picky. Just so happens this restaurant can tolerate the noise and they have very good food. Service, well we are Asian so we are used to, and usually the ladies servers are very friendly. Tonight was a total opposite night. Soon as we came, this guy server came to us, already frowning, as if I pissed him off just by telling him “we are ready to order.” I am aware they dont speak much English so I usually make gestures while I talk. Soon our orders came and it was missing some quantity. My hubby just told another guy server about it and told our server. He looked at us with the annoyed face, not acknowledging “ok I got it, its coming.” 15 min passed and the kids are hungry and fussing, I looked at our server and gestured off he could come to us, he totally ignored me and he right next to me. That totally annoyed me, so I got up, head directly to the lady in the front, THEN he acknowledged me saying “WHAT?!” I told him “ I saw you ignoring me so I will talk to someone else.” Anyways, we still love this restaurant despite this experience but hopefully they can improve on...