The Ocean — Hong Kong, China

 Japanese ceramic tableware
(Image credit: Dennis Lo)

Hong Kong may be an island, but for some reason, good beachside restaurants are strangely absent. This probably explains why The Ocean has already generated such a following – although we think it might have something to do with the bright, clean interiors arranged around a sleek hinoki sushi bar, a series of curvaceous booths – which nod to clusters of coral reefs - a cocktail bar and three semi-private dining rooms. The latter, enclosed by jellyfish aquariums, sport custom-designed dining tables inspired by the rhythm of Fibonacci suites found in shell formations.

Designed by local firm Substance, its imaginative take on design extends throughout, including the crisp graphics, Japanese ceramic tableware, and chic staff uniforms, resulting in a unified aesthetic.

Floor-to-ceiling windows place sweeping views of the sea at the centre of the elongated 4,200 sqft space while other design highlights include undulating azure walls, hand-blown ceiling lights by Lasvit, and intricate sea fan-inspired rattan seat dining chairs. 

Order one of the designer cocktails and a platter of sublime sushi conjured up by resident Japanese sushi master chef Yukio Kimijima and retire upstairs to the impressive outdoor terrace where you'll find a collection of intimate cabanas and authentic Japanese hinoki ofuro (tubs), making this the perfect summer hangout.

An image of a table and chair

(Image credit: Dennis Lo)

Ocean Dining Area, Hong Kong, China

(Image credit: Dennis Lo)

The Ocean restaurant dinning area Hong Kong, China

(Image credit: Dennis Lo)

INFORMATION
Website

ADDRESS

28 Beach Road

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Catherine Shaw is a writer, editor and consultant specialising in architecture and design. She has written and contributed to over ten books, including award-winning monographs on art collector and designer Alan Chan, and on architect William Lim's Asian design philosophy. She has also authored books on architect André Fu, on Turkish interior designer Zeynep Fadıllıoğlu, and on Beijing-based OPEN Architecture's most significant cultural projects across China.