H2OCEAN WILL BE CLOSING ON APRIL 1, 2023

For the last 2 years there were swirling rumors in regards to H2Ocean Restaurant & Raw Bar being sold. We are here to set the record straight;

H2Ocean has indeed been sold. The developer who purchased the property where H2Ocean resides is committed to working with the town of Cedar Knolls and has been approved to build an assisted living facility. We will retain the H2Ocean name, logo, liquor license and all of its contents.

One concern many of you had was; “Were you strong armed?” the answer is “NO!” We were never bullied or intimidated through the entire process. It was a decision that we did not take lightly, however, it is the best decision for our family. To be aboveboard and straightforward, and, as Vito Corleone so eloquently recites in the movie The Godfather; "We were made an offer we couldn’t refuse." :)

H2Ocean will be leaving port, on Saturday April 1, 2023.

We have enjoyed an incredibly positive relationship with the community and we are eternally thankful and grateful for all of the support we have received. Cedar Knolls and all of Hanover Township have welcomed us from day one. It has been an honor to serve you, your family, friends, and colleagues.

To ALL our devoted patrons, without whom we would not have been successful. Thank you for the wonderful memories we created together over the years. Many of you have become our friends and extended family. Your loyalty, support, and faith elevated H2Ocean to be voted #1 Seafood restaurant in Northern New Jersey numerous times.

BIG shout out to the haters and the one-star reviews… not only did you put a smile on our face, BUT YOU ALSO MADE H2OCEAN BETTER AND STRONGER!

To our amazing staff, there’s no way we could’ve been successful without your help and enthusiasm. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication! We appreciate everything you did to help us reach success. Your commitment to excellence and collaboration were essential components of our success. Thank you for working those long hours, weekends, and holidays that kept you away from spending time with your loved ones.

As you all know, H2Ocean managed to find ways to weather the storm of the COVID-19 pandemic. From re-inventing the restaurant by moving away from traditional dining, leveraging technology to offer online ordering, curbside takeout, and delivery services. However, it was because of our incredible staff, that H2Ocean managed to stay afloat during those difficult times. The skilled staff swiftly adapted to the constant ever-changing regulations and done an excellent job in keeping our patrons safe while providing outstanding service and delectable cuisine. It was because of our extraordinary staff that H2Ocean Restaurant became a beacon of hope for the community during those uncertain times and a reminder that determination, giving and resilience can help all of us stay afloat in even the roughest of seas and storms. "A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor." ~ Franklin D. Roosevelt

In the last eight and a half years we have been honored to give back to numerous non-profit charity organizations. After meeting Sandie and Joe Okolita in 2014 at H2Ocean, we decided to host the first charity event in honor of their beautiful little girl, Kaitlyn Rose Okalita who lost her battle with brain cancer at the tender age of 12. Each and all of these events left an everlasting imprint in our hearts. Thank you for trusting and allowing us to host your special event. I’m hoping that people will continue to give to the various non-profit organization listed on our website.

To the luminary people who helped bring H2Ocean to fruition in 2014, we want to thank you personally:

Thank you John, for your creativity and imagination to make sure the decor was exquisite and making sure that each of those B&W photos and artwork were placed just right. Thank you, Kelly, for creating and designing H2Ocean’s ingenious logo [Our third logo together]. Thank you, Karen from West Essex Lighting, for continually providing us with magnificent lighting [Our third lighting design together]. West Essex Lighting will always be the ONLY lighting source we would ever use. Thank you, David from Krell Lighting for all your time, knowledge, and electrical engineering expertise. Thank you, Lisa from LC Interiors, for all your sensational design input and impeccable taste. Lisa Perez, for the encouragement and emotional support that was needed to help me put all the moving parts together. Thank you, Krista DiGiorgio, for your invaluable insight and friendship. Finally, we must thank Laura and The PUC for taking the risk and leap of faith in us. If it weren’t for the both of you, there would be no H2Ocean period! This would not have been possible without your assistance and we thank each of you.

H2Ocean Restaurant was proud to call New Jersey her home. New Jersey, is home to many wonderful restaurants. No need to travel to NYC! Let’s continue to show support to all the fine eateries, bars, and small businesses that continue to struggle operating with food cost, labor shortage, rent, mortgage, insurance costs and supply shortages.

Please feel free to stop by before we sail on, so we can thank you all personally and share one of Lina’s famous meatball!

And lastly, we would like to thank Lady H2Ocean for serving as an anchor and purpose for the last eight and a half years.

- The Ode to H2Ocean Restaurant -

Out amongst the raging sea I stand

Ready to take on the waves and storms of this life

Winds of change blowing so hard

Thoughts of my future afar

Fear, confusion, and uncertainty

Rolling in like the oncoming sea

Tossed about by the flurry of emotions

Trying to find the direction I've been shown

Ready to choose the course I must take

My faith is steady, my courage awake

As I raise my sails to the crimson sky

I listen for the wisdom of my maker's sigh

Knowledge guides me through this life's tides

Riding the waves and storms as I find my stride.

~ Sylvia Lasalandra-Frodella

With Much Gratitude & Blessings,

Sylvia & Michael