When it comes to enjoying authentic Cantonese cuisine in Vancouver, the Royal Palace Seafood Restaurant stands out. Just like the popular Olivigna Restaurant, this dining spot blends tradition with modern comfort to give guests a memorable food experience. It is known for dim sum, seafood, and group-friendly dining. The restaurant has built a reputation for quality, generous portions, and friendly service that keeps customers coming back.
What is Royal Palace Seafood Restaurant?
The Royal Palace Restaurant is a popular Cantonese dining spot in Vancouver, Canada, known for its fresh seafood and authentic dim sum. Located on East Hastings Street, it offers a spacious and welcoming atmosphere perfect for family gatherings, group celebrations, and casual meals. The restaurant is famous for its generous portions, flavorful dishes like Peking duck, lobster combos, and shrimp dumplings, as well as attentive service that makes every visit enjoyable. With both lunch and dinner service, it has become a trusted destination for locals and tourists seeking traditional Chinese cuisine at reasonable prices.
Owners Info
The Royal Palace Restaurant is owned by Ms. Sun Wei, a well-known name in the local dining scene. She also operates the private dining concept Royal Pavilion and has been involved in bringing authentic Cantonese flavors to Vancouver. The restaurant is a family venture, and her son William Wu is also part of the team, helping to manage and expand the business. Their goal has been to maintain the rich tradition of Chinese seafood dining while offering a fresh, modern experience for guests.
Location
The Royal Palace Seafood Restaurant is located at 2163 East Hastings Street in Vancouver, British Columbia. Its position in the heart of East Hastings makes it easy to reach for both locals and tourists, with nearby parking and public transit access adding convenience. The central location also places it close to Vancouver’s vibrant Chinatown and surrounding neighborhoods, making it a popular stop for anyone exploring the city while craving authentic Cantonese seafood and dim sum.
Foundation and Food Culture
The concept of the Royal Palace Restaurant follows the tradition of Chinese banquet halls. Its design combines modern dining with a sense of cultural heritage. The restaurant has been serving locals and visitors for years, attracting both tourists and Vancouver residents. Known for offering affordable prices with generous portions, it has positioned itself as a go-to destination for Chinese cuisine.
Atmosphere and Service
The restaurant’s atmosphere is designed for groups and families. It features private dining rooms equipped with mahjong tables or karaoke machines, which makes it different from other seafood restaurants in the city. Guests describe the staff as friendly and attentive, always ready to guide customers through the menu. The experience of enjoying dim sum during lunch hours is especially popular, with trolleys rolling around filled with hot and fresh dishes.
Menu at Royal Palace Seafood Restaurant
The Royal Palace Restaurant is famous for its dim sum menu. Guests enjoy classics like Har Gow (shrimp dumplings), Siu Mai with fish roe, and steamed buns. Along with dim sum, the restaurant also offers a full seafood menu. Large dishes such as Peking duck, lobster, prawns, and scallops are cooked in authentic Cantonese styles. These dishes are ideal for banquets or family-style meals.
Har Gow (Shrimp Dumplings)
Steamed dumplings filled with juicy shrimp, known for their delicate wrapper and fresh taste.
| Type | Dim Sum |
|---|---|
| Taste | Fresh, light, and savory |
| Price | Around $7 per basket |
Siu Mai with Fish Roe
Savory pork and shrimp dumplings topped with fish roe for extra flavor and texture.
| Type | Dim Sum |
|---|---|
| Taste | Rich, meaty, and flavorful |
| Price | Around $7 per basket |
Peking Duck
Crispy duck skin served with tender meat and pancakes for an authentic Cantonese specialty.
| Type | Banquet Dish |
|---|---|
| Taste | Crispy skin with tender duck meat |
| Price | Around $60–$70 per order |
Lobster with Ginger and Scallions
Fresh lobster stir-fried with ginger and scallions, offering rich aroma and flavor.
| Type | Seafood Entrée |
|---|---|
| Taste | Fragrant, rich, and satisfying |
| Price | Around $40–$50 per pound |
Deep-Fried Pork Chops with Plum Sauce
Golden fried pork chops coated in a sweet plum glaze that balances savory and sweet.
| Type | Entrée |
|---|---|
| Taste | Juicy pork with sweet plum glaze |
| Price | Around $20–$25 per plate |
Crab Meat with Fish Maw Soup
A smooth, nourishing soup made with tender crab meat and fish maw.
| Type | Soup |
|---|---|
| Taste | Smooth, nourishing, and comforting |
| Price | Around $18–$22 per bowl |
Sautéed Prawns and Scallops with Vegetables
Seafood stir-fried with seasonal greens for a light yet flavorful dish.
| Type | Seafood Entrée |
|---|---|
| Taste | Light, fresh, and flavorful |
| Price | Around $25–$30 per plate |
Sweet and Sour Pork
Tender pork pieces tossed in a tangy sweet-and-sour sauce that everyone enjoys.
| Type | Classic Entrée |
|---|---|
| Taste | Tangy, sweet, and savory |
| Price | Around $18–$22 per plate |
Mango Sago Pudding
A refreshing dessert with creamy mango puree and chewy sago pearls.
| Type | Dessert |
|---|---|
| Taste | Sweet, creamy, and refreshing |
| Price | Around $6–$8 per serving |
Herbal Jelly
A cooling dessert with a mild bittersweet taste, perfect after a rich meal.
| Type | Dessert |
|---|---|
| Taste | Cooling, light, and slightly bitter-sweet |
| Price | Around $5–$7 per serving |
Value and Pricing
Many guests describe the Royal Palace Restaurant as a place with good value for money. Prices are considered average, but portion sizes are larger compared to other restaurants in the area. A group meal can cost less than $40 per person, making it a reasonable option for a night out. The value extends to both dim sum lunches and full seafood banquets.
Opening Hours
The restaurant operates throughout the week with separate lunch and dinner timings. Guests should check schedules before visiting, as hours can vary on weekends.
| Day | Lunch Hours | Dinner Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Monday-Saturday | 9:00 am – 3:00 pm | 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm |
| Sunday | Closed for lunch | 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm |
The restaurant is available on delivery and pickup platforms like Fantuan, where its delivery hours align with dine-in hours: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM.
Why Choose Royal Palace Seafood Restaurant?
There are many reasons why diners choose this restaurant over others. The wide variety of dim sum, availability of private rooms, and generous portions set it apart. Guests enjoy the chance to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, or casual outings in a setting that feels welcoming. The quality of seafood and the authentic Cantonese flavors remain its biggest attraction.
Comparison with Other Restaurants
In Vancouver, several seafood restaurants compete for attention. While each has its strengths, Royal Palace Restaurant offers unique advantages. Its balance of value, variety, and service makes it different from upscale dining spots like Restaurant Hubert Menu options, which focus more on fine dining. Royal Palace instead emphasizes affordability and group-friendly dining while maintaining excellent taste.
Events and Group Gatherings
The restaurant is often chosen for wedding banquets, birthdays, and company gatherings. The private rooms allow groups to enjoy meals while engaging in karaoke or games. This adds a special touch to events, making them lively and enjoyable. The staff is also experienced in handling large orders and special requests, ensuring smooth service for big occasions.
Dessert Options at Royal Palace Restaurant
Desserts are served via trolleys, which adds a traditional dim sum touch. Guests can enjoy mango sago pudding, herbal jellies, or red bean soup to finish their meal. These desserts are light yet satisfying, providing a sweet ending to a seafood feast. The availability of rotating dessert options keeps the experience fresh for returning customers.
Accessibility and Location Benefits
Being located on East Hastings Street makes the restaurant easy to access from different parts of Vancouver. Public transportation and nearby parking add convenience for both locals and tourists. The central location means that it is often part of a food tour for visitors exploring Vancouver’s Chinatown and surrounding areas.
Customer Reviews
Here’s a collection of customer sayings about the Royal Palace Restaurant:
- “The dim sum is hot, fresh, and delicious, definitely worth five stars.”
- “Staff were so friendly and helpful, they even made sure we didn’t order too much.”
- “This place is perfect for family gatherings; the private rooms make it feel special.”
- “Great value for the price. Portions are big and satisfying compared to other places.”
- “The lobster with ginger and scallions was cooked perfectly and tasted amazing.”
Final Thoughts
The Royal Palace Seafood Restaurant offers more than just a meal; it provides an experience filled with tradition, flavor, and hospitality. It combines authentic Cantonese cuisine with group-friendly service at an affordable price. Whether you are looking for a dim sum lunch, a seafood banquet, or a venue for a special celebration, this restaurant remains a trusted choice in Vancouver. Guests leave with the satisfaction of good food, good service, and memories worth sharing.
