Regency Palace Restaurant

Call it superstition, but the 30-some koi swimming in the indoor ponds may have something to do with the good fortune that Regency Palace has experienced for more than 20 years in Calgary. “The fish mean good luck,” says owner Peter Yip, as he gazes at the two koi ponds flanking the small bridge that leads to the restaurant entrance.

Regency serves up authentic, Hong Kong-style Cantonese and Peking cuisine on the third level of Dragon City Mall in Chinatown. With a seating capacity of 640 people, Regency is the largest Chinese restaurant in the city.  As one of the few places in town with a built-in dance floor and stage, it's a popular destination for wedding banquets and large parties. General manager Jackie Chen held his own wedding reception at Regency. For smaller gatherings, the eatery has three private rooms that can accommodate 15, 40 or 50 people. “We are a great venue for wedding parties and banquets,” says Jackie. “I think that’s one of the reasons the restaurant has lasted so long.”

Peter also attributes the restaurant's long-lasting success to its substantial menu options. “We provide good quality food, all made in-house, great variety and fast service,” he says. Peter and his wife took over ownership in 2011 from the Yee family, who established the restaurant in 1993.