With its grand decor and soothing music, China Palace is an oasis of calm - as is its sister restaurant Far East.

Surprising then, that they are situated slap-bang in the middle of Worthing town centre, in the pub-saturated Chapel Road.

But owner Victor Hang says as soon as they enter via the luxury marble staircase, diners quickly relax: "After a while, they forget they are in Chapel Road."

One of the biggest sites in Worthing, the double-restaurant (China Palace is on the first floor, Far East on the second) seats about 200 people.

The China Palace a la carte section opened on the site of the former Landmark furniture store two years ago, followed by Far East, which has all-you-can-eat policy.

"People kept on asking if we did all-you-can-eat for a fixed price, so when we expanded, that's what we decided to do. It basically means we're not turning people away and are keeping in touch with the times," says Victor.

Although the same kitchen provides for both, the restaurants differ in appearance and atmosphere. China Palace drips with opulence, with black marble walls, gold fittings, red lanterns and giant vases and dragons. The most impressive features are the table partitions, which resemble the sails of Chinese junks.

It's incredibly spacious, with a staircase leading to Far East. This section has a more contemporary feel, with glass walls and modern furnishings. It's bright and airy, with a laid-back feel. Although it is incredibly relaxed, it does get quite loud as it is popular with large parties.

Both restaurants have a large Chinese clientele. Victor says menus are authentic: "We really wanted to gear up for the Chinese people and have a menu especially for the which is written in Chinese," he says.

The menus also include Thai and Malaysian choices - both are extensive and contain a few surprises, like shark's fin and crab meat soup (£3.20)

"We serve what Chinese people would eat themselves. This is what you'd find on the menus in China.

"We also wanted to bring a bit of class to the area - something nice that makes you want to go out."

Victor's family has a long history of catering in Worthing. His father opened one of the town's first Chinese takeaways 30 years ago. This was also in Chapel Road, at the north end, close to Broadwater Bridge.

Victor believes good Chinese food should be full of flavour. "That's the key. It can't be bland. You should be able to have almost any flavour you want.

Sample the menu
China Palace

Starters, from £1.70
Sang-Choy-Bao (minced meat, wrapped in lettuce)
Steamed scallops
Deep fried curry wun tun

Seafood dishes from £5.80
Crabmeat and prawn dumplings
King prawns in shells with spicy sauce
Deep fried squid with sweet and sour sauce

Meat dishes from £5.50
Fillet steak, Chinese style
Sliced lamb with chilli
Beef with picked ginger and pineapple

Vegetarian dishes, from £3.50
Kung-po bean curd
Pat Choi in oyster sauce

Far East

Eat as much as you like, £13.80
Rice with meat in lotus leaves
Steamed siu ma meat dumplings
Deep-fried shredded smoked chicken
Chicken with Thai chilli sauce
Mussels in spicy sauce
Chinese pork curry
Chicken with cashew nuts in yellow bean sauce

Review by Leilah Nicola

If you are interested in restaurants in Brighton, Hove and Sussex, visit www.theargusfoodguide.co.uk