Royal Restaurant in Alexandria underwent a renovation under its new owners and celebrates its grand reopening on Thursday. An official ribbon-cutting ceremony is set for Monday, April 15.
The new owners, Alexandria Restaurant Partners and Matt Sloan of Sloan Hospitality, gave the neighborhood eatery an updated look and new menus. The family-owned restaurant, long known for its weekend breakfast buffet and housemade Greek and Italian meals, was sold last year.
DC-based architect David Anthony Chenault incorporated modern elements into the diner. The walnut-colored bar has a stainless steel top and handmade Soho tiles, along with antique glass mirrors.
The restaurant’s upcycled booths have been reupholstered in a textural blue tweed and leather. Alabaster pendants hang above them. Tables in the restaurant have marble tops with stainless ribbed edges and chairs that feature a painted wood grain finish.
The restaurant’s 16-seat “Meeting Room” has a cobalt-patterned wallcovering.
The renovation added a 56-seat patio with an off-black shade and deep blue-black tones.
“In reviving this cherished local hub, we aimed to preserve the essence of what made this restaurant a staple of Alexandria while infusing it with new energy and flavors,” said Sloan. “The reopening of Royal Restaurant marks a new chapter in its storied history.”
Royal Restaurant’s New Menus
You’ll still find the traditional Greek omelet with home fries and toast and the Royal Restaurant’s classic Belgian waffle on the menu. But there are new additions to the all-day brunch, lunch, and for the first time, dinner menus.
The brunch menu now has crispy fried chicken thighs with chorizo gravy and steak and eggs, “marinated in guajillo for a spicy kick,” a news release said.
You’ll find country fried steak and a prime brisket meatloaf on the lunch and dinner menus. And don’t miss the green chili cheeseburger or the ancho chili chocolate mousse.
The drink menu also received a refresh. The restaurant recommends trying the Kir Royal Spritz, which has lavender and pisco, and the Champagne punch with Grand Marnier, Framboise, lemon, pineapple, agave, and sparkling wine.
Royal Restaurant has extended hours from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, and 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Dinner starts at 3 p.m.
730 N. St. Asaph St., Alexandria
Feature image of crispy fried chicken thigh by Rich Kessler
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