Alexandria Restaurant Partners (ARP) a collective partnership between Dave Nicholas, Scott Shaw, David Clapp, Trip Howell and Win Sheridan, along with Matt Sloan of Sloan Hospitality, announced the joint purchase of the historic Royal Restaurant from the Pikrallidas and Euripedes, whose families have operated the iconic restaurant since 1904, last November. Now, ARP and Sloan are thrilled to announce the grand reopening of Royal Restaurant. Located in the heart of Alexandria, the beloved, family-friendly neighborhood eatery has undergone a transformative renovation to welcome diners back to its historic setting with an updated look, expanded service, and new menus that promise an unforgettable diner-style culinary journey.
Royal’s menu retains its beloved 1904 classics such as The Royal Breakfast, Classic Belgian Waffle with whipped butter and maple syrup, and the traditional Greek Omelet served with home fries and toast, ensuring longtime fans can still enjoy their favorite dishes. An array of new creations across all-day brunch, lunch, and, for the first time, dinner menus complement these staples. Noteworthy additions to the all-day brunch selections include Crispy Fried Chicken Thighs with chorizo gravy and Steak & Eggs, marinated in guajillo for a spicy kick. Lunch and dinner “mains” include Country Fried Steak served with crispy potatoes and mole-spiced carrots, Prime Brisket Meatloaf with mashed potatoes, sweet and sour charred corn relish, burnt onion gravy and crispy onions, as well as a selection of savory starters, refreshing salads, and sandwiches like the “Club Sandwich” Torta on ciabatta, and the Green Chili Cheeseburger featuring roasted green chili, escabeche onions, bacon, sharp cheddar, and deli mustard piled heartily on a house ground chuck meat patty served on a warm brioche bun. The new dessert menu invites guests to indulge in Roasted Apple Chimichangas and Ancho Chili Chocolate Mousse.
An impressive beverage program accompanies the restaurant’s culinary delights. Among the highlights are the Kir Royal Spritz, a refreshing twist on the classic with the addition of lavender and pisco, the Royal OF, a bold concoction of bourbon and rye with pomegranate lapsang syrup, and a Champagne Punch made with Grand Marnier, Framboise, lemon, pineapple, agave, and sparkling wine.
The reimagined space created by award-winning Washington D.C.-based architect David Anthony Chenault pays homage to the diner’s rich history while incorporating modern elements and creativity into the iconic eatery. The walnut-colored bar, featuring a sleek stainless-steel top, handmade Soho tiles, and lightly antiqued glass mirrors, is complemented by oversized canvas art. The renovation has introduced a 56-seat patio with off-black shade and deep blue-black tones, complete with a retractable striped awning. In the main dining hall, upcycled booths reupholstered in textural blue tweed and leather sit under alabaster pendants. Diner tables feature marble tops and stainless ribbed edges, paired with chairs updated with a painted wood grain finish. The sixteen-seat “Meeting Room” has been revitalized with a cobalt-patterned wallcovering for an enhanced dining experience.
The restaurant is located at 730 North St. Asaph Street, Alexandria, Virginia, 22314. Hours of operation are now extended to 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, and 7 a.m. – 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Dinner service begins at 3 p.m. For more information, to view the full menu, or to make a reservation, please visit www.royalrestaurantva.com or call 703-548-1616. Follow along on Instagram and Facebook.