Longtime Alexandria Restaurant Reopens After Renovations, Keeps Some Menu Classics

ALEXANDRIA, VA — When the family-owned Royal Restaurant in Alexandria dating back to 1904 changed hands, the new owners promised to honor the restaurant's legacy. Now, the restaurant is reopening after renovations and menu changes, but customers can expect to see some familiar favorites.

Royal Restaurant, a restaurant owned by the Pikrallidas and Euripides families since 1904, was sold to Alexandria Restaurant Partners and Matt Sloan of Sloan Hospitality in November 2023. Starting on April 11, the restaurant at 730 North St. Asaph Street in Alexandria welcomed customers back after renovations to update its look, expand service and provide new menus. The restaurant is being overseen by Sloan, who also owns popular Del Ray restaurant Matt + Tony's.

"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 in a statement. "We're excited to invite the community to rediscover Royal Restaurant, whether they're joining us for a morning coffee, a leisurely brunch, a special dinner, or a cocktail."

The new menu keeps some of the original Royal Restaurant classics dating back to 1904, including the Royal Breakfast, Classic Belgian Waffle with whipped butter and maple syrup, and the traditional Greek Omelet with home fries and toast. A few all-day brunch options include Crispy Fried Chicken Thighs with chorizo gravy and Steak & Eggs marinated in guajillo. Lunch and dinner highlights include Country Fried Steak 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, the“Club Sandwich” Torta on ciabatta, and the Green Chili Cheeseburger with roasted green chili, escabeche onions, bacon, sharp cheddar, and deli mustard. Diners can end the meal with dessert options like Roasted Apple Chimichangas and Ancho Chili Chocolate Mousse.

On the drink menu, some favorites are the Kir Royal Spritz, a twist on the classic with lavender and pisco, the Royal OF, with bourbon, rye and pomegranate lapsang syrup, and a Champagne Punch with Grand Marnier, Framboise, lemon, pineapple, agave, and sparkling wine.

The renovated space pays homage to Royal Restaurant's history while adding modern features, according to the owners. The interior has upcycled booths, marble top diner tables, a 16-seat meeting room and walnut-colored bar. A new feature of the restaurant is a 56-swat outdoor patio with an overhead retractable awning.

The restaurant held a ribbon cutting on April 15. A daily happy hour from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. will start Thursday.

Hours are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Dinner starts at 3 p.m. For more information, reservations and the menu, visit www.royalrestaurantva.com.