With a comfortable yet classy atmosphere, customers are sure to feel like royalty when they receive friendly, family-style service at The Royal Restaurant. Located on the corner of Military Rd. and Sheridan Dr., it's the perfect casual dining experience with a sophisticated look and low prices.
Outside, The Royal attracts customers with its fire-red lighting, cozy loveseat benches and exquisite patio surrounded by a floral black iron gate. Right when walking in customers know what kind of atmosphere to expect.
Once inside this Greek restaurant, customers are immediately greeted with a bright and welcoming d?(c)cor and strikingly scenic paintings that depict views of Santorini, Greece. While waiting to be seated in the spacious waiting area, customers can view the homemade pies and cakes that are centrally displayed behind the counter.
"Being a waitress, I like our customer base. It's a really nice family restaurant and I love the atmosphere," said Melissa Higgins, a member of The Royal wait staff. "The wait staff is very friendly, outgoing and we are all friends. I think that's important."
The Royal provides a casual yet formal appearance with its breathtaking waterfall flattered with a rock setting and embellished with plants in the middle of the restaurant. All the features bring out the peaceful yellow walls and compliment the crystal clear paintings along the walls.
Regular customers, like Judie Gebera, a senior English major, not only likes the atmosphere of the restaurant but is also made to feel welcome by the friendly wait staff.
"A frequent special that is my favorite are the big short ribs, they are the perfect portion and delicious," Gebera said. "I don't like anything super sweet and the Greek sesame cookies are perfect."
With dinners starting at $6.95, The Royal offers delicious and affordable meals for any price range. Dishes like the roast pork loin are the perfect choice and portion for dinner. The pork is very tender and moist, not to mention appetizing and delicious. The fact that it's also lean should satisfy even the health conscious.
While for lunch, prices starting at $4.95, a typical favorite for many of the wait staff and repeat customers is the chicken Florentine sub, served with grilled chicken, Portobello mushrooms, fresh spinach, crumbled feta, onions, peppers and provolone cheese.
"My family and I come here on my days off to eat," said Tracy Dweyer, a manager at The Royal. "I recommend the chicken Florentine sub, it's excellent."
Melissa Bonar, a senior at Niagara University, also loves the food at The Royal and always brings her family and friends to eat there all the time.
According to Dweyer and Gebera, the chicken souvlaki is The Royal's most famous dish and is one of the tastier meals. Compiled of mouthwatering charbroiled chicken, specially marinated and served with a Greek salad, rice, roasted Greek potatoes and grilled pita.
Now with extended hours, The Royal is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week to accommodate any eating schedule. They also added Royal value dinners, at affordable prices, all of which include the choice of a soup or salad.
The restaurant also serves an extensive breakfast menu, starting at $2.95 offering everything from fluffy pancakes to a large selection of omelets it can satisfy any pallet.
Finally, as there is always room for dessert, many customers cannot help leaving The Royal without tasting the sinful homemade dessert made by the owner.
"Stella makes all the deserts herself, and they are very well-liked," Higgins said.
This family owned business offers a very welcoming, yet elegant atmosphere. Owners Bob and Stella, like to know who their customers are and try to keep The Royal a very family oriented place. Their son and daughter, both employees at the restaurant, continue to keep customer appreciation a priority, knowing many frequent customers by name.
It is rare to find a competitive place with comparable meals, prices and outstanding service in a classical atmosphere.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
