The Royce Wood Fired Steakhouse — Restaurant in Pasadena

Exquisite Grand Service by Simon, Hallmark of The Royce:

Simon, le sommelier extraordinaire, is the sine qua non, the quintessential element in the haut service provided by the Royce at the Langham Hotel. The times that I have gone to the Royce, Simon has been there to bestow courtesies, thoughtful kindness, exemplary service, vast knowledge of all things potable, and the wonderful ability & willingness to impart his vast knowledge to those guests who would like to be more educated & informed in the vast field of enology. In other words, Simon is a great teacher, and I value his enthusiasm in edifying me to be better in appreciating all wines.

For example, when I asked his advice for what would be a good wine pairing for their Wood Grilled Rib Eye, which was medium rare meat was tender, melt-in-your-mouth beefy fattiness w/ a nice meaty chaw. White oak added a touch of astringent smokiness & hickory a passing sweetness.

Salting was perfect since it emphasized the beefiness, & spicing was subtle allowing the meat flavours to shine through. Different parts of the steak had different textures from soft velvety to a rougher chaw producing different mouthfeel to entertain the palate, Simon brought me a 3 wine flight so that I could pair the rib eye three different ways.

1. BV Reserve Tapestry 2011 Beaulieu Vineyard, Napa: "The low-yields of an exceptional cool vintage gave our 2011 Reserve Tapestry its refined elegance, while five Bordeaux-heritage varietals contributed layer-upon-layer of flavor complexity.

This is a wine that shows the artistry of the winemaker. Jeffrey chose Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc for the wine's core of briary blackberry and cassis expression and its firm tannin structure. He then added Merlot for plush mid-palate texture and a hint of cherry. Petit Verdot and Malbec complete the blend with nuances of ripe plum, rose, forest loam and graphite."

2. Camins del Priorat 2013 Alvaro Palacio, Catalunya, Espanya: "Deep and bright on the nose, this Priorat blend is earthy and ripe. Jammy and full on the palate, this wine is muscular but balanced, showing deep black fruit and toasty oak flavors. A dark finish suggests black coffee and uncomplicated berry tones."

3. Ridge, Lytton Springs 2013 Sonoma, California: "Nose of ripe blackberry, pepper, licorice and a hint of vanilla. Concentrated plum and black cherry fruit on the palate with supple tannins, minerality and balanced acidity. Long, layered finish with notes of ripe fig and dried herbs. Blend: 74% Zinfandel, 16% Petite Sirah, 8% Carignane, 2% Mataro"

This thoughtful presentation was all about comparing & contrasting....a method which is a hall mark of all great educators. Also many thanks to S. Southerlin for also...

Our dinner at The Royce Wood-Fired Steakhouse for a double birthday celebration was nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment we were seated, the ambiance set the tone for an evening of luxurious indulgence. The refined yet welcoming atmosphere was complemented by attentive and knowledgeable staff who went above and beyond to ensure our experience was perfect. Every detail, from the presentation of the dishes to the impeccable service, reflected the restaurant’s commitment to excellence.

The evening began with a unique cocktail that I ordered—a striking blue drink with a delicate egg foam on top. The flavors were as captivating as its appearance, a perfect balance of sophistication and creativity. For appetizers, we shared the Crab Cake and Caesar Salad. The Crab Cake was perfectly golden, bursting with fresh, sweet crab meat, and paired with an amazing sauce that elevated its flavors. The Caesar Salad, a classic done better, featured crisp romaine, a bold dressing, and just the right amount of anchovy flavor.

For my entrée, I opted for the New York Wagyu, and it was nothing short of perfection. The steak was expertly cooked, with a rich, texture that melted in my mouth. Every bite showcased the superior quality of the beef and the mastery of the chef’s preparation. As for the sides, the Crispy Brussels Sprouts were a revelation, with a perfect char that enhanced their natural taste, while the Duck Fat Fries were irresistibly crispy and indulgent, adding a decadent touch to the meal.

To finish, we shared two desserts: the Vanilla Basque Cheesecake and Royce’s Bread Pudding. The cheesecake was light, creamy, and delicately crafted to perfection, while the Bread Pudding was a warm, comforting dish with layers of richness that left us wanting more. Both desserts were a climactic conclusion to an unforgettable meal.

The Royce’s combination of an elegant setting, exceptional service, and flawlessly executed dishes made this birthday celebration truly memorable. Every element of the dining experience felt thoughtfully curated and elevated, and we left feeling completely satisfied. For anyone seeking a luxurious and indulgent meal, The Royce is a destination that delivers on...

We went for our first anniversary celebration. We ordered the grilled octopus, lobster bisque, whole branzino and a side of mushrooms. It's a very expensive restaurant. The service was terrible. The waiter didn't take our menus from us after ordering, didn't take away the unneeded wine glasses, didn't clear our plates until we asked and then didn't wipe the table (we did it with our napkins). We had to ask multiple times for things like another napkin (which we'd used to clean the table), more water, etc. The kicker was we'd told them it was our anniversary and not a word of it until AFTER we'd ordered and eaten dessert. They brought us a free dessert after we'd eaten the one we ordered (of course they charged us for the first one). We really didn't want two deserts. The service did not stand up for a restaurant in this price range. Regarding the food, the grilled octopus was excellent! The lobster bisque was so-so. The flavor tasted more like a squash soup with nutmeg. We had told them we were splitting things but they brought the soup in one large bowl. We asked for two small bowls and were told they didn't have any and we were best to just eat out of the same bowl. The fish was ok, but I didn't find it up to the price tag (I think $60). There wasn't much meat on the fish. The mushrooms were horrible. Tough and the flavor was not good. We did not eat them. Nobody asked why they weren't touched. This was a $160 meal. Our anniversary celebration turned into a constant discussion about the terrible service and mediocre food. We won't be back. Don't think because you pick an expensive place with good reviews that there's going to be a good experience! BTW, parking is $15 with validation at the restaurant....