Royal Restaurant — Restaurant in Prestonsburg

Royal Restaurant is a true gem for anyone craving authentic Indian cuisine paired with an atmosphere that invites you to settle in and enjoy your meal. Walking in, the ambiance is warm, inviting, and rich with cultural charm, a welcome escape from the usual dining experiences in the area. The subtle lighting and thoughtful decor work together to create a relaxing yet vibrant setting that’s perfect for either an intimate dinner or a small group gathering. It’s clear that the owners have put thought into every detail, from the soft background music to the colorful accents that bring the place alive without overwhelming you.

One of the highlights of Royal Restaurant is the level of service, which is nothing short of exceptional. From the moment we walked in, the staff was attentive without being intrusive, ensuring we were well taken care of throughout the evening. It’s rare to find such a fine balance between professionalism and friendliness, but Royal Restaurant’s team has mastered it. Every server seemed knowledgeable about the menu and was more than happy to guide us through our choices, particularly helpful for anyone new to Indian cuisine. Their pride in the food and the experience they offer is evident, making the dining experience even more enjoyable.

Royal’s bar is another outstanding feature. The offerings are broad, with both classic cocktails and unique options that pair well with Indian flavors. While they offer some fine higher-end selections, there are also plenty of reasonably priced drinks, making it easy to enjoy a well-crafted beverage without straining your wallet. It’s a refreshing balance that allows patrons to elevate their meal with a thoughtful drink option, no matter their budget.

The food itself does not disappoint. We ordered the Chicken Vindaloo, Chicken Masala, and Bullet Naan Bread, opting for “American spicy”—a level that delivered just the right amount of heat. The spices were expertly balanced, enhancing each dish without overwhelming the natural flavors of the ingredients. The Chicken Vindaloo was tangy and bold, hitting that satisfying level of spice that warms you up without leaving you gasping for water. The Chicken Masala was rich, with a creamy texture that melded beautifully with the spices, creating a comforting yet flavorful experience. The Bullet Naan Bread added a perfect complement, with a slight heat that worked well alongside the other dishes.

The only minor issue we noted was that some of the chicken pieces appeared a bit too uniform in cut, which led to a slightly off-putting texture in places. This uniformity in cut made a few pieces feel a little less fresh, even though the flavors were spot-on. However, this was a small flaw in an otherwise well-prepared and thoughtfully...

I love Indian food but have not been able to enjoy it in a restaurant without traveling 2+ hours. Royal Restaurant is still an hour from where I live but I had heard great things so my wife and I took a chance on a lunch-date trip to Prestonsburg to try it. We arrived a few minutes before they opened so we had a chance to walk around the building and appreciate the cool architecture. A plaque on the building dates it to 1931. After they opened we walked up the steps and into a really well designed and decorated lobby. Large windows provided plenty of natural light and the tables were arranged to allow plenty of room. Off to the right of the dining area is a pool table and a carrom board (that's not something you see in the mountains!) Our server greeted us and showed us to the table. I ordered the Chicken Vindaloo and my wife the Butter Chicken. After a few minutes of Indian music playing softly in the background our food arrived. The presentation was great and the portions were more than we expected. We were blown away. Everything was hot and fresh. The handmade naan nearly stole the show. Our server told us that it's made in-house in a traditional tandoor. Everything was obviously very high quality. The menu doesn't have any traditional "kid foods" but our server informed us that they do have some bar-fare foods not on the menu (chicken, cheese sticks, etc.) that would be suitable for my picky kids when we come back. Making small talk with the server, we found out that the building had been a bank originally and they still use one of the original safes as a supply closet! It's actually located in the dining area where guests can see. I asked our server about the lack of an accessible front entrance and she said that the owner is planning to construct a ramp but that in the meantime guests in need could enter at the rear of the building where there is a ramp present. The men's room is not accessible as it is down a short set of stairs, but my wife found that the ladies room was on the same level and it's a single occupancy. I'm sure that a patron could use this one if needed. All-in-all, I can recommend this restaurant to anyone that's looking for a culinary change of pace in...

I couldn't wait to give Royal a shot, as it's the first Indian restaurant in the immediate region. Placed a to go order of channa masala (HIGHLY recommended for fans of chickpeas and/or vegetarians) and some bullet naan. Located inside the old Prestonsburg courthouse, they were still needing to put the finishing touches on the decor for the dining room/bar. I cannot wait to go back! If you're tired of the same ol' same ol', want to actually get your money's worth for the price you pay? This place is it! My meal stretched out to four for me in the end. Everything was fresh, hot, and absolutely divine. There's several vegetarian options, unsure of vegan, as well as lots of chicken and lamb options. Fair warning to any mayosapians out there: if you're not familiar with Indian cooking or otherwise think black pepper is spicy, I recommend you start with the mild just to be safe. Not so much a heat based hot, more so the incredible mix of spices makes for a super flavorful taste profile.

P.s. Just down the street from Royal at the intersection is a little park with colorful chairs, tables and a giant chess board. It was a gorgeous day so I walked down to that area to eat; it's what's featured in the...