Roya

“Roya is the kind of restaurant that makes you feel like you’ve been invited into someone’s home rather than just seated at a table. Named for the Persian word for “to dream,” this Shoal Creek gem delivers on that promise in every way. The chef’s vision here is deeply personal, rooted in recreating the family meals that shaped his story, and you can taste that intention in every bite. This isn’t cuisine assembled from trend-chasing or formula. It is food that carries memory, and it shows. The menu is a genuine pleasure to explore. There is real range, and more importantly, real execution behind it. The flavors are confident without being aggressive, layered in that way that only comes from cooking you actually grew up with. Small plates built for sharing set the tone perfectly. Order more than you think you need and pass everything around. The drinks program matches the kitchen’s ambition. Expect the unexpected here in the best possible way. The space itself earns its place in the review. The atmosphere is warm, unhurried, and genuinely inviting without feeling staged. It is the kind of room where a quick dinner stretches into a long one, and you don’t mind at all. Roya is one of Austin’s most distinctive dining experiences right now.”

“Hands down, the best Persian restaurant in the entire U.S., and I'm saying that after trying some of the most reputable Persian restaurants across the country. The food alone would make us come back again and again. We ordered the Labneh Borani, Khoresh Gheymeh, and Koobideh Kebab, and everything was outstanding—especially the Khoresh Gheymeh, which was absolutely exceptional. That being said, our server, Hunter, was truly a legend. It was, without a doubt, the best service I've ever received at any restaurant, including fine dining establishments. He provided the perfect amount of information, was incredibly friendly yet professional, and helped us celebrate my birthday by surprising us with two glasses of wonderful champagne and an absolutely delicious saffron ice cream, both on the house. This place is not just a restaurant—it's an entire experience. If I could give this place 10 out of 5 stars, I absolutely would!”

“Roya is hands down one of the best dining experiences in Austin. The atmosphere is absolutely stunning, cozy yet upscale, and perfect for a night out. Every dish we tried was incredible, fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. You can truly taste the quality, everything is made from scratch, and even the cocktail syrups are made in house, which made the drinks just as impressive as the food. What really sets this place apart is the experience. Each dish is presented with a thoughtful explanation, almost like a mini story about what’s in it and how it was made. It feels like a full dining experience, not just food being dropped off at the table. At the end, they even leave you with a little inspiration card, which was such a sweet and memorable touch. Savana was the BEST bartender and waitress. She made the whole experience feel so personal and fun, gave amazing recommendations, and was attentive without ever making us feel rushed. You can tell she truly cares about her guests. Between the service, food, and overall vibe, this place is a must. Such a fun and enjoyable experience from start to finish. I’ll definitely be back soon.”

“We had a great experience here. The food was delicious and truly authentic, and you can tell a lot of care goes into every dish. The staff were warm, attentive, and made us feel very welcome. The atmosphere was comfortable and everything, from the service to the food was excellent. I will definitely be coming back. If you ever expand, please consider opening your next location in San Antonio. I think people here would really appreciate a restaurant like this.”

“Roya is one of the most anticipated restaurant openings in Austin — and for very good reason. Austin truly needed a Persian restaurant of this caliber, one that proudly introduces the richness of Persian culture and cuisine to the entire city. From the moment you walk in, it’s clear that Roya is aiming to set a new standard for luxury dining in Austin. The design, ambiance, and attention to detail are absolutely stunning and genuinely upscale. It feels refined, elegant, and thoughtfully curated. We had the pleasure of enjoying several dishes, and everything was outstanding. Chef Amir is exceptionally professional, and it truly shows in the quality and execution of the food. The ingredients are top-tier — including Australian Wagyu beef that was incredibly tender and flavorful. The koobideh kebab was perfectly seasoned and delicious, and the organic chicken kabob was juicy and beautifully prepared. The variety of mezze options was excellent, each one fresh and full of authentic flavor. And to finish, the Bastani and Halva were the perfect ending — traditional, nostalgic, and beautifully presented. Roya isn’t just a restaurant — it’s a cultural experience. Austin has been waiting for a true high-end Persian dining destination, and Roya delivers. Very excited to see it continue raising the bar for fine dining in the city. Also special thanks to Jordan who was fantastic in serving.”