Royal Restaurant, Bar, & Billiards

It was our first time trying Indian food and we will definitely be back.

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 Southeast Kentucky.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Pleasantly surprised. It was delish. Lentils were perfect and the Naan bread was very good. We really enjoyed our visit and will, for sure, dine there again.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

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 presented meal.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Garlic Naan

Great service and great food, what’s not to like? Had bullet naan and Bhuna masala and loved it.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The food was spot on. It had all the flavors you would expect. The butter chicken was fantastic.
We will visit again!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Butter Chicken Tandoori Chicken, Garlic Naan

I put this restaurant ahead of Huntington's Nawab, which was our nearest Indian cuisine before this place, and just behind Lexington's Taste of India. The mango lassi is awesome, and the entrees and appetizers we have had are consistently good. They give you plenty of basmati as well.

Vegetarian options: There are several vegetarian entrees (like paneer versions of many favorites) and appetizers (like pakoora)

Parking: It is not around the building itself but across the street in plain view of the building.

Wheelchair accessibility: I did not see wheelchair access--unless it is in the back--as of 2024. The place is still new.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Garlic Naan

We had a fantastic meal both times we've been here. I'm so glad to have this in our area!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Excellent. I’ve lived in Cleveland, Minneapolis/Saint Paul, and now Lexington, KY, and I have tried many restaurants in those areas. Not that those are Indian food hubs, but this restaurant in Prestonsburg is really fantastic IMO. Keep them in business, please - the area is lucky to have something like this. And the service was great! Honestly some of the best butter chicken and garlic naan I’ve had in my life. And got some gulab jamun which was also some of the best I have had. It’s like cake and yeast donut holes had a baby and then soaked in sweet rose syrup.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Butter Chicken Tandoori Chicken, Garlic Naan

Terrific food, nice space in an old post office...

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Butter Chicken Tandoori Chicken, Tandoori Chicken Appetizer, Garlic Naan

Vegetarian options: Excellent dishes!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 5

Amazing, glad additional to South East Kentucky

The food was amazing! The staff was very nice and I can’t say enough about the food. The bullet naan was spicy and delicious. Everyone at the table eat every last bite

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I’m originally from India, residing in the US for about 25 years now. This restaurant has authentic Indian food. I loved going here, and will be going again for sure! I would highly recommend this place if you would like to eat authentic Indian food. :)

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Butter Chicken Tandoori Chicken, Tandoori Chicken Appetizer

Wonderful ❤️ so happy to have this as an option in Prestonsburg. Everything was delicious.