China Royal Restaurant in South Carolina — What to Expect

A Cantonese and Szechuan spot with a full bar in the Midlands

China Royal Restaurant serves Cantonese and Szechuan dishes in Columbia, with a full liquor license and a dining room that handles both walk-ins and larger groups. The menu runs from dim sum and noodle soups to seafood and meat entrées, with lunch specials on weekdays and a separate dinner pricing structure. It's the kind of place where you can order a single bowl of wonton soup or book a table for ten.

The restaurant sits in a straightforward storefront setting without the elaborate décor some Chinese restaurants in South Carolina feature. Service is direct and efficient—staff move quickly through the dining room, and tables turn over steadily during lunch hours. If you're coming for dim sum, arrive early; the carts move through the room during service, and popular items go fast.

Key Takeaways

• China Royal serves both Cantonese dim sum and Szechuan hot-and-spicy dishes, so you can order light or substantial depending on the time of day.
• Lunch specials run on weekdays and cost less than dinner entrées for the same dishes, making midday a budget-friendly time to visit.
• The restaurant has a full bar and can accommodate groups, so it works for both casual solo dining and family gatherings.
• Dim sum is served during lunch hours on a cart system, so timing matters if you want the widest selection.

Menu structure and what to order

The menu divides into sections: appetizers (spring rolls, fried wontons, chicken wings), soups (wonton, hot and sour, egg drop), noodle and rice dishes, and entrées built around seafood, chicken, pork, and beef. Szechuan items are marked with heat levels so you know which dishes carry the numbing-spice signature of that region. Cantonese preparations tend toward lighter sauces and simpler seasoning that lets the ingredient shine through.

Dim sum—small plates of dumplings, buns, and rolls served from a cart—is a lunch tradition. You order by pointing to what passes your table, and the server marks your check. Shumai (open-topped pork dumplings), har gow (shrimp dumplings), char siu bao (barbecue pork buns), and cheung fun (silky rice noodle rolls) are standard. If you've never done dim sum, arrive with an open mind and a willingness to try things you can't name yet.

Lunch specials and pricing

Weekday lunch specials bundle an entrée with fried rice or noodles and a soup or egg roll, at a price point lower than ordering the same dish at dinner. The specials run during standard lunch hours—typically 11 a.m. to 2 or 3 p.m., though you should confirm the exact window when you call. This structure is common across Chinese restaurants in South Carolina and rewards people who can eat earlier in the day.

Dinner pricing reflects full-service restaurant costs and is higher than lunch. If budget matters, plan your visit for midday. Dim sum pricing is typically per plate or per item, and a full dim sum meal for one person usually costs less than a full dinner entrée.

The bar and what to drink

China Royal holds a full liquor license, so you can order beer, wine, or cocktails alongside your meal. Chinese beer—Tsingtao and similar brands—pairs naturally with the food. Tea service is also standard; you'll often be offered hot tea when you sit down, and it's usually complimentary or a small charge.

If you're ordering Szechuan dishes with significant heat, a cold beer or sweet tea can help balance the spice. The bar also makes standard cocktails if you prefer something mixed.

Group dining and reservations

The restaurant takes reservations and can handle groups. If you're planning a family gathering, birthday, or business lunch, call ahead to let them know your party size and preferred time. Larger groups may be seated in a separate section or at a round table designed for shared plates—a common setup for Chinese dining where multiple dishes come to the center and everyone shares.

Walk-ins are welcome during slower hours, but expect a wait during peak lunch (noon to 1 p.m.) and dinner (6 to 7:30 p.m.) on weekends. Weekday dinners are usually less crowded.

Location and hours in the Midlands

China Royal is located in Columbia's Midlands area, making it accessible from downtown and the surrounding neighborhoods. Parking is typically available in a lot or street parking near the storefront. Before you go, confirm the current hours by phone or online, as restaurant hours can shift seasonally or for special events.

The Midlands location puts it within a reasonable drive from most of Columbia proper, and it's the kind of neighborhood spot that regulars return to for lunch or a casual dinner rather than a destination restaurant that draws from across the state.

What to know before you go

Cash and card are both accepted, though you should confirm payment methods when you call. The dining room is casual—no dress code—and the atmosphere is working restaurant rather than upscale. Families with children are common, especially at lunch.

If you're unfamiliar with Cantonese or Szechuan cooking, don't hesitate to ask your server for recommendations. Staff can steer you toward milder dishes if you're heat-sensitive, or toward the most popular items if you want to know what regulars order. Takeout is available if you prefer to eat at home.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is dim sum and how do I order it?

Dim sum is a Cantonese tradition of small plates—dumplings, buns, rolls, and other bites—served from a cart that moves through the dining room during lunch. You point to what you want, the server marks your check, and you pay by the plate. It's a casual, interactive way to eat and try many things in one meal.

What's the difference between Cantonese and Szechuan food?

Cantonese cooking, from southern China, emphasizes fresh ingredients and subtle flavors with lighter sauces. Szechuan, from inland China, is known for bold spice and the numbing heat of Szechuan peppercorns. China Royal serves both, so you can choose based on your mood and heat tolerance.

Do I need a reservation or can I just walk in?

Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are recommended for groups or if you're visiting during peak hours (lunch noon to 1 p.m., dinner 6 to 7:30 p.m. on weekends). Calling ahead ensures you get a table without a long wait.

Are there vegetarian options?

Most Chinese restaurants, including China Royal, offer vegetable stir-fries, tofu dishes, and vegetable dim sum. Call ahead or ask your server for the full list of meat-free choices available that day.

What should I order if I'm new to Chinese food?

Start with familiar flavors: chicken with broccoli, fried rice, or wonton soup. If you're trying dim sum, shumai (pork dumplings) and har gow (shrimp dumplings) are good entry points. Ask your server what's popular—regulars' favorites are usually a safe bet.