Royalty Grill in Columbia: Charcoal-Grilled Middle Eastern Meat and Mezze

What Royalty Grill serves and where to find it

Royalty Grill is a casual Middle Eastern restaurant in Columbia that specializes in charcoal-grilled meats, kebabs, and traditional mezze platters. The restaurant sits on Devine Street in the Five Points neighborhood, a walkable area known for independent restaurants and local shops. The space is small and straightforward—no tablecloths or formal service—which keeps the focus on the food and the price.

The menu centers on grilled lamb, chicken, and beef prepared over charcoal, served with rice, grilled vegetables, and house-made sauces. You can order individual kebabs, combination platters that pair two or three proteins, or smaller mezze items like hummus, baba ghanoush, and falafel. Most entrées come with pita bread and a choice of rice or salad.

Key Takeaways

• Royalty Grill specializes in charcoal-grilled kebabs and meat platters, with lamb, chicken, and beef as the main proteins.
• The restaurant is located on Devine Street in Columbia's Five Points neighborhood, a short drive or walk from downtown.
• Combination platters let you try multiple proteins in one meal, making them a good choice if you are deciding what to order.
• The space is casual and counter-service oriented, so expect to order at the counter and eat in a simple dining room or take food to go.

The kebabs and grilled meat platters

The lamb kebab is the signature dish—cubed lamb marinated and threaded onto skewers, then grilled over charcoal until the outside is charred and the inside stays tender. It arrives with a mound of rice, grilled tomatoes and onions, and a small cup of garlic sauce. The char and smoke from the grill are the point; this is not a delicate preparation.

Chicken kebab and beef kebab follow the same format, with chicken being milder and beef offering a deeper, meatier flavor. Combination platters—often called "mixed grill" or "royal platter"—let you order two or three proteins on the same plate, which works well if you are eating with someone or want to taste across the menu. Prices are moderate; most single kebabs run in the mid-range for a full meal with sides.

Mezze and appetizers

Royalty Grill makes its own hummus, baba ghanoush, and tzatziki in-house. These dips arrive with warm pita bread and work as starters or as part of a larger order. Falafel—fried chickpea fritters—is crispy outside and fluffy inside, and comes with tahini sauce for dipping.

Grape leaves (dolmas) and kibbeh (ground meat and bulgur formed into a ball and fried) round out the mezze selection. These items are less expensive than the grilled plates and make sense if you want to sample the kitchen's range without committing to a full entrée.

Sides, sauces, and bread

Every plate comes with pita bread, either warm from the oven or grilled. Rice is the standard starch, though some orders come with a salad of tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions dressed simply with lemon and oil. Grilled vegetables—usually tomatoes and onions—arrive charred on the same skewers as the meat.

Garlic sauce is the house staple, a pungent white sauce that pairs with everything. Tahini sauce, hot sauce, and yogurt-based sauces are also available. The sauces are not subtle; they are meant to be tasted and to cut through the richness of the grilled meat.

Dining experience and atmosphere

Royalty Grill is not a destination for ambiance. The dining room is small, with a few tables and a counter where you order. The walls are plain, the lighting is bright, and the focus is on getting food out quickly. This is a neighborhood spot where people come to eat, not to linger.

Service is friendly but efficient. You order at the counter, pay, and either sit down or take your food to go. The kitchen is visible from the dining area, so you can watch the grilling happen. During lunch and dinner rushes, there can be a wait, especially on weekends.

When to go and what to expect

Royalty Grill is open for lunch and dinner most days, though hours vary by season and day of the week. Lunch tends to be busy with office workers from nearby Five Points businesses. Dinner draws a mix of neighborhood regulars and people driving in from other parts of Columbia. Takeout is popular and moves quickly.

The restaurant does not take reservations, so if you want to eat in during peak hours, arrive early or be prepared to wait. Takeout orders can be called in ahead, which is useful if you want to avoid the line. Parking is street parking on Devine Street or in nearby lots; it is usually available but can be tight during busy times.

Price and value

Royalty Grill is affordable. Single kebab plates with rice and vegetables typically cost less than twenty dollars. Combination platters that include two proteins run a few dollars more. Mezze items and appetizers are cheaper, usually under ten dollars. Drinks and dessert are minimal; most people order water or soft drinks and skip dessert.

The value is strong because portions are generous and the meat is grilled fresh to order. You are not paying for decor or table service; you are paying for the food and the skill of the grill.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order online or call ahead?

Yes, Royalty Grill accepts phone orders for takeout. Calling ahead is a good idea during lunch and dinner rushes, as it lets you skip the line and pick up your order when it is ready. Online ordering may be available through third-party platforms, though calling the restaurant directly is usually faster.

Is there vegetarian food on the menu?

Yes. Hummus, baba ghanoush, falafel, grape leaves, and salad are all vegetarian. You can order these as a meal or as mezze to share. The kitchen can also prepare grilled vegetables as a main course if you ask.

What is the best dish for someone new to Middle Eastern food?

Start with the lamb kebab and a combination platter if you want to try multiple proteins. The charcoal grill and garlic sauce are the signature flavors here. If you prefer milder food, chicken kebab is a gentler entry point. Hummus and falafel are also approachable if you want to begin with mezze.

Do they have seating for large groups?

The dining room is small, so large groups may not fit comfortably. Takeout is a better option for groups, or you can call ahead to see if the restaurant can accommodate you. Eating in shifts or splitting the order between two visits is also common.

What payment methods do they accept?

Most casual restaurants in Columbia accept cash and cards, but it is worth calling ahead to confirm. Some smaller spots have card minimums or prefer cash, so asking when you order saves time at the register.