This year for Food and Drink Experience, I was lucky enough to be hosted by Royale. Under the Teatro Restaurant Group, this restaurant occupies the space that was the old Melrose pub. Originally a classic French brasserie, the restaurant was recently renovated and turned into a stylish eclectic brasserie. The interior is a millennials dream, with many plants and a touch of fancy.

For dinner, they’re offering a $65 6-course gourmet menu served family-style.

First Courses: Coconut & Squash Soup, Red Lentil & Roasted Garlic Hummus

I thoroughly enjoyed the Coconut & Squash Soup, it was light and packed with flavour, a great way to start off the meal. The Red Lentil & Roasted Garlic Hummus was great as well, the marinated olives gave it acidity and the warm chewy pita was the perfect dipping tool.

Second Courses: Grilled Steelhead, Braised Beef Short Rib, Hickory Smoked Red Potatoes, Roasted Brussels Sprouts

The Steelhead was grilled perfectly, crispy skin, flaky and not dry. I also love a good chimichurri sauce and this one didn’t disappoint! My favourite had to be the Hickory Smoked Red Potatoes and Roasted Brussels Sprouts, right when the dish was served, you can smell the smokiness coming off from the plate. The potatoes had the right amount of chewy, mushy and firmness and the brussels sprouts was cooked just right (crispy and crunchy but still cooked). I was only slightly disappointed with the Braised Beef Short Rib, it was tender but a little dry.

Third Courses: Royale Magnum Bar, Lemon Tart

To finish off the meal, we had a board of Royale Magnum Bar and Lemon Tart, I mean who doesn’t love a nutty house-made ice cream bar!

Overall I would definitely go back to check out their regular menu. Our server was attentive and the service was great! They also have a killer covered patio to the side, I heard they have great Aperol Spritz 🍹