My friend and I went here for a catch up night. We wanted to try something new and since we had never tried Mediterranean food before. The parking lot is well lit and the outside was very clean. The building used to be an Italian restaurant, but this family bought it and moved in. We were greeted upon immediately coming in the door and we were seated very quickly. The interior is very nicely decorated and was very clean and organized. Everyone greeted us with a smile. After we sat, we sat for quite a bit of a time before the waitress came by and asked for our drink orders. The owner (I assume) came by and asked what we would like to drink and he got those for us. The waitress was very slow in bringing refills and taking our order. They were not busy. Though she was slow, she was very polite with great customer service. So...the food!! OMG - we tried lots of different things. We ordered the sampler plate (Mezze) which was hummus, baba ghanouj, falafel, bread and arabic salad. Please, remember this was our first try of this type of food and the texture took a minute to get beyond, but the flavors are amazing. They know what they are doing with their seasoning. I was very impressed with the appetizers. Then the meal comes - I had the Chicken Tawook Plate with the Fattoush Salad. The salad was made with all fresh ingredients and the picture in the menu looked exactly like what I received. It was fresh and invigorating with flavor. The Chicken Tawook just popped with flavor in my mouth. I couldn't wait to share with my friend. I have to admit, I was not a fan of the rice, but it was cooked perfectly. Just wasn't flavors I enjoy, but my friend really liked it. My friend wanted to try a couple of things so she ordered the Musakhao with 1/2 grilled chicken. I've never really had chicken melt in my mouth before, until now! It comes on a flat bread with grilled onions, but the chicken is cooked to perfection! I cannot say enough about this chicken. She also ordered the cheese Manakeesh which is very similar to pizza, but they do something crazy right with this dish. Calling it a pizza is so very wrong. This isn't like a traditional "American" pizza. It is very hard to explain, just go and try it!! And dessert - I have had quite a bit of baklava in my lifetime. This was the best I have ever tasted. You take a bite and it just completely melts in a caramel flavor in your mouth. Do not get just one. My friend ordered the cake that is very similar to tiramisu, I don't remember the name and it isn't on their online menu at this time. She said it was to die for. This is a little bit on the expensive side of dining, but the quality of this food is worth every single penny. My friend and I spent $106 total, for all this food. So, it's not crazy expensive. Regular fountain drinks are $3 each. My over all review is give this place a try, they really deserve it. Try something new if you haven't tried this type of dining, this is a wonderful place for your first go at it. And when you do - leave them a review, it would be great to keep them busy and around, since we don't really have anything like this in the area. read more

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My habibi lives close to this place so we had it on our radar for some time now. We went during the afternoon post lunch rush, so there were only a couple of other people there. The restaurant is pretty large and spacious, but felt a little dated, and had that stale smell in the air. We were seated right away, and everyone was nice and pleasant. I ordered the Mezze, which came with baba ghanouj, hummus, 2 pieces of falafel, and Arabic salad (which is essentially just tomatoes and cucumbers, neither of which I eat) for $11.99 The baba ghanouj was very good. The falafel was good as well. The hummus was just ok. Not the best in the Metropolitan area, but certainly not the worst either. It also comes with pita bread, which I declined. (I'm avoiding gluten due to a gluten sensitivity issue) I ordered a side of rice ($2.99) instead (I mix everything together with the rice). The rice was good; I think they add turmeric in it. I also requested grilled onion, which I just realized they charged me for, along with the tahini and hot sauce (which they call shatta). Not a big deal at $1 each, but it's always noteworthy to me when places nickel and dime you. I also ordered the grape leaves. 5 dolmas for $5.99. The dolmas were served cold, which I'm not used to. I like when they're served with warm rice and leaves. (I warmed up the leftovers in a pan, and they tasted so much better). My guy ordered the Lamb Maklubeh, a traditional Palestinian dish. He said it was good. All in all, it was a nice place and the food ranged from good to decent. And the prices were decent as well. I do wish they were more knowledgeable and accommodating to vegans though. When I inquired whether certain dishes and sauces were vegan, the waitress said she couldn't guarantee it. I didn't like that. Aside from that, it's a cool place and worth a try, especially if you want to try some traditional Palestinian cuisine. read more

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Looking for flavor? You will find it here!! Grounded flavors mixed with light flavors. Hints of turmeric and cumin with light hints of lemon play around your tong. A bowl of smiles and sunshine! Lydia was such a great help, letting me know what her favorites were. This helped me decide what to order being that this was our first time. The ambiance was on point!! Loved the music and beautiful murals of countryside, on the walls. read more

Came on for the first time. Had the sampler platter for an appetizer and it was amazing. Yummy hummus, baba ghanoush, pita, and Arabic salad. The entrees we had were royal grill, steak kabob bowl, chicken shawarma, and chicken Tawook. The bowl was a bit salty but everything else was amazing. The service was good but we could have used some more refills. The restaurant had Mediterranean style decorations. It was clean and quiet. We will come again and not order the bowl. read more

Royal Palm - Steak kabob bowl - Middle Eastern Near Me - Fairview Heights, Illinois

Great spot! We tried the mezze sampler, za'taar and cheese mannakeesh, kufta with tahini sauce and arayes with cheese. Everything was great! Cant wait to come back and try more of the menu! They have lots of space and the service was really great! Excited to have a great local, non chain restaurant to support! read more

Food is AMAZING, great service and great staff. I will definitely be coming back and bringing more of my family and friends. Nice clean restaurant as well. We love it. read more

What a delightful experience! All of our food was on point and every employee was generous and gracious. One of our favorite restaurants on Fairview. Highly recommend! read more

Got take-out. Very good food and the person who helped me was super nice. From what I saw at the reception desk, it looked nice inside.

The lamb maqlubeh was so delicious and so tender you could cut it with a spoon. The pistachio baklava was an amazing finish. Great service as well. read more

I'll be honest--I was skeptical at first, but my youngest loves Greek/Mediterranean food, so we gave it a shot... and I'm so glad we did. The restaurant was very clean, and the staff was genuinely friendly. We were seated right away, drinks came out quickly, and our waitress was great--she answered all our questions and made some solid recommendations. The hummus and falafel were really good. The grape leaves could've used a little more love--they were a bit tough and seemed undercooked--but everything else more than made up for it. I ordered the naan pizza with no cheese and it was so good. The meat had so much flavor it didn't even need cheese; just a little tzatziki on the side was perfect. The lentil soup and salad were generous portions and delicious, with perfectly cooked chicken. The gyro was also a hit. And the Dubai chocolate dessert? Surprisingly amazing. I'm not usually big on sweets, but the fresh strawberries balanced it out really nicely. What really stood out was the hospitality. The owner came out to check on us and thank us for coming, and our server was incredibly kind and sweet to our 9-year-old. Overall, such a good experience--and we'll definitely be back. read more

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We've eaten here 4 times so far. I will go back as soon as I can. Persian, Mediterranean, Levant Valley food is my absolute favorite. I will and have driven over 100 miles to try good Mediterranean food. This place has absolutely DELICIOUS food. FOOD: The bread is a little different than what I've had at other places, but still good. The garlic paste they call muthawama, sometimes called toum, is incredible and I think everyone needs to try it. (It's basically just a very thick garlic aioli that goes great on everything.) The lentil soup is incredible. If you want just a flatbread with good cheese, they have that. They have updated their menu a couple of times since the first time we were there, so be sure to check it and maybe ask if you want something specific. My husband has had a dish of these meatballs in a a tomato based sauce like four times and absolutely devours it! One time, I ordered what basically was a flatbread pizza, but the menu called it a different name, so I didn't realize what I was getting. I noticed the menu now calls them pizzas, so hopefully more people are comfortable ordering them. They're very good! AMBIANCE: Casual. The interior looks like it used to be something else, like an Italian place maybe? (I don't know, I'm not from here) but they have tastefully redecorated to showcase the their culture and cuisine. SERVICE: Friendly and knowledgeable. They had some slowness issues when they first opened, probably didn't have enough people, but they've hired more and we've never had an issue. My only negative is that since their sign isn't lit up and since they have what this area would consider "exotic" food, I am worried they won't last long. I see them adjusting the menu though and that's a good thing. Please, please go and try something different from the typical MetroEast fare. Plus, it's not a chain restaurant! It's locally owned by a family who live here! read more

Just went and had an amazing meal! The staff was very friendly and checked on us often. The food was wonderful and I wish I could have eaten more! But now we get to eat it for lunch tomorrow. read more

Went here on a Friday night, had excellent food and great service. We had a sampler appetizer - highly recommended, especially for the bread service. Separating this comment for emphasis - get the bread! The menu is large, but I quickly spotted the Kufta. Kufta is a combo of seasoned ground beef and lamb formed into a tube around a skewer and grilled. It may look a bit like a sausage, but it's way more than that! We got the Kufta with tomato sauce for one entree, which was a pleasant difference after the bread, hummus, and baba ganoush appetizer. It was basically a Kufta in stewed tomatoes, onions, potatoes. We also got the mixed grill, which was well-seasoned, perfectly grilled. Honestly, I found everything here to be solid-to-great, and I will definitely return. The service was prompt, super-friendly, and we were in-and-out under 45 minutes. Royal Palm is a great addition to the metro-east restaurant scene. I hope they get some press soon, as they deserve it! read more

Royal Palm - Mixed grill - Middle Eastern Near Me - Fairview Heights, Illinois

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Tried this spot on a whim. Service was good. Seated promptly. Asked for suggestions. Was tossed between lamb chops & the kufta. Chose the kufta, the 'something different'. Ordered the fried cauliflower. Food was served HOT! Fresh from the grill. But here's where it went bad. The batter took over. Grease was old. Tasted burnt. Then the kufta sauce was bland. Not of the traditional spice of Mediterranean dishes. I was disappointed overall. Just paid for the food & left. I wld not recommend or return. read more

Royal Palm - Kufta in Tahini sauce Fried cauliflower - Middle Eastern Near Me - Fairview Heights, Illinois

I have been to this restaurant 3 times since they opened and I have enjoyed every meal. The customer service has been great, the food has been delicious and the ambiance has been fabulous! Definitely check it out! The mixed grill was my favorite, my friend said the lamb chops were great and do not skip dessert here! You have to try the custard kaitafi dessert which was AMAZING! Please support this local place! I want it to stay open! read more

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Food, service and ambiance are well deserving of high recognition. Highly recommend giving this business a try.

Fantastic food! Delicious, healthy REAL food. Tender grilled chicken bowl. Waitress was an absolute darling girl, attentive and so helpful. Will grateful to have a solid Mediterranean this side of St Louis. Definitely our new favorite go to restaurant. read more

Excellent food and great service. 12 year old loved the lamb chop! We arrived at the very beginning of dinner service and were seated immediately. Great laid back atmosphere. Will be back! read more

We came here for dinner recently, and oh my goodness it was fantastic! We are so excited to have Mediterranean / Middle Eastern food so close to home. We highly recommended the kebab, chicken Shawarma, hummus and garlic dip. We will definitely be returning to a new favorite spot! Our server was also incredibly sweet and kind to guide us through the menu and give her own personal recommendations. read more

Honestly, while this resteraunt only recently came on my radar, it quickly became one of my all time favorites. I think absolutely anyone could get a wonderful meal here. I love everything from food on the grill (the price is worth it. I've NEVER had beef at a restaurant so well seasoned and tender. I love the Royal Palm Grill sampler especially, because everything they offer is so tasty) to the sandwiches. The flat bread changed my entire perspective bread with toppings-- I've always been a pizza lover, but their flatbread has shown me that somehow things can be even better. The brunch is also not something to skip! I live their teas, and the brunch prices are fantastic. I really hope this place takes off and becomes a staple in the community-- in my opinion, it is one of the absolute best resteraunts in the area and we are lucky to have it. Throwing in that I love the service (all of the waiters and waitresses have been so informative, quick, and kind!) as well as the family friendly vibes. There is a hookah section that I'd like to try, but it's rooms away from the main dining area, so don't hesitate to bring your family! I've brought a few picky kids here, and they've all found something a little new that the absolutely love, which is impressive in itself. Anyway, I highly recommend! Pictured is the Sujuk and Eggs, which changed my entire perspective on breakfast food, and also the flatbread-- which I know looks half eaten, I dare you to order it and wait long enough to take a picture. It was incredible. read more

Royal Palm - Half eaten but incredible flatbread, also with the sujuk. Can't remember the name but it's the cheesy galicky sujuk flatbread! - Middle Eastern Near Me - Fairview Heights, Illinois

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Highly recommend trying this genuine Mediterranean restaurant. We tried the lamb shawarma, hummus with beef, custard and Turkish coffee. Love that they have a cafe in the restaurant too. The restaurant is clean and we had a pleasant dining experience. read more

Royal Palm - Turkish coffee - Middle Eastern Near Me - Fairview Heights, Illinois

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This is the only time I've left a second review of a restaurant, because it deserves it. Once again we enjoyed a fabulous dinner at The Royal Palm tonight. The food was absolutely delicious, the service perfect and the warm and welcoming personal attention from the owners tops it off. The Metro East's Precious Gem of a restaurant. read more

Fantastic food, excellent service and reasonably priced for the amount of food you get

So happy I chose this restaurant! I picked up a chicken Tawook plate for lunch and it was SO GOOD! Hostess was super friendly and restaurant was clean. I will be returning! read more

Royal Palm - Chicken Tawook Plate with Jerusalem salad to-go. Yum! - Middle Eastern Near Me - Fairview Heights, Illinois

First time hearing of this place opening and decided to take a group to check it out for something unique for a change. I first had humus and a few arabic foods while in Saudi Arabia and UAE years ago and the menu choices were right up my alley as far what I was hoping to see. The lamb was so good and the platter for 2 was HUGE! Naan bread and babagonuse were amazing as well. Friendliest young server was attentive to us and worked with our bad reading as well was a nice bonus lol. Will be back again for sure! read more

Decided to try this for our weekly treat and were so happy with the results. Great service, fair prices, good portions, and the food was fantastic! We had the sampler, mixed chicken shawarma plate, and chicken shawarma wrap and thoroughly enjoyed our dinner. Looking forward to trying out more of the menu! read more

We loved this place! We eat at lots of Mediterranean restaurants and this is one of the best we've had! We had the Palestinian lamb rmaklubeh dish for 2 and it was phenomenal! We also got the Royal style labaneh dip! It was delicious!!!! We highly recommend. We live in St. Louis and it was worth the drive. read more

Food is always amazing. Definitely a must try in the area! The staff is super friendly and everything I have tried here so far has exceeded expectations :) read more

Have been here twice. The food is Delicious. Had the Maklubeh for two the first time. Highly recommended. I had the Kufta and the lamb chops this time. A side of the falafel never miss Highly recommended. Friendly staff. Great service and delicious food. I always enjoy the great authentic music. read more

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Exceeded my expectations by far! The food was amazing, the staff was very friendly, my only regret is not knowing Royal Palm existed until now, I'll definitely return. I ordered the Royal Mix Grill Plate, which came with a kufta kabob, chicken tawook and steak kabob, the meat was tender, juicy and full of flavor. My Fiance orded the Chicken Tawook Plate and finished everything with barely a grain of rice left on the plate. Definitely recommend! read more

Royal Palm - Royal Mix Grill Plate and Chicken Tawook Plate - Middle Eastern Near Me - Fairview Heights, Illinois

After living in the Middle East I am ALWAYS looking for a Middle Eastern restaurant anywhere I go. The challenge is Finding one that serves authentic or watered down version of Middle Eastern cuisine. After 26 years of searching for "the real deal" , I finally found it. This place is AMAZING. We had the Mezze sampler and the Kufta Kabob wrap. Can't wait to try the whole menu. We live an hour and half away, the drive is 100000% worth it! read more

I went today for their official grand opening and I ordered the meat sambousa, french fries, arabic salad, and a brown sugar shaken espresso from their café. To start, I would like to congratulate them on their opening! When I was there I experienced nothing but genuine hospitality from their employees and management. The ambiance in the restaurant is truly unbeatable and I felt so warm and welcome there. I would absolutely recommend trying out this restaurant and it is definitely worth coming back to! Also, the music is perfect. read more

This place is one of our family favorites. Since they have opened, we have enjoyed their food and service! Check them out, you won't be disappointed. read more

Food is ultra amazing and the staff and owner are awesome as well. The atmosphere and decor make it feel like a mediterranean port restaurant.1,000 out of ten recommend. read more

Very friendly and attentive servers. The food was absolutely delicious. At times the music was a little too loud, but it definitely helped create an experience. I will definitely be back. read more

The service is great! I love the vibe of the whole restaurant but especially their cafe. The food is phenomenal! The Maklubeh is great but I think the shawarma is my favorite. The chicken is absolutely delicious... the bread is made in house daily... I can't say enough good things about this place. Their tzatziki is my favorite I have had. read more

Lunch today was my first time here. It was delicious! I had the chicken schwarma which was delightful. The service was also fantastic. Thank you for such a wonderful lunch! read more

Didn't know the ingredients on the menu and no one to explain it. NO BOOZE ! Not even wine! Claiming it was against their religion? It was total choas! FINALLY got our food, mine was cold, It was hectic! Choas! Finally paid my bill after taking it to the register, took 3 servers to try and ring it up. Until they get organized and train waiters properly it will remain Choas! I wish them the very best but DO BETTER read more

After a long day of traveling from DC, I was so pleasantly surprised to find such a wonderful Mediterranean restaurant near my hotel. Service was amazing, very kind and attentive staff. Food was tasty. Best quality falafel I've tried. As a hummus connoisseur, top tier quality hummus. Come and support this family-owned restaurant. read more

New Restaurant amazing food and amazing service. Will return for another amazing performance.