Royal Feast

Welcome to Royal Feast, a Chinese restaurant nestled at 148 El Camino Real in Millbrae, California, promising an authentic and refined dining experience. This establishment positions itself within the Chinese restaurant category by offering traditional dishes prepared with genuine ingredients and time-honored methods. According to customer testimonials, Royal Feast presents a culinary journey that emphasizes balanced flavors and showcases the skill of a chef with a distinguished background.

The environment at Royal Feast is described by one patron as "quiet, uncrowded," suggesting a more intimate and relaxed dining atmosphere compared to bustling, high-traffic establishments. This reviewer appreciated the tranquility of the setting, making it an appealing choice for those seeking a peaceful meal. Another customer referred to Royal Feast as a "hidden gem," implying that it might be understated in its appearance but offers a delightful experience once discovered. The emphasis on taking time to enjoy the meal, as noted by one reviewer advising against a quick bite, further suggests an environment that encourages a slower, more appreciative dining pace.

In terms of services, the feedback indicates efficient and attentive service once engaged. One reviewer mentioned that after being seated by the hostess, "the waiter took the order in a flash," and the food arrived relatively quickly, with eggplants, rice, and then seafood dishes appearing in about ten minutes. This suggests that while the overall pace of the meal is intended to be leisurely, the initial order-taking and food preparation can be quite prompt. However, another reviewer's comment about not being a place for a "quick bite in a rush" implies that the overall dining experience is geared towards savoring the food and the company, rather than a rapid turnover.

A significant feature of Royal Feast is the culinary expertise of its head chef, who reportedly used to be the head chef at Beijing Restaurant (北京饭店) in Beijing, a highly recognized establishment in China. This background suggests a high level of skill and authenticity in the preparation of the dishes. The restaurant prides itself on using "traditional ingredients and methods" to create balanced flavors, consciously avoiding reliance on excessive additives. This commitment to traditional cooking techniques and high-quality ingredients is a key aspect of the dining experience at Royal Feast.

One of the most notable features of Royal Feast, and a highly recommended dish, is the legendary Eight Treasure Duck (八宝葫芦鸭). This "truly royal dish" requires a 24-hour advance reservation, underscoring the intricate preparation and time involved in creating it. The reviewer who highlighted this dish praised its unmatched presentation, flavor, and texture, emphasizing the skill and effort invested in its creation. This dish appears to be a signature offering that showcases the chef's mastery and the restaurant's commitment to authentic and elaborate Chinese cuisine.

While the focus of the reviews is primarily on the quality and authenticity of the food, the mention of enjoying seafood, specifically "crab in sauce" and "a great fish in sweet and sour sauce," indicates that Royal Feast offers a variety of seafood options as well. The reviewer who ordered these dishes expressed great satisfaction, particularly with the crab, noting that it was "well spoken, properly cut," suggesting attention to detail in preparation and presentation. The fact that they also took the leftover fish home further attests to its deliciousness.

Although Peking Duck is mentioned by one reviewer as a popular dish that they plan to try on their next visit, the current reviews do not provide specific details about its preparation or quality at Royal Feast. However, given the chef's background and the emphasis on authentic dishes, it is likely to be a noteworthy offering.

Currently, there is no explicit mention of specific promotional offers or discounts at Royal Feast in the provided customer reviews. The focus is on the quality of the food, the chef's expertise, and the overall dining experience. However, the emphasis on traditional, high-quality ingredients and the availability of a special dish like the Eight Treasure Duck (requiring a 24-hour reservation) could be considered unique features that attract discerning diners. To inquire about any potential specials or promotions, customers are encouraged to contact the restaurant directly at (650) 692-3388 or +1 650-692-3388.

In conclusion, Royal Feast in Millbrae offers a distinct and authentic Chinese dining experience, highlighted by traditional cooking methods, high-quality ingredients, and the expertise of a chef with a prestigious background from Beijing. The quiet and uncrowded environment encourages a leisurely enjoyment of the meticulously prepared dishes. Standout features include the legendary Eight Treasure Duck (requiring advance reservation) and a variety of well-received seafood and other traditional Chinese fare. While not a place for a quick meal, Royal Feast invites diners to slow down and savor the true flavors of Chinese cuisine. Local users seeking an authentic and refined Chinese dining experience with a focus on quality and tradition will likely find Royal Feast to be a hidden gem worth discovering.