Royal Persia

What is Royal Persia? Occupying a lively stretch of Yonge Street just south of Churchill Avenue in Willowdale, Royal Persia is an authentic Persian charcoal grill spearheaded by Chef Amir. The dining room is intimate and unpretentious, complemented by warm lighting, close-set tables, and a compact front patio for open-air dining in warmer months. It draws a steady mix of neighbourhood regulars, families, and midnight diners craving meats seared directly over open coals.

Royal Persia Menu & What to Order Every meal begins with classic Iranian hospitality—complimentary refills of velvety milk barley soup and crisp raisin coleslaw. The charcoal grill is the main draw: the juicy Shishlik (bone-in lamb chops) and the deeply seasoned Koobideh skewers, served alongside mounds of fragrant saffron basmati rice and blistered tomatoes, are standouts. Pair your meal with rich starters like roasted garlic Mirza Ghasemi or tangy Zeytoon Parvardeh, or drop by during the morning for traditional breakfasts such as Halim and Kaleh Pacheh. All meat served is fully halal.

Know Before You Go Given the cozy interior and limited table count, walk-in tables fill quickly around the 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. dinner rush, so early or late arrivals will beat the queue. Night owls will appreciate the kitchen hours, which run until midnight on weekdays and 3:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Metered street parking lines Yonge and adjacent side streets, and the restaurant is conveniently situated midway between Finch and North York Centre TTC stations.