Royal China Restaurant in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

If you’re looking for classic Chinese cuisine in Atlanta with a focus on dim sum and Cantonese-style dishes, Royal China Restaurant is one of the better-known names locals mention, especially on the northeast side of the metro area. This guide walks through what you can expect, how it fits into Atlanta’s international food scene, and practical tips for planning a visit.

Where Royal China Fits in Atlanta’s Restaurant Scene

Atlanta has a wide and growing international cuisine landscape, with strong Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Indian, and other communities, particularly in Doraville, Chamblee, Duluth, and Johns Creek. Royal China Restaurant is part of that ecosystem, drawing guests who want:

• Dim sum service (often a major reason locals go)
• A more traditional Chinese menu than many in-town American-Chinese spots
• A family-style dining environment with big tables and shared plates

For many Atlanta residents, Royal China is a “destination” meal—you may drive a bit farther than your nearest takeout spot to enjoy specialties that aren’t as common inside the city core.

Location and Getting There

Royal China Restaurant is typically associated with the northeast side of Metro Atlanta, in the corridor that includes Buford Highway, Chamblee, and Doraville. These areas are known locally as major hubs for international food, including Chinese cuisine.

Depending on where you are in Atlanta:

• From Midtown/Downtown:
  Expect a drive of roughly 15–30 minutes in light traffic toward the northeast, commonly via I-85 or surface streets toward Buford Highway.
• From Decatur/East Atlanta:
  Many people head north on surface streets or use I-285/I-85 to reach the restaurant area.
• From North Fulton / Gwinnett:
  It can be a relatively straightforward trip south or west depending on your starting point, and some residents in these areas may find Royal China closer than intown diners do.

🅿️ Parking:
Most Chinese restaurants in this part of Atlanta are located in shopping centers or standalone buildings with surface parking lots. Royal China typically offers on-site parking, though it can be busier during peak dim sum hours on weekends.

Atmosphere: What It’s Like Inside

Royal China generally offers a casual, family-friendly environment, common to many Cantonese and dim sum-focused restaurants in Atlanta:

• Large round tables with lazy Susans for easy sharing
• A mix of families, multi-generational groups, and friend gatherings
• A steady buzz of conversation, carts (if dim sum carts are used during your visit), and clinking dishes

If you’re used to quiet, intimate dining rooms, expect something a bit livelier and more bustling—especially at midday on weekends.

Dim Sum at Royal China: How It Works in Atlanta

One of the main reasons Atlanta diners seek out Royal China is for dim sum, especially on weekends and holiday mornings/afternoons.

Typical Dim Sum Experience

In Atlanta, dim sum service at places like Royal China often operates in one of two ways:

1. Cart Service:
   Staff push carts loaded with different small plates (dumplings, buns, rolls, desserts) around the dining room.

   • You point to what you want.
   • Plates are recorded on a ticket at your table.
   • At the end, your total is based on how many plates and their size category.

2. Menu-Order Dim Sum:
   Instead of carts, you check off items on a dim sum menu and dishes are made to order.

   • This can mean fresher items and less pressure to “grab quickly.”
   • It’s often easier for first-timers to track what they’re ordering.

Royal China may use one or both of these approaches depending on day and time. When you call or arrive, you can ask, “Is dim sum by cart or by menu today?”

Popular Dim Sum Dishes You’re Likely to See

While offerings can vary, Atlanta dim sum regulars often look for:

• Har gow (shrimp dumplings)
• Siu mai (pork or pork-and-shrimp dumplings)
• Char siu bao (steamed BBQ pork buns)
• Cheung fun (rice noodle rolls) with shrimp, beef, or BBQ pork
• Turnip (radish) cake
• Chicken feet (feng zhao) for more adventurous eaters
• Egg tarts and sesame balls for dessert

If you’re new to dim sum, most Atlanta diners find it easy to start by sharing a variety and building up a list of favorites after a couple of visits.

Main Menu: Beyond Dim Sum

Outside of dim sum hours, or if you prefer a more traditional lunch or dinner, Royal China typically offers a Cantonese-focused menu along with some familiar Chinese-American standards.

You’ll often find:

• Seafood dishes (whole fish, shrimp, scallops, salt-and-pepper preparations)
• Stir-fried meats and vegetables (beef with broccoli, chicken with snow peas, etc.)
• Noodle and rice dishes (chow fun, fried rice, lo mein)
• Clay pot or casserole-style dishes, depending on the season and restaurant
• A range of vegetable and tofu dishes for those wanting fewer meat options

For Atlantans who are used to more Americanized Chinese menus, Royal China can offer a nice middle ground: you can order comfort dishes you already know, while also exploring more traditional options if you’re curious.

Pricing and Budgeting Your Meal

Most Atlanta-area diners find Royal China’s prices to be moderate relative to sit-down restaurants.

A rough guide:

• Dim sum:
  Small plates often range from lower to mid single digits per plate, and your total depends on how many dishes your table orders.
• Family-style entrees:
  Shared mains tend to be more economical when you’re in a group; many locals prefer to visit with 3–6 people to sample more dishes without overspending.
• Tea and beverages:
  Chinese tea is commonly served and may be charged per person or per pot.

💡 Money-saving tip:
Sharing multiple dishes family-style is usually more cost-effective than ordering individual entrees, especially for groups or larger families.

When to Go: Best Times for Atlanta Diners

Timing can significantly affect your experience at Royal China:

Weekends and Peak Hours

• Weekend late mornings and early afternoons are often the busiest, especially for dim sum.
• Wait times can be longer, so some Atlanta residents:
  • Arrive earlier than typical lunch hours
  • Or plan a later lunch to avoid the biggest rush

Weekdays

• Weekday lunches and dinners are usually less hectic.
• This can be a better time if you’re:
  • New to dim sum and don’t want to feel rushed
  • Dining with small children and prefer a more manageable pace

If you’re visiting Atlanta and have some flexibility, consider a weekday visit to enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere.

Reservations, Wait Times, and Group Dining

Policies and practices can change, but Atlanta diners typically handle Royal China visits like this:

• Reservations:
  • For larger groups (6 or more), calling ahead is almost always recommended.
  • For pairs or small groups, some people just walk in, especially on weekdays.
• Wait Lists:
  • On weekends, there may be a wait list at the host stand, particularly during peak dim sum hours.
• Large Parties and Special Occasions:
  • Many Atlanta families use Royal China and similar restaurants for birthday dinners, graduation celebrations, or extended family gatherings.
  • If you’re planning something like this, calling several days in advance allows time to request larger round tables and ask about set menus or banquet-style ordering.

📞 Practical tip: When you call, it can help to mention:

• Your group size
• Whether you’re coming for dim sum or dinner
• Any accessibility needs (e.g., close to the entrance, space for mobility devices)

What Locals Often Order

While preferences vary, some common ordering patterns among Atlanta-area regulars are:

For first-timers to dim sum:

• 1–2 steamed dumplings (like har gow, siu mai)
• 1 baked/steamed bun (like char siu bao)
• 1 noodle dish (cheung fun)
• 1 or 2 “adventurous” items (turnip cake, chicken feet, or similar)
• 1 or 2 desserts (egg tarts, sesame balls) to share

For dinner:

• 1 meat-based entree (chicken or beef)
• 1 seafood dish (if budget allows)
• 1 vegetable or tofu dish
• 1 noodle or rice dish
• White rice to share, if not already included

Atlanta diners who visit often may also explore chef specials or ask staff for recommendations based on what’s freshest that day.

Dietary Preferences and Considerations

As with many traditional Chinese restaurants in Atlanta:

• Vegetarian options:
  Vegetable stir-fries, tofu dishes, and some dim sum items can be meat-free, but it’s important to:

  • Ask whether broths or sauces contain meat or seafood.
  • Clarify if you need dishes prepared without oyster sauce, fish sauce, or chicken stock.

• Vegan options:
  There may be fewer explicitly vegan dishes on the menu, so clear communication with staff is important if you avoid all animal products.

• Gluten considerations:
  Many dim sum items and sauces use wheat-based soy sauce or wrappers, so people with gluten concerns often:

  • Focus on dishes with plain vegetables, steamed rice, or simple preparations
  • Ask directly about ingredients in sauces, dumplings, and noodles

If you have a serious allergy or strict dietary requirement, it can be helpful to call the restaurant ahead of time during a non-peak hour and ask about possible accommodations.

Tips for First-Time Visitors in Atlanta

Whether you live in Atlanta or are visiting from out of town, these practical tips can make your Royal China visit smoother:

• Aim for off-peak times ⏰
  If you’re new to dim sum, consider a weekday lunch or a weekend visit slightly before or after the main rush.

• Go with a group if you can 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦
  Family-style dining works best when you can share several dishes and taste more of the menu.

• Ask for recommendations
  Staff are usually familiar with what Atlanta diners enjoy most. Mention if you prefer milder flavors, spicier dishes, or more traditional items.

• Bring an open mind
  Dim sum and Cantonese-style dishes may differ from typical American-Chinese takeout. Many Atlantans discover new favorites by trying at least one unfamiliar dish each visit.

Quick Snapshot: Royal China Restaurant in Atlanta

If you’re in Atlanta and interested in authentic-feeling Chinese dining with dim sum options, Royal China Restaurant is a solid candidate to put on your list. With the right timing, a bit of planning, and a group ready to share, it can be a satisfying way to experience a key part of the city’s international restaurant scene.