Roya, a long-running Persian pop-up, opens its first North Austin restaurant on Shoal Creek Boulevard

A pop-up concept moves into a permanent home in North Shoal Creek

Roya, a Persian restaurant developed through invite-style pop-up dinners in Austin since 2018, has opened its first brick-and-mortar location in North Austin. The restaurant is located at 7858 Shoal Creek Blvd., Suite C, in the North Shoal Creek area, taking over a space above District Kitchen + Cocktails in a building tied to the same ownership group.

The project is led by chef-owner Amir Hajimaleki, whose existing Austin portfolio includes District Kitchen + Cocktails, Oasthouse Kitchen + Bar, Keepers Coastal Kitchen and Daisy Lounge. The new restaurant formalizes a concept Hajimaleki has described as rooted in Iranian heritage and built around hospitality as a central part of the dining experience.

What diners can expect: rotating menu, course-based options and Persian cocktails

Roya’s kitchen is structured around a seasonally rotating menu that pairs traditional Persian preparations with updated techniques. Published menu descriptions indicate a mix of shareable starters, stews and grilled items, alongside higher-end touches such as caviar service.

• Menu items highlighted ahead of opening include ghormeh sabzi made with short rib, kashke bademjan (eggplant dip), and kabobs.
• Signature dishes also include the “Royal Egg,” described as a savory egg custard served with labneh and caviar.
• Additional dishes previewed include wagyu chenjeh kabob and a wild mushroom borani.

The restaurant is also offering a chef-selected, coursed dining format called the Sofreh Experience, positioned as a curated meal in which the kitchen determines the sequence of dishes. Reservations have been made available through a major booking platform used by many restaurants for timed seatings.

Hours now, with lunch and brunch planned later

Roya’s initial operating schedule lists dinner service seven days a week, with later hours on Fridays and Saturdays. The restaurant has said lunch and brunch are expected to be added in the coming months, indicating a phased ramp-up typical of new openings.

Design and positioning: upscale setting with Persian visual motifs

Roya’s interior has been presented as a contemporary space incorporating Persian design elements. Descriptions of the dining room point to rich colors, floor-to-ceiling curtains and tile work, as well as décor planned to include Persian rugs and related artwork.

The opening adds a dedicated Persian dining room to a North Austin corridor that has seen steady restaurant turnover and new concepts moving into established retail and mixed-use spaces.

For Hajimaleki, the transition from pop-ups to a permanent address marks a shift from occasional, limited-seat dinners to a repeatable service model—one that can broaden access while maintaining a structured, experience-forward approach to Persian cuisine.

Roya is now operating at 7858 Shoal Creek Blvd., Suite C, Austin, TX 78757.