Royale opens Friday in City Market

Royale will be serving up classic French fare, including Steak Frites, Duck a l’Orange, Bouillabaisse and Charcuterie. Other menu standouts include roasted chicken with whole roasted shallots, The Royale Burger with gruyere, sauce au poivre or béarnaise, Lobster Newberg, Saffron Risotto and vegetable pot pie.

The dessert menu will feature a playful mix of American influenced desserts including, salted caramel apple pie and Profiteroles with house-made vanilla ice cream and warm chocolate sauce.

The bar menu will include classic cocktails, beer by draft and bottle, and a champagne program. Two sparkling wines and one champagne will be available by the glass.

"Champagne is the classic way to begin, and the best wine to enjoy with your meal; we’re really excited we’ve been able to make these so affordable for our guests,” executive chef Jeff Seizer said.

The predominately French wine list also includes fortified and dessert wines by the glass.

Royale opens at 6 p.m. Friday with a limited menu. The full menu will be available starting at 5 p.m. Saturday.

Will Jeffers, also a partner in Raleigh's Stanbury, joined with Seizer and baker Jesse Bardyn for the project.

“Soon after meeting Jeff and Jesse, it became clear that our complimentary experience would be the foundation to a strong partnership,” said Jeffers, who also served as general contractor on Royale.

Seizer is the executive chef at Royale. He said there will be a lot of culinary collaborations with fellow partner Bardyn, who will continue to serve as Cafe Lucarne's executive chef and head up Royale's pastry program.

"This is the most harmonious culinary relationship I've ever had," Seizer said.

The group relishes a chance to be part of a revitalization of City Market. While the renovations to the space will bring a fresh look, Royale retains some of the building's older elements, like some exposed beams and centuries old brick.

"That's stuff you can't buy," Seizer said of the historic elements.