Langham’s Royce Restaurant Gets New Chef and Concept

Over two years after the Langham Huntington Hotel & Spa unveiled its new restaurant The Royce—a complete revamp in the space of the former Dining Room—with Chef David Feau at the helm, the eatery is changing its concept and chef. 

The restaurant is temporarily closed and will re-open as The Royce | Wood-Fired Steakhouse March 15, overseen by Chef Anthony Zappola, who has eight years experience at Top Chef judge Tom Colicchio’s Craft Restaurant Group. Most recently Zappola served as Chef de Cuisine at Craft restaurants in Los Angeles and Dallas. 

See photos of food that will be served at The Royce | Wood-Fired Steakhouse here.

“The Langham prides itself on keeping our restaurant concepts fresh and unique, while at the same time catering to our guests’ desires,” said Langham Managing Director Steven Parker in a statement. “In that spirit, we are eager to launch a new concept that will appeal to hotel guests, area residents and the greater community, and we are confident that Chef Zappola is uniquely talented to oversee the new restaurant.”

For the menu at the self-proclaimed “New American Steakhouse,” a selection of seasonal aged American Prime Beef, Australian Wagyu and Five Star Grade Japanese Kobe cuts will be prepared on a wood-fired grill over White Oak and seasonal wood to maintain flavor and juiciness, the Langham shared. Fresh fish, seasonal seafood and side dishes to complement the entrees will also be available.

Wine selection will continue to be a priority at the restaurant with two towering wine rooms.

The look of The Royce—white, airy, and luxurious—will mostly remain the same, with the addition of a communal table in the main dining room and seating in the red wine room.

In the spring, The Royce is bringing back Langham Sunday brunch with an interactive Sunday Market Brunch that will include “flowing mimosa stations, displays of fresh breakfast pastries and lively chef-action stations inside the kitchen, where guests will enjoy made-to-order brunch delicacies,” according to the Langham.

Zappola won’t be the first Langham chef with a Top Chef connection. Former Top Chef winner Michael Voltaggio had a brief stint at the Dining Room before it closed to transform into The Royce and Voltaggio left to open ink.

Beginning March 15, 2013, The Royce | Wood-Fired Steakhouse (1401 S. Oak Knoll Ave) will be open for dinner Tuesday through Thursday evenings from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

What do you think of the new chef and concept coming to The Royce at the Langham? Are you looking forward to it? Why or why not?