Royal Merriment

- 180-05 Jamaica Ave, Jamaica, NY 11432

Introduction / Overview

For New Yorkers seeking a culinary adventure that is both deeply comforting and genuinely authentic, Royal Merriment stands as a celebrated destination in the heart of Jamaica, Queens. More than just a local restaurant, this establishment serves as a vital culinary link to the rich and vibrant flavors of West African, particularly Nigerian, cuisine. Located in a borough known for its incredible diversity, Royal Merriment successfully brings the warmth of traditional African cooking to the bustling streets of NYC.

The restaurant's focus is on delivering authentic comfort food, characterized by robust spices, hearty portions, and traditional preparation methods. Dishes like the beloved Egusi Soup served with Pounded Yam, the savory Jollof Rice, and the intensely flavorful Pepper Soups are signature items that draw a consistent crowd. Customers frequently praise the authenticity and taste of the food, with one reviewer noting it as "One of the best African restaurants in queens and even NYC right there on Jamaica Ave."

Royal Merriment has mastered the balance between traditional dining and modern convenience. While offering a casual and welcoming dine-in atmosphere suitable for groups, it is also highly regarded for its fast service, making it an excellent option for a quick bite during lunch or a convenient takeout dinner. This emphasis on efficiency, coupled with the commitment to high-quality, flavorful food, ensures that Royal Merriment provides a satisfying and memorable dining experience for residents and visitors throughout the New York region. The menu, rich with small plates, stews, and specialty dishes, invites patrons to explore the diverse and compelling world of African culinary traditions right here in Queens.

The restaurant also functions as an "occasional hall," suggesting it may host events, further cementing its role as a community pillar in Jamaica. Whether you are craving a familiar taste of home or eager to try something new and exciting, Royal Merriment promises a rich and hospitable experience, delivered with great management, as one satisfied customer attested.

Location and Accessibility

Royal Merriment is strategically situated on one of Queens' most central commercial arteries, at 180-05 Jamaica Ave, Jamaica, NY 11432, USA. This location is deep within the vibrant and diverse Jamaica neighborhood, which is a major commercial and transportation hub in New York City.

For local New York patrons, especially those relying on public transit, the location is highly accessible. Jamaica Avenue is well-served by numerous bus lines, and its proximity to major subway and Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) stations makes it a convenient stop for those commuting or traveling through the area.

The neighborhood itself is celebrated for its cultural mosaic, with a lively street scene that reflects the large African, Caribbean, and South Asian communities, among others. Dining at Royal Merriment is an integrated experience, placing customers at the heart of Jamaica’s rich, bustling culture. The restaurant provides a casual and approachable setting, which is perfect for solo dining, a quick lunch, or gathering a group for dinner. The convenience of being located on a major thoroughfare means quick access for both takeout and delivery drivers, essential services for the fast-paced lives of NYC residents. Furthermore, the establishment accepts modern forms of payment including Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC Mobile Payments, ensuring transactions are fast and hassle-free.

Services Offered

Royal Merriment provides a comprehensive set of services designed to maximize customer convenience and dining enjoyment. The available options cater to various dining needs across the New York community:

• Dine-in Service: Enjoy a comfortable and casual dining experience with available table service for lunch and dinner.
• Takeout: Quick and convenient order pickup is available for patrons on the move.
• Delivery: The restaurant offers delivery service, ensuring authentic African meals can be enjoyed at home or work.
• Full Meal Service: Open and popular for both Lunch and Dinner.
• Comfort Food Focus: Specializing in hearty and traditional comfort food and quick bites.
• Small Plates Options: The menu includes appetizers and smaller dishes for light dining or sharing.
• Group Dining: The atmosphere is noted as suitable for groups, accommodating family and friends gatherings.
• Child-Friendly: The restaurant is noted to be "Good for kids," making it a suitable choice for family meals.
• Modern Payment Options: Accepts Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC Mobile Payments for ease of transaction.
• Restroom Amenity: A standard convenience is provided for patrons.

Features / Highlights

Royal Merriment's appeal lies in its authentic menu and operational efficiency, offering a unique set of features that distinguish it within the Queens dining scene:

• Authentic African Cuisine: The restaurant specializes in traditional, rich, and spicy West African dishes, which is a major draw in the culturally diverse NYC food landscape.
• Signature Staple Dishes: Highlights include highly praised dishes like the Egusi Soup & Pounded Yam ($15.00), Jollof Rice ($12.00), and various Pepper Soups (Fish, Goat Meat, Cow Tail, all $10.00 - $15.00), which are cornerstones of the cuisine.
• Diversity of Soups and Swallows: The menu features a wide array of traditional soups—including Ogbono, Bitterleaf, Afang, and Okro—paired with traditional 'swallow' starches like Pounded Yam, Eforiro & Amala, and Banga & Starch, offering a deep dive into the cuisine.
• Specialty Exotic Dishes: Unique offerings such as Isi Ewu (Goat Head) in both Big Pot ($25.00) and Small Pot ($15.00) and Sauced Snail ($20.00) cater to diners seeking authentic, hard-to-find African delicacies.
• Fast and Efficient Service: The establishment is noted for its fast service, successfully integrating the speed of a 'quick bite' venue with the depth of a traditional restaurant.
• Variety of Small Plates and Appetizers: The appetizer list includes popular snacks and small plates such as Meat Pie ($5.00), Buns ($5.00), and Suya (Spicy Skewered Meat) ($10.00), perfect for sharing or quick enjoyment.
• Hospitality: Customer reviews specifically highlight the great management and the owner's "incredibly hospitable" nature, indicating a welcoming and professional atmosphere.

Contact Information

To contact Royal Merriment for orders, inquiries, or reservations, please use the following information:

• Address: 180-05 Jamaica Ave, Jamaica, NY 11432, USA
• Phone: (646) 705-5024

What is worth choosing

For New York diners eager to experience authentic and satisfying West African cuisine, Royal Merriment offers several dishes that are absolutely essential to try. The core strength of the menu is its traditional Nigerian offerings, which are consistently praised by the local community.

The Egusi Soup & Pounded Yam ($15.00) is arguably the must-try dish. Egusi (melon seed) soup is a rich, savory, and complex stew that represents the heart of African comfort food. Paired with Pounded Yam (a soft, dough-like starch perfect for scooping up the soup), it is a traditional and deeply satisfying meal. Similarly, the Jollof Rice ($12.00), a famous West African rice dish cooked in a flavorful tomato, pepper, and onion base, is a foundational choice. Reviewers have specifically lauded its quality, confirming its status as a house favorite.

Another highly recommended category is the Pepper Soups. Whether you opt for the Goat Meat Pepper Soup ($10.00) or the Fish Pepper Soup ($15.00), these broths are renowned for their potent spice blend, tender meat, and curative properties—a perfect, warming meal for any time of year. For those who enjoy variety and rich, meaty stews, the Stew section offers hearty options like Buka Stew ($15.00) or Mixed Meat ($15.00) served with White Rice, ideal for a filling lunch or dinner.

Adventure seekers and connoisseurs of authentic African street food should explore the Specialty Dishes. The Asun (Pepper Goat Meat) ($10.00), which is spicy, flavorful sautéed goat meat, and the Suya ($10.00), the classic spiced skewered meat, offer incredible flavor and are perfect small plates for those who appreciate a kick of heat. Even the humble Fried Ripe Plantain (Dodo) ($5.00) is a crucial side, providing a sweet, caramelized contrast to the savory and spicy main dishes.

In summary, Royal Merriment is worth choosing because it provides a genuine, traditional African dining experience—celebrated for its taste and hospitality—right on Jamaica Avenue, making it a convenient, cultural, and comforting choice for any New Yorker. The combination of its authentic, well-prepared menu and its reputation for fast service and warm management makes it an invaluable gem in the Queens culinary landscape.

Royal Merriment

180-05 Jamaica Ave, Jamaica, NY 11432, USA