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La Royal

$31 to $50

Peruvian

Make a reservation

2 people

Feb 16, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 18 times today

Experiences are available.

Neighborhood gem
Good for special occasions
Great for creative cocktails

Maria Rondeau and JuanMa Calderón of Boston's award-winning Celeste (Eater Boston's 2018 Restaurant of the Year and Esquire Best New Restaurant) and Esmeralda in Vermont (Esquire's 2021 list of Best New Restaurant in America), open La Royal, their newest Peruvian restaurant down the block from their Cambridge home. While at Celeste, JuanMa recreates his mother’s rustic home-cooking that he grew up with in Lima, his menu at La Royal explores the varied cuisines throughout Peru, offering original takes on dishes from the country’s different regions. They also bringing the same spirit of curation and collaboration from both Celeste and Esmeralda to this project… at La Royal, they've collaborated with professor and award-winning cookbook author Darra Goldstein on a selection of macerated liquors. Maria, a trained architect, has designed the space to create an inviting, lived-in feel, with the kitchen at the heart of the whole project.

Order delivery or takeout

Why they're an Icon

Executive chef: Chef JuanMa Calderon

From the OpenTable editors: You know the food at this Cambridge spot is going to rule because it's from the hitmakers behind beloved Peruvian restaurant Celeste—La Royal has a 2022 best new restaurant crown from Boston Magazine to back it up. Chef JuanMa Calderon's menu is a little more ambitious here, leaning into other cuisines in Peru like Chifa or Chinese-Peruvian food. Choose from dishes like Chinese-Peruvian-style stir-fried noodles with seafood and Nikkei-style portobello mushroom sashimi all while seated in the light and airy dining room or the spacious patio adorned with string lights. Either way, you have to get the pisco martini—Esquire dubbed it one of the best martinis in America in 2023.

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Peruvian, Seafood, Home cooking
Hours of operation
Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm Dinner Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(617) 823-1595
Website
http://www.laroyalcambridge.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual

Location
221 Concord Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138
Neighborhood
Cambridge
Cross street
We are located on Concord Avenue, about half a block from Huron Avenue
Parking details
Street Parking
Public transit
For parking, there is ample availability on Concord Avenue in the evenings, and meter parking on Huron Avenue half a block away. Walking or biking, of course, are highly encouraged! We're about a 15 minute walk from Harvard Square up Concord if you're connecting on the Red line, or many bus lines stop on our corner. We look forward to seeing you at La Royal!
Additional
Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

Live Jazz Thursdays at La Royal
Multiple dates available
Please join us to listen to live Jazz while you dine at La Royal Mathew Berlin Trio from 6:30-8:30pm every Thursday.

Leche de tigre / tiger’s milk (essence of ceviche)*$22.00
Ceviche mixto / blue cod, squid and shrimp ceviche*$21.00
Ceviche pescado / blue cod ceviche*$20.00
Tiradito de hongo / portobello sashimi nikkei style$18.00
Pastel de choclo / peruvian corn polenta, cheese + aji (vegetarian or ground sirloin)
- -$16.00
- -$17.00
Causa de aguacate y tomate / potato terrine with avocado and tomato$16.00
Causa de cangrejo / potato terrine with crab salad$19.00
Causa de tuna tartare / potato terrine with tuna tartare$18.00
Arugula + watercress salad, lime + black pepper vinaigrette$15.00

PLATO FUERTE

arroz con seared duck / cilantro rice, seared duck breast + salsa criolla $35.00
patarashca / whole branzino grilled in plantain leaves, amazonic condiments$39.00
tacu tacu de pallares a lo macho O verduras / lima bean risotto, panca sauce, mussels, shrimp, squid OR vegetables: mushrooms, scallions, snow peas, bok choy (veg)
- -$32.00
- -$25.00
*pescado con verduras / steamed blue cod, XO peruvian-chinese sauce, aji, bok choy, snow peas, onions, mushroom, peppers$28.00
*sudado de berenjena / steamed eggplant chinese-peruvian style$25.00
*lomo saltado / stir-fried sirloin (8oz), tomato, onion, soy sauce$32.00
*tallarin saltado de mariscos O de verduras / peruvian-chinese stir fried noodles, shrimp, squid, mussels
*tallarin saltado de mariscos O de verduras / peruvian-chinese stir fried noodles with vegetables
v) 32 / 25 *CHIFA: Peruvian-Chinese fusion cuisine developed in the 19th century from the influx of Chinese immigrants brought to Peru as indentured laborers (including Chef JuanMa’s great-great grandfather), using Chinese condiments + Peruvian peppers

What 65 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.6Service
4.5Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

La Royal offers an enchanting blend of Peruvian flavors in a "modern ambience" with standout "ceviche and Peruvian-Chinese noodles." The "pisco sours are amazing," and the attentive staff creates a welcoming atmosphere. Diners love the "unique and delicious" dishes, making it a must-visit for food enthusiasts.

65 Reviews

R
Renate
Greater Boston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Great neighborhood gem. Very friendly and accommodating service. This is a more modern Peruvian cuisine with complex flavors. We loved every dish we ordered.
Is this helpful?
J
James
Greater Boston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 8, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Extraordinary meal- great atmosphere. Drinks were fantastic as well
Is this helpful?
L
Larissa
Greater Boston
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 6, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
What a gem of a place! The food and the cocktails are absolutely delicious! Presentation is stunning! Interior is beautiful and cozy AND we had live music on Thursday night! We keep coming back
Is this helpful?
j
john anthony
Greater Boston
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 1, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
I don't understand the reservation system. 1. We tried to make a reservation for 4, but they only had 3. When we arrived, we were seated at a 4 top in the bar area by the door without any mediation for the outside cold and wind—a small portable floor heater that only worked for 1 guest. Mind you, this was at 5:30, when the restaurant was not busy. 2. When I inquired about a table change, there were many empty tables in the restaurant area, we were told we would have to be out by 7 if we changed. We sat in heavy winter coats while we dined at the first table. I am not sure what a reservation means if you arrive on time and our given a less desirable table than guests who are not yet present. 3. We ordered and 2 of our entries arrived a good 8-10 minutes ahead of the 3 rd. Very uncomfortable to sit and try to be polite picking at your food when it is hot while the 3 rd party member waits for theirs. We all agreed that the food was very good and the wait staff was pleasant. They competed our food to which we tried to convince them we wanted to pay. A very nice gesture. Although the evening started rocky they did acknowledge their short comings. Food very good atmosphere and seating not at the same level.
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D
David
Greater Boston
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on January 29, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
We went on a Wednesday night, which was perfect because we wanted it quieter than it would be on the weekend (and it was). I've been twice in the last few months, and the food was terrific both times. I particularly like the ceviche and the Peruvian-Chinese noodles; I wouldn't hesitate to try anything on the menu. The cocktails were great -- interesting, nicely balanced -- and the flan was wonderful. The people are nice, too. There's nothing wrong here, and a lot to like.
Is this helpful?
J
Juan
London
20 reviews
5.0
20 reviews
Dined on January 26, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent food and service, food is spectacular and our servers very friendly and knowledgeable. Is like eating at a friend’s house. We had an amazing time every ocasión we come here. Thank so much!!!
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M
Michael
Greater Boston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 26, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Fantastic food, especially enjoyed sampling a bunch of dishes on the ceviche and appetizer menu.
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J
Joshua
VIP
Greater Boston
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 22, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 5
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 5
We were seated promptly and we were able to place our orders for drinks while we waited for our final party member. We enjoyed dinner in a quiet space since we were one of 3 tables filled on a cold Tuesday evening and the servers are very attentive. The duck is lovely and the chicha morada’s delicious!
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j
jane
Greater Boston
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on January 18, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The only question I had, and I didn't have the answer, was is it a good idea to ask people to vacate a table before they are ready to do so? I haven't seen it happen before in a good restaurant like that, but it did happen to us, albeit in a very friendly and polite way. We had been there for 2.5 hours so it wasn't as if we were hurried out.
Is this helpful?
S
Stephanie
Greater Boston
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 12, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
My boyfriend and I had a lovely dinner at La Royal. Staff were super friendly and helpful. The food was delicious. We will definitely be back.
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FAQs

You can order delivery directly from La Royal using the Order Online button.

La Royal is rated 4.7 stars by 65 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Feb 16, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 18 times today

Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

221 Concord Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
We are located on Concord Avenue, about half a block from Huron Avenue
Neighborhood
Cambridge
Hours of operation
Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm Dinner Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Peruvian, Seafood, Home cooking
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
Street Parking
Public transit
For parking, there is ample availability on Concord Avenue in the evenings, and meter parking on Huron Avenue half a block away. Walking or biking, of course, are highly encouraged! We're about a 15 minute walk from Harvard Square up Concord if you're connecting on the Red line, or many bus lines stop on our corner. We look forward to seeing you at La Royal!
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
Additional
Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.laroyalcambridge.com/
Phone number
(617) 823-1595

La Royal

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Why they're an Icon

Dining areas

Additional information

Live Jazz Thursdays at La Royal

DINNER

APPETIZERS

Leche de tigre / tiger’s milk (essence of ceviche)*$22.00

Ceviche mixto / blue cod, squid and shrimp ceviche*$21.00

Ceviche pescado / blue cod ceviche*$20.00

Tiradito de hongo / portobello sashimi nikkei style$18.00

Pastel de choclo / peruvian corn polenta, cheese + aji (vegetarian or ground sirloin)

Causa de aguacate y tomate / potato terrine with avocado and tomato$16.00

Causa de cangrejo / potato terrine with crab salad$19.00

Causa de tuna tartare / potato terrine with tuna tartare$18.00

Arugula + watercress salad, lime + black pepper vinaigrette$15.00

PLATO FUERTE

arroz con seared duck / cilantro rice, seared duck breast + salsa criolla $35.00

patarashca / whole branzino grilled in plantain leaves, amazonic condiments$39.00

tacu tacu de pallares a lo macho O verduras / lima bean risotto, panca sauce, mussels, shrimp, squid OR vegetables: mushrooms, scallions, snow peas, bok choy (veg)

*pescado con verduras / steamed blue cod, XO peruvian-chinese sauce, aji, bok choy, snow peas, onions, mushroom, peppers$28.00

*sudado de berenjena / steamed eggplant chinese-peruvian style$25.00

*lomo saltado / stir-fried sirloin (8oz), tomato, onion, soy sauce$32.00

*tallarin saltado de mariscos O de verduras / peruvian-chinese stir fried noodles, shrimp, squid, mussels

*tallarin saltado de mariscos O de verduras / peruvian-chinese stir fried noodles with vegetables

v) 32 / 25 *CHIFA: Peruvian-Chinese fusion cuisine developed in the 19th century from the influx of Chinese immigrants brought to Peru as indentured laborers (including Chef JuanMa’s great-great grandfather), using Chinese condiments + Peruvian peppers

Overall ratings and reviews

Review summary

FAQs

Does La Royal offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is La Royal restaurant rated?

Is La Royal currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information