Icon

La Royal

Visa Dining Collection

$31 to $50

Peruvian

221 Concord Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138

Make a reservation

2 people

Apr 15, 2025

April 2025

8:00 PM

Booked 15 times today

Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

Neighborhood gem
Lively
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.

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
Delivery & takeout
Order direct

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 79 people are saying

La Royal reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

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
4.7Service
4.6Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

La Royal offers a vibrant dining experience with "outstanding pisco sours, ceviche, and causas." Guests appreciate the "exceptional experience" and "friendly service." The modern Peruvian cuisine is "delicious and nicely presented," while the "stylish atmosphere" enhances the meal. Perfect for those seeking "a great relaxed and delicious dining experience."

79 Reviews

J
Jane
Greater Boston1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Excellent and unique food. We had a very positive experience
Is this helpful?
P
Pranjali VIP
Greater Boston12 reviews
4.0
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
This had been on our list for awhile! We had a lovely experience. The parking is street parking. The drinks are excellent, the vegetarian options are delicious and the staff is extremely accommodating! Definitely recommend checking out!
Is this helpful?
R
Rohit VIP
Greater Boston11 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
One of the best restaurants in Cambridge. Outstanding food, great service and owned by husband wife team!
Is this helpful?
J
Jessica
Greater Boston1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
La Royal never disappoints. Exceptional experience yet again. Outstanding pisco sours, ceviche, causas, and more. Make sure to make your reservation to guarantee your seat.
Is this helpful?
L
Laura
Greater Boston3 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 4, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Wonderful and delightful dishes. Ceviche. Pisco.
Is this helpful?
t
tara VIP
Greater Boston11 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 29, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Absolutely delicious meal and friendly service. Can’t wait to go back!
Is this helpful?
Z
Zhiwei
Montreal3 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 8, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
It’s very great. Very nice experience. We’ll return!
Is this helpful?
T
Teni VIP
New York City3 reviews
2.0
Dined on March 2, 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
If you don't loooove onions - don't come here. Honestly, I was expecting more. It was crowded and fairly loud. The food was okay, but not as great as I was expecting. The beers were great though and the service was courteous. If you like a scene and you love peruvian food, great, if not, this may not be for you.
Is this helpful?
L
Linda
Greater Boston7 reviews
4.0
Dined on March 1, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 2
The food was very good. A bit loud due to small space but over it was a pleasant time.
Is this helpful?
HC
HannahC
Greater Boston11 reviews
4.0
Dined on March 1, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Unique food. Delicious and nicely presented. Service was very swift.
Is this helpful?

FAQs

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

La Royal is rated 4.7 stars by 79 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

Booked 15 times today

Experiences are available.

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
Delivery & takeout
Order direct

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

La Royal

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Why they're an Icon

Dining areas

Additional information

Experiences

Live Jazz Thursdays at La Royal

Menu

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

What 79 people are saying

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

Dining areas

Additional information

Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat