Every time I drive through Concord Avenue in Cambridge, La Royal’s stark black façade always strikes me with its absence of color. This bold design choice bestowing upon the building a slick, contemporary, but sober look spurred me to learn more about the restaurant. Inaugurated in 2022, it approaches Peruvian food through an original and modern lens, and, henceforth, serves brunch on the weekend. Moreover, the chef behind the menu owes its stellar reputation to two other successful establishments, also focusing on Peruvian food. With all that in mind, I became eager to try La Royal’s brunch.

The Ceviche Mixto, incorporating blue cod, squid, and shrimp, kicked off our brunch with a delectable touch of freshness and piquancy. The spices, onion, and garlic nicely complemented the raw fish and the squid in the citrus juice, resulting in an amalgam of striking flavors. Subsequently, the Pan con Chicharrón, a copious sandwich with braised pork on a baguette, well-garnished in red onions, was equally as exquisite. The meat, tender and perfectly seasoned and spiced, along with the yucca home fries with aioli heightened this delicious dish. Lastly, the Omelette el Oso thoughtfully combines the portobello mushroom, the goat cheese, the aji amarillo, and the chives.