Royal DC

The Royal in Washington DC articulates a sophisticated Colombian-inspired thesis through the lens of wood-fired precision and heritage grains. Central to the narrative is the masa gnocchi, where tender dumplings meet the deep, mineral resonance of braised beef and the earthy musk of maitake mushrooms. The kitchen demonstrates technical mastery with their arepas, particularly the arepa de choclo, which balances the sweetness of corn with the savory depth of roasted garlic brown butter. Texture is a primary language here; the pork empanadas offer a shatteringly crisp exterior that yields to a succulent, aromatic interior laced with aji. Even the grilled avocado is elevated, paired with the nutty resilience of crispy red quinoa and the sharp punctuation of pickled red onion. Each plate is a study in balance, where the heat of charred elements is cooled by house-made queso fresco.