Whether you’re vegan full time, or just looking to mix it up and eat a bit less meat, everyone should be heading straight to Calle Rey in Newton for divine plant-based food (seriously, check out their Instagram). The menu is a real fusion, think mainly Peruvian, elements of Mexican and wait for it, Japanese! We visited recently and are here to share the menu highlights!
First of all, Calle Rey also houses the Diablo Pisco Bar, which is open late Fridays and Saturdays, however that means there is always pisco available behind the bar! If you’ve never tried a Pisco Sour, this is the place to get one. Not only are they expertly made, but there’s a tasting paddle which means you can try a few flavours! You may be wondering how a pisco sour is made with no egg whites, well that’s the bartenders secret but we have a sneaky suspicion that the plant based foamer is aqua faba. Not a pisco fan? There’s also a margarita tasting paddle *wink wink*
We tried plenty on the menu thanks to the set tasting menus. There are two to choose from, a classic one, or a Japanese one. We opted for the classic as we’re big fans of Mexican cuisine and wanted to see how Peruvian came to life. We weren’t disappointed! The jackfruit ‘chicken’ nachos were HUGE and then we still had charred corn, two tacos (you got to choose the flavours too, don’t miss the eggplant!) and the real stand out: the buffalo cauliflower. Just look at this stuff…
When we say this stuff was addictive, we mean it. We honestly would have ordered a second round if the set menu wasn’t so filling. We rounded up with our choice of dessert (can never go past churros!) and left stuffed. The set menu is only $39 too if you can believe that?! It’s incredible value and we’re dying to go back for the Japanese fusion set menu as we heard very good things about the plant-based sushi.
If you’re looking for an intimate dinner, this is a great mid-week venue, and if you’re looking to get a little lit, the weekend has your name all over it. It’s far from a vegans only joint!
Make a booking right here and eat your heart out.