Review of Parada, the East Bays Best Peruvian Restaurant
Published: 2023-12-14, Last Updated: 2023-12-14
Parada is one of the best Peruvian restaurants in the Bay Area, and one of my favorite restaurants in Walnut Creek, California.
Parada is in an unlikely location--a storefront along busy Treat Blvd at the Pleasant Hill BART station. But the food here is so good that the first time I ate there, it made me want to visit Peru.
Parada's menu is a mix of high-concept Peruvian dishes like an adobo pork shoulder and various stews, as well as comfort food and street food like chiccharones, bacon mac and cheese, and ribs.
The flavors of their dishes are unlike any other cuisine. The ribs are doused in a sweet kola nut sauce, and even a side of fries is served with an unidentifiable but absolutely delicious yellow dipping sauce.
In addition to their entrees and small plates, Parada serves a wide range of ceviches. I like their traditional ceviches but also their Asian fusion version made with ahi tuna.
Alongside their menu, Parada has a full bar. They specialize in pisco sours, the national drink of Peru. Topped with frothed egg whites, this is an excellent, classy cocktail. They also have big bottles of Mexican Coke which is equally delicious.
Parada's atmosphere is bustling, with a lively and exciting energy. The restaurant is small, and the interior can get loud, especially during dinner.
For a quieter experience, eat on the covered and heated patio. Parking can be tough, too. Don't park in the nearby garage past 10pm, or you can get locked in. If you drive closer to the BART station, you can often find street parking.
Parada is an amazing place--the kind of restaurant that transports you, both through its food and its atmosphere. It is absolutely work a visit.
Reviewed by Thomas Smith
Pros
- Inspiring mix of high concept dishes and comfort/street food
- Distinctive flavors, particularly in their sauces
- Wide range of ceviches including both traditional and Asian fusion options
- Full bar that specializes in pisco sours, the national drink of Peru
- Exciting and lively atmosphere
Cons
- The location of Parada is unlikely and along a busy street.
- The restaurant itself is small in size.
- The interior can get quite loud, especially during dinner time.
- Parking can be difficult.
- There is the risk of getting locked in the nearby garage if parked past 10pm.
How We Evaluated It
I have visited Parada about 10 times over the last six years. I have eaten inside the restaurant and on the outdoor patio. I have also gotten takeout from Parada numerous times. I have gone for both lunch and dinner.
Other Nearby
Bondadoso Coffee Shop (7.0/10)
Philz Coffee Lafayette (8.0/10)
Johnnys Donuts Lafayette (8.5/10)
Photos
Photograph of a customer sitting at the table in the enclosed patio with a heater, at the Parada Kitchen Peruvian Restaurant in Walnut Creek, California, February, 2021. (I took this photo)
Low angle view of the entrance to the Parada Peruvian Kitchen and Bar with the prominent signboard above in Contra Costa Centre, California, November 30, 2020. (I took this photo)
Close-up of the Peruvian dish cebiche pescado with fresh fish and shaved onions at the Parada Kitchen Peruvian Restaurant in Walnut Creek, California, February, 2021. (I took this photo)
Plate of Peruvian style ribs at Parada restaurant in Walnut Creek, California, March 4, 2021. (I took this photo)
Close-up of the Peruvian dish chicharrones, with huancaina and chimichurri sauces, at the Parada Kitchen Peruvian Restaurant in Walnut Creek, California, February, 2021. (I took this photo)
Close-up of the Peruvian dish cebiche pescado with fresh fish and shaved onions at the Parada Kitchen Peruvian Restaurant in Walnut Creek, California, February, 2021. (I took this photo)
Plate of french fries and ketchup at Parada restaurant in Walnut Creek, California, March 4, 2021. (I took this photo)
Close-up of plate of Peruvian empanadas at Parada restaurant in Walnut Creek, California, March 4, 2021. (I took this photo)
Close-up of plate of Peruvian macaroni and cheese with bacon, with mans hands visible in background, at Parada restaurant in Walnut Creek, California, March 4, 2021. (I took this photo)
Address
7001 Sunne Ln, Walnut Creek, CA 94597
Contact Info
Website: Click Here