I was visiting my friend who lives in Philly, and she knew I've been looking for a Filipino restaurant. She made reservations for us, and it did not disappoint. Chef Lou made us a wonderful meal! We ordered the pancit with razor clams, sinagang, which is served with a bone marrow, jasmine rice with garlic scapes, Ginataag Hipon, which is prawns with acorn squash, sweet peppers, in a coconut-lemon grass broth, and the pork belly adobo. It's not your traditional Filipino food, but so delicious! We also tried some of the desserts. The ube mousse with mirengue was so good! I would like to come on a Sunday to try the family style, traditional Filipino dinner. Linda was our server, and she was very knowledgeable and friendly. I will definitely be going to Perla again next time I visit Philly. Masarap!
Absolutely amazing. The food was prepared perfectly. Someone needs to send Gordon Ramsey to this place. Elegant atmosphere and extremely intimate. You can watch the chef prepare and plate your meal. Absolutely loved it. Get the bone marrow rice!!!!
I took my sister here last night, and we loved the idea of eating food on top of the banana leaves. Everything was delicious, especially the milk bun, lumpia, and veggies on top of the rice. I really wanted to like the crispy pork, but it was so tough that even our steak knife couldn’t cut through it. Plus, it was mostly fat and very little actual meat. Chicken was very moist and flavorful, and the pompano fish was delicious. The dipping sauces made the meal tastier. Loved all three of them. Service was fantastic, and everyone is super attentive and warm. We had lots of leftovers, which my family happily devoured when I got home! They kept commenting on how delicious everything was. I will definitely go back with my husband.
I had an awesome experience here. Reservations are necessary. This is definitely a place you come to for the experience. The food was super fresh and amazing. The menu is fixed. My partner and I don’t eat pork so they gave us an additional whole fish to replace the pork on the menu. It is BYOB and you eat with your hands. You do have the option of silverware, but looking around, most people didn’t use it. Dining here felt very personalized. The staff were all sweet and accommodating. I left happy that I came.
The fish, lumpia rolls and pan dulce were delicious. Cant go wrong with fried pork. I wish the rice had more curry, it was mostly on one side of the table. Kind of hard to find the door entrance to the restaurant, they need a sign. Not against eating with my hand, but not sure it adds to the experience, will recomend this place delicious
byob so bring your favorites. Another plus, you have stateside vodka across the street if you want extra after dinner drinks.
Now onto the food, authentic Filipino kamayan feast. If you haven't been to one, it's so worth it for the experience in itself. You start off with your table covered in banana leaves. Then the food starts coming poured right onto the table, starting with the rice, then the chicken halves, fried pork, lumpia, whole fish, veggies and finally dessert. Communal style dining Filipino style means you're eating with your hands!
We came here for a birthday with a group of 17, brought our own cake. The atmosphere, small but plenty of room, of course gratuity was automatically added but the service was worth every little bit. I came here plus ones, and with groups. Regardless, you'll love the experience, you'll love this place
** check out my IG- davidyums to see the reel I made for this place
Cute and intimate space and friendly staff even though there’s only 2. Massive serving for 4 people with lots of leftovers. Food was okay but the sauces made it interesting and flavorful. Can choose to eat with hands or utensils. Yummy dessert. Overall a good experience no complaints
I've been twice and the Kamayan was tasty both times and not bland at all. It's a BYOB spot that serves great portions rather quickly, and while you're left to enjoy at your own pace (not being bothered and just going at it is enjoyable), service was always there when we needed something. Great vibes all around and something different.
Friggin love Perla. Taking a friend there this Dec for her visit and went with other friends earlier this year. The food is so good and is approved by my friend who grew up in the Philippines and is a huge foodie.
It’s very much family style so know your guest count 24 hours in advance (says it right on Resy)!! Otherwise it’s pretty rude to walk in missing people of your party and NOT expect to be charged for food that’s already likely been prepared in anticipation.
Perla was a very fun experience that’d I’d highly recommend with a group of friends. The food was quite yummy and they did not hold back on the portions!
Tasty, delicious and different experience. My favor part of dinner was the fried rice with curry veggies...all the meat and lumpia is yummy too. Excellent service and a wonderful time. Best part was BYOB.
As others have mentioned it is family style, BYOB, and you can eat with your hands if you would like.
What was good:
The veggies and rice were very good. As a table of 6 people we ate all the veggies that were put out for us. The lumpia was also all eaten. There was rice leftover which I took home and made a very good veggie fried rice. Large family portion left everyone full.
What was okay:
All the meats. Chicken was the best of the bunch, and was okay. The pork was very dry and I soaked the pieces I had in the sauce on the table. Fish was fine.
Fun experience but probably will not go again.
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