Tucked away behind a heap of office types spilling out onto the pavement with drinks, ciggies and mobs, this Mexican bar and restaurant is easy to miss. Inside, the place is chocka, so you have to run a double gauntlet of bodies to see if La Perla lives up to its name.

The Venue
Make like a crab and shuffle sideways through the good natured bottleneck of drinkers schmoozing at the narrow bar before popping out into the cosy restaurant section beyond. The dinky dining area is decked out with potted palms and just enough tables, readily pushed together for big sociable parties or pulled apart for intimate one on ones. There is a big open kitchen where chefs look after the business end with flair and flourish. Well placed at the back of Covent Garden Piazza and minutes from the tube, this is just the ticket for shoppers gone lame, a works do and get togethers with family and friends.

The Atmosphere
La Perla's like hanging out in the kitchen at a mate's party, bartenders and chefs knocking up cocktails and tucker in front of you, with great salsa music rocking the joint. The crush of bodies at the bar has a tube-at-rush-hour vibe but nobody minds in this warm and fuzzy crowd. In contrast, the restaurant end has the feel of a private club, an island of peace in the midst of the hubbub of the capital. Ideal for chilling out with your chums. Expect service that’s faster on the draw than the meanest hombre.

The Food
There are all the usual Mexican suspects but with a twist. Cactus, feta, cheddar, mozzarella and jalapeno quesadillas, served with tomato and tequila salsa (£5.75), are suitably glutinous, rib-sticking, honest-to-goodness comfort food for the pickiest peon. Camarones picantes come with plump, juicy, delicate king prawns marinated in an explosive mix of tequila, chilli, garlic and lemon juice, served with flour tortillas (£4.95).

For mains, spicy vegetarian tostada combines balsamic onions, marinated artichoke hearts, refried beans, lettuce, tomato, avocado slices and cucumber on two crispy corn tortillas (£9.95, chicken, beef and pork versions, £9.95-£10.95). The balsamic onions hit the pain and pleasure taste buds full on, with refried beans drawing just enough of the sting from the strong, spicy pickles. Spread yourself out on a separate table to go for the chicken, beef, prawns or mixed vegetable fajitas (£10.95 - £13.75). The vegetarian version comes with an array of separate plates, including char grilled veggies - sweet, crispy and chunky - creamy guacamole, pico de gallo and a smashing powdery mash of refried beans, plus corn tortillas.

The Drink
Desiccate your palate with a cheek-sucking-in-ly sour and salty, desert dry margarita – then order a jug to make sure it wasn't a fluke (1/2 pitcher, £18, happy hour £12.00). Stuffed with crushed ice and served with a salt rimmed glass, this is a frosty, fiery, eye wateringly thirst quenching concoction that sorts the men from the boys. There is a minimalist but respectable wine list (cocktails are king here, you won't get the wine list unless you ask for it); house white is a Chilean Sauvignon Blanc, house red, Chilean Pinot Noir (£14.50) while there is a house cava (£18.50) and house Champagne (£19.50).

The Last Word
First impressions do not do justice to this lively bar/restaurant - you expect a loud office crowd but instead the vibe is friendly and relaxed. You expect average grub but you get convincing Latin fare and cocktails that hit the spot. Break through the shell to discover a quiet pearl.

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