Down trendy and stylish Charlotte Street you can find Tex-Mex food at reasonable prices at La Perla. Your appetite will be satisfied, your thirst will be quenched but your wallet won’t be emptied.

The Venue
As you enter the restaurant it seems a bit tiny but there is another large dining area and separate bar downstairs. The decor is modern, clean and contemporary with a classy Mexican flair. The use of warm tones, dark wood and dim lighting sets the mood for a relaxing and enjoyable meal in the upstairs dining area, where you can dine and people watch at the same time. Murals, paintings and Aztec style accents decorate the walls.

The Atmosphere
La Perla is the perfect place for some after work drinks, a group dinner or light snacks. The staff are extremely friendly, helpful and pleasant to deal with, making sure you are well looked after. If it’s a more upbeat night out you’re looking for, head downstairs to hang out at the fully stocked bar.

The Food
Once you taste the complimentary tortilla chips and spicy, freshly made salsa you know there’s something good in store. Nachos Rancheros (£6.95) are crisp, salty corn chips covered with melted Edam cheese on top a layer of pinto beans and spicy sauce. The dish is finished with generous amounts of fresh pico de gallo, julienne sliced iceberg lettuce, chopped spring onions, sour cream, guacamole, and black olives. This starter is meant to be shared between two people and may even be enough for three. The corn chips are crunchy, the cheese is thick and melted perfectly, the pico de gallo is freshly made and bursting with pungent cilantro and the guacamole is homemade, chunky and delicious. The only improvement could be to use Monterey Jack cheese which would make these nachos more authentic, since Edam cheese is from Holland.

Vegetarian enchiladas (£9.50) are two corn tortillas filled with aubergine, onion, spinach, celery, courgette and green peppers all held together with loads of melted cheese, served with Mexican rice and creamy refried beans. The enchiladas are topped with enchilada (red chilli) sauce and more gooey, piping hot cheese. The use of traditional corn tortillas is a nice surprise since most Mexican restaurants in London use the flour ones. The veggies are not overcooked and still have a bit of crunch which complements the soft tortilla and cheese textures. Pork tenderloin enchiladas (£10.50) are stuffed with grilled pork tenderloin and a generous amount of melted cheese. Like the vegetarian enchiladas they’re also served with Mexican rice and refried beans and the thick pieces of pork are spicy, tender and fall apart in your mouth. The somewhat sweet flavour of the corn tortillas go well with the salty, spicy meat and cheese.

The Drink
There is definitely no shortage of alcohol at La Perla with an extensive drinks menu. You can choose from various margaritas, cocktails, flavoured martinis, beers, and of course several tequilas. Daily happy hour (from 5pm to 7pm) offers some cocktails for just £3.50 (margaritas, pina coladas, strawberry daquiris), beer for £2 and wine for £2.10 a glass. There are also soft drinks, fruit juices and mineral waters.

The Last Word
A lively atmosphere, filling, flavourful food and an endless supply of tequila.

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