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La Perla Cocina Mexicana
Category: Restaurants Mexican Mexican [Edit]
745 Emerald St(between Ocean Blvd & Mission Blvd)
San Diego, CA 92109
Neighbourhood: Pacific Beach
(858) 274-3038
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 7 am - 10 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
79 reviews for La Perla Cocina Mexicana
Review Highlights
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"BEST Cali Burrito in all of San Diego." In 9 reviews -
"Tacos al Pastor - Authentic." In 2 reviews -
"It's family-run, very clean, cheap, and very cute." In 3 reviews
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78 reviews in English
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Review from Annika B.
Venice, CA
4/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
The first place I hit up when I got to San Diego today from LA!
Charming little hole in the wall (kinda sorta) situated between a hostel, so I was able to enjoy a nice meal and stare at male tourists. Hohoho.
One of my best friends is a regular here and raved about their food, so I gave it a try. I had to get a California burrito since I am here in San Diego and I can't get one anywhere in LA. It was as amazing as I remembered it to be. We also split a lamb taco. And it indeed tasted like a lamb taco. Very tender, gamey, and enjoyable.
Overall, good location, good customer service, and uh, nice eye candy.
Would come here again! -
Review from Stefanie O.
San Diego, CA
5/9/2012
Feeding a family of 4 on $10 just got a lot easier.
This is your typical late night burrito shop, only it doesn't always stay open that late. We wandered over here after trying the new bar in PB, Duck Dive, on my friend's insistence that I try this California burrito that is wrapped in a quesadilla. It was the size of a Cabbage Patch Doll. Tasty, delicious and oh so perfect for my 10 pm dinner. The melty cheese and the familiar potato fries were just what my body was craving.
However, the next day when I reheated the remaining 3/4 for lunch and I could see it for what it was in the light of day, I was less than enamored.
Nachos were also ordered, and again, monster portions. Great post bar snacks - but make sure to share.
Extra stars for opening the doors 2 times to let our friends come in even after they were "closed" and for having a charming staff. -
Review from Salmon H.
San Diego, CA
4/1/2012
I went here and ordered two enchiladas (the # 1) and a lamb taco a la carte. I was surpised to note that the food here was quite different than the myriad Mexican food places around San Diego. First of all, the enchiladas had FLAVOR! Tangy cheese, delicious green sauce (yes you can choose red sausce if you like) sour cream, with a hint of spiciness, and very fresh tasting.
Second, the lamb taco was delicious. It was strong-tasting, shredded lamb, not ground meat as in other restaurants that try to serve lamb . . .
The service was fine. I ordered at the counter with the manager, Guillermo, went outside, grabbed a sidewalk table and my food arrived in under 10 minutes.
I was there on a Sunday at 1pm.
This place is more expensive than the other places by about 10-20% but the food is better, and tastes different than all the "Alberto's, Roberto's, Rigoberto's, Filberto's,, Rosaberto's, and Whateverberto's" in SD! -
Review from Bwittany G.
Tucson, AZ
5/25/2012
Our choice lunch&dinner spot every time we visit PB! We were staying at the Pacific View Motel the week that this place opened- a year later & they are just as awesome! GREAT wet burritos, friendly staff. The wait could be shorter but the food is definitely worth the wait!
I hope for great success to them in the future! -
Review from Sarah G.
5/21/2012
You can't get Mexican food like this in NY. I was dying to try it, so the boyfriend and I stopped in for lunch. It really hit the spot. We both had the 2 tacos/beans/rice/soda combo meal. I got the fish tacos and he had one fish and one chicken. Hole in the wall goodness. Really enjoyed it although the fact that it sits in between two hostels is just unfortunate.
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Review from Billy B.
San Diego, CA
5/16/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Been to this place on several occasions. Its the only spot that will seriously make me re-think going to Dirty Birds. The people here are great and the food is equally as great!!
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Review from Chris K.
San Diego, CA
5/17/2012
This place makes the best chimichanga in the world, and for $6 you'd be crazy NOT to order one. 10 stars.
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Review from Sara L.
Los Angeles, CA
I had La Perla bookmarked for months and months until I finally had the chance to visit sd and give this place a shot! I walk in and the room is eerily quiet and empty...The walls are not decorated and there are two other customers inside, with one staff (the owner, I believe) taking the orders and serving the food. He was really kind though!
We were recommended the california burrito and cali oaxaca. They were the size of a chipotle burrito, for $5! Great quality meat, delicious beans, good consistency, CHEWY tortilla, fresh salsa! I am a fan!!
Definitely one of the better mexican spots in San Diego. I'm sad they didn't open sooner when SD was my home :(
Wait time was close to none.
Streeting parking is available but very limited. -
Review from Seeker O.
San Diego, CA
5/15/2012
Ok ive been to this place 5 times now since i moved back here 4 months ago and this place always delivers. I get the chips and salsa which is amazing for what it is i love the guacamole and sour cream. I usually get a fish taco and shrimp taco. Absolutely amazing. I dont know what they do but its like sex in the mouth.I got the fish burrito one time which for 5 bucks was huge and delicious. I created a yelp account just so i could rant about how good this place is. Dont have any doubts hit this spot up for sure you wont be let down
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Review from Rowan D.
La Jolla, CA
5/10/2012
Had lunch here on Cinco De Mayo, and could not have been more stoked to find such a rad little hole in the wall! Got the wet shrimp burrito, and the boy got a wet carne asada burrito. Waited a bit, but it was absolutely worth it. If you ever need delicious real mexican food after a surf sesh or goofing off in PB... this is where you need to be.
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Review from Adam B.
San Diego, CA
5/8/2012
I really do love the food here. It's quite amazing and some of the most authentic Mexican I've had in PB... BUT I can only give it 3 stars because it takes Soooooooooooooooooooooooo looooooooooooooooooooong to get your food. I suppose good things come to those who wait? That's what I keep telling myself. I would come here much more often if I didn't have to wait so long. (sigh)
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Review from Cy N.
San Diego, CA
5/7/2012
Arguably the best California Burrito in PB if not San Diego. The carna asada here is fantastic, very favorable and fresh. They do take time to prepare your meal, however it is worth the wait as the taste of their food will satisfy your hunger. Would of reviewed them at 5 stars but their chips are really salty that was the only blemish on an otherwise wonderful resume. Everyone that works there is friendly and its only a few steps away from the beach. Great place to stop by for a great burrito.
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Review from Brian P.
San Diego, CA
4/27/2012
Had a California burrito here. The burrito was big and the ingredients were good quality. Good hot sauce as well, I had the red. The staff was friendly. My buddy had the carne asada fries and was equally pleased.
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Review from Daniel C.
San Diego, CA
5/10/2012
By far the best mexican taco shop in the area. Taco Surf doesn't even compare. California Burrito with sour cream for the win.
Save yourself ten minutes and call ahead if you can. They do take long because its made to order. Taking a long time for your food is a good thing if you are looking for quality. -
Review from jeff l.
3/11/2012
It would have been 5 stars but it was very slow in getting my food.
It is a family business and it seems as if they are under staffed.
The owner was taking the orders and the money and serving the food also.
I was pleasantly surprised to see that they served lamb.
I ordered 2 lamb tacos with rice and beans. They offer black beans as well as pinto beans. I got the latter.
I waited
And waited
And waited
And waited for my food.
Finally it came and it was worth the wait.
The best lamb tacos I ever had anywhere in San Diego.
Better than Aqui Es Texcoco and better than El Borrego.
Nice and moist meat and not dry like so many places.
Beans were very good too.
Oh they forgot my jamaica drink.
He had to take more orders and then I
waited and
waited
and waited.
I went up the counter and got my drink.
This place is fantastic.
Get the lamb.
And wait.
But it is worth the wait.
One of the best tacos joints in San Diego by far. -
Review from Sam S.
San Diego, CA
3/24/2012
Help Wanted... Been here a couple times, plain and simple of it is they need more bodies working. If you go here and there's more than 2 people waiting buckle up partner, it's gonna be awhile. Food is good but service sucks. They mean well, but a smile isn't gonna get them past dirty tables with no where to sit. I had to stack dishes and do quick clean up just to get a table. Waited another 30 min to get an egg and chorizo burrito with one order in front of mine. Mind you i never saw any of those tables cleared.
Another time guy left for 15 min cuz he trapped another patron in with his car?!?!?! I was the only one there and I thought this time I'd get a renewed sense of this place. Think again.
Food is good, but this is no more than a horribly run taco shop by nice people. -
Review from Lea J.
San Diego, CA
4/17/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Family owned that showcases home cooking at its best. The torta pollo asado was really savory and will definitely be a star choice when visiting again. The oaxacali burrito was a monster and had all the elements of a cali burrito with extra fixin'. Service was prompt on a Tuesday afternoon. Parking is rough though...
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Review from FugginSuggin ..
San Diego, CA
2/18/2012
My new favorite taqueria! I've been here 3 times in the 2 weeks since it was recommended by a friend.
So far, I've had the OaxaCalifornia Burrito, which is a typical Californian (sans Sour Cream, which it needs), but it is double wrapped with oaxaca cheese between the wraps, akin to a burrito wrapped with a quesadilla. It was massive and just too much for me in my semi-sober state.
Next time, I got a straight California but forgot to order it with sour cream, so once again it lacked that element, but the carne asada is just so tasty that it didn't really matter. I'll be sure to do it right next time.
Last time, I got a breakfast torta, which was awesome. I got it with bacon, and it comes with refried beans, guacamole, lettuce and pico de gallo on a soft and light toasted roll. It rocked and I cannot wait to try more of their choices.
The problem with their menu is that nothing is really described so you have to ask them to explain the ingredients to you, but the owner is extremely friendly. La Perla is a family run operation, which makes me feel warm and happy.
Give it a try. Don't be a jerk. -
Review from Andy D.
1/28/2012
I was sitting there waiting for my al pastor burrito, think about whether this was going to be a 4 or 5-star review. I was in a pretty good mood. It was a nice day outside, so I took a long walk down Garnet, and up Mission Boulevard, all along the way being amazed at how it was possible to have such a high concentration of beautiful women in one place. Anytime I start thinking about wanting to move to North Park, downtown, or somewhere in that vicinity, a walk down Garnet usually changes my mind real quick. I mean, what's the deal with all the PB-haters? They act like everyone here is a bro, d-bag, whore, or whatever derogatory name they can come up with. Sorry, but not everyone fits those categories. Besides, whatever happened to acceptance of diversity, and others not like you?
Anyhow, I walked in, and I was standing in line behind the cast of Jersey Shore. I ordered my al pastor burrito and waited, and waited, and waited. I'm not deducting stars for waiting, but in all the taco shops I've been too, I've never had to wait this long. I finally got my burrito, and I was ready to bite into a 4 or 5-star burrito. Unfortunately, after a few bites, it was down to a 3-start burrito. The one thing I really didn't like was the pieces of orange cheddar or American cheese in the burrito. Most of the places I've been to, except Chipotle, don't put cheese in their burritos.
I don't know, since I've been working down in Logan Heights, and going to Mexican places down in that area, a lot of the places here don't seem to measure up anymore. Not that this place is bad, but I just don't feel it's any better than average. -
Review from Dominique D.
San Diego, CA
1/29/2012 1 Check-in Here
I waited over 30 minutes for horrible food...I ordered the #1 with one cheese and one chicken enchilada with green salsa. The chips are way over salted, the black beans tasted dirty, rice had no flavor, and I swear my chicken enchilada tasted like pine-sol!!
I expected so much more from reading the reviews on this place...you let me down yelp! -
Review from Steven C.
San Diego, CA
1/29/2012 1 Check-in Here
You people are high!! You gotta be to give this place 5stars!!
I had the #2 my wife #1 mine was bland hers she swears tasted like pine-sol. The best thing was the chips! And the wait was forever!
BOOOOOO!!!! -
Review from Lauren L.
1/6/2012 2 photos
I was told this place was legit. While it looks like a little hole in the wall, don't let that turn you away as it did to me one night. After a long Sunday Funday, I thought it would be a good idea to head around the corner to La Perla for some Mexi drunken grub!
I got to the counter, ordered up a plate of chips with guac and a fish taco. Did I mention I was by myself, and all this food was for me? Yes it was a little inappropriate but it was delicious! That's the most important thing.
The chips were warm, and the guac was chunky and beyond fresh! The chips were also served with a chunky side of salsa and some sour cream. I kept topping my chips off with the salsa verde sauce once I ran out of guac.
Now typically I'm not one to eat fried foods and the fish taco was fried. But at that point, I just need to grub! The tortilla was warm and fish was fresh. The taco was topped off with fresh cabbage, lettuce and tomatoes. I wish I could remember how much this all cost but I don't think it set me back more than $7.
So don't judge a book by it's cover! This place has authentic Mexi food that's delicious and nicely priced! -
Review from Cassandra D.
San Diego, CA
2/5/2012
After consuming my California Burrito here I had to share the news with the world! It was Phenomenal !!! The fries were nice and crispy as they must be in this item. The Carne Asada came well seasoned to deliciousness. Not too salty like some places do theirs. Guacamole and Salsa Fresca- yum & fresh indeed. Topped my bites off with their red sauce.
I love mom-n-pop spots! Got my perfect friendly service and my meal came out in a timely manner :) I will definitely be frequenting this spot. Can't wait to try more of their goodness, although the burrito was so good I might just stick with that.
note to self: need to try the habanero salsa next time that someone else wrote about -
Review from Jon S.
San Diego, CA
3/23/2012 1 Check-in Here
We really liked the food here. Casual and authentic. Menu is a bit too burrito oriented, but I suppose this neighborhood makes that necessary.
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Review from Jarin E.
San Diego, CA
2/10/2012
So far so good. I'm from Texas, so am very particular about mexican food. I know being out here is Cali, I can't expect it to be the same... but it hasn't been easy finding a restaurant I like.
I just tried this place, because it's in the neighborhood and got some good reviews. It was pretty good so far. :) I like the "homestyle" feel of this place and taste of my order, unlike Rubios for example. Price is good too... I paid $19 for myself, my husband, and my 2 kids (3 & 4 years old).
I placed a phone order and picked it up to go. Parking wasn't the greatest, but it wasn't bad either - I found something a short walk away. No biggie. So I can't speak to the service and timeliness of eating in, as other reviewers have complained about.
I'm looking forward to trying La Perla again and will update my review if it changes.
It's still not the tex-mex I'm use to, but good compared to other places i've tried while living out here. -
Review from Kristen S.
San Diego, CA
2/19/2012 1 Check-in Here
The cheese enchiladas with rice and beans are perfect. As far as fast-food style Mexican food goes, this is easily some of the best in San Diego. However, I got my food to go because the inside was a little drab and depressing.
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Review from Jennifer C.
San Diego, CA
Updated - 5/1/2012
My husband & I returned for our second time. The grilled fish burritos were once again FANTASTIC!!!! AND...the time between placing our order & being served our sumptuous burritos was drastically improved. If you haven't tried this place, then you are missing out on something special.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/9/2012
Wow!!! My husband & I have lived here for 19 yrs & these were the BEST, freshest-grilled fish… Read more »
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Review from Chris P.
San Diego, CA
4/17/2012 2 Check-ins Here
oaxacalifornia burrito is execellent. pollo asado torta was bomb.
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Review from Peter H.
San Diego, CA
10/5/2011
This is literally run by a family- the Mom cooks and the Dad and Son work the counter. It's like visiting your relatives in Mexico. And it's amazing. This my first yelp review, need to give this place the street cred it deserves. As the best mex in PB I will be depressed if they don't become a permanent fixture. This place looks like the rest, but make no mistake, this is the real deal.
Also they have parking out back that nobody knows about. -
Review from Sean K.
San Diego, CA
I live in PB and will not eat ANY other Mexican food in San Diego besides this place. THE BEST - HANDS DOWN! Tried just about everything on the menu (minus the breakfast plates), even some special places that Guillermo (the owner) likes cooking up for me. From the street tacos, to the ceviche tostada, to the carne asada fries, to the shrimp a la diabla, to the wet king kong w/ chicken... Never been disappointed and always leave FULL! Extremely friendly family that owns and operates this joint. If you are so hungry you feel like you could eat a horse, get the wet oaxacalifornia burrito (biggest burrito they make!) You have to request their habanero salsa if you like spicy... Even better, get a plate of fresh homemade chips AND salsa! Soooo many good things to say about this place, so just get here and try it! If you have to park a few blocks away, don't be discouraged because its a good way to walk off that super delicious meal you just ate! And remember, this is a little hole in the wall... you can tell they actually put love and effort into their food....and they appreciate when you enjoy their food! So if it takes a little longer than expected to get your food, that means it will probably taste even better :)
Rokk On! -
Review from Chuckie F.
San Diego, CA
11/16/2011
Best Mexican food in PB, I have lived here in PB 10 years and it would be a crime if this place shuts down with all of the miserable pathetic food in this town that has stayed in business.
please give this place a try! -
Review from A d W.
Pacific Beach, San Diego, CA
Updated - 1/30/2012
Just went back AGAIN...This place rocks. I got a Cali Oaxaca burro with the usual Carne Asada and fries, but after wrapping the burrito it is rewrapped in a cheese quesadilla using Oaxaca cheese. Hands down best Cali burrito I have eaten...AMAZING!!!. Good luck with parking though, park dirty and keep an eye out for Johnny Law...Oh yeah, get the Habanero salsa hiding in the back, not overly Habanero hot, but hot n tasty...Love this place.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/27/2012
Ok, beyond the fact that you might have to park "somewhere, anywhere" (one of the qwerks we love in… Read more »
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Review from Ian C.
San Diego, CA
Updated - 2/23/2012 4 Check-ins Here
I am bound to try everything on the menu.. On this day in particular i got the addicion burrito named as such because of the food of the gods they put in it, bacon. I also had the calixacao or something like that burrito which is not on the online menu. Basically its a cali burrito wit another tortilla wrapped around it with cheese in the middle. Good but excessive better off just ghetting your cali burritto with a side quesodilla. I love you La perla same time next week?
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/4/2012
Oh happy day!!!. I thought this place was refeshingly unbelievable. Maybe because i dont expect much… Read more »
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Review from Shawn V.
San Diego, CA
3/2/2012
The food is great! I've had a few different things, and everything was delicious. During lunchtime it gets a little backed up, but worth the wait.
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Review from elizabeth g.
San Diego, CA
1/29/2012
I have been going to La Perla since it opened in the summer. This by far is one of the best Mexican food there is out there. Everything is fresh and tasty. I usually get the chicken California burrito, fish tacos or just a breakfast burrito....all amazing.
I notice that it has been a lot busier in there since people discovered it, but that's good ...an amazing place like this deserves to do well! -
Review from Hang L.
1/28/2012
Nestled between a hostel, this hole in the wall restaurant looked quite appealing on the outside. We ordered 2 al pastor & 1 carne asada tacos to-go and waited, and waited, and waited some more. After about 45 mins, we finally got our tacos. I have to say the tacos were excellent but man, the long wait just killed it. I may consider ordering by phone next time...
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Review from Uli L.
1/11/2012 2 Check-ins Here
We loved that place. Very clean, friendly, family run joint with great Tacos. The fish Tacos are not as good as in Southbeach in Ocean beach but the beef and steak Tacos ore amazing. Also the Burritos. We went one day for breakfast and lunch.
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Review from Mary W.
Charleston, SC
3/9/2012
I love La Perla! My family comes here often and they always know what we want. They even bring the food for the children out first. We pass by many other Mexican restaurants because it is the best. The food is excellent, but by favorite is the chicken tortilla soup. I love the chunks of fresh avocado, and the melted cheese at the bottom.
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Review from Lindsey D.
San Diego, CA
7/15/2011
Be still my beating heart! My husband was born and raised in Mexico, and he and I lived in Baja Sur, Mexico for 3 years, before moving to SD.
We thought we'd find Mex food galore out here, but we've been disappointed--not exactly authentic, lots of grease. Too many Americanized touches (cheddar cheese, to begin with). Yes, Mexicans sometimes use lard. But that's because it's a shelf-stable fat. The food itself is fresh, the sauces complex, the salsas made daily with fresh produce... you get the idea. Unlike what you normally eat in the U.S.!
But this place is... wow. Fast. Clean. Amazing menu. And the food? DELICIOUS. Real, home-style Mexican cooking, not unlike the little outdoor family-run restaurants we loved so much IN Mexico.
What we got:
* California Wet Burrito - Best we've had in all of San Diego.
* Chile Relleno (plate) - I'm a fiend for chiles rellenos. Problem is, they're usually under-cooked or over-fried. This one was perfect: delicious, fluffy batter, excellent (white!) cheese inside, a poblano that's actually tender (roast before battering!)... and doused in a perfect tomato broth. Just like my mother-in-law makes!
* Tacos al Pastor - Authentic? Not exactly (though everyone has a preferred style, so that's subjective). But were they full of delicious, crispy, sinfully fatty pork in a tasty marinade and REAL corn tortilla? YES! The best al pastor comes off a spit, but not many restaurants have 'em. This is an excellent way to get your sweet-and-spicy pork fix.
The beans were also very good, real Mexican-style refried beans. Just the right consistency. I can't wait to go back. (I just finished 20 minutes ago and I'm already salivating for more.) -
Review from Jeff B.
San Diego, CA
2/26/2012
I've never had better tasting and quality of Mexican food ever and wish I had the income to eat here more often. If you want the best quality Mexican food then this is the place to go.
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