Perla Mexican Cuisine Restaurant - Santa Ana, CA | OpenTable
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Perla Mexican Cuisine, Santa Ana, CA

Perla Mexican Cuisine

4.5
4.5
208 Reviews
$30 and under
Mexican
Located in the energetic, historic street of the Downtown Santa Ana on the corner of W Fourth St & N Birch St, Perla is a new authentic, family owned restaurant. Perla is truly an authentic representation of the culinary diversity of Mexico. The main focus is to introduce the traditional Mexican flavors enhanced with a personal touch of long family recipes and traditions.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 22 times today
Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Mexican, Cocktail Bar
  • Hours of operation
    Tue–Thu 11:00 am–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–12:00 am Sun 10:30 am–4:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (714) 316-5421
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Owned/operated by
    Latinx or Hispanic, Women
  • Executive chef
    Laura Fabiola Diaz
  • Neighborhood
    Santa Ana
  • Cross street
    N Birch St
  • Parking details
    Street Parking or Parking Garage located on Birch St behind our building.
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

  • Mother's Day Mariachi BUFFET

    May 12, 2024 only
    Celebrate Mother's Day at Perla Mexican Cuisine with our special Mother's Day Buffet in our Armory Private Room, featuring delicious dishes! Enjoy a delightful culinary experience with a variety of Mexican favorites, including savory entrees and delectable desserts, festive atmosphere with live Mariachi music. Reserve your table now for a memorable and delicious Mother's Day celebration. $49.99 per person ($25 for kids under 10 years).
    Mother's Day Mariachi BUFFET Photo
  • Taco Tuesday

    Multiple dates available
    Spice up your Taco Tuesday at Perla Mexican Cuisine and secure your seat for an unforgettable culinary experience! Taco Tuesday Specials: $2.50 Street Tacos (Asada, Chicken, Al Pastor, Chorizo, Potato) $5.00 House Beers $7.00 House Margaritas
    Taco Tuesday Photo
  • Saturday Mariachi Brunch

    Multiple dates available
    Mariachi Brunch

Offers

  • Happy Hour

    Multiple dates available
    Tue - Fri - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM, 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
    Unwind and indulge in a well-deserved Happy Hour escape at Perla Mexican Cuisine! Join us Tuesday through Friday from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM for an experience that's not just about the food and drinks, but the good times and memories too. Savor a variety of savory botanas, each one crafted to perfection, while sipping on cocktails that pack a flavorful punch. And for the beer aficionados, we have a selection of cold, crisp brews that will have you cheering for more. Don't miss out on this opportunity to relax, connect, and make the most of your afternoons. Reserve your spot at our bar today!

What 208 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5
4.5 based on recent ratings
  • 4.4Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

208 Reviews
  1. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing amazing food !!definitely try the salmon tacos!! Cool vibes awesome stuff definitely coming back on repeat

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  2. Nicc

    Los Angeles

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 1, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Angel was amazing! Very professional, well educated on the food and especially liquor. We had a blast with him and cannot wait to return. Thank you!

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  3. friends

    Orange County

    30 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    30 reviews

    Dined on March 30, 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    First time at Perla. Pleasantly surprised. Food very good. Smaller that expected. A bit noisey

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  4. LoPe

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 17, 2024

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 4
    Nice outdoor space for drinks and appetizers. Food and service fair. Found it surprising that entrees did not come with beans and rice.

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  5. OpenTable Diner

    Orange County

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 6, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We went for OC restaurant week. The prefixed menu they offered was delicious. Definitely get the cocktail add on as well!

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  6. StephanyC

    Orange County

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 25, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Truly some of the best service. The food was incredible. Waitress was super attentive and the hostess was super communicative about our table and shared complimentary champagne while we waited.

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  7. DelwynT

    Greater Boston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 25, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Took friends who hadn't yet been and they both loved their food and experience.

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  8. G8eats

    San Diego

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on February 24, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Alex was great and made excellent drink suggestions, really appreciated them keeping our group taken care of!

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  9. Stephanie

    Orange County

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on February 18, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This is our go to spot for Sunday brunches. I come here very often with my partner and the food is amazing and the service is phenomenal and we love the mariachi!

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  10. ChristopherC

    Orange County

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 2
    Food and price were good but there was hidden gratuity fee of 20% of your check. So I had tipped without knowing about the gratuity fee therefore leaving about 60 dollars in gratuity alone :(

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  11. MichaelP

    New York City

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on February 14, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Vanessa, our waitress was exceptional, top notch ...she made the trip worthwhile

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  12. OpenTable Diner

    Orange County

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on February 11, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent atmosphere and delicious food and drinks!

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  13. Mogarcia

    Orange County

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on February 3, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Everything was delish even the mimosa flight with the money. Atmosphere is great, mariachi band did a great job, our waitress even sang.

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  14. KendraC

    Orange County

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 31, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Beautiful lunch on the patio 😀 Trio of enchiladas was amazing!

    1 person found this helpful

  15. ErikaR

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    1.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on January 21, 2024

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 3
    Service was not great, felt like our server was on snooze, we were celebrating a birthday that was noted at the time of the reservation but there was zero acknowledgment, the bathrooms were dirty throughout the night. I was looking forward to this place but the overall it was underwhelming the food was more on the plain side not memorable at all; the one item we did like was the buñuelo dessert not enough to make us come back, we were a group of 9 people and we all felt the same way.

    1 person found this helpful

  16. DouglasK

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 20, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food was delicious in a great setting. The brunch included mariachis. I will definitely go again.

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  17. RebeccaC

    Orange County

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 19, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Loved this place! It was perfect and intimate for a my husband's birthday dinner. Thank you Perla staff for going above and beyond!

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  18. YvetteY

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on January 14, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    My friend and I came here to celebrate our birthdays and we got treated so specially! We loved all the food and had the bottomless mimosas during brunch hours. We will be back for sure!

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  19. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 14, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Had a really nice time, service was nice and they were very attentive. Would go back again!

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  20. OpenTable Diner

    Orange County

    14 reviews

    4.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on January 13, 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Super great service, good food, small portions and small menu for brunch. Going back to try dinner soon 😊

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  21. DianaC

    Orange County

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 23, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Our waitress Karina was most helpful. We went for meeting for my sisters birthday and they had the mariachi play for her while we lit her birthday candles. The vibe was great! Loved our time there

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  22. GabrielaG

    Orange County

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on December 22, 2023

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 4
    First time here, first impression: beautiful art displayed, restaurant looked clean and upscale, they have latin trap/reggaeton music playing in the background. We ordered the wheat chicharron (fried wheat rounds paleteros/ice cream men sell) and shrimp tacos for starters (wasn't a fan of the shrimp tacos as I do not like chipotle and they were covered in a chipotle sauce). I ordered the enchiladas michoacanas and the chicken was extremely dry. The best part of our dining experience was probably the drinks and we had to wave our server down to get a second round in before happy hour ended. One of the servers (we interacted with at least 3) had terrible breath. Overall, food was mediocore and extremely overpriced. Probably won't go back.

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  23. MimiV

    Orange County

    15 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on December 21, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    We were a party of 6 with 2 kids. They do have two items under the kids menu which was a nice surprise. We ordered the rajas and guacamole appetizers, both good. Wait staff needs more coaching and training on service nuances. The waiter brought our drinks and then too off without taking our orders. That type of issue with service throughout the night. The food was good, presentation was nice and decent portion sizes for the entrees.

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  24. DavidC

    Orange County

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 15, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had our office Christmas lunch outside. It was a beautiful day and the service was excellent. Ambiance great! Highly recommend.

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  25. OpenTable Diner

    Orange County

    5 reviews

    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on December 10, 2023

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    I wanted to love this place with as much hype as social media gave it. Mexican meals come with beans not potatoes. We ordered our meals & was asked what kind of tortillas we wanted and then I asked for beans instead or the potatoes. I was given both. They actually charge you $3 for 3 tortillas they’re not included with the meal I was charged $3 for a spoonful of beans & $3 for a spoonful of rice. They should just either tell your or not say chorizo & eggs is $19.00 when in reality it’s $28.00. My friend asked for a traditional torta agogada & it was not what they’re supposed to be like & very small. It’s also a super tiny place & with the mariachi there singing practically on top of us when they played for the tables around us. The margarita flight is a joke tiny little cups filled with ice and super sour you couldn’t taste the tequila at all not the flavors all you tasted was the margarita mix in them and we paid $35.00. Definitely never going back my friends opted not to go we do brunch every Sunday. If you want good food & great tasting cafe de Oya, go next door to cafe cultura. They’re food is worth the price & they don’t nickel & dime you

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  26. OpenTable Diner

    Orange County

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on December 8, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    It’s a smaller place that feels a bit intimate. Perfect for groups of 2-4. Food was good; service was good. Pricing is par for the course for an “upscale Mexican” Food presentation was good too.

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  27. DAVE

    Las Vegas

    26 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on December 2, 2023

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    The service was great and attentive. We were at a wine pairing event. The entree was held far too long, barely warm and dried out. The 1st plate, a cucumber salad was very nice. We will give them another try soon.

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  28. blancap

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 2, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Very good atmosphere lovely staff lovely owners great food

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  29. DDunn

    Orange County

    23 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on November 17, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had a wonderful evening at Perla, from the friendly welcome by several people, to the delicious cocktails and amazing food! The waiter was attentive and helpful. I let the hostess know that one of our friends was celebrating a birthday and at the end of our meal, the waiter brought out a blooming candle and slice of cheesecake. Great service, great atmosphere, amazing food and drinks!Always love being at Perla!

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  30. ReyT

    Las Vegas

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food was really good and correctly priced, same for the drinks. It was also just loud enough with the live music, and not too noisy like other places.

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  31. Chzpuff

    Los Angeles

    25 reviews

    5.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on October 25, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We enjoy going to Perla. Brody the bartender makes wonderful cocktails and gives excellent service. We like to sit at the bar when we go there. I only have one thing to add which is the noise level. With the television and music on it is still hard to have a conversation. Everyone there is so welcoming and we always have a great time.

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  32. OpenTable Diner

    Orange County

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 22, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food and drinks were delicious. The staff provided incredible service.

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  33. OpenTable Diner

    Orange County

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 20, 2023

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 1
    I made a reservation online but had trouble finding parking. I got there seven minutes past my reservation time which coincidentally was also their time for opening. However, when i got there, the place seemed to be closed. No open doors or sign to let us know to come in. As I was about to walk away to a different place, an employee came out singing and dancing, apparently unaware of the fact they were opening up a tad late. Sure enough, the music inside was loud af. Kind of hard to carry a conversation with so much noise around you. While i understand and celebrate that the employees feel comfortable enough to get along very well with themselves, the noise of their chit chatting and music is overwhelming. Feels like a mismatch between the restaurant’s projected image and achieved ambience. The food could’ve been great, but the meat for the torta ahogada was very salty. But really, what made me write this review was cleanliness. Expect none. The floor on the outside area looked decidedly unswept. Makes me wonder if they even wipe down those tables. Then i looked at the floor around me and, sure enough, i found many stains that would normally happen on any given day. But i had just gotten there, at the time they opened. If by the time a restaurant opens to the public their floors and tables aren’t clean, I can only assume their cleaning patterns to be poor. All in all, this is an ok place that can do so much better. The attention and service is good, food could be less salty and ambiance could be redesigned. But the formality of opening up on time and having pristine clean spaces is vital. Personally, I’d choose a different place next time.

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  34. KameronG

    Orange County

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This is a must to experience. Way exceeded my expectations and cannot wait to go back! Perla is family owned, operated and can taste the love they pour into everything they do. Wonderful ambiance and the staff is extremely friendly.

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  35. Stephanie

    Orange County

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Absolutely amazing! Always the best customer service 🥰. Always the best food!

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  36. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 4
    They have a $25 refrigerated cake fee which I do not understand. I’ve taken cakes to high end restaurants where there’s no fee to refrigerate our birthday cakes. I just didn’t understand the point in charging for that. When I asked the girl in the front how much it was going to be she just took the cake without giving me an answer. I didn’t know how much the fee was until the bill came

    1 person found this helpful

  37. MichaelR

    Orange County

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 31, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    Good food but quite pricey!! $28 for 3 small enchiladas and no rice or beans to accompany them is definitely high!

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  38. ElizabethG

    Orange County

    16 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always a great place for dinner, drinks, and music.

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  39. OpenTable Diner

    Orange County

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great service !!! The food was awesome ,Sam our sever was super nice !!

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  40. OpenTable Diner

    Orange County

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 18, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I loved the food and the service. Delicious and very fun place. Definitively going back!

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FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Perla Mexican Cuisine using the Order Online button. Perla Mexican Cuisine also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (714) 316-5421.

Perla Mexican Cuisine is rated 4.5 stars by 208 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 22 times today
Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Perla Mexican Cuisine

400 W 4th St, Santa Ana, CA 92701-4531

Additional information

  • Cross street
    N Birch St
  • Neighborhood
    Santa Ana
  • Hours of operation
    Tue–Thu 11:00 am–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–12:00 am Sun 10:30 am–4:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Mexican, Cocktail Bar
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Street Parking or Parking Garage located on Birch St behind our building.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Owned/operated by
    Latinx or Hispanic, Women
  • Executive chef
    Laura Fabiola Diaz
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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