Do you want a very warm cozy feeling place that is a both very “Playa” and very “Mexican” at the same time? La Perla Pixan Cuisine and Mezcal Store has been in Playa for a few years now and established because it offers something unique and has good food. We can imagine that the creators know Playa Del Carmen well and have created this fusion of what old Playa was and what new Playa can be, creative individual restaurants that are fun to go to. It is also a fusion of traditional and reginal Mexican cooking and Mezcal culture.
The palapa roof and good décor make this place feel local. The place can get crowded, and seating is limited. Seating is casual and family style. In fact, many things are casual here but that is just part of the charm. It can be reminiscent of a Mexican movie set at a rural restaurant or a 1920’s Parisian night spot.
Mezcals are well represented, and they offer mixed drinks as well. Try the mezcal with tamarind mixed drink, you won’t find this many other places. They also have pulques and Pox liquor from Chiapas.
The Food at La Perla Pixan Cuisine and Mezcal Store
The food simply put is excellent! This is a must go to restaurant when in Playa Del Carmen. They mix traditional recipes from all over Mexico and serve it in their own special way. It is less about presentation and more about hearty flavors and appreciation of the rich food culture in Mexico. They do a great job of bring taste from many areas of Mexico to their menu and even finding the traditional ingredients. It is small portions though so keep that in mind when you are ordering. Make sure you end your meal with their version of cheesecake with, you guessed it, mezcal in it.
Make sure you also come here for lunch. Below are some photos of the lunch here. Not only do they have handmade tortillas they also offer a soup, main plate, drink and dessert.
Hours
Closed Mondays
Tuesdays-Sunday 8:00am-12:00midnight
Location
La Perla is tucked nicely on a side street off upper 5th Avenue on 38th Street between 5th Avenue and the beach.
Have you eaten at this restaurant? What did you think? We would love to hear from you in the comment box below.
About The Author
La Perla is one of our favorite Mexican restaurants in Playa Del Carmen. The food is interesting and authentic.
La Perla was one of my favorite restaurants in Playa Del Carmen. They had excellent food, good service, an old fashioned mariachi band that drew in the locals to dance in a tiny space. The Chef was just amazing. Fast forward to today, when they have moved into a new space, at least double the old…..new chef, new music, no Soul. Adios La Perla, I loved and missed the old you. I have tried to like the new space, food, music but it’s not to be.
We recently discovered and tried La Perla Pixan and love it. The service is fantastic and the food is definitely different. We tend to stay in the starters portion of the menu so that we can try many items. Also – they currently have a breakfast “buffet” for $195 per person Monday – Saturday that is fantastic. You can experience the standard breakfast items or even gorditas, sopes, tacos, enchiladas, chilaquiles, etc. Very good food and great value!
Does La Perla take reservations?
We would assume they do. We have never done it but the popular hours from 7-10 might be good to do. You can message them on their Facebook page.