Perla's

When brainstorming your next Austin vacation idea, consider indulging in Austin's premiere seafood and oyster bar at Perla's.

This iconic eatery opened in 2009 on South Congress Avenue, whose neighbors are Vespaio Ristorante and attractions like Paramount Theatre and Texas Science & Natural History Museum. 

Perla's is the brainchild of renowned restaurateurs Larry McGuire and Tom Moorman and is the go-to destination for seafood lovers. The founders' vision was to create a space that feels like a breezy, beachside spot where time slows down and meals are to be savored. 

This intention is evident in every detail, from the design of the expansive oak-shaded patio to the thoughtful selection of dishes that celebrate the bounty of the sea. 

Perla's boasts an oyster bar with a daily selection from the East and West coasts, ensuring that every visit features new flavors and textures. 

Perla's has become a staple in Austin's dining landscape and a symbol of the city's love for innovation within tradition. It showcases how a carefully curated dining experience can transcend the ordinary, transforming an Austin getaway into the extraordinary.

Vibe

The vibe at Perla's is unmistakably laid-back yet sophisticated, encapsulating the essence of a seaside oasis amidst the urban surroundings. 

The exterior beckons with its large, welcoming patio adorned with mature oak trees, creating a cool and inviting outdoor dining space. This patio culture is central to Austin's lifestyle, making Perla's appealing to all looking for a relaxing dining environment.

Inside, the ambiance of Perla's is reminiscent of a classic oyster bar but with a distinct Austin twist. The interior design harmonizes nautical elements with sleek, modern touches. 

The open layout and large windows ensure the space is bathed in natural light, enhancing the airy, open-sea experience.

This harmonious blend of outdoor charm and interior elegance, coupled with the culinary delights, ensures that the vibe at Perla's is always inviting. Here, memories are made, seafood is celebrated, and every visit feels like a departure from the ordinary, proving it to be an essential stop on any Austin vacation.

Perla's: Menu & Drinks

At Perla's, the menu is a testament to the ocean's boundless treasures, offering an array of dishes that draw diners into a whirlpool of flavors. 

Let's begin our deep dive by examining their claim to fame: the oyster bar. Guests will be astounded at the cold bar choices, like oysters from Prince Edward Island to Maine to Alaska. Served with crackers and condiments, the limitless oyster selections will have you eager to sample them all!

Moving on to fresh seafood, one standout is the Crispy Skin Verlasso Salmon. This delightful entree comes with herb salad, grilled lemon, and garlic-drawn butter, salsa verde, red chimichurri, or house tartar sauce. The Seared Maine Scallops are another crowd-pleaser featuring parmesan risotto, shaved fennel, and jalapeño. The flavor combination is out of this world!

Meat lovers will want to cut into the tender 14 oz Oak Grilled Niman Ranch Ribeye. Served with herb salad, roasted tomato, and a choice of salsa verde, horseradish creme, maitre d' hotel butter, or béarnaise sauce, this entree is not to be missed.

The drink menu at Perla's complements its culinary offerings with equal flair. Specialty cocktails like the Ocean's Martini, a crisp and refreshing blend of gin, cucumber, and a splash of seawater, offer a unique taste of the sea. The Mermaid's Kiss, a tantalizing mix of rum, fresh lime, and coconut water, topped with a dash of blue curaçao, is as visually striking as it is delicious. 

Perla's combines the spirit of Texas with the allure of the ocean, making for an exemplary Austin dining experience.