Came here twice, once with my aunt and once with my husbands family. Both times I got the patty melt with fries. Absolutely delightful! Big portion, good price. It's a diner with a beautiful patio outside. Ate inside both times. The menu is easy to read with good options. Server was really helpful in helping us pick a dressing for my aunts salad. She ended up getting a ginger dressing and it was really fresh! I'd go back again and again for the hearty portion of patty melt. It's located right on congress so you can walk the strip, go shopping and stop at Perla's for a nice bite to eat. read more

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Went to Perla's for an anniversary dinner last night, and it continues to be one of my favorite spots in Austin! We had a later reservation around 8:45 and sat outside, loveee their lighting outside!! Their patio is so cute and has such a fun atmosphere. The service was amazing! Our waitress was super attentive and did a great job answering any questions we had about the menu. We started with the calamari and BBQ shrimp. The calamari was cooked well, but I felt like it was missing a little something flavor-wise. The green sauce tasted more like a salsa, and I think some extra seasoning or even more lemon would have made it perfect. The BBQ shrimp was SO good!! The bread that came with it was amazing for dipping into the sauce. The sauce definitely has a little kick to it, so be prepared if you're sensitive to spice! For drinks, we tried the Shipwreck Spritz and Sea Mist. The Shipwreck Spritz was so refreshing and genuinely tasted how a beach house smells if that makes any sense lol. The Sea Mist was also really good and had more of a spicy/refreshing flavor. For our mains, we got the fish and chips and wood grilled oysters. The oysters were super flavorful, and my fish was cooked perfectly. Similar to the calamari, I just felt like the sauce with the fish and chips could have used a little more flavor. We finished with espresso martinis, which usually aren't my favorite, but I actually really enjoyed these! Overall, we had such a great anniversary dinner and loved the atmosphere, food, and service. I'm giving it 4 stars just because a few of the dishes felt like they were missing that extra bit of flavor, but Perla's is still such a great spot and somewhere I'd absolutely come back to! read more

Perla's - Shipwreck spritz + sea mist - Seafood Near Me - Austin, Texas

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We went for dinner on a Thursday night. It was pretty busy, but they were able to sit us inside. They do have outside seating as well. The place is very cute and they have a great menu. I saw the lobster roll and jumped on it. It was a good size and they were not skimpy on the lobster. The bread was buttery and toasty. I had the coleslaw, but you do have options for your side. The coleslaw is creamy and tasty. For my drink, I have the Prosecco. You can never go wrong with Prosecco. Everyone was very nice. read more

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I was recommended this place from someone and it was worth it. Opted for sitting outside on the patio. It was about a 10 minute wait because it was such a nice day outside. Great food, great atmosphere and absolutely great service. I would recommend if you are looking for a seafood restaurant in Austin. read more

Perla's - Oyster or Shrimp Po-Boy - Seafood Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Visited on a beautiful Sunday and sat outside on the patio, which was such a nice experience. The ambiance was great, the service was attentive, and everything we ordered tasted fresh and flavorful. One thing that stood out was the ceviche. The flavors were good, but it felt a little heavy on the cucumbers, avocado, and greens, and a little light on the seafood itself. For the price, I was hoping for a bit more fish. Overall, it was a really enjoyable meal in a beautiful setting, and I'd definitely come back to enjoy the patio and try more dishes. read more

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Growing up in Austin I couldn't believe I had yet to go to Perla's. It was a perfect spring night and the weather was great for sitting outside. We had an 8:30 reservation and they were about to seat us inside but when we asked for an outdoor table, they worked their magic and got us a great spot on the patio under the twinkle lights. I ordered a glass of wine and the lobster pasta dish. It was fantastic but oh so rich. I could only eat half and I was completely full. Took the rest for later. I get the hype of this place from the vibe to the food. read more

Perla's - Seafood Near Me - Austin, Texas

Haven't been for a hot minute and the vibe was def a bit different. Had a reservation for 6:45, arrived around 6:50 and was sat right away. The restaurant was busy and the energy very high. Elias was the person who assisted me and the service was fine just a couple of missed opportunities. I asked for recommendation between the shells and cheese or the crab grits, Elias immediately recommended the shells and cheese. There was an add on for Crab that I forgot to ask about and I totally would have gone for it. Missed opportunity number one. Second was for dessert, that wasn't recommended at all. I love me a good dessert so was a bit disappointed. Follow up after the meal arrived was delayed almost as an after thought when the table next to me wrapped up. Anyhoo got the sea bass and the shells and cheese both were and that ma. And cheese is to die for. Soooo damn good. Overall still a solid place jservixe could have used a bit of improvement. read more

Perla's - Baked Shells & Cheese - Seafood Near Me - Austin, Texas

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We went to Perla's on 7/24 to celebrate a friend's birthday, and had Jacob as our waiter. He was great: attentive, gave recommendations, and ensured we had a great time. It was also National Tequila Day, so we ordered shots. Perla made us the best looking tequila shots I've ever seen. I have dietary restrictions, and Jacob recommended ponzu sauce to go with the scallops since I couldn't have any of the sauces they are traditionally served with. The scallops were divine: so moist, tender, and flavorful. They were served with a small green salad which was bright and light. The restaurant has spacious indoor and outdoor seating, and the lighting was perfect. read more

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A visit to Austin, you definitely have to dine at Perla's! As always I love this restaurant! Service was brilliant! Ambiance is classic and well lit. Food is to die for! Lobster roll is amazing and of course the grilled octopus is on Point ! read more

Perla's - Crab salad with jalapeño green goddess sauce - Seafood Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Perfection, no notes! Absolutely loved the outdoor patio and the vibes. Service was incredible, my waiter was friendly and attentive, and I also noticed wait staff/employees dining as guests (always a great sign)! Food was fantastic - great oyster selections, lobster roll was delicious with plenty of meat and not too much mayo, and fries were crispy and plentiful. Special shoutout to the frozen watermelon marg - a delight. read more

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Lovely setting right on South Congress, the outdoors looks out on the avenue and the indoors is spacious with an aquatic feel. The food does not disappoint - we ordered the Tuna Tostada as well as the Crispy Red Snapper, at the recommendation of our kind server. Both were very tasty - and the Tuna Tostada was definitely the standout topped with jalapenos and a delicious sauce. Service was very kind - and they made it feel special for my birthday. Would definitely return in the future! read more

Perla's - Tuna Tostadas - Seafood Near Me - Austin, Texas

Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant! The food here is top class. Fresh seafood and ingredients coupled with unique flavors make this a must do. We started with the lobster roll which was perfection. Stacked high with lobster meat in a delicious mayo based sauce. Drizzle it with melted butter and it's heaven. The Swordfish skewers basted in a curry sauce were delicious. Just bursting with flavor. Service was excellent and friendly. read more

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If there's a birthday occasion, they put this cuuUute postcard with handwritten notes. That's a nice gesture. Service is really nice, patient, and helpful! My boyfriend and I ordered the Poco Platter, which was a good choice to try the oyster, clam ceviche, lobster, crab leg, and scallops. The scallop they have is sooo good. We also got the grilled oyster, which was really good. For entrees, we got the lobster bucatini and the sea bass, which both were SOOO good. Highly recommend! I'm a huge dessert person, and we got the butterscotch pot de creme, which is basically a really good butterscotch pudding thing. SooOooO good!! You need to try their desserts!! read more

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Met a couple of friends for brunch at Perla's last weekend prior to boot and shoe shopping. A couple of us split a bottle of prosecco for mimosas. Our other friend is doing dry January. I loved my dish with sausage, egg in the hole, and oysters. Great flavors and variety! My other friends like their sandwiches/po-boys. I'm glad my friend made a reservation because the place was really busy. We parked in the nearby garage and had it validated at the restaurant, which was useful because I'm not great at back in parking! It had been a long time since I'd been to Perla's. It's a great location to eat before or after walking around SoCo! read more

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Ambiance: great for people watching on the patio along South Congress. Literally a Waymo stopping on the corner every other 2-3 minutes or cruising along for those who are interested. Tables aren't spaced too tightly inside, but you can hear the next table's conversation if you care. The high ceiling helps to diffuse the noise without feeling stuffy. Service: just right without being annoying Self check-in type of parking with your car plate number with the tablet up front, I think within 15 mins of parking. Two hour validated parking at Premium Parking in the back. Food: paying top $$$$ for seafood. Lobster roll is $41. Po boy / shrimp / fish roll is $25 with fries which seem like a better deal. Didn't skimp on anything but yea, $41 kinda hurts but satisfies the lack of good seafood in Austin. Baguette on the roll was lightly toasted and it was a fresh baguette. Pretty expansive food and beverage menu to satisfy everyone. read more

Perla's - Oyster Po-Boy - Seafood Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Perla's is a lovely restaurant that balances an expensive meal and good service while maintaining a casual atmosphere. Went there for a birthday celebration and we decided to share the seafood tower as our main course. It's the kind of meal that makes nearby diners turn and gaze with envy. Two different kinds of PEI oysters, clams, lobster knuckles, and plenty of crab. I never thought I would fill up on lobster and crab and raw oysters-- all of my favorites-- but I absolutely did. We had reservations and were able to sit inside, as summer in austin is not great for eating on the deck. Service was great, too. read more

Great food, service, ambience. The snapper collar came with 2 huge collars and was amazing. The chimichirri is loaded with cilantro so be careful if you don't like it. Great meal. read more

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Came on a Saturday evening during SXSW with a party of 4. Wait time was quoted an hour which was reasonable given the time and amount of people on south congress. You are given are complimentary hush puppies. Can't comment on those as hush puppies aren't my personal favorite regardless. We ordered the grilled oysters and calamari as a starter. The oysters were nice and had a small kick with the pepper. The calamari was a bit underwhelming, I've had better else where. I ordered the potato crusted sea bass and a side of brussel sprouts. The dish was buttery and well cooked. The sprouts had a nice flavor and cook to them as well. I would definitely reorder that. The table has shared some Mac and cheese which I enjoyed and tasted the red snapper entree which had a more mild, tomato based flavor that wasn't bad but wasn't life changing. Overall, a lot of the dishes sound appetizing and for the most part were. At this price point I'd want all dishes to be equally as good and that's where one star was taken. read more

Scout was a very friendly server and we sat outside in the (shaded) Texas heat. I never think to take photos, but everything was a delicious. We had fish and shrimp ceviche that was perfect. Then, I got the gazpacho soup and my husband got the shrimp cocktail Cobb salad. The shrimp in his salad were absolutely beautiful! My gazpacho was perfectly light and spicy and delicious. There was a tiny side of toast with melted cheese and chives on it that mad the perfect finish for the perfect meal. Yum! read more

Last night Halloween) we ate at Perla's for the first time and sat on the outdoor patio. Was a fantastic night, watching people dressed up, walking up and down South Congress. But it could've been any night. The wedge salad with lump crab meat, and thousand island dressing was different than most traditional wedge salads. But I found it refreshing and different. I wish it came with croutons or some bread. I felt like I needed some starch with the salad. But it was quite good. Now the Seabass was fantastic. The sauce was lemony and buttery and absolutely delicious and the crunchy potato scallops as a crust was a great touch. They actually look like little tiny scales. It was a pretty thin cut of meat however it was just delicious. I highly recommend. Service was top-notch and everyone was great read more

Perla's - Mediterranean Sea Bass a la Plancha - Seafood Near Me - Austin, Texas

The food here is fairly mediocre for the price, but Perla's is still a great option if you're mainly looking for a lively, stylish spot on South Congress. Their outdoor patio is especially nice and makes for a great place to grab a drink, people-watch, and enjoy the atmosphere--even if the food itself doesn't quite justify the cost. read more

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Amazing! Food was great , lighting and ambiance perfect and Kevin was the best! Great service. Will be back ! read more

Our last day in Austin 6/6/26 and the wife and I couldn't have picked a better place to end our week. We had a great server named Jacob he just made the visit the best. Great cocktails to go with grits w/crab, a meat lover's omelette, best gumbo, deviled eggs and best biscuits in Texas. We will be back to this place if its the only place we eat at in Austin period! read more

Perla's patio is so pretty. The food was good and they have lots of fun cocktails. However they are busy so service is very slow. I liked the lobster roll but it didn't blow me away. Don't forget to make a reservation! read more

Perla's - Lobster roll - Seafood Near Me - Austin, Texas

Hubs made reservations for my birthday. Just two of us. It was a Friday early dinner. We were seated inside very quickly. Loved the card they had there for me. Here's my review. Service 5 stars. Hostess was great. Our server was kind, patient, answered our questions and made great suggestions. Food runners and bar were top notch. Ambience 5 stars. All the details at the table, cleanliness, decor, aquarium were wonderful. Drinks 4 stars! We had a few of their special drinks and later a bday tequila shot! Food 3 stars. I was disappointed. I had really high expectations. Started with New Orleans BBQ shrimp. I was excited because I love NOLA BBQ shrimp. The focaccia it came with was lovely but besides butter and heat, there wasn't anything NOLA about it. Looked pretty. Our entrees were crispy snapper, fried Gulf prawns and herb fries. Husband loves snapper but said it was okay. Prawns were good but the tartar tasted like plain mayo. The remoulade sauce was good though. Fries were meh. We only ate a few each. We didn't have dessert. Overall, I enjoyed the visit but wished my food was better. It was fine. For the price and ambience, my expectations of flavor were let down. Maybe I'll give it another go someday. read more

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We did get seated almost immediately on a really busy game day. But I have to say we were underwhelmed by the food. The brioche French toast was delicious with toasted coconut and berries, but the other dish we got was the lobster egg white frittata, and that dish was sad. The lobster was beyond chewy, the egg was unseasoned, and overall it lacked any type of texture. Ultimately we didn't even finish it, which is sad because it was really quite expensive. I do have to say, our waitress was so kind, we were on a time crunch and she made sure we got our food and were able to pay super quickly. The place is cute and the idea is nice, it is really loud when busy, with lots of indoor and outside seating, read more

Want to give a huge shoutout to Monique (OG Austinite) who took care of us this weekend. Not only was she extremely knowledgeable about the menu. She was very accommodating and demonstrated a wonderful customer experience. This wasn't our first time to Perlas, but hope we get to work with her again soon. Holmes O read more

I haven't had a lobster roll in so long, so the one at Perla's hit the spot. Vibes were cute, service was great! Make a reservation though, walk in is not guaranteed. read more

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The salt & jalapeño fried calamari is light, crispy, and just spicy enough to keep you reaching for more. The Hokkaido scallops risotto was nicely seared. The real star was the lobster bucatini with plenty of lobster and perfectly cooked pasta. Overall, an easy choice for a relaxed but elevated seafood meal. read more

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My wife and I had an amazing experience at Perla's. I love the ambiance and the outdoor seating, especially when it's a nice day outside in Austin. The food was absolutely delicious. We ordered the ceviche, po boy, and gumbo. Everything was phenomenal. I liked the addition of a fried egg in the gumbo, which I've never seen before. The drinks were great. I tried the Banana Boat. It was very spirit forward, which I enjoyed. Overall, a great experience and we will definitely return. read more

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You really can't beat Perla's location on Congress. After a little walking and shopping, this is the perfect place to stop for a cold drink and some light, fresh seafood. The atmosphere feels classic Austin--easygoing, lively, and right in the middle of everything. The drinks are excellent, and their weekend mimosas are a standout. Brunch here is always on point, whether you're going all in or just grabbing a small plate and enjoying the scene. Even if you're only in the mood for a little seafood and a drink, Perla's hits the spot. Service is quick and professional, but it does get busy--wait times can be long, so I definitely recommend making a reservation if you can. Perfect location, great drinks, and consistently good seafood. Perla's is an easy win downtown read more

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I visited Perla's a few weeks ago with my partner. We did not have a reservation, but walked in and were seated shortly after. The host(s) sat us at the bar to wait for a table, which was finishing up and needed to be cleaned. We maybe sat for 5-10 minutes and then got to our table. We tried to order a drink at the bar (which the hosts told us to do there) but could not get anyone's attention. We were able to order once we sat at our table, of course. Once sat, our server was attentive, knowledgeable, and friendly. Our food came out quickly. I ordered a crab salad, and my partner got the lobster roll. Both were pretty expensive. I'm from New York, and these challenged New York prices. The food was tasty, but not exactly worth the price tag. read more

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Came here for a brunch with family. It was busy but thankfully we had reservations. Service was friendly and prompt. Our server had excellent recommendations on the raw oysters-- I enjoyed them all. We also got the grilled oysters, which were good but honestly, next time I'll just order more raw oysters. We also got lobster rolls and the red fish on a half shell and everything was really good. The lobster roll was filled with lobster meet. Definitely worth it. The red fish was one of the best we've had and will be back just for the red fish. I also like how they have a few options for NA drinks including beers. We've gone to Perla's throughout the years in the past 15 years and have enjoyed it each time. It's really busy now so make a reservation. Their menu changes so that keeps things interesting. They validate parking for 2 hours in the garage behind it. Remember your license plate number as you will need that to validate your parking via the tablet at the hostess stand. We came for a casual brunch but Perla's is also great for birthdays, celebrations, etc. read more

Perla's is a great spot to visit on Soco! The decorated oysters are delish, I love grabbing a few snack items and sitting on the patio to people watch! read more

Food: our table ordered oysters, the biscuits, the mahi sandwich, calamari, the lobster roll and a burger with bacon. Recommendations here are get the biscuits! They come with a whipped strawberry butter and they were sooooo delicious. The lobster roll was our second favorite. The presentation alone was enough to make you drool. The mahi we ordered blackened and it was decent. I am a harsh critic if Mahi being a Miami resident for years. The bed was soft and slightly toasted but it needed a sauce other than the tartar sauce. Service: our waiter answered all of our questions and we had plenty. He suggested certain oysters when they didn't have the original style we wanted. I wish I could remember his name but it was delightful and patient and I even told him he deserved a raise. Ambiance: patio was cute. Right on Congress so people watching was worth it. We sat inside and that was feeling coastal or Greek. Deep blues and clean linen. Chefs kiss read more

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The menu has changed a bit since my previous visit. I thoroughly enjoyed the fish po-boy. The bread was perfection, flaky outside and soft/buttery inside. I do wish they had tobacco sauce but the Louisiana was suitable. read more

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All home cooked meals full of flavor. My favorite meal is breakfast. Go early to get the freshest pastries! read more

Perla's remains a fave for seafood. Great food and service - thanks Emma for fantastic service and the fried okra suggestion read more

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I've passed by Perla's a million times within the 10 years I've lived here and had never dined with them until this week. The pricing of their menu and lack of available reservations served as a deterrent. Well, I'm happy to say I had the best first visit I could've imagined. I opted to go during their "Afternoon Snack" hours (window between their lunch and dinner menus) and grabbed a bar seat right away. I didn't get to order from their full menu but, it wasn't an issue since I went there for the oysters. I loved the variety of oyster options (FOURTEEN) and enjoyed the cocktails I ordered (margarita, paloma and Mexican martini). Their bartender, Cass, was amazing and very accommodating. He hooked us up with some complimentary hush puppies and chatted with our group in his downtime. I have no doubt I'll return to try their full menu! read more

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Calamari and jalapeños were excellent with crispy, light crust and a fabulous lime sauce. Scallops were cooked perfectly and the grilled red fish was delicious. Wait staff were cordial and efficient. Ambiance inside was ok, but I imagine seating outdoors would be the best, if not so hot. read more