Perla Mexican Cuisine

A Culinary Tribute to Mexico Crafted with Intention, Served with Heart.

Perla Mexican Cuisine is a family-owned, family-operated restaurant that celebrates the artistry, warmth, and soul of authentic Mexican cooking. Our dishes are rooted in heritage, refined through modern presentation, and guided by the belief that the best meals are the ones shared with love.

Eat Together

Every plate achieves that elusive, cuisine-defining balance of sweet, salty, and sour dessert.

MAKE A RESERVATION
A plate of three tacos with chopped onions and cilantro, accompanied by lime wedges and a small bowl of green salsa on a wooden table. In the background, there is a tray of tacos and a cucumber-lime drink garnished with mint.

TACO TUESDAY

Every Tuesday, we celebrate tacos the way they’re meant to be — simple, fresh, and full of flavor.

Join us for our Street Taco Specials, featuring classics that bring the taste of Mexico’s mercados right to your table. And if you’re in the mood to elevate your taco game, try one of our premium favorites like Birria, Crispy Shrimp, or Filet Mignon Tacos — all made fresh and crafted with Perla’s signature touch.

Pair your tacos with a margarita or mezcal cocktail, and enjoy a night that feels like a little getaway — right in the heart of Santa Ana.

Group of musicians playing string instruments, including violins and a drum, in a restaurant with brick walls.

SUNDAY MARIACHI BRUNCH

Sundays at Perla are filled with music, family, and flavor.


Our Mariachi Brunch is a celebration of tradition — where live music, authentic dishes, and the joy of gathering create an unforgettable experience.

Enjoy Chef Laura’s brunch favorites like Chilaquiles Verdes con Pollo, Enchiladas Suizas, and Rajas con Queso, paired delicious house crafted cocktails.

Let the sounds of mariachi set the rhythm for your Sunday and experience Mexican culture in its most joyful form — through food, music, and connection.

A bowl of nachos topped with cheese, diced tomatoes, chopped herbs, and drizzled with sour cream being poured from a squeeze bottle, set on a white napkin on a wooden table.

HAPPY HOUR

Relax, unwind, and savor the golden hour at Perla.

Our Happy Hour features handcrafted cocktails, premium tequilas, and shareable bites — all designed to pair perfectly with good company and conversation.

Sip on our Flor de Perla Spritz or Mezcalita de Piña while you enjoy the warmth of our bar and the energy of Downtown Santa Ana.
It’s the perfect moment to slow down, connect, and experience the art of Mexican hospitality.

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The Heart Behind Perla

Perla was born from our family’s kitchen; a space where love was expressed through the rhythm of cooking, the aroma of roasted chiles, and the joy of gathering around a shared meal.

Founded by a mother-daughter duo, Perla is named in honor of the women who shaped us; our mother, our sister, our matriarchs, whose resilience and grace mirror the beauty of a pearl.

Today, Chef Laura leads our kitchen with the same philosophy that has guided her entire life: never serve something you wouldn’t serve your own family.

Every dish carries that promise; handcrafted, intentional, and rooted in the traditions of Mexico’s diverse regions. From our enchiladas de mole to our rajas con queso, each plate tells a story of culture, craftsmanship, and cariño.

Two women standing in front of a brick wall, smiling at the camera. One woman has shoulder-length dark brown hair and wears a white shirt. The other woman has dark blonde hair with curls and wears a black top, a watch on her left wrist, and an engagement ring on her left hand.