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Perla Cafe

Perla Cafe

(Now Closed)
Italian Restaurant and American Restaurant$$$$
West Village, New York
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  • Stars
    The folks at Eater and Time Out New York like this place. Would you agree?
    • Eater
    • Time Out New York
Tips and Reviews icon153 Tips and reviews
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  • Chad H.heart icon on user image
    Chad HornerFebruary 24, 2016
    Been here 5+ times
    Perla is the coolest, a perfect synthesis of a neighborhood Italian feel with "hip" vibes - contemporary art, photography, and music. also all the food is great
  • Mike W.heart icon on user image
    Mike WinstonMarch 20, 2014
    Perla is my new favorite restaurant in NYC. Everything is incredible. Don't miss the Pici with Duck Ragu & Foie Gras, Leg of Lamb & Belly, or Beef Tongue. Read about my visit on WinstonWanders below! Read more
  • Emily W.heart icon on user image
    Emily WilsonDecember 10, 2016
    Been here 5+ times
    Perla's menu has changed often, but at any given time they're likely have a killer octopus app, and a handful of show stopping pastas. Say hi to Gabe if you see him, he'll make your night.
  • Eater
    EaterApril 23, 2013
    Perla is the year-old Italian restaurant from young gun chef Michael Toscano and restaurateur Gabe Stulman. Toscano has a knack for cooking pasta dishes and monster pieces of meat.
  • Bitches Who Brunch
    Bitches Who BrunchDecember 16, 2016
    The Bitches say: A. Just like its Perla 1.0 predecessor, Perla Cafe is a gem of a restaurant that’s not to be missed in the West Village. Expect modernized Italian food coupled w/ comforting classics. Read more
  • Ashley C.heart icon on user image
    Ashley ChanJuly 23, 2017
    Great food and lowkey vibes- perfect for a weekday dinner. The fried artichokes salad and squid ink tagliatelle were both tasty. However, I sat at the bar and the server was extremely unfriendly.
  • Caroline S.heart icon on user image
    Caroline SchulweisJune 28, 2014
    Great spot for a special occasion. They even brought out prosecco when they heard it was our anniversary! Try the octopus, gnocchi, and agnolotti!
  • Joseph P.
    Joseph PecoraJanuary 4, 2015
    One of the best the Village has to offer. Small and intimate with a bar. The food is outstanding. Not inexpensive, but very reasonable for the quality. Reservations are a must for prime time.
  • CITY GRIT
    CITY GRITAugust 5, 2014
    Been here 5+ times
    We always start with “Tombstone Sunday Nights” from the cocktail list and an order of Octopus! We’re crushing on the Chicken Liver Mousse, the Beef Cheek Agnolotti, & Duck! Always order the Polenta!
  • What's Good Hereheart icon on user image
    What's Good HereAugust 8, 2014
    Great atmosphere, well executed rustic dishes. Try the octopus, arctic char, kale salad. The service at this Italian charmer is excellent. The duck ragu with foi gras is the dish to order here.
  • Jen B.heart icon on user image
    Jen BergJanuary 18, 2013
    Pappardelle ragu w/ shaved foie gras was insane. Other tips say skip the mains and focus on the pasta and I'd have to agree. 2-3 antipasti, 1-2 pasta (they'll split!), a seat at the bar & you're set!
  • Esther S.
    Esther ShamieJanuary 29, 2014
    Definitely one of my top ten spots! Not the easiest res to get - it's a small restaurant. Type of place that you remember how good the meal and service was. Low key but fun too! Loved it.
  • Bond Street
    Bond StreetOctober 3, 2016
    "Gabe Stulman runs a front room like no other, he’s charming, he’s wonderful, and you just want to sit down and have a beer with him." - Joanne Wilson, angel investor and blogger Read more
  • Preeti S.heart icon on user image
    Preeti SFebruary 18, 2014
    Three times now and consistently fantastic. Some of my faves are the octopus, linguini with sea urchin (pls bring it back!), the lamb, and pork chop. Great cocktails and wine list too.
  • Sparkie
    SparkieOctober 3, 2014
    Hearty Italian Dishes. Strong cocktails, a varied wine list, oysters, fresh pastas, and rustic Italian entrees bring a fun-loving, hungry, and attractive crowd. Killer Soundtrack
  • Time Out New York
    Time Out New YorkApril 11, 2013
    This pasta lover's dream won the 2013 Best New Italian Spot award. From an open kitchen, Chef Toscano dispatches blackened tentacles of meaty octopus and gorgeous pastas woven around cockscombs. Read more
  • Vania S.heart icon on user image
    Vania S.October 7, 2016
    The octopus plate here is to DIE for. Cacio e Pepe was delicious and simple. Also- they play fun music here, which always a nice perk.
  • Sarah P.
    Sarah P. MillerJanuary 21, 2013
    MIND BLOWING food, especially the lamb carpacchio, orchiette with broccoli rabe, and the veal head. (Don't be afraid of the veal head!) The cocktail menu is equal to none. Worth every penny.
  • Jeffrey W.
    Jeffrey WootenJuly 27, 2013
    Went for lunch. Octopus/eggplant dish was excellent. Both pasta dishes were on point. Tough to fit in for dinner but lunch menu has some of the favorites from the dinner menu.
  • The New Yorker
    The New YorkerAugust 8, 2012
    The Italian restaurant’s twist on potato chips and P.B. & J. may seem out of place, but “skip the scoffing and order.” Next, try one of their fresh pastas, and be sure to save room for secondi! Read more
  • Ashley S.
    Ashley SimonApril 21, 2012
    do you like early 90s hip hop and expensive italian? me too. great date spot but they only take reservs for parties of 4 so be prepared to wait. octopus antipasti is excellent as is the pork.
  • Tasting Table
    Tasting TableJuly 19, 2012
    Try our favorite pasta of the summer: Michael Toscano's spaghetti with rock shrimp, tomato and basil. Bright with tomatoes, lemon juice and shrimp, it’s everything we want in a bowl of noodles: Read more
  • Noah W.heart icon on user image
    Noah WeissJanuary 16, 2013
    The pappardelle with veal stew & thinly shaved foie gras is the perfect (slightly pretentious) pasta. The foie gras subtly makes the whole dish taste the right kind of buttery.
  • Bin Y.
    Bin YangAugust 14, 2014
    They now serve a Pat LaFrieda burger from 5-7pm, while stocks last. The tater tots and deep fried chick peas are great too
  • Wayne S.
    Wayne SurberFebruary 12, 2014
    Mike Toscano is a terrifically intellectual chef who does delicious things with Italian food. The place is a bit load and hip, but the food make it worth it.
  • Fred W.heart icon on user image
    Fred WilsonJune 1, 2013
    Been here 50+ times
    get any of the pastas. they are all incredible
  • Alyssaheart icon on user image
    AlyssaSeptember 17, 2016
    Phenomenal! Order the lamb starter and share the pastas. All are great but the cacio e Pepe is a must order.
  • Emily W.heart icon on user image
    Emily WilsonMay 3, 2017
    Been here 5+ times
    Cacio e Pepe. I repeat: Cacio e Pepe.
  • Daniela L.
    Daniela Lazo Cedr?November 10, 2012
    Wowww. Everything from the champagne to the olive oil is exquisite. All cooked to perfection and combine impeccable flavors. My duck tasted like a steak!
  • Barbara-Anne K.
    Barbara-Anne KrijgsmanSeptember 13, 2013
    Really nice food. Try the pig's ears and the parpadelle with duck ragout and foie gras..... Gorgeous. For desert try the panacotta.
  • Catherine P.
    Catherine ParkJune 20, 2015
    It's almost a less buttoned up version of Carbone. Think hip hop blasting with perfectly cooked pasta dishes. Try the orecchiette & the gnocchi.
  • Anna V.heart icon on user image
    Anna VelardiMarch 20, 2017
    Artichokes antipasti with ricotta mustard and mint is fantastic. Friendly staff.
  • Evan
    EvanNovember 25, 2012
    If the duck ragu with foie gras is on the menu, build your meal around that. Guinea hen is lovely - and (sorry) there's foie in that, too.
  • Benny W.
    Benny WongJuly 14, 2012
    Amazing Italian as everyone has said - but my highlight here was the Tombstone Sunday Nights cocktail. Spiced bourbon + pepperoni bitters ftw
  • Jo G.
    Jo GarveyAugust 25, 2012
    Fantastic spot! Cosy but classy & superb service! I was given a glass of bubbles to 'help me settle in' whilst waiting for my friend to arrive! Adorable!
  • Karen C.
    Karen CampbellMarch 24, 2014
    Michael Toscano's food is simply superb. Great atmosphere in this little jewel in the west village.
  • Serious Eats
    Serious EatsMarch 6, 2013
    Perla is one part old NYC, one part resolutely modern, with killer cocktails, pastas, and meat entrees. An all-occasion winner.
  • Rebecca M.
    Rebecca MazzaMay 15, 2013
    Stick to the pastas. You can't go wrong with the duck Ragu parpadelle, or the beef cheek agnolotti.
  • Brad G.
    Brad GaroonJune 18, 2015
    The burger has odd toppings (taleggio, pancetta, escarole, roasted tomatoes) but it all goes down easily with a light beer. Read more
  • julia t.heart icon on user image
    julia tDecember 20, 2014
    Good ambiance. The agnolotti is delicious and the cod is moist. The olive oil cake could do without. Glad to have gone.
  • Adam G.heart icon on user image
    Adam GeigerDecember 31, 2013
    Been here 10+ times
    Not what it's known for, but Perla had a fantastic brunch and I've never had to wait for a table. Great service, great food.
  • Sean D.heart icon on user image
    Sean DunleavySeptember 1, 2014
    Been here 5+ times
    Favorite restaurant in New York City. The aged steak and their fresh pastas are to die for - must go
  • The Corcoran Group
    The Corcoran GroupAugust 1, 2013
    The real stars of the show here are the pastas, particularly the agnolotti and pappardelle.
  • Charlottesheart icon on user image
    CharlottesJune 7, 2016
    I love everything about the super group of west village eateries behind the new Perla but Joseph has my heart.
  • Chelsea B.
    Chelsea BalkanFebruary 16, 2014
    #FabuLIST #DubiDO the pastas are a must get at this place. Try the Orecchiette italian sausage broccoli rabe and gnocchi with tomato sauce. #DubiDONT polenta was too salty and pretty bland
  • Monica D.heart icon on user image
    Monica DesaiJuly 30, 2015
    The new menu is delicious and fun, with lots of small plates and fresh, seasonal flavors.
  • Kathryn D.heart icon on user image
    Kathryn DJanuary 20, 2017
    Delightful date spot. Wine list, pastas,beautiful but subtle decor add up for a lovely meal.
  • Wayne S.
    Wayne SurberMarch 13, 2012
    Mike Toscano is one of those most knowledgeable Chefs in the city. Let him geek out on you and ask him to explain one of his ingredient choices. Always interesting.
  • Lauren B.heart icon on user image
    Lauren BertoliniMay 4, 2013
    Really exceptional service. Not too fussy, but always there when you need something. The broccoli rabe pesto and beef shoulder were the standouts.
  • Whitney F.
    Whitney FishmanFebruary 7, 2016
    Go for the pastas for the tables order the whole slew and forget any entrees. Cacio y Pepe always.
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