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Perla Cafe

(Now Closed)

Italian Restaurant and American Restaurant$$$$

West Village, New York

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Perla Cafe

The experts at Eater and The New Yorker recommend this place

153 Tips and reviews

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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 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 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.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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.
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.
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!
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 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.
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 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.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. 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 WilsonJune 1, 2013
Been here 50+ times
get any of the pastas. they are all incredible
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 WilsonMay 3, 2017
Been here 5+ times
Cacio e Pepe. I repeat: Cacio e Pepe.
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!
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.
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.
Anna VelardiMarch 20, 2017
Artichokes antipasti with ricotta mustard and mint is fantastic. Friendly staff.
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 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 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 CampbellMarch 24, 2014
Michael Toscano's food is simply superb. Great atmosphere in this little jewel in the west village.
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 MazzaMay 15, 2013
Stick to the pastas. You can't go wrong with the duck Ragu parpadelle, or the beef cheek agnolotti.
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 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 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 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 GroupAugust 1, 2013
The real stars of the show here are the pastas, particularly the agnolotti and pappardelle.
CharlottesJune 7, 2016
I love everything about the super group of west village eateries behind the new Perla but Joseph has my heart.
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 DesaiJuly 30, 2015
The new menu is delicious and fun, with lots of small plates and fresh, seasonal flavors.
Kathryn DJanuary 20, 2017
Delightful date spot. Wine list, pastas,beautiful but subtle decor add up for a lovely meal.
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 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 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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