This was a first time visit. Everything was excellent...The service, the food, the ambiance. We had fish and chips, bisque, calamari, soft shell crab, cornbread, oysters, and octopus. Our server was knowledgeable, and friendly. We ate out on patio and it was beautiful and relaxing. After dinner we sat bu the firepits and talked. Would definitely recommend. read more

The vibe seems well and happening. Didn't realize how close to the hotel we stay. 1 min drive :) We had the tune tartar and the it was fresh. Had also the large tuna plate with French fries and crispy shrimp. Both were alright. The service was great. Waitress check in with us a couple of times. But could wait a little bit for. Us to try the food and check in. give it a 4 for now read more

Great vibe. Rocking bar! Food is fresh and delicious! Servers are the best! Outside seating is rocking. read more

YES! That's the answer for this restaurant. So many things right. Ambiance - yes. Open & airy & seating at bar, inside or outside. Service - yes. I was there with friends for brunch & you know a group of women can't decide on anything in a timely manner. Our server was sweet & so patient with us. Drinks - absolutely. WPerla 76, Golden Hour & Honeybee. All yummy. Had the ceviche & seafood bisque & beignets. All delicious. Our server was fantastic & had great recommendations. We all had something different to eat & no one walked away hungry. I will definitely be back. read more

Had dinner last night at Perla Raw Bar with my husband and another couple. It was our first time here, and maybe second or third time for our friends. Adam, the manager, greeted us as we entered and was super friendly. I loved the atmosphere of the restaurant with tables spread out, the high ceilings, the beautiful glass flowers on the wall and those hanging, the inviting long bar (16 - 18 seats), and even the beautiful tiled floor in the bathroom. I started with the tuna tartare, a great combination of crispy rice, Brussel sprouts and topped with the raw tuna. My friend highly recommended it to me and I'm glad she did. It was a unique combination of flavors and textures. My friend ordered the shrimp spring rolls. They were pretty small but she said they were excellent. My other friend ordered the cucumber salad, which he shared with my husband. Both enjoyed it. We all shared a side order of truffle fries (I love anything with truffles), which came with a garlic aioli, although I really didn't taste the garlic. We decided to get a second order of truffle fries. For our entrees, my husband and I both ordered the Southern Seafood Stew, which had one large scallop and a few of each of shrimp, mussels, clams, and fish (I think it was cod). This was on top of rice grits along with a red sauce. The menu stated braised cabbage, but I didn't see any at all. One of my friends had the salmon with gnocchi, wild mushrooms, etc. My other friend ordered the fish and chips (first time eating fish and chips), which came with coleslaw and salt & vinegar chips. Everything was excellent, flavorful, and cooked perfectly. When we got our entrees, our truffle fries had not yet come out of the kitchen, so we told Caitlin, our waitress, not to bother to bring them out. Everything is a la carte, making this a somewhat pricey place to eat. However, the food was excellent, the atmosphere lovely, and with the great service by Caitlin, it's worth it. I want to return to have lunch on their patio. I noticed the bar has seating on the outside, as the glass windows can open up. read more

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Awesome place! Friendly servers and very speedy on the service. Great atmosphere and food is worth the visit.

Well This was certainly a very pleasant surprise: Good food, great Vibe, cool bar. Bright decor and not loud and deafening. The high quality cuisine of a Seabird without the hassle of downtown. Outdoor seating with a pass thru bar. I had the Perla oysters, a superb offering! Went light with the Little Gem Lettuce salad, perfect size and perfect dressing and an order of fries. Crispy and hot just the way I like em. Had to get the Beignets just to spoil myself. Don't come here if you're thrifty but if you enjoy innovation and imagination this is a must try. Remember, always FTFGTF. read more

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The food has gone down hill since it opened. We went the other night and my husband's fish was overcooked and dry. I split a burger with a family member, there was a total of 6 of us. Our bill was $400!!! The only good thing was our server was great. Otherwise, the food isn't good and its super expensive. Perla, this community has a ton of foodies so you have to get your food up to par. The inside of the restaurant was almost empty so there is your first sign that you have to do better! Very disappointed. read more

Came for a fun dinner and had Peyton as our server, she MADE the night!! Such a fantastic experience coming from someone who's been in the service industry, if you come here request her!! read more

Love the vibe. Great staff. Went for lunch this week. 2nd time I had been there and noticed on my bill they charged $5 for a Diet Coke. I don't drink alcohol so I guess this is how they gouge the non drinker. I know it's petty but it makes me not want to go back. read more

One of the best smash burgers in town. Our server, Payton was exceptional. Best restaurant!

The best meal I've had in Wilmington NC for the two years I've lived here thus far! Come for a great, modern, upbeat, ambiance! Service was splendid as they went above and beyond to accommodate our party. Furthermore, the food was spectacular as everyone that went described their plates as top notch. Alternative to the regular old seafood spots you find around here! read more

My family and just got back from Perla. It was our second time and I'm sad to say, we probably won't go back. The starters (steamed mussels and fried shrimp dumplings) were good (not great), but certainly unique for the area. The broth from the mussels was very tasty and deserved more than the three small slices of baguette that arrived with the dish to sop up the broth. When I asked if we could get a few more pieces of baguette they arrived long after we had finished the dish and unbeknownst to us we were charged an additional dollar for the four slices. The dollar was not really as big a deal as was the apparent need to actually charge for four small slices of baguette at a restaurant serving meals that averaged over twenty dollars a plate. Which brings me to the main course. My two daughters each had an excellent salmon dish topped with a very creative nest of crispy sweet potato in a wonderful creamy ricotta sauce. My wife and I each had the fish and chips. It was inedible. We tried to soak the fish in both the tartar sauce and vinegar but nothing would eradicate the dryness of the dish. They were horribly over cooked and way over "coated". Not sure what they were dredged in but if you were to put both sides of the coating on top of one another they would have been as thick as the overdone fish. It was a horrible attempt at a beer batter or tempura finish that literally encased the poor fish in a coffin-like container. On the upside, the fries were good. I'm used to satisfactory food that we fine here in Wilmington, but we were so disappointed that a such a visual pleasing place could not stand out on delivering food equal to it's ambience. read more

We were seated right away (inside) as we called one day in advance to be added to list. Open air high ceiling coastal art decor was inviting. Our server greeted us with a big smile and welcomed our table. She was amazing. Timed the food courses perfectly. Food was very fresh and well presented. Had oyster sampler and swordfish tacos. Three different oysters, all amazing. Taco wrapped in homemade blue corn tortillas. Fresh and tasty. The flounder special was fresh and moist but too much salt. Corn bread and truffle fries were addicting. Finished with coconut cake; rich and moist. We'll be back! read more

Perla has been my family's go-to for a couple months now. The $1 oysters are phenomenal & they serve the best burger in Wilmington. We always ask for Evan, extremely considerate & mindful service. read more

Great spot to sit outside and enjoy a drink and oysters. Very friendly staff and beautiful decor. Love the seating options and the ability to walk around. Always great food. read more

The food at Perla was absolutely delicious. This was our time dining here so we tried a few dishes. Some portions were small but the taste made up for it! We came for an early dinner around 5:30 and we had the option to dine either inside or out. Within the hour, the tables started filling up and the bar was then full! The music was such a vibe along with the outside atmosphere. Can't wait to come back with family during the holiday! read more

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Great outdoor seating. Blackened shrimp tacos were delish! Also tried the margarita - not bad. Inside was extremely loud, would definitely recommend sitting outside. Service was great! read more

Perla Raw Bar - Shrimp tacos and fries - Seafood Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

I am over the moon that they are stepping up the dinning game for Wilmington! This restaurant has got to be one of if not the best food I have had since moving back to the area. It's fresh, inventive but classic, and full of flavor. The service was extremely on point and kind. Loving the atmosphere as much as the food. From The open air space to the blown glass and nautical theme. It feels very crisp and clean, like somewhere I could hang all day. Many thumbs up!! So very impressed read more

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The ambiance is great! There is glass blowing art on the walls and hanging from the ceiling. There is also a ton of natural light in the building. The service is up there with the best in Wilmington! The ceviche was a 5/5 - fresh flavors: citrus, sweet, and spicy The cornbread was a 5/5 - I'd rather have honey butter on the side than a pocket of plain butter in the bread ... came with a delicious peach jam! The double patty burger is the highlight! I've got this a few times now, and it's up there with the best burgers I've had. I like to take the tomato out and eat it before I start eating the burger. $20 is a little much though. 5/5 The beignet is great as well!! Light and fluffy - 5/5 DISCLAIMER - I got mild food poisoning the night after dining at Perla. I assume it was the ceviche. My girlfriend who shared everything with me did not get food poisoning though. I'm not deducting anything from the rating - proceed at your own risk! read more

NC fish stew was delish. Service was friendly and attentive. Bright, cheerful room, not too noisy.

Exquisite food. Great atmosphere. The staff is incredibly nice. My husband and i have put this on our weekly venue list. read more

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Food was amazing! Menu was small but still couldn't decide on what to get. Service was very polite and fast. You can sit inside or outside with a great ambiance either way! Definitely returning! read more

The food - excellent, the atmosphere - immaculate, the vibe - unimaginably chill and nice. Would definitely recommended this to any aspiring food lover. Mario the chef is a beast. read more

The food was amazing. We sat at the bar and the bartender was awesome too. We got there on the earlier side and it was pretty low key but once it started getting busier it definitely got pretty loud. Good vibes. If you're feeling oysters, 100% you need to get the sampler. Also recommend the lobster roll, burger, and brussel sprouts. Also can't wait to check out their patio when it warms up. Will definitely be returning! read more

Perla Raw Bar - Sampler - Seafood Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

What a great vibe. The indoor/ outdoor bar reminded me of places in Miami. The service was excellent with a very friendly bar staff. The food on the other hand was uninspiring. Of particular note where the shrimp croquettes. No flavor whatsoever. The oysters were good (briny) and the Happy Hour is well worth it. In sum, I'd go for the Happy Hour Oysters and drinks. But, dinner? It's not bad but nothing spectacular. read more

Exceptional service, creative and lively atmosphere, cocktails were delish and the food was exceptional! Can't wait to come back! read more

Perla Raw Bar - Oysters & cocktails - Seafood Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

Went during lunch time on a holiday weekend to get out of some rain storms. Drinks, food and service was all on point. Will be back to do the shellfish tower and large format drinks with a group. Both were show stoppers for presentation. read more

Hostess was really rude about explaining there's a 30 min wait for a table that's not even where we made the reservation (outside), over a week ago. Told us "to just deal with it". As someone who has worked in the service & hospitality space I totally get backup, but 30 mins on a reservation for not even the section of choice, rudeness and a lack of any type of support is indicative of how they care about patrons. Pathetic read more

We ate here twice during our visit to Wilmington. We sat outside on the lovely and expansive patio and enjoyed our drinks and food. There are heat lamps for chilly nights. Service was excellent even during the Happy Hour rush. Cocktails are creative and delicious. I especially recommend the oysters and the tacos. Nightly specials are a good deal. read more

This is a fave of mine when I travel to Wilmington. The vibe of the place is so cool. When weather is good and they open bar to outdoors, love it. Don't miss cornbread, oysters, tacos, and possibly the best burger in the entire area. read more

Terrific brunch. $6 Bloody Mary's! Food is excellent and service was prompt and friendly. Worth a trip! read more

What an awesome new spot that's very well laid out with the indoor/outdoor while serving outstanding food. This local restauranteur has brought Wilmington many great places and has done it again. Happy to have this spot within a half mile from home!! The flounder was AMAZING! read more

Perla Raw Bar - Flounder - Seafood Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

Food was amazing!! I had the lobster roll, it was everything I imagined. The server greeted us and served us like we were a problem. It was my birthday and she barely checked on us and had an attitude about everything we ordered. Would not go back if she was our server read more

For a new restaurant the ambiance and service is great. Smaller portions but made up by the quality of the food. A great place for indoor or outdoor seating and any kind of attire. I'll be back for oysters and beer at the bar! read more

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Oysters are $3.50 each and very small. We ordered 4 of the "large" Chesapeake oysters and were then told there was a6 oyster minimum. A bummer all around. read more

Can I come in on the food? We only stopped for a drink and we're very impressed with the layout of the restaurant. Hopefully we'll return for dinner. Staff was very friendly and accommodating. read more

The food and atmosphere were wonderful. A friend had told us about the all-day $1 oyster special on Mondays, so we went in and sat at the bar. The bartender Chris was very nice and told us about the special, then handed us a daily oyster menu. We each said we wanted a dozen, and would take 3 of each of the 4 oysters of the day. We also ordered a crab dip. Chris said the oysters would come before the crab dip, and they did. We later realized the he never put the crab dip order in. No big deal, but he never came back around to get us more drinks, so we sat there empty for quite a while. The crab dip came out and he never came around to give utensils, nor filled our drinks. When he finally asked if we wanted another round, we were ready for the check. When it came, the oysters were at the full price. When we asked, he said that the oysters of the day were different from the $1 oysters, and he said he "thought that was understood ". Fortunately, we were in a position where we could pay $150 for a meal that we expected to be $50. If you go for the oyster special, just make sure they explain what you're ordering. read more

the burger is the best burger I've ever had. our server Payton was the sweetest, and most attentive ever

The seafood was delicious! I got the salmon and my friends got the tacos with the brussel sprouts which were both yummy. The service was excellent, and the kind bartender even helped me to surprise my friend for her birthday! Highly recommend! read more