Review of Perla Restaurant in Condado, San Juan

In my opinion the most romantic restaurant in Puerto Rico, Perla combines stunning architecture with an elegant menu and superb wine list. Book a table here when you want an intimate night out, a special occasion, and sophisticated contemporary American cuisine.

If I were handing out awards for the most visually breathtaking restaurant in Puerto Rico, Perla would win hands down. Simply put, the signature restaurant at the La Concha Resort in Condado is an architectural masterpiece.

Designed to resemble a giant shell, Perla sits on a reflecting pool at the edge of the ocean; and the surf breaking just feet from its base only reinforces the feeling of dining in a unique maritime setting (no sea-sickness to worry about). The interior is just as dramatic, an infusion of natural tones warmly lit by hand-blown Murano glass lamps and a split-level dining room that accommodates a couple in search of a romantic night out as easily as a group celebrating a special occasion.

In this setting, it only makes sense that the menu's focus is on seafood. The tangy and flavorful lobster escabeche with yucca (cassava) cake, avocado and olives is a great way to start your meal. For a main course, the plump, grilled jumbo shrimp in a garlic sauce, served with a polenta cake and a corn pico de gallo (an accompanying salsa that adds zest and a dash of spice to the dish), doesn't disappoint. And for dessert, I'd recommend the strawberry rhubarb tart with marinated raspberries, blueberry "spuma" and strawberry balsamic ice cream.

Perla is the last place I would recommend for authentic Puerto Rican cooking in a down-home setting. However, for a special night out, an excellent glass of wine, and a setting that is equal to none, Perla shines as bright as any pearl.