La Perla Del Pacifico

458 Main St, Watsonville, CA 95076, United States
$$$ Mexican restaurant
(394 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Welcome to La Perla Del Pacifico, a vibrant gem nestled in the heart of downtown Watsonville, California. This authentic Mexican restaurant specializes in exquisite seafood dishes that not only celebrate traditional flavors but also highlight the freshest local ingredients, making it a must-visit for any seafood enthusiast.

As you step inside La Perla Del Pacifico, you’ll be enveloped by a lively atmosphere that buzzes with both the sounds of sizzling dishes and the laughter of satisfied diners. The walls adorned with colorful decor capture the essence of Mexican culture, inviting you to relax and enjoy a culinary journey unlike any other.

The menu at La Perla goes beyond typical offerings, showcasing a delightful array of seafood specialties. Start with their renowned Cóctel De Camarón Y Pulpo (Shrimp & Octopus Cocktail) priced at just $19.95—it’s a vibrant, colorful dish that sings of the ocean with every bite. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, dive into their Cazuelita Cóctel frío mixto con varios mariscos (Cold Broth with a Mixture of Seafood) for $22.95. Just a word of caution: this dish contains raw seafood, which adds an exhilarating twist but also requires a discerning palate to fully appreciate its allure.

For something heartier, the Filete de Pescado Huachinango (Red Snapper Fillet) served with rice, beans, fries, and salad, priced at $22.95, is another crowd favorite. Diners rave about how the fish is expertly prepared, flaky and tantalizingly seasoned, making it a delightful choice for anyone craving the sea's bounty.

Real customer experiences bring the story of La Perla Del Pacifico to life. One enthusiastic diner, Cyrus Shahriari, highlights the “excellent service” and “delicious food” with generous portions that keep guests coming back for more. Gabby Gonzalez couldn’t get enough of the whole tilapia fried to perfection, calling it “the star of the show,” while Joseph Singh has declared La Perla as the “best restaurant in the Santa Cruz area” for its fantastic seafood. Another customer, Ren Proschan, praises their precision in cooking octopus, ensuring it's tender and flavorful, setting a high standard for seafood lovers.

While not every dish hits the mark for every diner—some feel the seafood could be spiced a bit more—most agree La Perla Del Pacifico offers good value for your money and an experience that’s worth every penny. Whether you're indulging in their fresh ceviche or the scrumptious shrimp and octopus a la diabla, you are sure to leave satisfied and eager to return.

La Perla Del Pacifico is not just a meal; it's an experience bursting with vibrant flavors, generous portions, and warm service that makes you feel right at home. So why wait? Plan your visit today to enjoy some of the finest Mexican seafood around!

Location: 458 Main St, Watsonville, CA 95076, United States Phone: +1 831-724-0993

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Has great beer selection
Serves great cocktails
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves food
Serves healthy options
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Openings Hours
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Monday

Closed

Tuesday

11:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Wednesday

11:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Thursday

11:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Friday

11:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Saturday

10:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Sunday

10:00 AM - 07:00 PM

394 Reviews
Cyrus Shahriari

31 Aug 2025

Authentic Mexican food served in a vibrant downtown Watsonville. The service was excellent and the food was delicious with generous sized plates. It was busy on this Sunday afternoon but a table cleared in less than five minutes. The service personnel came by multiple times to provide additional chips, salsa, water and ask how things are going. Many restaurants can learn from this establishment in Watsonville.

Gabby Gonzalez

29 Aug 2025

Delicious food! The whole tilapia fried was the star of the show! Rice & beans amazing as well. Aguas Frescas were pretty watered down, but would return for the food!

Joseph Singh

03 Aug 2025

Fantastic seafood and great service. Best restaurant in the Santa Cruz area. The ceviche and shrimp + octopus a la diabla are standout dishes

Ren Proschan

21 Jun 2025

Really good Mexican seafood. Got the shrimp and octopus ranchero style and it was delicious. Octopus was soft and not rubbery so you know they know how to cook. The scallops are amazing too. The whole fried fish seemed to be popular and I saw a lot of people ordering it so I'll have to come back for it next time.

Dennis Peery

18 Jun 2025

I can’t even remember how we stumbled across this place several years back. The food is good and the portions are large. It’s not spectacular, but it’s kept us coming back.

Rob Haworth

14 Jun 2025

Excellent service, some food was tasty and some needed more spices.

Lisa Meade

31 May 2025

We ordered 3 meals and each one was delicious. I really liked the chicken enchiladas with mole. The woman who took our order was pleasant and she had to be tired, as it was almost closing time. Near 830pm, she asked if we would like anything else because the kitchen is closing. Perfectly reasonable to do and we appreciated her asking. This is a comfortable restaurant, located centrally in town with easy parking.

Lori Sortino

28 May 2025

Great service, food was hot. Good value for price. I had grilled fish tacos. They were a little salty for my taste. Didn't care for their chips, but that's personal preference. Salsa was good.

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