La Perla Puerto Rican Cuisine

"Puerto Rican restaurant La Perla is set to shut down its Oakland restaurant at 3409 Fruitvale Avenue as of Saturday, November 30. The San Francisco Chronicle reports that owner Jose “Cheo” Ortiz is closing the location for personal reasons; he is recovering from cancer, and commuting from his Castro Valley home to Oakland has become more difficult. But while it’s sad news for Oakland residents, Ortiz is opening a new location of La Perla in Castro Valley, which will be much easier on him, distance-wise. Ortiz shares that he’ll be able to walk to the new location at the Castro Valley Marketplace from his home, and will continue on with the menu that La Perla is known for." - Dianne de Guzman

"The owners behind Puerto Rican restaurant La Perla announced they will close its Oakland location at 3409 Fruitvale Avenue on Saturday, November 30. However, owner Jose “Cheo” Ortiz will open a new location in the Castro Valley Marketplace." - Justine Jones

"I went to the block party and was moved to see the team behind La Perla Puerto Rican Cuisine emcee the event and all the outpouring of love for Anabo." - Eater Staff

"Stepping into this Dimond District Puerto Rican restaurant feels a little like arriving at your tia’s house for Sunday dinner. Owners Jose and Kimly Ortiz painted the walls bright colors and hung up photos of ancestors and famous visitors, as well as a Taino wood carving. But the best part is the aroma of roasted meat and garlic. Whether you order a combo of chicharron de pollo, bistec guisado (stewed steak) or mofongo, you’ll get a generous helping of rice, gandules (pigeon peas), sweet plantains, and a cucumber-pineapple salad plus spicy mango salsa. Everything is infused with bright, satisfying flavors and homey charm. Ask about off-menu dishes like bacalaitos (codfish fritters), and drop by on the last Sunday to sample Dominican specialities like stewed pork ribs and breadfruit." - Maria C. Hunt

"La Perla used to operate out of Two Star Market in the Dimond District, but now has a brick-and-mortar in a larger space around the corner. The first time I picked up up takeout from them, the bag full of mofongo and tostones only exacerbated my excitement, filling my car with a scent I wish I could bottle up and hang on my rearview mirror. Everything else I got, from the steak and shrimp mofongos to the beef empanadas, was delicious - but my personal favorite dish was the perfectly-fried chicharrones de pollo, served with rice and crispy, thin tostones. La Perla also has specials on weekends, like slow-roasted pork shoulder and lobster tail, which I’ll definitely be back for soon." - Julia Chen