Lee H.
Yelp
Right from the beginning, it felt odd dining west of Biscayne Boulevard. However, it was recommended that I try Perl, and the bread is delicious. Navigating to Perl seemed a little off when I ended up approaching some dwellings, but as I made a quick left turn, it was apparent that we had arrived. But where should we park? I went around the block and discovered that there was a parking garage. There were a few parking spots designated specifically for the Perl restaurant, and luckily, one was available. We ended up walking into a lobby and then had to walk outside a few steps to the entrance to Perl. The modern interior was narrow, and there was limited seating. Because the weather was perfect, we all sat outside. The space was pleasant, with a protective overhang and freestanding tall planter boxes adjacent to the tables. This offered some privacy and blocked the view from the street and the busy shopping center next door.
A pleasant server who asked if we would like sparkling water greeted us. We declined and asked for plain water with ice and lemon. The server placed small glasses on our table along with a tall, reusable glass reusable dispenser. We never received our ice, but we were happy to have a basket of amazing focaccia, a few crunchy flat breads, and a small ceramic vessel of delicious dipping oil. My two nieces ordered the tuna bowl lunch special, and I ordered the fish tacos. They served the fish tacos with tostones, which I liked; however, the server told me they were not soft but were actually chips, so I settled for French fries instead. Why not call them plantain chips on the menu? I was told that I would receive three tacos; however, I can order additional tacos. The girls liked the tuna bowl, which was served nicely. The fish on my tacos was tiny, and the taco itself fell apart as you went to take a bite. They lacked flavor, so I asked for some spicy mayo. The French fries were overly crisp and had that heavy oil taste that sits under the roof of your mouth, which I mentioned to the server.
The server handed me the check and said that since the French fries were overcooked, the chef took the cost of the water off the bill, totaling six dollars. I was a little dumbfounded since I didn't even know that they charged me for water. I mentioned I had only asked for plain water and had not been told or seen this option on the menu. By the way, I went online to view the menu, and nowhere is it listed on the menus. They served plain water in a reusable glass container.
We paid the bill, left the restaurant, and walked to my car. Suddenly, we were approached by the server, who was holding a payment device and voicing loudly that she only charged me for one tuna bowl and not two. It was alarming, however. I paid for the additional tuna bowl.
Overall, the restaurant food is just mediocre and is just trying to be very happening at the moment. I was looking forward to having another option in town to go to, but there are just too many others in the neighborhood offering the same items for less, with tastier food. I was disappointed and there is something off with the menu. Unfortunately, I don't see Perl lasting very long.