+1 760-778-8014
Located in the heart of Palm Springs, La Perlita Mexican Food offers an authentic taste of Mexico that surprises and delights from the very first bite. This unassuming spot on 901 Crossley Rd might not catch your eye at first glance, but walk inside and you’ll discover a vibrant, flavorful experience that’s captivated locals and visitors alike.
The cuisine here truly celebrates traditional Mexican flavors with a carefully crafted menu that highlights favorites like tender tacos & enchiladas, the comforting warmth of cheese enchiladas, and the decadently wrapped delight of bacon wrapped shrimp. Seafood lovers should not miss the Camarones a La Perlita, a signature shrimp dish that Dennis Franzen raves as the best shrimp tacos they've ever tasted, bursting with zest and freshness. For those craving a little more adventure, the coctel de camaron offers plump shrimp bathed in a savory broth, infused with bright avocado, onion, tomato, and cilantro—a perfect appetizer to awaken the palate.
Mornings at La Perlita are equally enticing, with breakfast offerings like the vibrant Huevos Divorciados—two eggs boldly divided by tangy ranchera and tomatillo sauces, topped with creamy guacamole and sour cream. Sujata Bhatnagar praised the kitchen’s accommodating spirit, happily swapping out beans for perfectly cooked mixed vegetables, all served with genuine warmth and smiles that set a comforting tone for the day.
The dining atmosphere here is casual and welcoming, anchored by staff and the owner’s genuine hospitality. Bill Crean’s fondness for the place shines through in his remarks about the attentive servers and friendly welcome, creating a space where everyone feels like family. As Mike Kelce highlights, the service consistently elevates the meal, with staff ready to enhance your experience without ever rushing.
Beverage options are no afterthought—the menu features refreshing choices like the Mango Margarita and a range of robust cocktails including the Virgin Marg and Michelada, perfectly paired with the vibrant flavors of your meal. Don't forget to start with their homemade chips and guacamole, the ideal crispy, creamy duo, though be mindful they come at a small charge, as noted by a previous guest.
La Perlita Mexican Food stands out not just for its authentic dishes but for the way it makes each guest feel seen and appreciated. Whether you're savoring a hearty wet burrito, indulging in the rich layers of a steak quesadilla, or delighting in the sweet crunch of fried ice cream for dessert, the flavors linger, inviting you back for another memorable visit.
For anyone seeking a true taste of Mexican culinary tradition, combined with warm hospitality and a relaxed setting in Palm Springs, La Perlita Mexican Food is an absolute must-visit.
Contact Information:
901 Crossley Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92264
Phone: +1 760-778-8014
Doesn’t look like much from the outside but this place is great. The beef enchiladas were delicious. Probably the best we ever had. Beans were really good and the rice was fluffy and tasty. Service was excellent. Highly recommend.
Had best breakfast ever. The service was excellent. I don’t eat beans they accommodated by giving me mixed vegetables. Which were perfectly cooked. Appreciate all the smiling faces by the person who greeted us to the server and the manager! Thanks for making our morning pleasant
Amazing food and amazing service. The perlita shrimp was the best shrimp tacos I've ever had!
This is one of our favorite Mexican restaurants. The owner is always welcoming and the servers are very pleasant and attentive. I particularly love the chile rellenos but their enchiladas, tacos and carnitas are also good. Great place for both lunch and dinner.
Everything was good. Staff was very friendly. I gave 4 stars instead of 5 cause I didn’t like the fact they bring you chips and salsa right away without asking. I mean that’s great that they do that, but why are they charging you $4 for it if you didn’t order it. Was there Tuesday night 11-4-25
After getting off a plane in Palm Springs, I headed over to La Perlita based on the previous reviews. It did not disappoint and the high marks are completely deserved. Had the Chili Verde and it was excellent and had tons of flavor. Rice and Beans were also flavorful. You can judge a Mexican joint by its Rice and Beans. Chips were good and the Salsa was a little different than I’m used to. Had good flavor but was loose, kind of watery. Sat at the bar, but did not have a drink. From the looks of it though, margaritas must be good as they were slinging a ton of them for 3pm on a Monday afternoon. Service was phenomenal, multiple bartenders/waitstaff checked in on me. Atmosphere was what you would expect at a strip mall type restaurant. Basic, no frills. But I don’t really care about atmosphere when the food is wonderful. Extremely clean restaurant. Would highly recommend.
I asked ChatGPT for authentic Mexican restaurants in the Palm Springs area and this was the top suggestion. And it was really an excellent one! We ordered the mixed fajitas & chicken quesadillas. Both dishes were very flavorful and tasty. The margarita with the tajin rim was the perfect accompaniment. Ask for the extra hot homemade hot sauce. Spoke to the owner who told us about the history of the area. Very attentive and courteous staff! Highly recommended for Mexican food in Palm Springs!